Spicy Stills 08-08-07 Album

Tollywood Film News 08-08-07

Dil Raju buys Happy Days

Sekhar Kammula arranged a special show of the double positive of his latest film Happy Days to Dil Raju yesterday night. Impressed with it, Dil Raju is said to have asked to sell him the film for the entire AP. But Sekhar Kammula is keen on releasing in Nizam and Vizag on his own. Hence it is reliably learnt that Dil Raju would be buying the screening rights for Andhra area today. RK Films that distributed Bommarillu overseas has bought Happy Days for abroad.

Sivaji in Venky and Pawan’s films

Sivaji is an utility hero in Telugu film industry who fits himself in multitude of roles. Though he is acting as hero in films, he is also taking up offers for vital characters in other films. He is also rendering his voice to dub few heroes. Currently Sivaji is doing vital roles in Venkatesh film Tulasi as the brother of heroine Nayana Tara. He is also doing an important role in Pawan Kalyan’s film in the direction of Trivikram.

Indian film festival in Canada

An Indian film festival is going to be held on Ottawa, Canada from 11 August to 26 August on the eve of India completing 60 years of independence. Prominent Hindi films like Guru, Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham, Kabhi Ha Kabi Naah, Rang De Basanti, Tara Rum Pum etc would be screened on this eve. Indian High Commission is jointly organizing this film festival with Canada Film Institute.

National Awards 2007

Moviewise Awards Tally
S. No	Film	No of Awards
1	Rang De Basanti	4
2	Iqbal	3

Winners List
Category	Winner	Film
Best Film	Kal Purush	Kal Purush
Best children film	Blue Umbrella	Blue Umbrella
Best popular film	Rang De Basanti	Rang De Basanti
Best social awareness film	Iqbal	Iqbal
Best national integration film	Daivanamathil (Malayalam)	Daivanamathil (Malayalam)
Best Actor	Amitab Bachchan	Black
Best Actress	Sarika	Parzania
Best Director	Rahul Dolakia	Parzania
Best debut Director	Pradeep Sarkar	Parineeta
Best Music	Lalgudi Jayaraman	Srungaram(Tamil)
Best child actor	Sai Kumar	Bommalata (Telugu)
Best supporting actor	Naseeruddin Sha	Iqbal
Best Supporting Actress	Urvasi	Achuvinte(Amma)
Best screenplay	Prakash Jha, Sridhar Raghavan & Manoj Tyagi	Apaharan
Best critic	Bharadwaj Rangan	-
Best male playback singer	Naresh Iyer	Rang De Basanti
Best female playback singer	Shreya Ghoshal	Paheli
Best lyricist	Burguru Ramachandrappa	Tai (Kannada)
Best special effects	Annian (Tamil)	Annian (Tamil)
Best audiography	Nakul Amte	Rang De Basanti
Best Editing	PS Bharati	Rang De Basanti
Best art director	CB More	Taj Mahal
Best costumes	Anna Singh Savyasachi Mukherjee	Taj Mahal Black
Best choreographer	Saroj Khan	Srungaram (Tamil)
Special Jury	Anupam Kher	Maine Gandhi Ko Mara
Best Telugu film	Bommalata	Bommalata
Best Tamil film	Adum Kottu	Adum Kottu
Best Kannada film	Tai	Tai
Best Malayalam film	Tanmantra	Tanmantra
Best Assami film	Kadam Tole Krishna Nache	Kadam Tole Krishna Nache
Best Bengali film	Harbart	Harbart
Best Marathi film	Dobivali	Dobivali
Best Punjabi film	Baghi	Baghi

Gossip: Chiranjeevi's Shopping Complex in L.A

All that appears for public is not the only property of top celebrities of the state. It is really difficult to unearth and estimate the property values of these big men.

Chiranjeevi has a big shopping complex in Los Angeles. Raja Sekhara Reddy bought a very big shopping complex at Gilroy in Bay Area, California . Even Chandrababu Naidu bought one freshly very close to that of Raja Sekhara Reddy's mall.

All these big men go abroad for various cultural activities. But their interest is on their businesses. The broker is same for both YSR and Chandrababu in settling the deals.

Reel Talk: Pawan Kalyan's Title 'Jalsa' Or 'Masti'

The shooting of the film in the combination of Pawan Kalyan and Trivikram Sreenivas has been going on from quite long time. But till now the title hasn't declared. The interest is now concentrated on this film for film circles.

When inquired it was revealed that that there are two titles in consideration now. One is Jalsa and the other is Masti. Both the titles are close to Pawan Kalyan's last super hit flick 'Khushi' in terms of sense and meaning. There is another coincidence that both the words are from Hindi.

Sources say that almost a title will be confirmed out of these two. We have to see which will be decided in grand finale. Get glued to know more.

Why Kamalini Mukherjee Escapes From Media?

The Bengali girl, Kamalini is going places with couple of films in Telugu and she is going to foothold in Tamil industry too. The coming year is going to be hectic for her.
But she is deliberately avoiding media. We heard that she doesn't find time even to speak to people.
The poor girl often bumps in to problems too. We heard disturbing stories from her personal front not so long. After her breakup with Sumanth she was linked with her costar Naresh.
It is learned that after breakup with Sumanth she is enjoying every minute of her new found freedom and she wouldn't rather discuss that. No wonder this homely actress keeps herself in quite low profile.

Hot Sexy Affair With Middle Age Beauty

'Kadhal Varudhu Paruvam' is the film that was released in Tamil but failed to grab the attention of many there. The film starred Kiran Rathod and young guy Harish Kumar. It was released last year. Now the film is getting released into Telugu with the title 'Tenth lo premalo padithey'. The film s about the crush of a young guy with a 30 year old fair lady and the seducing nature of the lady as well. The two fall in lust and the story runs on that theme.

Looking at the face of the theme itself we can understand that it is targeted only to limited set of audiences.

The plight may repeat for the film as it happened in Tamil. Well, it is releasing as a message oriented film (!) YT Naidu is producing it in Telugu.

Telugu community meet Hillary Clinton in California

Prominent members in telugu community meet Hillary Clinton duirng a fundraiser event in California

Leading Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton attended a fundraiser hosted by the South Asian communities led by Kishore (Kevin) Kaul at anaheim hills,California. Prominent Philanthropist & Cardiologist Dr.Premsagar Reddy and active telugu community leader Natraj Reddy have met her during this fundraiser event. Natraj reddy extended his full support for Senator Clinton's campaign and committed to raise funds with Kevin Kaul founder and chairman of 'Friends of South Asian American Communities' (FOSAAC).

Hillary Clinton discussed issues important to the community including the importance of the relationship between the South Asian nations and the United States. She acknowledged with appreciation the contributions that South Asian Americans have made to the United States. She also discussed her plans for universal healthcare and immigration policies. In addition, she informed the audience of the immediate attention needed to address global warming and environmental changes. She said that the "deepening and strengthening" of US relations with India, one of the world's oldest and largest democracies, would be at the top of the agenda if she is elected US President.

College Students Implemented Shankardada Formula

The 'Shankaradada Zindabad' formula of Gandhian Non Violence method is implemented by the students of a college in Kancherapalam area of Visakhapatnam. The college students weren't issued the bus passes by the RTC authorities despite pleading in several ways for 2 months. Then the students decided to implement Shankaradada principle and started sending flower bouquets to the concerned officer asking him to 'get well soon' and issue the Passes.

The officer responded immediately and issued the passes for all. The Vizag student groups are talking about this non violent style of winning things in big way.

This is really an example to say that the student groups not only get influenced by 'bad' in the films but also for 'good'.

Music Director's Divorce Case Sees Light

And it’s finally official and out in the open. Music director Yuvan Shankar Raja has filed for divorce from his wife Sujaya. The couple have a four-year-old son together. The reasons cited for divorce have been ‘irrevocable differences’, but insiders say that Yuvan’s changed lifestyle and rapidly growing fame and success was the reason for the rift between the two.

Snippet: Another Sex Bomb To Woo Tollywood

We have Abhinaya Sree as item girl but she transformed as an actress. Then we have Mumaith Khan serving the purpose to large extent. Yana Gupta danced for Shankaradada Zindabad and that brought her bigger attention. And here is another competition for our own item bomb Mumaith Khan. She is formidable too. She is none other than Koina Mitra, the Bollywood sexy queen who steals the youth with her looks.
According to sources she will scorch the screen soon with her hot number in Venkatesh's TULASI (tentative title) being produced by Suresh Babu and directed by Boyapati Srinu.
The director and producer are said to be very much impressed with Koina.
We hear that once the film is out, Koina is likely to bag many roles in Tollywood.

Buzz: Sai Kumar Troubles Vijayadasami Team!

This is the gossip that is making rounds now. Sai Kumar is playing villain in the film 'Vijayadasmi' that is starred by Kalyan am and Kajal. Samdura is directing the film. It is said that Sai Kumar always tries to push his ideas on to the director for every scene. It is also said that he keeps on trying to make his idea implemented by the director.
"This over confidence of Sai Kumar is troubling both the director and hero", say the sources.
Indeed, Sai Kumar is confident on several things. He knows the strength of his voice and also feels that is very creative.
Many say that sai Kumar has many good qualities but he fails in assessing who is wholeheartedly accepting his ideas.

Gossip: Flowers For Trisha In 'Dada' Style!

It is being said that Trisha is in love with a London based guy. She has never met this guy so far in person, but he is known to be sending flowers to her regularly. Overwhelmed by the gift of flowers that he has been sending, Trisha is now said to be developing a soft corner for this mysterious guy.

But when one hears that the mysterious guy from London is sending flowers regularly, does it not indicate something else? Trisha is in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. Her drunken brawls at pubs, her antics on the road, news that she has kicked her father out of the house and her steamy videos doing the rounds on the net…. have all brought her a bad name.

So this guy may be actually sending flowers like Chiranjeevi (Shankar Prasad) in Shankar Dada Zindabad in order to persuade Trisha to mend her ways. Got it?

Kona Venkat Earning With Someone's Story!

If you buy a story in one language, can you sell it in any language? You can. Neither Copy rights nor Intellectual Property Rights can come on your way.

Kona Venkat, who scripted 'Dhee' in Telugu is now selling the story in three more languages, say, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. But Venkat is not the real author of the story.

He had bought it from an amateur writer just for pittance. Now Venkat is minting money in millions with the story.

Coming to the trade on the story, the real author claimed his part. Venkat told him he had no 'right' to ask for share.

Wallpaper Of The Day 08-08-07 ( Bhavana )

Bhavana Wallpaper

Ileana launches Almas multi-cuisine restaurant

Actress Ileana launched Almas multi-cuisine restaurant in SR Nagar chowrasta (neat Umesh Chandra statue), Hyderabad today evening. Almas belongs to Raza who acted as villain in Ileana’s debut runaway hit Devadasu. Speaking on the occasion Ileana said, “I feel happy to launch my colleague Raza’s restaurant with my hands. We acted together in Devadasu film. I wish that Raza will excel in both roles of actor and hotelier.” Actor and proprietor Raza said, “Biryani is going to be the famous item in our restaurant. We are selling all items at a reasonable price.”

Tollywood Film News 08-08-07

Superstar Krishna in 100 Kotlu

A new production company Manjunatha Arts is planning a film with Superstar Krishna. Action stunts master Marshal Ramana will be directing this movie. 100 Kotlu is the title decided for this. A young pair Baladitya and Saira Bhanu are also playing lead roles in the film which according to the makers revolves around Rs 100 Crores of black money.
Shooting of this movie begins very soon. Vandemataram Srinivas is scoring music.

Heroine Asin goes to Namibia

Heroine Asin is shooting for her first Hindi film with Aamir Khan. It is a remake of Ghajini and is directed by the same director A R Murugadoss. Telugu producer Allu Aravind is producing it on his prestigious Geeta Arts banner. Asin has left for picturesque locations of Namibia in Africa Continent which has become popular due to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt romancing in that country.
Asin and Aamir Khan are now singing duets there for this film.

Yamagola to release on August 22nd

Yamagola Malli Modalaindi is ready to hit the marquee. Srikanth, Venu, Reema Sen and Meera Jasmine are the lead pair in the film. Srinivas Reddy who delivered two hits in the past has directed it. The movie has completed everything except some songs and is releasing in the third week of August. It is not going to compete with big budgeted NTR film “Yamadonga”.
Reema Sen will be performing as old vamp Jayamalini in the film for “O Subba Ravoo, O Appa Ravo”o, the remix song from original NTR's Yamagola. Heroes Srikanth and Venu are shaking legs with her at Thailand.

Telugu film Bommalata wins National Award

Director K. Raghavendra Rao son Suryaprakasha Rao made a film with the name of “Bommalata”. It won the National Award for Best Regional Film in Telugu. National Awards for 2005 were announced on Tuesday.

Bommalata is produced by K. Raghavendra Rao and Rana (grandson of Ramanaidu).

Also the child artiste who played main role in the film won as best Child artiste award.

Takkari sings songs in Hyderabad

Nithin and Sada are together in another film after their Jayam. Amma Rajashekar is directing them in Takkari. The film’s shooting is now going on in Hyderabad. A special set is built up for this film at Annapoorna Studios. Song is being shot there. Parachuri Shivaram Prasad is producing it under United Movies banner.
70 percent of the shooting is completed, producer said.

Too much Drink : Not well Nayantara?

Do you remember that Nayantara had collapsed in Cochin Airport little whiel ago?

Nayantara who used to look lush and stuffed with her 34-30-34 look turned slim and slimmer later on.

But she is losing stamina and becoming weak on a whole. She must have listened to the good words and suggestions of her friends in this regard.

Actress Nayantara was seen at a pub in Hyderabad, throwing up at the after party of an awards function. Friends she was with said she was feeling unwell, but the owner of the pub let it slip that she had had way too much to drink.. Still drowning your sorrows Nayan?

Screen Talk: Tarun Turns Superstitious!

Superstition rules in these recent times in the Tollywood .We just can't miss the gems those actors wear on their hands according to the change and necessary spelling alternations in their names.

And one of the strongest believers in the science of numbers is our young hero Tarun. After a brief trouble in personal and professional front he seems to be gearing up for some thing good. But the superstitious guy attributes all these to couple of rings he wears. Now Tarun has decided to opt for a mobile number that vibrates well with his number.

"He is going to get a new number that numerologically suitable to his character", says one of his friends.

Not gems or numbers but commitment, right attitude and hard work pay in life. Isn't it? Tarun.

Prabhas: 'No Fast Girls Please'

The young action hero who is the one with macho personality considered as a most eligible bachelor of the Tollywood. There are many hearts to twinkle if Prabhas wants to mingle.

But what is Prabhas's style? He seems to be a quite fast guy but he surprises us with his views in a little conversation. "Fast cars and faster gals are not my kind of things", he tells us. "I like to take everything a little slow. I am extremely patient. I take my time be it on the personal or professional front. I don't work on impulse nor do I make rash decisions. Everything I do is thought out. I am very practical and logical", he explains.

Hey girls, now that is Prabhas Mr. slow and steady for you.

Ananda Lahari – A Comedy Musical night in Dallas

Radio Salaam Namaste 104.9 FM ( first 24*7 Desi FM station in USA) and Rhythm Event management is organizing a “ Telugu Musical Comedy Star Night” in Dallas. Popular Singer Nightingale Vijay Lakshmi, who holds Lima book of records for singing 24 hours continuously and Film Actor, Comedian, Fun Star Shiva Reddy are going entertain Dallas audience for 3 hours Non Stop.

Schedule: 5 PM, Sunday, 12th August 2007,

Venue : Irving Arts Center Carpenter Hall, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving TX 75062

Tickets : VIP $50 , $ 20 and $10 only

Andhra Snacks and food available at concessions.

Note: Radio Salaam Namaste 104.9 FM is bringing this event as a curtain raiser for launching it’s telugu radio program “Ananda Lahari” which is being broadcasted on 104.9 FM In Dallas every Saturday between 10Am and 1 PM Central time. Listeners can also listen to this program on internet on www.rsn1049.com. Ananda Lahari telugu program is designed for providing quality telugu radio content for north American telugu community. It was launched on a trial basis 4 weeks back and received tremendous response from listeners. Watch for a special radio program with FunStar Shiva Reddy and Singer Vijaya Lakshmi on this Saturday, 11th August at 10am-1pm CST on FM 104.9.

Contact Sankar Bandi at 507-358-1319 for hosting Siva Reddy and Vijaya Lakshmi's program in your city.

Hyd Screen Talk : Sneha Likes 'it' Slow!

Ask Sneha if any advice she has for new comers who would like to follow her footsteps and she will be very helpful.

"I think it is better to start off slowly when it comes to fame," She advises.

If you start off with big banner and a superb role, it will become difficult for you when you try to sign your next film. You will have already set a certain levels for your self and you can't sign roles with a new director or filmmaker. You have to wait for other big banner. Even I suggest start off your career with an item number.

When we asked for tips on love life she says a big no with a stunning smile.

Now we are sure the aspiring young dolls have noted that down.

Marriage at Hitex reception at Naravaripalli

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh Naidu will marry well-known Telugu film actor Nandamuri Balakrishna's daughter Brahmani on Aug 27.
Balakrishna is the brother-in-law of Naidu and son of thespian and TDP founder late N.T. Rama Rao.
The marriage ceremony will be held at Hitex near Hitec City here while Naidu will host a reception the next day at Naravaripalli in Chittor district, his native village.
Sources close to the Naidu family said Chandrababu Naidu would offer the first invitation to Lord Venkateswara at the famous Tirumala temple Wednesday.
Lokesh and Brahmani were engaged June 24 at the actor's house in Jubilee Hills here.
Sources said Naidu would keep the marriage ceremony a simple affair like the engagement, and only close family members and friends would be invited. Nobody from the TDP or other political parties was invited to the engagement ceremony.
Lokesh is studying for an MBA in Stanford University in the US, while Brahmani is studying engineering in Hyderabad.
Naidu had unseated his father-in-law NTR from power in 1995. The popular actor-turned politician died in January 1996. Naidu served as the chief minister till 2004.
The marriage of his son with Balakrishna's daughter is being seen as an attempt by Naidu to mend fences with NTR's family.

First look at the Casting of Happy Days

SANDESH VAMSI KRISHNA TAMANNA NIKHIL GAYATRI RAO

MONALI CHOWDARY NIMMAGADDA RAAHUL

Sekhar Kammula is the man of sincerity and honesty and when he said something about talent hunt, he really meant it. And if you speak to these boys and girls, you would realize that there is no place for them in this inheritors-ridden film industry if not for Sekhar Kammula. Sekhar Kammula went to the extent of giving opportunity to an 18 year old boy (A +2 student from New Jersey) Sandesh just by watching a video sent by him over mail.

SANDESH

Background:

I was born in Rayagada in Orissa and later lived in Hyderabad for 4 years. Then we shifted to New Jersey, USA. I finished my +2 just now.

How did you get this opportunity:

I saw the advertisement in idlebrain.com and sent photos to Sekhar. He asked me to mail him the video clippings of certain scenes which I did and voila! I got it. After coming to Hyderbad, Sekhar has put us through an acting workshop for 3 weeks where we learnt about acting, dialogue delivery and modulation, nuances of dancing etc.

Tell us about your character in Happy Days?
I am doing the role of Chandu a calm and confused youngster. I am the leader of the pack.

Did anybody tell you that you resemble actor Siddhardh?
Yes. But one should not compare. He is great.

Who is your favorite hero?
Rajnikant. He is probably the number one.

How is the support from your parents?
They extend lot of support. We got permission from school to act in this film. I have to return to NJ in August as exams are due.

How is it like acting in Happy days?
Sekhar Kammula does not want me to act. He wants me to behave.

What are your hobbies?
Basket Ball, Football, Soccer, XBOX 360 etc.

Do you want to continue in this profession?
I have not given it a thought yet. I will try, but not 100% sure. We have to take life as it comes.

What are you doing in your free time here?
My grandparents are staying in Masab Tank. I visit them and go to movies.

You have desi accent in your Telugu. How are you dubbing for this film?
It is very different from acting. It is easy with experience.

VAMSI KRISHNA

Background:

I belong to Srikakulam. My father is an employee in State Bank of India. I completed my B Tech in 2005 and worked in Cognizant Technologies for one and half year. I quit my job because I wanted to seriously pursue my ambition of acting in a film. I won the Andhra Idol contest in acting category of MAA TV. I am also a Bharatanatyam dancer.

How did you get selected?

I got selected through the Big FM contest. I was interviewed for 3 rounds. I attended workshop for 2 weeks.

Tell us about your character in this film?

I am doing the role of Shankar who is very studious. His priorities start changing from time to time depending on the situations.

What homework did you do for this character?

I believe to be in the character even when I am off the sets. I want people to recognize me as a good actor.

What are your future plans?

I want to continue in acting profession. I would like to do films with good story and good characterization. I will wait till the release of Happy Days before accepting the next project.

Who is your favorite hero?
Kamal Hassan. He broke the star mould and did character based films.

What are your favorite films?
Sankara Bharanam, Sagara Sangamam and The Legend of Bharat Singh.

TAMANNA

Background:

I am born and brought up in Mumbai. I did my first film 'Chand Ka Roshan Chehra' at the age of 13 and half. I did my first ad commercial with 'Fair & Lovely'. I made my debut with Sree film in Telugu. I also did Tamil films KD (Jadoo in Telugu) and Vyabari. I am 17 years old now and just completed my +2.

Your photos in idlebrain.com were circulated in internet as the photos of scandalous bar girl Tarannam Khan. How do you feel about it?
I was stunned. The press from Bombay Times were kind to me. They clarified that the photos belong to me (Tamanna). There should be a way to control these kinds of scandals. However, I do not worry much about it as it is a part of our job. We should better get used to it.

Tell us about director Sekhar Kammula?

He has the knack of showing simple things beautifully. I learnt a lot about how simplicity can speaks volumes. I saw his film Anand for at least 20 times. It instills positive thinking in us.

Do you want to continue your studies?

Yes. I completed my +2. I am taking BA through distance education. I like to let earning and learning go hand-in-hand. It is like getting paid to learn.

Who are your favorite actors?
Hrithik Roshan and Madhuri Dixit

Favorite films?
Anand (Telugu), Erin Brockovich , DDLJ and Mughal E Azam

Hobbies?
Dancing and books

What are your future projects?
Kalluri in Tamil and Happy Days in Telugu

Dream role?
I don't have any dream roles. But I prefer performance oriented roles and I love acting.

NIKHIL

Background:

I was born and brought up in Hyderabad. I graduated from MJCET. I love dancing and I completed my courses in choreography. I had been trying to act in films for the past five years. I am lucky enough to grab a role in Happy Days.

Tell us about your character in this film?
I am going do the role of son of the MLA of Proddutur. It is a playboy kind of character.

Did you try any projects before landing in this film?

I worked as an observer for Hyderabad Nawabs film. I also wanted to enter the field of direction.

Who is your favorite actor?
Ravi Teja.

Favorite film?
Venky. I watch it at least once in a day. It provides hilarious comedy. I get recharged by watching this film.

Hobbies?
Dancing (all types)

Dream roles?
I love comedy. I love doing comedy films.

GAYATRI RAO

Background:

I was born and brought up in Hyderabad. I recently completed my +2 in St. Anns. I am interesting in acting since my childhood. I am a trained classical singer in Hindustani and Carnatic. I also learnt Kuchipudi dance besides playing Veena, Sitar and Mridangam. I joined in NCC and got a certificate. I represented my school for NCC on 15 August in Hyderabad.

Tell us about your role?
I am doing the role of a tomboy Aparna.

Favorite actors?
Mahesh, Siddhardh and Ileana.

Favorite films?
Anand, Godavari, Pokiri, NVNV and Sound of Music

What kind of roles you want to do?

I want to do both glamour and performance oriented roles. I am getting few offers. I want Happy Days to release first.

Don't you have any apprehension that film industry is a bad place to be in?
No. We can always take the good side of it and ignore the bad side aside.

MONALI CHOWDARY NIMMAGADDA

Background:

I am born and brought up in Hyderabad. I am a graduate in Architecture from JNTU. In my final semester my friends sent my pictures to Big FM and I got a call for an audition.

Is Monali your real name?

No. My real name is Madhu Chowdary Nimmagadda. But there are too many heroines with Madhu name. Hence my mother screen-named me as Monali.

Your character in this film?
I am doing the role of Sangeeta who is very rich and shows lot of attitude. This character is close to my real life.

Favorite actors:
Nagarjuna, Siddhardh, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgan, Tabu & Shabana Azmi

Favorite films:
Anand, Aithe, AOR, Grahanam, Gangster, Rain Coat, Cheeni Kum and Metro.

Hobbies:
Painting and writing. I was the editor in chief for my college magazine. I love designing too.

How is the encouragement from your parents?

They encouraged me a lot because I like acting and dancing. The reputation of Sekhar Kammula as clean moviemaker helped me in convincing my parents.

You have an encouraging career of an architect. Why do you want to do films?

I don't differentiate between architecture and acting. Both these professions are forms of expressions. For architecture you need mind and for acting you need both mind and body...

RAAHUL

Background:

I am born and brought up in Hyderabad. I graduated from ICFAI. My father wanted me to join his business, but I got attracted to acting.

How did you get this chance?

I read about Happy Days casting call on idlebrain.com. I got this film after going through six rounds of auditions.

Tell us about your role in this film?
I am doing Tyson character who is a nerd. It is completely opposite to my real character.

Favorite actor?
Pawan Kalyan

Favorite films?
Kaho Na Pyar Hain & DDLJ

Hobbies?
Going to gym. I want to improve my physique.

Tollywood Film News 07-08-07

Jayasudha Saree exhibition

Sahaja Nati Jayasudha has designed few sareers on her own. She would be holding a saree exhibition on 18 August at Mehfil Majlis Hall, Taj Banjara. This exhibition would be held only for a day from morning to the evening. All the interested women may visit Taj Banjara on 18 August to buy Sarees designed by Jayasudha.

Pure Telugu name for Bapu’s film

There had been reports in media that Bapu’s next film is titled as ‘Pinky … Tokaleni Monkey’. But producer K Aparna informed us that they are coming up with a pure and pristine Telugu title for Bapu’s latest film with Charmme and Allari Naresh in the main leads. 50% of the shooting is complete so far. The remaining part of the shoot is going on at a brisk pace. Vidya Sagar composes music. More details later.

Dasari registers Ranga

Dasari Narayana Rao recently registered the title Ranga on his home banner. The film nagar started speculating that the theme of the film could be the live story of Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga and the politics in and around Vijayawada during 1980’s. We have to wait and see if it is true.

Interview - R Narayana Murthy

Check our our exclusive interview with the people star R Narayana Murthy

Call him people star, red star and revolutionary star but he set a new trend with his ‘red’ brand films that expose the exploitation done to the lower strata of the society. He is R Narayana Murthy who is inclined to expose atrocities committed by governments against the helpless. Having donated crores of rupees for poor and needy when he made hit films, he never tells about it in media. Unique people star with a mission for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts -

Childhood and studies:
I was born in Mallampet village (Routulupudi mandal), East Godavari district in a poor farmer's family. I studied in Routulupudi till 5th class. There used to be a touring talkies in that village where I used to listen to songs like 'Namo Venkatesa' playing outside the theater. I used to go to various films of top actors like NTR and ANR used to rehearsal what they had done in the films during the interval. That is where the foundation stone laid for my acting career.

I joined high school in Sankavaram. That is where I developed social awareness. I used to observe the atrocities done to public. I got attracted towards revolutionary movements during that time.

I joined college in Peddapuram to study BA degree. I got influenced by politics and developed three main interests - movies, politics and social commitment. I was the president of students union in that college as well as the secretary to Fine Arts department. I also served as the secretary to Poor Boys Fund Committee besides being the president of students for my government hostel. The rickshawalas used to approach me for support and asked me to stand as their president. I was president of Town Riksha Union too. I also vigorously participated in emergency period in Indira Gandhi days. I was taken by police for interrogation. I also initiated funds collection for a new college construction by arranging a program with film heroine Manjula. I contributed my bit towards Bihar floods during that time. My college mates used to call me as 'Brother of College'.

Film career:
It was my lifetime ambition to become a hero. After completing my intermediate I went to Chennai and met Dasari Narayana Rao. I got a role in superstar Krishna's film Neramu-Siksha. I was one among the 170 junior artists who stood in a scene for a song. I got frustrated after doing small role. At the same time, I came to know that I passed my intermediate. Dasari suggested me that I should complete my graduation before acting in films. I also had a thing for BA degree as NT Rama Rao's title card used to have 'NT Rama Rao BA'. I returned to complete my graduation. During that time, Neramu Siksha got released. Though I was one among 100 people, my villagers recognized me and started clapping and whistling for all my scenes. They used to say 'mana reddy babulu (my nick name) cinemalo vunnadu'. That response made me realize the power of mass media like movie. I decided that I should complete my degree and join films again.

After completing my degree I met Dasari again. He was making a film titled Needa with Ramesh Babu as hero on Telugu Chitra banner. Ramineni Sambasiva Rao and Dr. Rama Koteswara Rao produced that film. I got a meaty role in that film. It was a hit. I received 100 days shield from Karunanidhi in Hotel Chola, Madras.

After that Dasari (Seetaramulu, Korikale Gurralaitha, Viswaroopam), D Rama Naidu (Agni Poolu), Jyothy Sekhara Babu (Sardar) encouraged me.

Dasari made me full-fledged hero with a film titled 'Sangeeta'. It was produced by Hara Gopal on Purna pictures banner. I had two songs and SP Bala Subramanyam composed music. It was a decent hit and it ran for 50 days.

Ardharatri Swatantryam (Turning point):
My struggle started after release of this film Sangeeta. I have become too big for small roles and nobody was offering hero roles. I had no money and no food. I struggled a lot during that time. But it was Sri Sri's song that inspired me.

song

I then realized that I should become a director in order to be a hero. And nobody would give be direction chance as I had no prior experience. I used to observe Dasari's work when I was on location. Then I realized that I had to become a producer in order to give myself a chance as director. I told my friends about my ambition. They are great people and they helped me. That is the reason why named my banner as 'Sneha Chitra'. I used the Indo-Russian friendship's shake hand logo for banner.

I started 'Ardharathri Swatanthram' as my first venture in Rampachodavaram on June 10, 1984. I completed it with a budget of 16 and half lakhs. I had censor problems and overcame them with help of people. It got released on 6 November 1986 on the eve of T Krishna's death anniversary. T Krishna did the role of a naxalite in that film. It created history after the release. The songs by Vangapandu, dialogues by PL Narayana, loations and story-screenplay-direction by me helped the film to become a big hit. All my films had contemporary social problems like unemployment, world bank policies, WTO agreement, third world country problems, environmental issues, dams and rehabilitation problems, land issues, political turmoil etc. Hence the exploited people used to identify themselves in the characters of my films.

ABK Prasad wrote an editorial about my film Vegu Chukkalu in Andhra Prabha newspaper. Vartha wrote a frontpage news about that film. Udayam paper also wrote front page article about Ardharatri Swatantham.

Dandora film inspired women to attack on sara (arrack) shops. Erra Sainyam aggravated the land fight movement. Lal Salam created commotion because it dealt with Chundoor issue. Police interrogated me for that film and it was also banned for a while.

My films never had sexual exploitation, double meaning dialogues, lavish settings, huge star cast, separate comedy tracks and duets. I always depended on the real issue to strike the chords of common man.

Why did you not marry?
It is not an international issue. Let’s not discuss about it.

Why do you lead a simple lifestyle?
I don't own a house. I don't have a car though I produced over 19 films. I like it this way. I don't have to travel in car or own a house to prove something. I prefer simple life.

Do you nurture any political ambitions?
TDP offered me MP seat for Kakinada twice. Congress offered me MLA seat for Tuni. But movies are my first priority. Hence I said no to them. I would like to thank people for making me such popular and leaders for offering me such positions.

Which one is the trend setting film among yours?
Erra Sainyam was the trendsetting film. Lots of filmmaker started making such films and made that genre monotonous. Hence my later films flopped because people felt that I have become monotonous. I made good films for 10 years and had a winning way. After that for seven years I had a flop streak. I started my second innings with Ooru Manadira film.

How many hits are there in your career?
Out of 25 films in which i acted as hero, 10 films were hits. These are Ardharatri Swatantryam, Adavi Diviteelu, Lal Salam, Dandora, Erra Sainyam, Cheemala Dandu, Dalam, Cheekati Suryulu, Ooru Manadira and Vegu Chukkalu.

Who do you thank for your position today?
I would like to thank Dasari Narayana Rao for all the help. I would also like to thank Ramesh Prasad (prasad Labs) for helping me out. I want to thank people's poets (praja kavulu) and all those people who are fighting for the people, social causes and equality in society.

What are your future projects?
I remade Telugu blockbuster Erra Sainyam in Hindi as ‘Yeh Dharti Hamari’. This film will be released allover India on 7 September. If I find the box office response encouraging, I might remake all my Telugu hits in Hindi in future.


Filmography as hero
(own banner) 1. Ardharatri Swatantryam 2. Alochinchandi 3. Bhoo Poratam 4, Adavi Diviteelu 5. Swatantra Bharatam 6. Lal Salaam 7. Dandora 8. Erra Sainyam 9. Cheemala Dandu 10. Dalam 11. Cheekati Suryulu 12. Raithu Rajyam 13. Kolanna 14. Chalo Assembly 15. Ooru Manadira 16. Veguchukkalu 17. Gangamma Jatara 18. Amma Meda Ottu 19. Adavi Biddalu
Filmography as hero
(outside banner) 20. Errodu 21. Orey Riksha 22. Aranyam 23. Singanna 24. Telugodu 25. Bheemudu 26. Yeh Dharti Hamari