Tollywood and Bollywood Stars in Hollywood

Los Angeles August 5, 2007: Dr Mohan Babu and his family celebrated his daughter Ms. Laxmi Prasuna's first wedding anniversary in Beverley Hills Chakra Indian Cuisine. The event was attended by Who is who in Los Angels Telugu community. A surprise guest to grace the occasion was Ms Celina Jetley who was a heroine in Dr Mohan Babu's banner. In addition there were a number of Hollywood movie industry people that work with Ms Laxmi Prasuna also attended the function.

Laxmi Prasuna and her husband Andy cut a delicious cake while her both brothers: Vishnu and Manoj along with her parents were present to greet the couple and shower their best wishes. Mr and Mrs Suresh Bajaj from Bombay is also graced the occasion.

The prominent LA Telugu community leaders that graced the occasion include: Dr Shanti & Dr. Prem Sagar Reddy, philanthropist and medical professional; Dr Moham Mallam ATA ex-prseident, and Dr Komminneni, a prominent doctor. Mr Lex Reddy of Prime Health Care was among present.

Dr Mohan Babu thanked all his friends who flew in from various part of United States of America: Dr Ramesh Peramsetty CEO of Alabama Family Medical Clinics, Dr Sridhar R Korasapti, Vice President of Telugu Association of North Texas(TANTEX), Vijay Bandla, Ravi Chanda from New Jersey and Suresh Perugu from Orange County in addition to all the community leaders wheo were there to bless the couple. At the end Ms Laxmi Prasuna expressed gratitude for her dad, family and all the people who attended the function. Vishnu also thanked the guests and Sri Balakrishna and Sri Raghavendra Rao who wished Ms Lakshmi prasanna over the phone.

Fact Sheet: 'Ramulamma' surfaces at Bonalu again!

Film heroine-turned-president of Talli Telangana party Vijayashanti has proved that she is only a part time politician and is not committed to full-time politics.

After a long gap, Vijayashanti surfaced at Bonalu celebrations in the Old City of Hyderabad on Sunday. Surrounded by her paraphernalia, she presented "bonam" to the Goddess. She appears to have completely forgotten her favourtite topic Telangana this time, though the festival is essentially a Telangana festival. Interstingly, the so-called political leaders who ran after her when she launched Talli Telangana party are no where to be seen.

One wonders what Vijayashanti is up to. She totally disappears from the scene when the political atmosphere hots up in Telangana. When the Mudigonda firing incident rocked the entire State as well as the national politics, there was not a word from her, though the innocents who died in the firing were from Telangana. She was nowhere when the implementation of GO 610 created a virtual war between Telangana and Andhra employees. And she has no knowledge of the importance of Singareni Collieries union elections, which form the basis for the next general elections in the State.

What is she aspiring to become, nobody knows.

Navadeep-Kajal : reel or real romance?

The people who are working with creative director's "Chandamama" reveal that the leading pair Navadeep and Kajal are sharing amazing on-screen chemistry in the movie.

But before these "friendly vibes" misquoted by the media as something else (not just friends for gods sake) Navadeep quickly explains, "Kajal and I came to know each other through a common friend. We have buddies since then. We share a nice friendship. I was not aware she was part of the cast when script was narrated to me. It came as a big surprise to hear about it".

But for the people who knows Navadeep's past history won't surprise if their 'true friendship' turns into something else. Isn't it!

If any doubts, call Ankitha and ask!

Tollywood Film News 05-08-07 Latest

Okkamagadu Aruku schedule completed

YVS Choudary is making the film Okkamagadu with Balakrishna on the Bommarillu banner. The shoot of the film is 50% comple with this schedulr at Araku. A song and some key scenes were shot in Aruku.The film unit is now back in Hyderabad.
Simran is playing an important role in the film and this is her fitst film after marriage. Nisha Kotari and Anushka are the heroines. YVS says that the film will meet the expectations of Balayya's fans.

Athidhi climax shoot in progress

Mahesh Babu's Athidhi shoot is in progress in the outskirts of Hyderabad. The climax shoot will be completed by this month end and the film will go for post production work in the month of September. The Producer is planning to release the movie in the month of October.
Y Surender Reddy is directing the film. Amritarao is the heroine and Manisarma is the music director.
Mahesh's birthday in Out door
Mahesh Babu is to celebrate his birthday on 9th of August. Mahesh Babu likes to celebrate his birthday with his family members. He celebrates the birthday as simple as possible. But Mahesh is not going to with his family for this birthday. He will be in out door attending the shoot of Athidhi. Mahesh's fans are planning to celebrate the star's birthday in grand manner with charity works.

Yamdonga with 350 prints on 15th August.

Yamadinga of NTR and Rajamouli is all set to release on 15th of August with 350 prints. Only 10 days are left for the release of the film and expectations are soaring high. The trade circle expects Yamdonga to be a big hit.
The combination of NTR, Rajamouli and Mohanbabu has boosted the expectations . Rajamouli has no failures in his career and the film is made on his home banner, Viswamitra creations. There are many specialties for the film with graphics, Soundarya, late NTR, Prabhas and two heroines.

Rats damage Vikram's furniture

Vikram was at the rceiving end of rats fury. He purchased imported sofa sets recently. And to his horror, he founfd that rats had damaged the sofa sets by chewing up the cushion and the covers. It was with great difficulty that he managd to get rid of the rat menace.

Anushka in a dual role in Arundhathi

Producer Shyam Prasad Reddy is making the film Arundhathi with Anushka in the title role. As per the reliable sources, Anushka is playing a dual role in the film and Deepak is paired up with Anushka. Kodi Ramkrishna is directing the film. Anushka is confident that her role in Arundhathi will get her an award. The film shoot is 50% complete.

Nindu Pournami on 9th August

Krishnaveni films banner is making the film Nindu Pournami with Rajendrababu in the lead. Payal is the heroine and krishna Thota is directing the film. Gorantla Krishna is composing the scores. The film ihas completed cesnor formalitites and is slated for release on 9th of August.

Malavika marriage in problems?

Malavika acted in Telugu film Chalabagundi and she is leading actress in Tamil. She got married to a film personality three months back. But the rumors are on about Malavika marriage. There were some rumors of MMS clips in the net during her honeymoon , then there was a lip lock scene with Vivek and she is also not allowing any one to speak about her marriage.

Film Playback Singer Sri Gangadhar's Concert in Kanas City

Telugu Association of Greater Kansas City and Hindu Temple of Kansas City organized a musical concert by renowned Film Playback Singer Apara Ghantasal, Gana Gandharva Sri Gangadhar on Saturday August 4th in Kansas City.

Audience was very impressed, not only because of the performance, but also because of the spirit and ability of Sri Gangadhar to interact with the audience. This performance will be remembered by the audience forever. This performance was nearly perfect in every way, the emotions, precision, the musicality; everything came together in a perfect way.

Program started with a prayer song by Smt.Usha Bala Saha followed by an introduction of Sri Gangadhar By Smt.Indira Yadali of Telugu Association of Greater Kansas City. There were lots of cheers and smiles during the scintillating performance which included slokas and the interpretation of the Bhagavad-Gita. There were lots of standing ovations to Sri Gangadhar's songs and was topped by his last song "Siva Sankaree" from Jagadekaveeruni Kadha.

Sri Gangadhar explained about Bhagavad-Gita Foundation and the cause he has taken up to finish all the chapters of the great epic started by Sri Ghantasala. Many from the audience pledged their support to the Bhagavad-Gita Foundation. Sri Gangadhar will be leaving to India on the 6th after completing concerts in Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, Kansas City and many more.
He was very thankful to Sri Rajagopal & Aruna Rangineni, Sri Jagan Mohan Rao, Telugu Association of Greater Kansas City and Hindu Temple of Kansas City for arranging the concert. Sri Gangadhar was honored by TAGKC Chairman Sri Saran Bommakanti and his wife Smt.Kusuma Bommkanti. Program ended with a vote of thanks from TAGKC Joint Secretary Sri Venu Muluka.
Good Luck to Sri Gangadhar and to his Bhagavad-Gita Foundation from all Indians in Kansas City!

Screen Talk: 'Yama Donga' Will Be Sure Hit!

The expectations are soaring up on 'Yamadonga' and many believe that the film would be a sure hit. It is releasing on the Independence Day with 350 prints world wide. It is also said that it is the biggest budget film in 2007 so far. The heavy budget incurred on this film is due to mammoth sets erected for shooting the songs and Yamaloka scenes.

Mohan Babu's presence is also boosting up the expectations on this film. NTR's 80 seconds step in the song 'Nachore…', Prabhas' presence as Vishwamitra are the new interest boosters for this film.

Already the presence of NTR and Soundarya in the form of graphics is well publicized. Let us wait and watch how this film plays at box office.

Reel Buzz: Mahesh Babu is Smitten by Amrita Rao

Prince Mahesh is in great shape these days and too busy and upbeat about his forthcoming home production "Athidi" that will introduce the sexy Bollywood actress Amrita Rao to Tollywood.

It is learned that Amrita has made quite an impression on Mahesh Babu. If a unit member is to be believed, prince is extremely partial to Amrita. Everybody is surprised by Mahesh's behavior who seems to be a calm one especially with his female co-stars.

It is not that he is not accessible to others on set. But he shared a right wave length with Amritha, says many. Does Namratha know about this?

Screen Talk: Mumaith Khan Wants To Satisfy!

The item girl turned hot actress Mumaith Khan is going places in Tollywood. The bombshell is most sought item girl, artist and heroine in these days. When we asked the bold sexy damsel "does sex appeal sell?" came the replay from the outrageous beauty with a mischievous smile "No it doesn't".

She adds," Whoever said sex sells is ignorant of facts. The fact is that it's a performance that gives the audience pleaser. Today viewers want satisfaction and fulfillment. Only believable performance can lead to true satisfaction."

The dusky girl says" I believe in forthcoming films' viewers and film critics get satisfied with my performance"

Well, we do believe it is a "sexy performance only.

Reel Talk: What makes Kamna Jetmalani busy?

She came with great expectations. She could bag some meaty roles in Tollywood as well.

Despite her overzealous entry, actress Kamna Jetmalani had no big hits to her credit. A string of flops would have ruined an actress' career but she managed to pull it off well. The girl knows that talent only doesn't get opportunities. She managed to go under the wings of a well known producer of southern films.

Her long wait for a break is likely to end if everything goes smoothly as per her efforts. We hear that the producer has signed her for his next film and the hot bombshell is ready to flaunt her curves if required.

Established actresses thought of companions only in mid thirties, but Jetmalani started that much earlier, says insiders.

Buzz: Chakry Is Not Talking With Puri?

Puri Jagannath is not considering Chakry now. After scoring a hit album with 'Desamuduru' Chakry has been far from the company of his beloved friend Puri. Chakry assumed that Puri would give chance to score for 'Chirutha' but that didn't happen.

It was rumored that Chakry literally cried before Puri for missing the chance to score for that film. He also assumed that at least Puri would give him chance for next film. Sources say that the chance has gone for Devi Sri Prasad.

Chakry didn't cry this time, says the gossip. It is said that Chakry decided not to talk with Puri for some time. So, it's time for Puri to placate Chakry now. We have to see what Puri will do. If they talk again we have to consider that Puri placated Chakry. Otherwise, the silence continues.

Behind The Screen: 2 Worries Of Kota's Wife!

Rukmini is the wife of the top character artist Kota Srinivasa Rao. There are two things about her husband that she is not happy with. The first is that she can't watch him play villain roles in movies and therefore gives a miss to all the movies in which he plays so.

Her second complaint about her husband is that, whenever he is not shooting for films and is at home, he is found to be sleeping all the time. Rukmini feels that husband Kota's best performance so far was in the film Aa Naluguru.

Her favorite film however is 'Aha Naa Pellanta' in which Kota played the role of a miser.

Buzz: Prabhas In Queue For Puri's Anugraham!

Hero Prabhas is bored stiff. His last film Munna hit the screen long back and he had not taken up any offers after that. He has been dawdling away his time doing nothing for the last three months.
Every time he calls up a number he gets the response – "You are in queue, please wait". The caller at the other end is director Puri Jagannath.
Puri is busy with Ram Charan's debut film Chirutha.
And Prabhas has signed up to act in a movie under Puri's direction. So Prabhas is patiently waiting for his turn in the queue. And the wait will be finally over as Puri is likely to be free shortly and begin work on Prabhas' film from August 23. So Puri will show his anugraham on Prabhas only then.

54th Fair One Filmfare Awards 2006 - Filmfare Awards South India

Exclusive Coverage of 54th Filmfare South Indian Awards

Amitab, Chiranjeevi, Mammootty, AR Rehman, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Aishwarya Rai etc attended the awards night...

The 54th Fair One Filmfare Awards 2006 was presented in a grand function arranged in HITEX convention center on the night of 14 August. This function is graced by Amitab Bachchan, Chiranjeevi, Mammootty, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Krishnam Raju, Vijay, Puneet Raj Kumar, Ram Charan Teja, Ravi Teja, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, Aishwarya Rai, Tabu, Trisha, Nayana Tara, Ramya Krishna, Bhavana, Sandhya, AR Rehman, Devi Sri Prasad, SP Balasubramanyam, Jesudas, Chitra, P Suseela etc.

Deepak (Sampangi fame) and Archana played the hosts for the evening. The following celebs sizzled in this evening with their dances performances.

S No	Performer	Items
1	Vineet	Brahmamokkate (classical)
2	Meenakshi	Manasa (Munna) & Muddante Cheda (Jagadam)
3	Devi Sri Prasad	Voilence (Jagadam), Good Morning (SDZ) & Jagadeka (SDZ)
4	Archana	Sivaji, Milamila (Super) & Ippatikinka (Pokiri)
5	Kamna Jetmalani	Doledole (Pokiri) & Rakhi (Rakhi)
6	Kaniha	Tamil songs
7	Neetu Chandra	Neel Samundar (Guru)
8	Mamata Mohandas	Akaleste (SDZ) & 36-24-36 (Jagadam)
9	Simran	Tamil songs

Here are the awards presented in various languages

Telugu
S No	Category	Winner
1	Best Film	Bommarillu
2	Best actor	Mahesh Babu (Pokiri)
3	Best actress	Genelia (Bommarillu)
4	Best director	Puri Jagan (Pokiri)
5	Best Music Director	Devi Sri Prasad (Bommarillu)
6	Best cinematographer	S Gopal Reddy (Sri Ramadasu)
7	Best male playback singer	SP Balasubramanyam (Sri Ramadasu)
8	Best famele playback singer	Mamata Mohandas (Rakhi)
9	Best lyricist	Veturi (Godavari)
10	Best actor in supporting role	Sai Kumar (Samanyudu)
11	Best actress in supporting role	Sandhya (Annavaram)
12	Best choreographer	Lawrence (Style)
13	Best male debut	Ram (Devadasu)
14	Best female debut	Ileana (Devadasu)
Tamil
S No	Category	Winner
1	Best Film	Veyil
2	Best actor	Ajith
3	Best actress	Bhavana
4	Best director	Vasanthabalan
5	Best music director	AR Rehman
6	Best male playback singer	Gana Ulganathan
7	Best famele playback singer	Shriya Ghoshal
8	Best actor in supporting role	Pasupathi
9	Best actress in supporting role	Saranya
10	Best lyricist	Na Muthukumar
Kannada
S No	Category	Winner
1	Best Film	Mungaru Male
2	Best actor	Puneeth Raj Kumar
3	Best actress	Ramya
4	Best director	Indrajith Lokesh
5	Best music director	Mano Murthy
6	Best male playback singer	Hemanth
7	Best famele playback singer	Chitra
8	Best actor in supporting role	Rangayana Raghu
9	Best actress in supporting role	Leelavathi
10	Best lyricist	K Kalyan
Malayalam
S No	Category	Winner
1	Best Film	Notebook
2	Best actor	Mammootty
3	Best actress	Padmapriya
4	Best director	Roshan Andrews
5	Best music director	Ravindran
6	Best male playback singer	KJ Yesudas
7	Best famele playback singer	Chitra
8	Best actor in supporting role	Jagathi Sreekumar
9	Best actress in supporting role	Roma
10	Best lyricist	Gireesh Puttencherry
Special awards
S No	Category	Winner
1	Legend	Chiranjeevi
2	Legend	Mammootty
3	Lifetime achievement	Krishnam Raju
4	Lifetime achievement	P Susheela

Photo Gallery...

Filmfare Awards Special News

Family comes first to Mahesh Babu

Mahesh Babu is very close to his grandmother (photo). And she is in critical condition now. Hence Mahesh Babu skipped attending the filmfare function to receive the best actor award for his industry hit Pokiri. He sent his wife Namrata to receive the award on his behalf. In a message sent through Namrata, he reiterated that filmfare award means a lot to him and summed it up by saying that he is dedicating this filmfare award to his grandmother.

Puri Jagan stayed away from his family for 6 months

Puri Jagan told one of his most personal matter today at Filmfare awards function while receiving best director award for Pokiri. He said that he stayed away from his wife and his family (photo) for six months while making Pokiri. He decided not to visit his house during that period. He thanked his wife for accepting him back when he returned his house after six month. He dedicated his filmfare award to his wife.

Legend award to Chiranjeevi and Mammotty

Filmfare award committee honored Chiranjeevi and Mammotty with legend awards today. Amitab Bachchan graced the occasion to honor these two legends. Lifetime achievement awards were given to P Sushila and Krishnam Raju on this occasion.

Amitab proves his humbleness again

Amitab Bachchan has lots of respect for other actors and always encourages them with good words. Amitab Bachchan called Chiranjeevi as king of Indian cinema when he attended the felicitation of Chiranjeevi after receiving Padma Bhushan award. After presenting the Filmfare legend awards to Chiranjeevi and Mammotty, he said that though he is tall in physical height, he is shorter to these southern superstars in stature. He also said that the contribution made by Chiranjeevi and Mammootty is more than what he has done to Indian film industry.

Chiranjeevi calls Amitabh a headmaster

Moved by the generous gesture of Amitab, Chiranjeevi responded to him by saying he is just a student and Amitab Bachchan is like a headmaster. It always makes him nervous to stand in front of his headmaster. He thanked his technicians, producers, directors and most importantly fans for making him achieve this award.

Genelia thanks her puppies

Genelia has received terrific applause for her performance in Bommarillu film. And she gets emotional whenever we mention about Bommarillu film. After receiving award, she thanked each and every family member for giving her strength. She also thanked her two puppies she brought from Mumbai for this occasion!

A day of dedications

Lawrence thanked the producer for filmfare award. Ram dedicated his award to YVS Chowdary. Ileana dedicated it to her mom. Veturi gave due respect to Balu by saying that half of the credit goes to the singer Balu for Spangle (Godavari) song and dedicated it to Balu. Mamata Mohandas thanked Devi Sri Prasad for making her popular in Telugu as singer even before the release of first straight film.

'I am just a student before Amitabh' : Chiru

Accepting the ‘Legend Award’ from superstar Amitabh Bachchan at the 54th Fair One Filmfare Awards-2006 function at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre here on Saturday, an overwhelmed Chiranjeevi said, “We have derived inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan. I am just a student before him, who is like a headmaster”.

P Susheela (singer) and U V Krishnam Raju (actor) were presented the lifetime achievement awards at the show. Giving the final touch to the show, the last award, Best Actor in Malayalam to Mammootty, was given by the Abhi-Ash couple who walked hand in hand as the crowd roared. Among the stars who missed the show were Mahesh Babu (Telugu/Best Actor) and Ajit (Tamil/Best Actor). Mahesh Babu’s wife Namrata received the award on his behalf. Stars including Meenakshi, Vineeth, Devi Sri Prasad, Mamtha Mohandas, Neetu Chandra, Simran, Kamna Jethmalani, Meenakshi, and Kaniha pepped up the show with their performances.

The highlight being the spectacular performance by music director Devi Sri Prasad. He worked the crowds with his ‘Good Morning’ number from the latest film ‘Shankardada Zindabad’. The crowd swayed to his numbers and demanded more. And he did not disappoint them, churning out number after number for 10 minutes. The show was choreographed by Deepak.

Buzz: Actress filmed clients, made porn CDs

A life of sex, sleaze and deceit unravelled as investigations continued in the case of the small time actress and model Padma Narayanan who had earlier been arrested for allegedly blackmailing a Chennai-based businessman after filming the two of them together. The police have so far recovered several CDs involving Padma and prominent businessmen in the city that were allegedly shot by Padma and her accomplices, not just to blackmail the businessman involved, but also to sell it to foreign customers as full-fledged blue films. “We have concrete information that she has atleast 15 different CDs with Pradeep Konra alone. She has even sent a copy of the CD to an advocate in the city, whose services she had allegedly used to threaten the businessman with the legal details,” said a senior police official investigating the case.

The woman who started out as a small time model soon resorted to high profile prostitution as her income through modelling was not enough. According to sources, it all started when one of her customers who had grown fond of her, wanted to film the sexual act between the two of them on his mobile phone and Padma obliged. When Padma showed the video clippings to her boyfriend Sanjay, the two hatched a nefarious plan of using it to blackmail the businessman. Since then, Padma and Sanjay have shot porn videos involving her and several businessmen and blackmailed them successfully.

“Usually the two demanded Rs 3 to Rs 4 lakhs and the businessmen usually gave in fearing loss of reputation. But Padma knew that Pradeep Konra was a multi-millionaire, so she constantly kept in touch with him and shot several such films with him before she started blackmailing him for a ransom of Rs. 10 crores,” the police added. The police are also investigating to find out if any other prominent people are involved in the crime and are keeping a close watch on Padma at the Puzhal prison. Sources alleged that she might be taken back to the police custody on Monday for further investigations.

Ameesha Patel can't give up junk food

Ameesha Patel’s working out hard for a trim look, but her love for junk food persists. She can’t resist snacks like bhelpuri, chaat, dosa and vada-pav.
We think the ultra skinny ‘n’ sexy look is the order of the day in Bollywood.
Next in line is Ameesha Patel who is obsessed with her body. She’s got herself a new trainer who is helping her tone up every bit of flab and muscle in her body. And the Patel gal is basking in her glamourous new look.
But hang on... there’s one thing she can’t give up. It’s junk food. From chaat, dosas , to vada-pavs ... her snack time is the best meal of the day.
In fact, she’s a favourite with the bhelpuri-wallah , once in every few days, if he doesn’t get special orders from Amu, the man fears he’ll have to shut shop.
Well, now you know why she wants to work out that extra-bit. She wants to ‘junk’ it all... Right babes?

Filmfare In Hyd : Big B clan spice up awards’ nite

It has been raining intermittently for the past few days in Hyderabad, but on Saturday it rained stars.

The entire galaxy of stars descended for the 54th Fair One Filmfare Awards 2006 and leading the parade was none other than the biggest icon of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan. He made a grand entry flanked by son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.

There was glitter and glamour in abundance at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre as movie stars of the southern film industry came together to celebrate an event they never give a miss for anything. Adding their bit of sparkle to the night were Chiranjeevi, Mammootty, Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, Venkatesh, A R Rahman, Ramya Krishna, Trisha, Ileana, Genelia, Charmi, Ravi Teja, D Rama Naidu, Puri Jagannath, Chiranjeevi’s son Charan Tej and others.

The biggest spectacle was the award presented by one legend to two others—Amitabh presented the ‘legend awards’ to Chiranjeevi and Mammootty for their contribution to the southern films. Handing over the awards, Amitabh said: “At the moment, I may be looking taller than them, but I am much shorter when you look at their contribution to cinema.”

Best Film
Bommarillu

Best Director
Puri Jagannath - Pokiri

Best Actor
Mahesh Babu - Pokiri

Best Actress
Genelia - Bommarillu

Best Music Director
Devi Sree Prasad - Bommarillu

Screen Talk: Shriya ready for Malayalam!

Sivaji girl Shriya, has now become the most popular heroine in the south, thanks to the success of the film.

The actress who is now acting in the Vijay starrer Azhagiya Thamizh Magan, is looking forward to act in Malayalam too. “I know that Malayalam has got some really exceptional talent when it comes to quality cinema. I have become a big fan of Mohanlal after watching him in Iruvar and Company,” she says.

“If a good offer comes from Malayalam, I am ready to give my dates to do a film there,” says Shriya, “Kerala is one of my most favourite locations. I had been in Kozhikode for shooting a video album”.
We’re sure Kerala is all set to watch the garam Shriya in action!