ఎలా చెప్పను!

ఎలా చెప్పను!

నేను నాకే అర్ధమవ్వని ఈ క్షణాన, నా మధిలో ఆవేదన నీకు 

                               ఎలా చెప్పను!

ప్రేమను ప్రార్ధించు సమయాన ఆ తపస్సుని,నీవు భంగ పరచిన తీరు

                               ఎలా వర్ణించను!

"నీకెం, బగానె ఉంటావు!" అంటు నా తనువును, మనసడిగిన వైనం

                               ఎలా నివెధించను!

రాయి అని తెలిసినా,నామదికి పరాయి కాని నీ హృదయ స్పంధనను మరల         

                             ఎలా ప్రేరెపించను!

Happy Birthday to Nagarjuna

Nagarjuna celebrates his birthday today i.e. 29th August 2009. He turns 50. He acted in more than 60 films in the last 23 years. Being the son of a legendary Telugu actor, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, acting was virtually in his blood for Nagarjuna. After completing his masters at the University of Louisiana, he returned to India and took up acting in 1986.

Nagarjuna’s debut film Vikram, a remake of the super hit at the box office. In 1989, he was able to grab huge critical and commercial success in Maniratnam’s ‘Geethanjali’.. In 1990, Nagarjuna was back with another hit, this time a trendsetting blockbuster, ‘Shiva’, directed by Ramgopal Varma. This film is regarded as one of the biggest hits of the Telugu film industry. In 1994, he ventured into the comedy genre with another acclaimed movie, ‘Hello Brother. In 1994, Nagarjuna’s ‘Ninne Pelladutha’ won the National Film Award for Family Entertainer. In 1997, ‘Annamayya’, where he portrayed a 15th century Telugu singer/poet, won the National Film Special Jury Award.

Nagarjuna is a person of diverse business interest. He has entered into several business ventures outside films, particularly in the field of real estate. In 1993, he set up the popular lounge bar, Touch, which he sold a few years later. In 2003, he ventured into the business of restaurant. He currently co owns the popular resto bar N, with Bollywood star Suniel Shetty, in Hyderabad. Telugudreams.com wishes Nagarjuna many many happy returns of the day.

Counting the stars

In the last few years, reigning T-Town stars have received a lot of flak from media and industry bigwigs for doing just one film a year and spending the rest of the time endorsing big brands.

In the past, matinee idols NTR, ANR and Krishna always had two films hitting the screens almost every year. Typically the excuse for this ‘one film a year’ strategy has been blamed on the “dearth of good scripts” which has made actors “super selective about the kind of films” they want to do. The stakes on big ticket films are so high, that stars are wary of taking professional risks and choose to stick to the tried and tested formula (read love and comedy themes). All that’s however, now in the past. Tollywood’s Gen Z stars have made a turnaround and are signing films left, right and centre.

Actor Allu Arjun seems to have his hands full with three films. “I want to start off a trend and inspire others,” says Arjun, who is shuttling between studios to wrap up Arya 2, director Gunasekar’s film and Vedam with ease. “All three films are different in terms of treatment and storyline,” he says, suggesting that “doing more films doesn’t mean compromising on variety”.

Arjun’s buddy and cousin Ram Charan Tej has already started his next film with Genelia and director Bhaskar from September. “Dad felt that I deserved a break and wanted me to savour the success (of Magadheera). But my passion for work can’t keep me away from arc lights,” avers Charan.

Actor NTR Junior dispels rumours about a strained back and seems to be doing a fine job of heavy duty action scenes and intricate dance sequences for Adurs. “We want to wrap up the film briskly,” says the young actor who’s also signed up for Brindavanam, a family entertainer. “It’s a good story and an author-backed role,” says producer Dil Raju.

Pawan Kalyan, a serious contender for the numero uno slot, has three films in the pipeline including the ongoing, Puli. “It’s a gripping cop story with message and entertainment blended in equal measure,” says Tamil director SJ Surya. Similarly, producer Ganesh who is basking in the success of Anjaneyulu has signed Pawan for an untitled big budget film. “Pawan Kalyan was impressed with the script and it’s an author-backed role for him,” say the producer.

This year, Ravi Teja seems to top the list with four films. “Work is worship for me,” chips in Ravi about his decision to do more films. Other actors who are shooting for two-films back-to-back are Ram, Naga Chaitanya, Prabhas and Gopichand. “Undoubtedly, it’s a healthy trend,” feels director Sridhar Reddy. “Due to lack of content, several theatres in small centres shut down. I hope with bigger stars agreeing to do more films, all that will change,” he adds.

As the movie platter gets more star-studded, the audience surely will be spoilt for choice!

Josh Music Launch

Music of Naga Chaitanya’s debut film Josh was launched with much fanfare amidst hundreds of Akkineni fans. The audio launch ceremony was held on Saturday night (July 18, 2009) at Shilpa Kala Vedika in Hyderabad. Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, D Ramanaidu, Assembly speaker Kiran Kumar Reddy, K Raghavendra Rao, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Mohan Babu, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Radha and her daughter Karithka, the film’s producer Dil Raju, young heroes Nitin, Ram, Varun Sandesh, Sushanth, directors Vasu Varma, Srinu Vytla, Vamsi Paidipalli, Dasaradh, Boyapati, Sri Vaas, Chandrabose, Sameer Reddy, music director Sandeep Chowta and others graced the ceremony. It was a grand affair. The first audio CD was unveiled by Kiran Kumar and he handed over them to Akkineni and Ramanidu while audio cassettes were launched by K Raghavendra Rao and he gave them to Balakrishna and Venkatesh.

All the guests blessed Naga Chaitanya and praised him for his dedication and good looks.

Nagarjuna

“I am relieved that producer Dil Raju said that the movie is going to be sure shot hit. When he says such words, we can confidently assume it would sure turn out to be big success. I saw the first half, it is really good. My son is clever than me. I completed Engineering and some other things before I entered into acting. But Naga Chaitanya expressed his desire to turn actor just after completing 10th class. I asked him to complete graduation and then become hero. He didn’t waste time. Me and my generation of heroes could not reach to the heights of my father did but I wish my son to would even cross it. Regarding music, Sandeep Chowta always gives good music to me and my films. He gave best music for Ninne Pelladuta and Super and he provided even better music for this film than those. “

Dil Raju

“I wanted to introduce Naga Chaitanya with Kotta Bangaru Lokam but Nagarjuna said that he a star son’s launch should be with josh. So I waited for right story to come and one day Vasu Varma came up with this script. He narrated to Nagarjuna and he immediately said okay and Chaitanya also liked. So the project began. I am glad to introduce Nag’s son and also thank Nag for this because he has great production house himself and his other grandfather Ramanaidu is a legendary producer, they could have produced it themselves. They trusted in me and I can confidently say that the film is going to big hit.

This is 9th film on our banner and we are going to create another hat-trick. I treated Naga Chaitanya as a friend. We gelled together on the sets and I am stunned by seeing his performance. here is a lengthy scene in the movie and he did it in a single take. He is that much good performer. Karthika is also cute and she plays a bubbly character. I sang a song in the film but it is on the insistence of Vasu Varma and Chandrabose. I have long association with Vasu Varma; infact he is the one who told me how to write a script at the time of Dil. He taught me several things about creative side of filmmaking. He is going to be good director.”

Naga Chaitanya

“I will cherish this moment for a long time. I said in audio release function of King that I had been waiting for this moment to come and I still remember the josh that you (fans) had passed on to me with your support and applause. With the same vigor, I did this film and looking forward to its release.”

Karthika

“I never groomed to be an actress but after lot of deliberation I stepped into acting. I am glad that my mother Radha and my father who is also my guide in my life encouraged me to turn as actor. I am happy that I am making debut opposite Naga Chaitanya and in a film produced by Dil Raju. It is said that he is man with golden touch. I realized his greatness during the shooting only. It is my fortune to do this film and share this dais with the greats of film industry. I always like Nagarjuna and his movies and Venkatesh is my all time favorite hero. Being on this stage with them makes me feel so glad. Working with Naga Chaitanya was really fun and great. I hope you like us and bless us.”

Abdul Kalam to act in Bollywood film

In Hollywood, actors aspire to and often become the President of the US. Ronald Reagan was one classic example.

And, if America bends its constitution, Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger is ready to muscle his way into the White House as well. While in Bollywood, in Dr APJ Abdul Kalam we have a former President who is making the great crossover and entering cinema with a film called Mein Kalam Hoon.

Dr Kalam, an aeronautical engineer and scientist whose work on ballistic missiles and space rocket technology earned him the name ‘Missile Man of India’, has done this Hindi film with children that’s been directed by Madhav Pandeya and produced by the SMILE Foundation. The former Prez, who has always been fond of children, agreed to do the film because it gave him the opportunity to work with kids.

Its storyline is quite similar to Dr Kalam’s belief, “Everyone is free to dream, so dream big.” Bollywood baddie Gulshan Grover, who has more irons in Hollywood’s roaring fires than anybody in Bollywood, also acts in Mein Kalam Hoon with a French actress called Sophie Brosstel. And, Gulshan said, “Abdul Kalam plays himself. The story, set in Rajasthan, is about a boy who is inspired by the former President and dares to dream big.”

In true Slumdog Millionaire style, the child actor is a kid picked from the slums of Rajasthan. “They wanted someone who has lived that life,” explained Gulshan. “They are training him to play the character.” The French actress Sophie, on the other hand, has the easier role. She plays a tourist who comes in search of happiness to India and falls in love with Gulshan.

Interestingly, the film will be premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and then go to other festivals around the world.

An interview with Deepika Padukone

She is only three films old. But already the Shantipriya of OM SHANTI OM has proved that she is the uncrowned queen of today's Bollywood. Politically correct, she is, Deepika talks to our correspondent about her inward journey during the shoots of LOVE AAJ KAL.

Your fourth release is just round the corner...
And I am too excited about it. This film LOVE AAJ KAL is the first film where I could actually relate to the character I am playing. When Imtiaz (Ali) narrated the script to me for the first time, I knew then and there that I can't afford to let go this film. All I had to do was to walk into the sets and play myself.

You and Saif are looking too cool in the trailers. What's behind this great chemistry?

I really don't know. But one thing I can assure that when you see the film, you will forget Deepika and Saif, and automatically focus on Meera and Jai.

Are you always on for love stories?
I am addicted to love stories. I love everything about love stories-the emotions, dream sequences, love notes, sweet nothings...I am a romantic at heart. And this film is too close to my heart.

Don't you feel lucky that you are working with big names at the very beginning of your career?
Definitely. Started with Shah Rukh Khan, then Ranbir (Kapoor), Akshay Kumar and now Saif Ali Khan. Thankfully directors and producers, now-a-days, are ready to cast newcomers in equally challenging roles.

Why is that you are always politically correct?
See, I am not here to backbite and gossip. I am not saying that I am blind to what's happening around me in the industry, but I don't need to be a motor-mouth.

We heard that you refused Hrithik Roshan-starrer KITES?
Yes. The other day, a senior film journalist came to take my interview. When she heard that I refused KITES, she was a bit disappointed. But I told her that my character was a slightly bold one and I won't feel comfortable with it.

So you are not comfortable with bold scenes?
Depends on how bold they are. I know my limits and won't go beyond that.

What's keeping you busy these days?
I have Farhan Akhtar's KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK and Sajid Nadiawala's HOUSEFULL.

We heard that your relationship with Ranbir Kapoor was on the rocks a few days back...
That's a media-created rumour. Ranbir and I are very much together. Just because we don't roam around hand-in-hand doesn't mean that we have broken up. We treasure our relationship and don't want make it public.

Sanjay Dutt loses plea, can’t contest

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to suspend the conviction and sentence of six-year imprisonment imposed by the trial court on actor Sanjay Dutt in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, to enable him to contest the Lok Sabha polls.

A three-judge Bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice R.M. Lodha, dismissing Mr. Dutt’s application, said: “In view of the serious offence for which he has been convicted by the special judge, we are not inclined to suspend the conviction and sentence awarded by the special judge in the present case.”

Writing the judgment, Mr. Justice Balakrishnan said: “Of course, his conviction and sentence have been challenged before this court in an appeal. Though our attention was drawn to the various findings recorded by the special judge and also the nature of evidence adduced by the prosecution, we do not propose to consider these facts at this stage as it may seriously prejudice either of the parties when the appeal filed by the petitioner is considered by this court.”

The Bench noted that the petitioner was a well-known cine artist and because of his contribution to art and cinema he had got a large number of fans throughout the country and abroad. “His father was also a well-known film actor and he was deeply involved in politics. At one point of time, the petitioner’s father was a Minister in the Union Cabinet. The petitioner is not a habitual criminal, nor has it been brought to our notice that he had been involved in any other criminal case.”

It said: “Despite all these favourable circumstances, we do not think that this is a fit case where conviction and sentence could be suspended so that the bar under Section 8 (3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 will not operate against the petitioner. Law prohibits any person who has been convicted of any offence and sentenced for not less than two years from contesting the election and such person shall be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release. In the face of such a provision, the power of the court under Section 389 Cr.PC [to suspend conviction and sentence] shall be exercised only under exceptional circumstances.”

On the contention that the Supreme Court granted relief to Navjot Singh Sidhu in similar circumstances, the Bench pointed out that he was a sitting member of Parliament and he could have continued as MP even after his conviction and sentence in view of Section 8 (4) of the R.P. Act (given three months to file an appeal).

The Bench said Mr. Sidhu resigned and expressed his desire to contest the election. That was a case where the trial court acquitted him and the High Court, in reversal, found him guilty. It was in those circumstances this court granted stay of the order of conviction and sentence, the Bench said.

Responding to the Supreme Court verdict, Mr. Dutt said: “Lucknow is my home and I will never leave the city.”

Mr. Dutt, who remained confined to his Gomtinagar residence for almost the whole day, broke his silence in the evening.

The visibly dejected actor said he respected the court verdict and would continue to support Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh and general secretary Amar Singh. “They have supported me and I will continue to support them,” he told journalists.