'Thalli Telangana' Chief Vijayshanti merges her party with TRS

Hyderabad, Jan 31 (IANS) Popular Telugu film actress Vijayshanti Saturday merged her Talli Telangana Party with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).

She met TRS president K. Chandrasekhara Rao at the latter’s residence here and became a member of TRS.

Vijayashanti, who earned the nickname ‘Lady Amitabh’ through her roles in several films, said she joined hands with TRS to achieve the common goal of separate statehood for the Telangana region.

‘All pro-Telangana forces should join hands to achieve the common goal,’ she said.

The actress joined TRS hours before the likely announcement by TRS to join a ‘grand alliance’ of opposition parties. Chandrasekhara Rao was likely to make a formal announcement later Saturday about TRS joining the alliance comprising Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India-Marxist.

Chandrasekhara Rao told reporters that Vijayashanti would be given an important role in the party but refused to elaborate. She is likely to contest the assembly or Lok Sabha elections.

Also known as the ‘lady superstar’, Vijayshanti joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1996. In 2005, she quit the party to launch the movement for a separate Telangana. The actress then formed Talli Telangana for the cause.

TRS hopes that Vijayshanti’s move to join the party would strengthen the movement for a separate state. TRS will also be looking to capitalise on the glamour quotient she could provide in the ensuing elections to counter Praja Rajyam party chief and superstar Chiranjeevi and the ruling Congress party, which has also roped in several stars for its campaign.

Cheif Minister Condoles Death of Nagesh

Hyderabad (PTI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has expressed grief over the death of veteran south Indian film comedian and character artiste Nagesh.

Nagesh, who acted in over a record 1000 films in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada, died in his Adayar residence in Chennai on Saturday.

He acted alongside legendary Telugu heroes like N T Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Sobhan Babu, Chiranjeevi, Krishna and others and made a mark as a comedian.

"Some of Nagesh's portrayals were memorable. He would be remembered as a great character actor too," the Chief Minister said in his condolence message.

With the death of Nagesh, the south Indian cinema has lost one of its greatest comedians and character actors, he said and conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family
(Source Hindu)

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Balakrishna Roadshow in Dharmavaram Videos

TRS to go with 'Mahakutami' KCR Chandrababu Pressmeet

Hyderabad, Jan 31 (IANS) In a major re-alignment of political forces in Andhra Pradesh, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) Saturday joined the ‘grand alliance’ of opposition parties.The main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is the major partner in the ‘grand alliance’, which also has Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) as the other constituents.

Ending the suspense over which grouping it would join, the TRS made a formal announcement that it would go along with TDP and the Left parties to take on the ruling Congress party and others in the coming elections.

Praja Rajyam Party of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi and its ally, Nava Telangana Party were also trying to woo the TRS.

However, TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao finally decided to join the ‘grand alliance’. He reached the residence of TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and made the announcement at a news conference.

KCR, as the TRS chief is popularly known, had indicated Jan 5 that his party would join the ‘grand alliance’ but the seat sharing talks hit a road block with TDP reportedly rejecting his demand for 10 Lok Sabha and 50 assembly seats.

After several rounds of talks between the two parties over the last 10 days, the issue was resolved.

Though KCR said the details of seat sharing would be announced later, TDP sources confirmed that Naidu has agreed to leave 10 Lok Sabha and 46 assembly seats for TRS, which is fighting for separate statehood to the Telangana region.

The Telangana region sends 119 legislators to the 294-member state assembly and it also accounts for 16 out of 42 Lok Sabha members from the state.

TDP, which opposed bifurcation of the state since its inception, took a U-turn recently to back the demand for separate Telangana state, paving the way for the alliance with TRS.

“Mahakutami (grand alliance) will win over 200 seats in the coming elections,” said the TRS chief.

“It is a historic development aimed at putting an end to the misrule of the Congress party. The grand alliance will crush the ruling party,” said Naidu while welcoming the decision of TRS.

This was the second visit by KCR to the residence of Naidu this month. The two leaders were engaged in bitter rivalry ever since KCR quit TDP in 2001 to revive the movement for a separate state.

TRS had fought 2004 elections in alliance with Congress party. CPI and CPI-M were the other partners of the Congress-led alliance which wrested power from TDP.

TRS, which bagged 26 seats in the state assembly and five Lok Sabha seats, joined Congress-led coalition governments both in the state and at the centre. It, however, pulled out of the coalitions, accusing Congress party of going back on its promise to carve out a separate state.

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Singer Hemachandra turns Music Direcotor

Hyderabad Jan 31:Zee Saregamapa Runnerup Hemachandra is composing music for a new film titled 'Ride' being directed by Ramesh Varma and Produced by Bellamkonda Suresh. The film’s shoot has begun on Jan 29th.

Ride has Tanish (Nachchavule fame), Naani (Ashta Chemma fame), Swetha Basu Prasad (Kotta Bangaru Lokam fame) and Aksha (Yuvatha) as the main lead while it is produced by Bellamkonda Suresh.

Aishwarya to contest polls?

After ‘Munnabhai’ Sanjay Dutt, it could be the turn of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as a Samajwadi Party candidate. Samajwadi Party workers and leaders in Bihar have decided to offer Aishwarya the party ticket for the Madhepura seat against Janata Dal-United (JD-U) national president Sharad Yadav, a party official said. In view of the overwhelming demand of the party workers, the Samajwadi Party Bihar parliamentary board has recommended Aishwarya’s name to party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Senior party leader Tulsi Singh said that a large number of party workers and people had requested him to convince Mulayam Singh to give the party ticket to Aishwarya from Madhepura. Singh is chairman of the party’s state parliamentary board. The Madhepura seat is held by the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Pappu Yadav, who is serving life imprisonment in Tihar Jail in Delhi for his involvement in the murder of Left leader Ajit Sarkar. His wife Ranjita Ranjan is a Lok Janshakti Party MP from Saharsa.JD-U leader Sharad Yadav is likely to contest from Madhepura, his old seat.
In the last Lok Sabha polls in 2004, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, the RJD chief, won from Madhepura by defeating Sharad Yadav. Lalu Prasad later resigned the Madhepura seat and opted to retain the Chapra seat. Madhepura, a rural seat, is dominated by the backward Yadav caste. Last year, Madhepura was hit by devastating floods when the Kosi river changed its course after a breach upstream in Nepal.

Genelia's Dance With Fans

Gautham Menon Not Happy with Mahesh Babu

Hyderabad Jan 31 :According to Film Nagar sources Famous director Gowtham Menon is not happy with Mahesh Babu and his commitment. Gowtham Menon had high hopes of starting a Mahesh Babu’s film, but now those plans are dashed for about a year as Mahesh is yet to start Trivikram’s film. The ace director had dropped all other ventures in the hope of this venture.

"Gautham Menon had clear plans with Mahesh, as a film with him would mean dual business in Tamil Nadu and Andhra, but now, since these plans are stalled, he is reportedly trying to work with Allu Arjun who incidentally happens to be another big hero who is sellable all across south,” said a source

Slumdog Telugu Remake Rights for Rs 70 lakhs

Hyderabad Jan 31: Oscar Nominee Film Slumdog Millionaire, which became talk of the town, is being Dubbed into Telugu and Tamil. It is said that a prominent producer has bought the dubbing rights of this film for Rs 70 lakhs.

Music Director AR Rahaman bagged Golden Globe Award for this flick. Directed by Hollywood director Donny Boyle, this flick has got outstanding performances by Anil Kapur and Dev Patel.

NALLABBAI TELLAMMAI Trailers

Trisha Back From Australia Shares Experiances

Hyderabad Jan 31:Trisha loves adventure sports and during her month-long holiday in Australia, she made sure she got her fill. Trash` as her close friends call her, holidayed with her gang of buddies. “It was one of my best holidays. Normally I don’t get enough time to do whatever I want to. But I explored four cities in Australia, tried my hand at all sorts of adventure sports and rides. Apparently the fish posing with Trisha is called the ‘smooch fish’. None of the heroes have gotten as close as this fish from the Brisbane aquarium, to giving a peck on the lips of the most sought-after actress in South Indian cinema,” says Trisha.

Apparently the fish posing with Trisha is called the ‘smooch fish’. None of the heroes have gotten as close as this fish from the Brisbane aquarium, to giving a peck on the lips of the most sought-after actress in South Indian cinema hopping, shopping and more shopping! With Chennai-based designer Sidney in tow, Trisha must have made the best buys in town. Says Trisha on sky driving she had, “It was scary to jump from a small jet at about 14,000 feet but I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was a bit nervous before the jump but the experience was exhilarating and I think I will go back and do it next year.”

While at the amusement park, Trisha took the Road Runner roller coaster, Lethal Weapon rides, Batman adventure rides and more. “I can never forget this holiday as we had enough time to see various places and experience the night life in Australia,” said Trisha. Trisha on her snorkelling experience says , “It gave me an opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving.” Apparently Paris Hilton was also holidaying at the same place around the same time.

No 'Satyam' In a Year Predicts Gartner

Bangalore Jan 31: The scam-stricken Satyam Computers is unlikely to exist in its current form, according to a study by research firm Gartner. It is expected to discontinue some of its businesses, service lines or cease to exist in certain geographies by 2010.
The study indicated that even the name Satyam may not be around by that time, as the company is expected to undergo a complete change, in ownership and organizationally.
Satyam’s ability to sign on new clients during 2009 has significantly diminished, says the study. “In addition, it will be challenged to invest in client engagements, staff developments or R&D — all critical elements for IT services,’’ said Gartner’s vice president for research, Frances Karamouzis.
For the study, Gartner interviewed representatives of over 30 top Fortune 500 clients of Satyam, 20 top non-Satyam clients, the board of Satyam and CEOs of six tier-I Indian IT firms including TCS, Wipro, Infosys Technologies, Cognizant and HCL.
Many respondents felt that the job of a new CEO/COO/CFO of Satyam will be extremely demanding as holding the existing clients is going to be a tough task. Also, with a monthly payroll of more than $125 million and dire cash flow issues, the future does not bode well for the company.
IT services are based on trusted relationships or strategic partnerships, rather than on a tangible asset, such as a product (for example, PC, mobile device or router) or software code. Gartner believes that Satyam’s ability to regain this trusted status has been significantly reduced. “It lacks resources, financial and management muscle and credibility to rebuild its brand,’’ said Karamouzis, who conducted the study.
Satyam has 690 global customers, of which 185 are Fortune 500 companies. Some 53 of them had annual billing exceeding $10 million, 93 had over $5 mn, and 230 over $1 mn. The top 10 customers account for onethird of its revenue. A significant number of these clients have already sent some kind of inquiry to other vendors in India, found the study.
Gartner, however, does not believe that the Satyam Effect will trigger widespread retrenchment of outsourcing decisions. Similar to the financial services sector, where the indiscretions of some major entities have shaken users’ confidence, people still need banks, credit cards and stock brokers. The incident is also not an outright indicator of widespread corporate governance issues within the Indian offshore industry, Karamouzis said.
What’s more, in many buying markets including the US, demand for IT services skills outstrips supply. Thus, enterprises can’t afford to ignore buying offshore or outsourcing services from the external market, the study indicated.
(Source TOI)

Asin Or Aishwarya Rai in Hindi 'Arundhati'?

Hyderabad Jan 31:Mesmerized by the success given by Ghajini and thereby enjoying a renewed life, Madhu Mantena one of the Producer of Ghajini seems to be sentimentally attached to Ghajini, its concept (violence) and its people. Recently released ‘Arundhati’, is generous in scenes with great degree of violence. This has naturally attracted Madhu Mantena whose film Ghajini was flouted to be containing the most violent scene involving the heroine’s death. Now he is leaving no stones unturned to bag the rights of ‘Arundhati’ which is already making headlines in Boxoffice of Tollywood. Colletions on Arundhati Crossed over 30 Cr in 10 Days .Infact, Shyam Prasad Reddy, the producer of Anushka starrer ‘Arundhati’ conveyed his intensions to remake the movie in Hindi. So, if Madhu shows interest it has to be again a co-producing aspect (i.e) if Shyam Prasad desires. This apart, Madhu also seems to be having serious plans to book Asin though the industry circles are buzz with the news of Aishwarya Rai being considered for the lead role of Arundhati remake.

Trisha,Prakash Raj in 'Akasamantha'

Hyderabad Jan 30:Dil Raju is Dubing a Tamil film 'Abhiyum Naanum' to Telugu titled Akashamantha with Prakash Raj and Trisha playing the roles of father and daughter. Aishwarya plays a pivotal role.
Dil Raju decided to part-dub and part-remake Abhiyum Naanum, by modifying some scenes and introducing a couple of characters.
In that process, Dil Raju roped in Jagapathi Babu to play a cameo in Akashamantha, which is touted as a multiplex family drama.

JD's 'Siddham' With Jagapathi Babu

Hyderabad Jan 30 :'Homam’ banner saw Jagapathi Babu and JD Chakravarthy, a RGV pupil come together to bring out an end-to-end action Sequal to entertainer. The movie had JD’s mentor style action which delved into life of cops and robbers. The big hit paved way for an idea to make a sequel to it. The same crew is now working on the project which is set in the milieu of international activism. Kiran Kumar Koneru is producing this extravagant movie once again on his Shreya Productions banner.

The movie has gone to the sets by October itself and is being filmed without extensive publicity. After pondering over a number of names, the movie has been officially christened as ‘Siddham’. The promo posters have been out recently.

BalaKrishna Ready to Contest Against Chiranjeevi

Hyderabad, Jan 29: Film star and Telugu Desam Party leader Nandamuri Balakrishna is ready to carry his reel life rivalry with mega star and Praja Rajyam Party chief Chiranjeevi to real life--politics, to be precise.

"I am ready to face Chiranjeevi in the forthcoming assembly election if my party high command decides to field me against him," Balakrishna, son of late Andhra Pradesh chief minister N T Rama Rao, told reporters at Hindupur in Anantapur district today.

Son of TDP founder-president N T Rama Rao, Balakrishna launched his political campaign on behalf of TDP from Hindupur, a constituency earlier represented by his late father.

Balaiah, as he is popularly called, said the main fight in the elections would be between TDP and ruling Congress. "Praja Rajyam Party is not a force to reckon with," he remarked.

Responding to the talk that he should be made the Chief Minister in case TDP returned to power, Balaiah said "Chandrababu Naidu is our chief ministerial candidate. There is no other candidate in contention."

Referring to his elder sister and Union minister of state for Human Resources Development Daggubati Purandareswari, Balaiah said personal relations between them were intact.

"She is unfortunately sailing with the wrong party (Congress). If she has a change of mind, we will welcome her and her MLA husband Daggubati Venkateswara Rao into TDP," he added.

Asserting that Telugu people were real successors of NTR, Balaiah said they were only heirs of his aspirations.

Balaiah later addressed a road show in Hindupur in the company of his elder brother and Rajya Sabha member Nandamuri Harikrishna -- and recalled his late father's attachment with the town.

He spit fire on Congress accusing it of failing on all fronts. "Corruption was ruling the roost under Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy while the state government has grossly failed in law and order maintenance. Acid attacks on women had become common while violent crimes too had shot up", he alleged.

"The Congress government has once again mortgaged the Telugu pride in New Delhi. Only TDP can restore it," Balaiah charged.

The turnout for Balakrishna's first-ever road show in Hindupur, after he formally re-joined active politics through the Yuva Garjana (roar of youth) rally in Guntur on November 5, had been very high.
(Source Zeenews)

BalaKirshna Speech at Hindupuram Road Show Videos

Part1

Part2

Part3

Maddelachervu Suri Interview Videos

Balkrishna Fans attack on police in Hindupuram Road Show Videos

Kesineni Nani Joining IN TDP?

Pre-poll gift: Petrol price cut by Rs 5, diesel by Rs 2 and gas by Rs 25

New Delhi Jan 29: A day after UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi practically set the agenda for the government when she told a rally in Rae Bareli that fuel
prices would be reduced soon, the Centre on Wednesday reduced petrol prices by Rs 5 a litre, diesel by Rs 2 and cooking gas by Rs 25 per cylinder. The new prices became effective from midnight.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs decided against raising excise and import duties as this would have pared the quantum of reduction. ``This is not the time to raise duties. It is time to pass on maximum relief to people, particularly farmers. The cuts this time have brought pump prices below the levels in June 2006 when oil was nearing its peak of over $147 a barrel,'' oil minister Murli Deora told TOI.

Nagarjuna's Next Movie Titled as 'Lion'?

Hyderabad Jan 29 :The Latest News from film nagar is that Nagarjuna is now getting ready to act in the flick titled 'Lion'. The flick is likely to be directed by Boyapati Sreenu. This flick will be produced by D Shiva Prasad Reddy who produced Nag's latest release 'King'. As the film became a runaway success, Nag has signed another flick for his old pal Shiva Prasad Reddy. There is no official announcement of the project need to wait for the Official Announcement

Maska's Two Weeks Collections Crossed 12 Cr

Hyderabad Jan 28 :Tollywood's Sankranthi Release Ram's Maska has collected an a share of over 12 Cr crores in two weeks as per the Expectations. Youth and Families and are patronizing the film from the First week onwards. The same trend is visible in the third week also.Producer MS Raju Expressed that the film will cross his earlier film Varsham and also Said the Production Costs will be Covered by End of Third Week and he is also Getting offers for Remake in Hindi,Tamil. Maska is the biggest hit in the career of Ram. In Nizam are the film collected around 4 crores in two weeks.

'Arundhati' in Chennai From this Friday

Hyderabad Jan 28 :Tollywood's Fresh Blockbuster Anushka's Arundathi is Releasing Chennai from this Friday .It is the most eagerly awaited Andhra People over here in Chennai.The film is releasing exclusively at Only Sathyam Theaters only for a week from this Friday .Producer Shyamaprasad Reddy has got fantastic offers to Dub the film into Tamil offering Fancy Price of More than 5 Crs. Producer is thinking to reshoot some portions of the film and cash it in Kollywood as his Expected Share from Andhra is touching around 45 Cr Plus.

Pawan Kalyan Marries Renu Desai

Hyderabad Jan 28 : Tollywood Actor,Prajarajyam Party Youth Wing Chief Pawan Kalyan, got married to his girlfriend Renu Desai today.

To silence his critics and make his live-in relationship legal, actor Pawan got officially married to Renu at his Jubilee hills house at 9.50 AM today (Jan 28)according to the Arya Samaj tradition.

The marriage function will be held later and only family members of bride and groom will attend it. Megastar Chiranjeevi also attended the marriage along with his family members.

Recently, Pawan Kalyan had received severe criticism from the opposition leaders, especially women leaders, for staying with Renu Desai without officially marrying her.

Only Chiranjeevi and Allu Arvind family members along with Puri Jagan and Trivikram were present at the wedding venue. The couple were later officially introduced to the media.

Pawan Kalyan was earlier married to Nandini from whom he got a divorce in 2008, after a messy court fight, that was much publisized. Pawan Kalyan and Renu Desai already have a 2 year old son.

Videos

California Mom Gives birth to 8 babies

BELLFLOWER Jan 28 — A woman gave birth Monday to eight babies in a span of five minutes, only the second time in history live octuplets have been born, doctors said.

The mother, who has not been identified, gave birth to six boys and two girls weighing between 1 pound, 8 ounces, and 3 pounds, 4 ounces, doctors at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center told The Associated Press.

The hospital had scheduled a Caesarean section for seven babies, but doctors were surprised when an eighth came out at 10:48 a.m.

"My eyes got to be the size of saucers," Dr. Karen Maples told the Los Angeles Times, explaining her reaction to the last birth. "We just went on and delivered the babies." She said the babies were in stable condition and would probably remain in the hospital for at least two months. She said the mother should be released in a week.

ISB Hyderabad Ranked 15th top Business school in the world

Hyderabad, Jan 27 (IANS) The Indian School of Business (ISB) has been ranked 15th in the global business school rankings by the Financial Times, London.

This is the second year in a row when the ISB has achieved a high rank among leading international business schools. Last year, it was ranked 20, making it the first Indian business school to be counted among the top 20, the ISB said in a statement here Tuesday.


'I am very proud of the ISB's achievement. The high level of commitment of the faculty, students, alumni, and the staff at the ISB as well as the unstinting guidance of its associate schools and the board, have made it possible for this institution to overcome many challenges in its formative years,' said Rajat Gupta, ISB chairman.


The ISB was established in 2001 by a group of leading industrialists and academicians from India and abroad. From 126 students in 2001, the ISB has steadily increased the number of students year after year. There will be 440 students graduating in April 2009.


The ISB will be increasing the number of students to 560 in 2010. Recently, it announced the setting up of a second campus at Mohali, which is likely to commence classes in 2012
(Source IANS)

Koncham ishtam Koncham Kashtam Trailer New and Siddham Trailers

Siddham Trailers
Trailer 1 :


Trailer 2:

'Pokiri' Goes to 'Kannada'

Hyderabad Jan 27 :'Pokiri' the Biggest hit in the history of Telugu cinema written and directed by Puri Jagannath, featured Mahesh Babu and Ileana in the lead roles will be Remade in Kannada . Pokiri Earlier was remade in Tamil as Pokkiri with Vijay and Asin in the lead. Directed by Prabhu Deva, the film went on to become a huge box office success like the original version.In Hindi Remake Salman Khan is doing the role the film is on Sets.

Now, inspired by the huge success of the Telugu and Tamil versions, journalist Ganesh Kasargod and his friend Pai are all set to remake Pokiri in Kannada. Darshan in lead role; the heroine is yet to be chosen. M.D. Sridhar, who has made several remake films before, has been selected as the director. Hari Krishna is composing the music, K. Krishna Kumar is the cameraman and Ravi Varma will be the stunt director.

Speaking to the media, Ganesh said he is confident the film will successful in Kannada also. The remaining cast is getting finalized and the pre-launch work has already begun.

Shriya, the 'Golden girl'!

Hyderabad Jan 27: 'Mallanna’, the Mega budget film by Susie Ganesan, has Shriya donning costume and jewellery worth Rs 4.5 crore for a song sequence, it is reported. The shooting for the Vikram-starrer is over and is all set for release.

Her costume for the scene was worth Rs.26 lakh and the jewellery, Rs.4 crore, it is reported.

Two decades ago, Aishwarya wore a saree in director K. Bhagyaraj’s ‘Rasukkutti’ worth Rs.1 lakh, which was considered unbelievably high at that time. Times have changed and how! A crore rupees spent on jewellery do not make for many a furrowed brow now.

Former president Venkataraman Died

New Delhi, Jan 27: Former president R.Venkataraman died at the Army Research and Referral Hospital here Tuesday following prolonged illness,an official said.He was 98.Venkataraman was admitted to the hospital on Jan 12. He was found to have e-coli urinary tract infection and sepsis, and also needed respiratory support.
Born Dec 4, 1910, Venkataraman was the eighth president of the country serving from 1987 to 1992. Before his election as president, he served as vice-president of the country for nearly four years.

Neetu Chandra Drags Rajasjekar Couple to Court

Hyderabad Jan 27 :"What does it take for a woman in the film industry to work with her dignity intact?" asks the anguished actress Neetu Chandra who last month was allegedly, brutally abused and manhandled by Telugu director Rajshekhar and his producer-wife Jivitha Rajshekhar.

And now Neetu has hired the services of a Mumbai lawyer Jamshed Mistry to fight for what she thinks is her right to work with dignity. She has sent strongly-worded letters of complaint to Women's Rights and Human Rights commission and is all set to meet the Commissioner of Police in Hyderabad to apprise him of this situation and of her further, legal, actions.

Neetu says she's suing the director and his wife for "Threatening to kill...mental torture, physically (sic) hitting and abusing, defamation, harming my work..."

According to Neetu, while working for a Telugu film Satyamev Jayate, the lead Rajshekhar and his director-wife Jivitha tortured and threatened Neetu, physically abused her and insulted her in front of the unit, made her work for inhuman (15-20 hours) per day and forced her to shoot when she could hardly stand.

Things came to a sordid head on December 22. "My left eye turned blood red because of lack of sleep, stress and strain, and I contacted the director informing her about this. Jivitha herself gave me a doctor's number in Hyderabad. We were shooting in Ramoji Rao Film City, which is 90 minutes drive from Hyderabad. I tried dragging myself to the shoot as much as I could and the call time still remained early. We shot till 2:30 at night again with that infected eye and by this time I was down with fever too. Before the pack up when I asked my director Mrs. Jivitha Rajshekhar about the next day's schedule, she said, 9:00 A.M. sharp."

However, Neetu was in no condition to shoot the next morning. "Four days of round-the-clock shooting had completely exhausted me, working for 18-20 hours a day was inhuman and my body could not take it any further because of the infection in my left eye, and I was also suffering from fever. I was shivering and literally shaking. I kept on dragging myself for my shots, so as to not cause any further delay, as it was also the last day of my schedule. I reached the sets on December 23rd morning at 9:00 A.M., but the shoot started again after 2-3 hours. By 7:00 P.M. I informed the director Jivitha that I was sinking and I could not drag myself further."

Neetu suggested the unit use a body double. "It has been used for almost every other actor in this film in the past but never for me because I was always there... Mr. Rajshekhar gave me a few drops of some medicine as he's a naturopath but there was no improvement in my condition. However, every time I told her this, the director Jivitha said we will finish it soon. "

The situation snowballed at 12:30 A.M. "My body just gave up and I could not stand. I had two Crocins and my assistant Shravan kept me covered with a shawl. I tried my level best to stand up for couple of hours. Mr. Rajshekhar, as usual kept on joking around with other co-actors, taking his sweet time in his make-up and hair setup. I remember while I could hardly stand and still was trying my best, Mr. Raj Shekhar took 10-15 shots for one dialogue. And with every shot, he use to spend at least 5-10 minutes, instead of learning the dialogues well in advance. He was the only one who completely neglected me whereas, other co-stars of mine including Shivaji, Shiva Reddy and Sherryl Pinto and the whole unit, kept on insisting I rest. I kept on telling my director that I was sinking. After telling her repeatedly no one listened to me, I had no option but to rush to my room... I felt that I was about to faint."

That's when the physical abuse started. "The moment I reached my room, instead of calling me on phone, at-least 7-10 men with Rajshekhar and his wife Jivitha barged into my room, hitting my assistants and threatening me and screaming at me. He said, 'Who do you think you are?' And Mrs. Jivitha threatened, 'We will make you stand. How dare you?' When I protested Rajshekhar threatened, 'Don't argue and you better stand before I change from a man into something else.' I was highly unwell, scared by seeing so many people pushing my assistant and threatening me and my staff and Mr. Rajshekhar screaming at the top of his voice which was uncalled for."

That's when the Rajshekhar got really violent with Neetu. "As I started moving out of my bed, Raj Shekhar HIT ME FROM BEHIND. Rajshekhar said, 'You better start moving fast.' He hit me from my room till the lift on the floor, and he kept on threatening to kill me. Raj Shekhar said, 'I will kill you. You don't know me. What can you do?'When I reached the hotel portico down, I was physically hit and abused in front of the hotel staff, guard and all the others standing there. My body had completely given up. All these people were standing in the corner waiting for my car. When the car arrived, Rajshekhar again pushed and threatened me and said, 'you don't know what I can do to you.' I sat in the car and reached the set. I somehow finished the shoot and he kept on screaming and insulting me on the sets in front of the whole unit. The moment I finished, it was around 2:30 A.M., one of the assistant directors came to say that I was done. I quietly got up and left for the hotel."

Neetu was petrified. "All my staff from Mumbai who came with me were so scared knowing that Rajshekhar carries a gun and that he is a local from Hyderabad and we don't know anyone there. We escaped at around 2:45 A.M. from my hotel. My flight was at 9:00 in the morning and we had to wait for 5 hours at the airport. But we felt safer and secure there. I took a 9:00 A.M. flight and reached my parents and after that I was under treatment for a week. I was in a state of shock. My mind completely stopped working and now that I feel little better I would like to file a case against both Mr. Rajshekhar and his wife Mrs. Jeevitha Rajshekhar."

Ends Neetu, "I've worked with the biggest of filmmakers Priyadarshan, Madhur Bhandarkar, Dibakar Banerjee, Rahul Dholakia, Raj Kanwar and Vipul Shah. They've all treated with great dignity. This incident has scared the hell out of me. Would Mr. Rajshekhar and his wife dare to behave this way with a male actor?"
(Source Bollywoodhungama)

Actor Raja Joined Congress

Hyderabad Jan 27:Tollywood Film Star Raja who debuted with 'O chinadana' has deciding to join the Congress party and campaign for it for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.Raja Said "Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy is a man with vision. His service to mankind is what basically attracted me towards him and also the Congress," .

Asserting that he would not contest the ensuing elections, Raja, who hails from the port city of
Visakhapatnam, said he would campaign for the Congress.

The young hero, who shot into fame with the runaway hit 'Anand', said it would henceforth be a mix of film career and politics for him.

The actor said the Congress government's welfare schemes, particularly in health care and education also drew him towards the party.

"I am basically interested in taking up social work, particularly activities related to girl child education and health care. I hope the government will support me in my endeavours," he said.

"A scheme like Arogya Sri health insurance is a real boon to the people, particularly the poor who cannot otherwise afford costly treatment in corporate hospitals. Thanks to the scheme, many lives are being saved," the 30-year-old star said.

Andhra Pradesh Sakatem in New delhi Republic Day Parade

Ramba Judging Reality Show 'Nacho re Nacho'

Hyderabad Jan 27 :Rambha will be judging Dancing talent on a reality show to be aired on a Telugu channel MAA. In the promotional show, the nimble-footed dancer was seen gyrating to some of her chartbusters to draw the attention of the viewers. Interestingly, the title for her show Nacho re Nacho.. is also a take-off on one of her popular item numbers.

"With her charm still intact, our show will grab more eyeballs," says a channel source. After debuting with Aa Okati Adakku, she almost had a dream run in Tollywood. Her sizzling roles left the audience gasping for breath to be labelled a hottie. The famed dancer also matched steps with hotshot NTR and Allu Arjun to prove her mettle. Now small screen viewers have something to cheer about.

Trisha gives just 3 days to Dil Raju's 'Akasamantha'

Hyderabad Jan 27 :With the Recent Box-Office Success of Trisha's 'Abhiyum Naanum' in Tamil,Dil Raju is Producing the Telugu Remake of the Film and titled as 'Akasamantha', Trisha is retained and Jagapathi Babu will be plying an important role in this film.
According to sources, Trisha has allotted three days for the movie. The shoots are said to be scheduled in Ooty. The Radha Mohan directed Abhiyum Naanum is still running in theatres in Tamil Nadu.So lets hop Telugu Version a Same kind of Success as in Tamil

Black Monday:Over 71,400 jobs lost in USA

Newyork Jan 27 : The final week of January began with a bloodbath for the job market, as over 71,400 more cuts were announced on Monday alone.

At least six companies from manufacturing and service industries announced cost-cutting initiatives that included slashing thousands of jobs.

More than 200,000 job cuts have been announced so far this year, according to company reports. Nearly 2.6 million jobs were lost over 2008, the highest yearly job-loss total since 1945.

"It's all about the consumer, and the consumer's been hit hard," said Robert Brusca, chief economist at Fact and Opinion Economics. "It's a vicious circle as weakness begets layoffs, which beget more spending weakness."

Construction machinery manufacturer Caterpillar (CAT, Fortune 500) said Monday it will cut 20,000 jobs amid a "very challenging global business environment." The company had already planned to cut 15,000 workers since the fourth quarter of 2008, but added another 5,000, bringing the total to 20,000.

Pfizer (PFE, Fortune 500) said in an earnings report it would cut 10% of its staff of 81,900 and close five of its manufacturing plants. And a second round of cuts will shed about 15% of employees from the combined Pfizer/Wyeth staff of 120,000. That makes a total of 26,000 jobs lost. The company already cut 4,700 jobs in 2008.

Sprint Nextel Corp. (S, Fortune 500) will cut a total of about 8,000 jobs by March 31, the company said in a release. The telecommunications company's plan is to reduce internal and external labor costs by about $1.2 billion on an annual basis.

Home Depot (HD, Fortune 500), the world's largest home improvement retailer, announced Monday it will eliminate its EXPO design center business and cut 7,000 associates, or approximately 2% of the company's total workforce. The company blamed a lack of demand for big ticket design and decor projects.

Texas Instruments (TXN, Fortune 500) said it will slash its workforce by 3,400 employees to cope with weak demand and the slowing economy. More than half of those cuts will be layoffs while "voluntary retirements and departures" will make up the rest.

Dutch financial group ING said Monday it will take a 2008 loss of $1.3 billion and cut 7,000 jobs. The company could not comment on where the cuts would take place. ING employs around 130,000 people across 50 countries.

Deere& Co. (DE, Fortune 500) , the world's top farm-equipment maker, said it would cut nearly 700 jobs between factories in Brazil and Iowa.

The job cuts across sectors didn't surprise Brusca, as nearly all are weak, he said.

"The services sector is shedding jobs at a horrific pace, because that's where most of the jobs are," Brusca said. "When the consumer is in tough shape it's hard for business to do well, because it all depends on consumption or investments."

(Source CNN)

Akshay Kumar’s Next film is Maska (Telugu) Remake?

Hyderabad Jan 26 :The results of Chandini Chowk to China did not cheer Akshay. So, he has been on the search for a script that suited his image as an action hero with comedy touch, but at the same time, he had no intentions to experiment something anew and fall from grace.

At this juncture, he had a chance to know about the blockbuster in Tollywood, ‘Maska’ which is running full houses everywhere and raking in good returns everyday. Obviously Akshay got interested in this movie.

The nexus between Tollywood and Bollywood being very obvious, Akshay got worried that the movie’s remake rights would be sold off in no time.

This movie, produced by MS Raju and directed by B Gopal has all the ingredients Akshay looks for and hence Akshay has now requested the representative of Venus to rush to Hyderabad before the rights are sold to anyone else. So, today the Venus representatives will meet MS Raju for initiating the formalities.

Ram and Hansika Motwani starring, this movie is an youthful entertainer where the hero who wants to become rich by marrying a wealthy girl ends up in humorous trouble. No doubt, this movie will suit well for Akshay’s vibrant personality and immense sense of humour.

Script holds top priority for Asin

Mumbai Jan 26(IANS) "Ghajini" star Asin Thottumkal, who got the Screen award for the most promising female debut in a Hindi film, says the matters most to her and she signs a film only if she likes the narrative.

"I have no particular choice of role in a film, but in the order of preference, I first see the script, followed by the role, director, banner and then the co-star," Asin told IANS.

The south Indian actress, who will next be seen in Vipul Shah's "London Dreams" along with Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan, said that since language has never been a criterion for her, she is "open to do a variety of films".

Indian techies in US may lose jobs in Microsoft

WASHINGTON Jan 26: Indian IT professionals working for Microsoft Corp in the US could be among those who lose jobs after it announced plans to sack 5,000
employees with the software giant indicating some of the affected would likely be non-Americans amid calls to first target foreigners working on H-1B visas.

The world's biggest software company has been asked by an influential Republican Senator from Iowa Chuck Grassley to first fire foreign workers hired on H-1B visas, a majority of whom are Indians, while implementing the layoff plan and "protect" the jobs of Americans.

An indication that foreigners who also include Indians could be targetted during the layoffs came when a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement said, "We care about all our employees, so we are providing services and support to try to help every affected worker, whether they are US workers or foreign nationals working in this country on a visa."

The company has been in the forefront for expanding the H-1B visa programme, a temporary visa programme that lets American companies and universities hire thousands of foreign workers in a category considered by the government requiring specialised skills.

Dashing off a letter to the company after it recentlly announced its intention to slash the workforce by 5,000 in the next 18 months, Grassley voiced concern that this would result in American workers losing jobs and not the foreigners hired on H-1B or L visas.

"During a layoff, companies should not be retaining H-1B or other work visa programme employees over qualified American workers," Grassley said in the letter to Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer.

Microsoft is one of the major beneficiaries of H-1B work visa programme, which is mainly for overseas professionals. A majority of the 60,000 professionals given H-1B visa every year are from India.

"Microsoft has a moral obligation to protect these American workers by putting them first during these difficult economic times," the Senator said.

"I am concerned that Microsoft will be retaining foreign guest workers rather than similarly qualified American employees when it implements its layoff plan," Grassley said.

"I want to make sure employers recruit qualified American workers first before hiring foreign guest workers," he wrote in his letter.

The Senator had co-sponsored a Congressional legislation to overhaul the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes to give priority to American workers and to crack down on 'unscrupulous' employers who deprive qualified Americans of high-skilled jobs.

"Fraud and abuse is rampant in these programmes, and we need more transparency to protect the integrity of our immigration system," said Grassley, who supported the legislation which would strengthen educational opportunities for US students and workers so that Americans can compete successfully globally.

In his letter, he asked Microsoft to provide a breakdown of the employees being axed by it as per its latest decision.

"What is the breakdown in the jobs that are being eliminated? What kind of jobs are they? How many employees in each area will be cut? Are any of these jobs being cut held by H-1B or other work visa programme employees? If so, how many?" he asked.

"How many of the jobs being eliminated are filled by Americans? Of those positions, is Microsoft retaining similar ones filled by foreign guest workers? If so, how many? How many H-1B or other work visa programme workers will Microsoft be retaining when the planned layoff is completed?" the Senator asked.
(Source TOI)

A R Rahman to perform live at the Oscars

Hyderabad Jan 26:The Mozart of Madras will perform a live concert at Oscar Awards function in America. Close on the heels of winning the coveted Golden Globe award for his music score in Slumdog Millionaire, Rahman has managed clinch not one but three Oscar nominations for his score in the film. The Oscar Award function is to be held Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre. Sukwindher Singh will sing the song Jai Ho. A R Rahman has informed this to Sukwindher Singh and asked him to be ready. Sukwindher said that singing in the concert is not a new thing but singing at the Oscars is a big thing. Gulzar who wrote the lyrics will also attend the Oscars. It is also pertinent to note that the song Chaya Chaya sung by Sukwindher Singh and composed by A R Rahman was the title song of the Hollywood film Inside Man which had Denzel Washington in the lead.

Gautham Menon ,Mahesh Babu's Combi titled as 'Jessi'?

Hyderabad Jan 24:Mahesh Babu after an Year Break to acting has signed Trivikram's film but its struggling go on Sets,Other News from Filmnagar is that , the pre production work of Mahesh Babu’s next flick is getting completed at rapid pace. Produced by Mahesh’s Babu’s sister Manjula, Gowtham Menon will direct this flick. According to sources, Gowtham Menon has been busy in penning the script.

The buzz is that this flick has been titled Jessi. If everything goes well this flick will hit floors in Summer . Meanwhile Mahesh Babu-Trivikram’s film may hit floors in February.

'Anushka's Arundhati' Breaking the Records of Pokiri?

Hyderbad Jan 24 :Shyam Prasad Reddy's latest horror flick Arundhati has became talk of town with the audience.With the Initial Collections itself set to cross Rs 25 crore. Talk of making money by scaring the hell of out of people. So why does horror sell? What's intriguing people is the confidence the producer had in this project. Unlike his peers, he didn't sell even satellite or area rights of his latest offering. Even a colossal flop like Anji couldn't deter him from increasing the budget of his film from Rs 4 crore to 13 crore. It took him 2 1/2 years to finish the film that was released this Sankranti.

With crowds flocking to watch the movie from day one, Reddy is laughing all the way to the bank and all because he spooked people out! He has proved that good visual effects combined with a compatible plot can spell super bucks. With good performances from the lead actors and a taut screenplay, he could make a winner out of a 'regressive' plot. Now the producer intends to release additional prints to reach a wider section of the audience. "Top banners from Tamil, Hindi and other languages are seeking the dubbing rights for hefty sums," says a trade analyst and adds, "If the horror film can draw repeat audiences then it could even surpass highest grosser Pokiri."

Prajarajyam Chief Chiranjeevi's Interview to Times Now & NDTV Videos

Times Now


NDTV
Part1:

Part2

PM to undergo cardiac surgery in AIIMS tomorrow

New Delhi, Jan 24 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will undergo a heart bypass surgery tomorrow for which he was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) today. "Dr Manmohan Singh will undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery on January 24 at AIIMS," PMO Spokesperson Deepak Sandhu said.

In view of the fact that Singh, 76, will be undergoing the surgery and would be taking rest two to three weeks, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee is likely to officiate in his absence.

"In the absence of Singh, Mukherjee presides over the Cabinet meetings," a senior Congress leader said adding what was informal earlier will become formal.

At the AICC briefing, spokesman Manish Tewari said that in the absence of the Prime Minister, there is a procedure laid down on how the affairs of the government will be carried out.

Heart bypass, which the Prime Minister had undergone 18 years ago in London, involves grafting of arteries of veins from elsewhere in the patient's body to the coronary arteries to bypass atherosclerotic narrowings and improve the blood supply to the coronary circulation supplying the heart muscle.

A PMO statement said the surgery would be performed by a team of doctors drawn from AIIMS and the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai.

They would be backed by a team of doctors and technical staff drawn from other departments of AIIMS. Singh, who complained of chest pain, was admitted to the AIIMS on Wednesday and discharged yesterday morning after undergoing coronary angiography and a series of other tests. According to hospital sources, some blockages have been detected in his heart vessels in the tests conducted on Wednesday.

The surgery on the 76-year-old Prime Minister would be performed by a team of doctors drawn from AIIMS and the Asian Heart Institute (AHI), Mumbai, Sandhu said.

The team conducting the surgery would be supported by doctors and technical staff drawn from other departments of AIIMS, she said. The surgical team from AHI will include Rama Kant Panda, cardiac surgeon, Vijay Desilva, ICU specialist, and Narendra Garach, anesthetist, hospital sources said.

"The team has brought about 20 boxes of special equipment with it. Earlier, Dr K S Reddy (the PM's personal physician) had discussions with Dr Panda in connection with the line of treatment to be followed," they said.

Indications that Mukherjee, the senior most member in the Cabinet after the Prime Minister, would be asked to officiate came early in the morning when he called on Congress President Sonia Gandhi and discussed matters against the backdrop of Prime Minister's hospitalisation.

Mukherjee, who is also Leader of the Lok Sabha, heads a number of Group of Ministers (GoMs) and had presided over Cabinet meetings in the absence Prime Minister earlier too.

Anil Kapoor, A.R Rahman in Court for Slumdog

Hyderabad Jan 24(IANS)A man, who claims to fight for the rights of slum dwellers, has taken the Indian artistes of the acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire to court, contending that their sensibilities have been offended by the movie title that he found abusive of people who live in slums.

The case was registered by the Chief Judicial Magistrate on Tuesday against the movie's music director A R Rahman, actor Anil Kapoor and other Indians associated with the film that has won four Golden Globe awards, including the first Golden Globe for an Indian, for music director Rahman.

The first hearing of the petition is scheduled Feb 5. Petitioner Tapeshwar Vishwakarma, general secretary of the Jhuggi Jhonpdi Sanyukta Sangharsh Samiti (a group promoting the rights of slum dwellers), has charged those associated with the film of abusing slum dwellers in the name of entertainment just to earn money and fame.

"Vishwakarma requested the court to protect the honour and respect of millions of slum dwellers across India," his lawyer Shruti Singh said.

No charge, however, was filed against the film's director Danny Boyle, who is a British citizen. "Vishwakarma made it clear that he hardly expected anything positive from a British filmmaker as their ancestors described us as dogs. But what hurt him was that even Indians associated with the film hardly bothered to object to calling us a slumdog," Shruti Singh said.

The name "is against the basic human values", she said. A copy of the petition has been sent to the National Human Rights Commission, Bihar State Human Rights Commission and the film Censor Board of the central government.

"I requested Censor Board chairperson Sharmila Tagore not to permit the release of the film in India under its present name," Shruti Singh added. The film is slated for release in India Jan 23.
(Source IANS)

Asin asked to lose weight for ' London Dreams'

Hyderabad Jan 24 :Asin may be a Southern sensation and has made waves thanks to Ghajini, but she is discovering that the tastes of Bollywood are a bit different to Asin
what she’s used to.

Filmmaker Vipul Shah reportedly wanted her to reduce a little bit for her character in London Dreams. So, he went ahead and hired a fitness trainer for Asin.

“Asin plays a singer in a band in London Dreams and Vipul thought she needed to lose some weight for the role. The girl has already a lost few kilos and is looking smashing,” revealed a unit member of the film. Now that’s a flab-u-less achievement, wouldn’t you? agree?

Satyam’s Rajus sent back to jail till Jan 31

Hyderabad, Jan 24 (IANS) Satyam Computer Services founder B. Ramalinga Raju, his brother B. Rama Raju and former chief financial officer Vadlamani Srinivas were Friday sent back to jail for one more week by a court here, which also heard that the elder Raju had bought land not only in India but in other countries also.An unshaven Ramalinga Raju and Srinivas were present in the court of Sixth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate D. Ramakrishna to hear extension of their judicial custody till Jan 31.

Ramalinga Raju and Srinivas said “no” when Ramakrishna asked them whether police harassed/troubled them during custody, which ended Friday.

The Raju brothers and Srinivas were handed over to the police Jan 18 till Jan 22 in the first instance. The police custody of Ramalinga Raju and Srinivas was extended till Friday 4 p.m. as Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) wanted to grill them further while Rama Raju was sent back to jail.

The Raju brothers were arrested Jan 9, two days after Ramalinga Raju’s startling admission of a Rs.70-billion (Rs.7,000-crore) financial fraud, the country’s biggest corporate scam. Srinivas was picked up two days later.

Earlier Ramakrishna deferred hearing on the bail pleas of Raju and Srinivas to Jan 27 and that of Rama Raju, who was the fraud-hit company’s managing director, to Jan 28.

On Friday the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) filed an application, seeking permission to record the statement of Ramalinga Raju.

Following objection by Raju’s lawyer on technical grounds (that the plea has been filed invoking rules irrelevant to the present case), SFIO counsel P. Ravindra Reddy told the court that a fresh appeal will be filed.

Lawyers for the CID told the magistrate that information about Ramalinga Raju buying land in foreign countries was given by Gopalakrishna Raju, former general manager of SRSR Advisory Services, floated by the Raju family.

Gopalakrishna Raju has also been arrested. Ramalinga Raju set up SRSR to manage his family stake in Satyam Computer Services.

The court was also informed that BNP Paribas, one of the bankers of Satyam, had told the CID that it did not have any fixed deposits of Satyam.

“There has been no transaction with the bank since March 31, 2004,” the prosecutors quoted BNP as having informed the CID.

They opposed granting bail to the Raju brothers and Srinivas as, they feared, they might tamper with evidence.

“The crime is not an ordinary one. It can attract life imprisonment,” the prosecutors said.

Lawyers for Ramalinga Raju and Srinivas argued that there was no way that the two can tamper with evidence as all documents were the CID.
(Source IANS)

Oscars not ultimate recognition, says Amitabh Bachchan

New Delhi Jan 23(PTI) :Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Friday said Oscar awards should not be considered as the "ultimate recognition" for artists,
although he was glad that those working behind the scenes were finally getting their due credit.

"You people have taken the Oscar as the best recognition and award," Bachchan said when asked if there was dearth of good Indian movies as very few had managed to get into the Oscar race.

"They are great in their place and we are so in our place. It is not that Oscar awards are the ultimate recognition," he told an audience during the release of the book "Bachchanalia" at the Jaipur Literature Festival here.

"Oscar has its own place...we do not disrespect it.... If they wish to give us an Oscar they can do it...if not, it would be even better," he said.

India cinema has always stood first, stands first, is the best, Oscar has its own place," Bachchan said at the interaction.

However, he added he was happy that the artists who were working behind the scenes were finally getting their due recognition, also emphasizing the nomination of sound director Rasool Pookutty for an Oscar was also important, besides that of Rahman and Gulzar.

"It is encouraging when we see that the media, which conducts the film award ceremonies
in India has started recognizing the worth of background artists. Rasool, a sound engineer from India being nominated for the Oscar awards is definitely wonderful news and makes me terribly happy for him," Bachchan said.

"Moreover, I hope that Rahman, who has already done India immensely proud brings back a second Oscar to the country," he said, a day after Indians bagged six Oscar nominations

The 66-year-old legendary actor also chose to clarify his remarks over Danny Boyle's film Slumdog Millionaire that bagged 10 Oscar nominations.

Bachchan said he believed the film was an artist's creative presentation and everyone had the right of expression. He clarified he had not in his blog said the film was negative in depicting the poverty of India.

"The words (criticizing the film) were not mine. In fact, in my blog I had analyzed some comments on the film put on my blog by the readers. I have since then spoken to both Anil Kapoor and Danny Boyle and clarified my position," Bachchan said.

On why he did not attend a nomination function despite an invite from Anil Kapoor, he said he was busy and conveyed his good wishes and congratulations to the entire team of Slumdog Millionaire.

Asked whether Indian movies were fulfilling the aspirations of viewers and reviewers abroad, Bachchan said he was very happy as Indian films were catering to amount 2.5 billion people. "Look at cinema from the beginning, 50-70 years ago, it was not well respected...no one wanted to join the film line then, now Indian cinema has grown tremendously, enveloped all of us.
(PTI)

Names Shortlisted for Satyam CEO,CFO

HYDERABAD Jan 23: Satyam Computer said it has shortlisted three candidates for the post of CEO and CFO and was close to arranging funds to meet immediate
requirements like salary payments, while dispelling doubts about employee numbers — 53,000.

The government-appointed board, which met for two days from Thursday, is expected to formally announce before January 28 the funding arrangements, which will address the company's operational needs till the end of March 2009.

Commenting on the doubts raised on the headcount, the board said: "Prima facie there appears to be no basis to doubt the same. The independent investigation process is expected to reaffirm this fact in the coming weeks."

Satyam director Deepak Parekh indicated that the immovable properties of the company, including campuses, could be mortgaged to raise funds as "they are free of any encumbrance."

The collections from receivables have been robust so far making the cash position a little better, the company said in a statement after the board meeting.

Parkeh had earlier said that 40 applications had been received for the post of CEO and CFO.

The board announced that it has narrowed the shortlist for the CEO and CFO to the final three and finalise the decision in the ensuing week.

"This is a crucial decision for the company and its stakeholders," said the statement quoting the board, whose meeting was chaired by Tarun Das.
(Source TOI)

Pawan Kalyan's Drunken Dance in Karimnagar Dist Road show Videos

Hyderabad Jan 23: Yuva Rajyam chief Pavan Kalyan on the way to Praja Ankita Yatra in Antargam Village Ramadugu Mandal of Karimnagar Dist.On the Request of the Toddy tappers Pawan Consumed Full pot of Toddy and went Out of Control within few mintues and was Dancing.Toddy effect had made Pawan Kalyan UnConscious for some time. Party Workers Immediatly Rushed him to the safe place.

Sonu Sood talks about Arundhati success Videos

Hansika will do anything for Him

Hyderabad Jan 23 :For the first time in her career, Hansika will be doing a hot item number with Prabhas in his next film being directed by Meher Ramesh. “I’ll do anything for director Meher as he is like my brother,” she opines.Being the remake of the Hindi film Don, she would be invariably stepping into the shoes of Helen and Kareena Kapoor for this sizzling number.Will it be a real sizzler? “Even I don’t know about the concept or my costume,” she smiles.
Unlike her peers Ileana and Trisha, she is breaking new ground. Will the Prabhas-Hansika jodi set the screen on fire?

Afghanistan, Pak central front in war against terrorism: Obama

Washington, Jan 23 US President Barack Obama today said Afghanistan and Pakistan are the central front in the America&aposs war against terrorism and deteriorating situation in the region poses grave threat to the global security.

" This is the central front in our enduring struggle against terrorism and extremism," Obama said reiterating that the Afghan-Pak problem can&apost be resolved in isolation.

There has to be regional approach to it, he argued.

Addressing the officials of the State Department after Richard Holbrooke was appointed Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Obama said,"There, as in the Middle East, we must understand that we cannot deal with our problems in isolation."

Obama said his administration is committed to refocusing attention and resources on Afghanistan and Pakistan and to spending those resources wisely."That&aposs why we are pursuing a careful review of our policy,"he said.

Terming it as an international challenge of the"highest order", he said," There is no answer in Afghanistan that does not confront the Al-Qaeda and Taliban bases along the border, and there will be no lasting peace unless we expand spheres of opportunity for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan."

However, Obama said the situation can&apost be resolved so quickly in the region
(Source PTI)

Slumdog, Rahman sweep Oscar nominations

Hyderabad Jan 23 :Slumdog Millionaire, the British-made film set in Mumbai which has become this year's word-of-mouth hit, continued its unstoppable rise.

It is one of five films in contention for best picture. The others are The Reader; Milk, the true story of America's first openly gay politician; Frost/Nixon, the dramatisation of Sir David Frost's televised showdown with former US President Richard Nixon; and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a fantasy starring Brad Pitt as a man who ages backwards, which leads the race with 13 nominations. Each of the films has a best director nomination.

Bookmaker William Hill has installed Slumdog Millionaire as odds-on favourite to win best picture.

The film's star, 18-year-old Londoner Dev Patel, missed out on a best actor nomination but said he was thrilled at the prospect of attending the Los Angeles ceremony on February 22.

He said: "It's just amazing. For Slumdog Millionaire to be included in the nominations for the Oscars is a huge honour. When we first began working on the film I don't think any of us ever imagined that we might end up attending the Oscars ceremony as a result. I'm just so proud to be a part of this project and I have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the film. Thank you to everyone who has supported us. I truly feel blessed."

The best actor nominees are Richard Jenkins for The Visitor, Frank Langella for Frost/Nixon, Sean Penn for Milk, Brad Pitt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler.

The late Heath Ledger is frontrunner in the best supporting actor category for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight. He is expected to become the first posthumous Oscar winner in an acting category since Peter Finch won for Network in 1977.

Nominations

1.Achievement in Cinematography
2.Achievement in Directing
3.Achievement in Film Editing
4.Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score) A.R. Rahman
5.Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) A.R. Rahman
6.Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) A.R. Rahman
7.Best Motion Picture of the Year
8.Achievement in Sound Editing
9.Achievement in Sound Mixing
10.Adapted Screenplay

Trailer