Actress Ravali Joins in TDP-Videos

Rajini piggybacks on Obama!

After Sushmita Sen, it will be our very own Rajinikanth whose 1991 Hindi film Khoon Ka Karz (KKK) will be dubbed into Tamil as Arasan. The movie will be ready for release in March. A spokesperson of the Rajinikanth fans association says, “After a gap of nearly a decade , a Rajinikanth movie is once again being dubbed into Tamil from Hindi.”
KKK was an action flick starring Rajinikanth, Sanjay Dutt, Vinod Khanna, Dimple Kapadia, Sarika and Sangeeta Bijalani (now Mrs Azharuddin). The film, which was produced by Bhappi Soni (Raveena Tandon’s father), had music by Laxmikant Pyarelal and was directed by the late Mukul Anand. Despite the fact that the Hindi version flopped, the distributors in Tamil Nadu feel that the film’s Tamil avatar has the potential to be a hit. The background score and the songs have been recreated and remixed in 5.1 DTS surround sound and will be released in digital format. The two hour-and-15-minute movie will feature Rajinikanth for nearly 70 minutes. Some scenes and songs featuring other heroes have been deleted and the emphasis is on three songs and fight sequences featuring the superstar. One of the posters of Arasan compares Rajinikanth with US President Obama, with the tag line — ‘Black Men, Big History

Babumohan Interview on Shobanbabu Issue-Videos

Roja comments on Shobharani & Chiru prajarajaym-Video

Chiranjeevi Response on Roja Comments-Videos

Roja vs sobha -Videos

TDP counter ad on congress party's foxes ad

Tata's Nano to be launched on March 23-Video

Devender Goud Shuts Shop Merged NTP with PRP

Hyderabad Feb26 :The newly formed Nava Telangana Party (NTP) headed by former Andhra Pradesh Home Minister T Devender Goud today merged with the Praja Rajyam Party(PRP).

Mr Goud, who resigned from the Telugu Desam Party on June 23 last year, had launched NTP, as he deffered with the policy of TDP on United Andhra.

He along with party workers and other leaders went to the Ravi Narayana Reddy auditorim and announced his decision in the presence of PRP President Chiranjeevi.

Later, talking to newspersons, Mr Goud said his paty decided to merge with the PRP as it was the only political party to acknowledge the demand for separate Telangana. He said the NTP had decided to strenghten the hands of the PRP to keep the planks of social justice and separate Telangana alive.

Expressing his happiness, Mr Chiranjeevi said PRP chances in Telangana would be further improved with the merger of NTP with his party. He said NTP leaders, including Mr Goud had acknowledged the PRP slogan of social justice and its commitement for separate Telangana.

Video

NCP offers clock symbol to Chiru party

Hyderabad: In a move that may indicate changing equations at the Centre, the Nationalist Congress Party led by Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar has offered its ‘clock’ symbol to the Prajarajyam Party of Chiranjeevi to contest the elections in Andhra Pradesh. If accepted by Prajarajyam, Pawar’s NCP will take on its UPA ally, the Congress, in the coming elections in the state.
NCP is a registered national party with the Election Commission of India and was allotted the ‘clock’ symbol way back in 2000 after its electoral performance in Maharashtra and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Prajarajyam sources said the offer to lend its symbol to Chiranjeevi’s party was made by Y P Trivedi, NCP treasurer and close confidant of Pawar, when he met the Prajarajyam president here a few days ago.
The offer comes as a welcome relief for Prajarajyam as the Election Commission has rejected its plea for a common symbol on the ground that the new party does not meet the required criteria. “We are in the process of weighing the option of accepting NCP’s proposal,” A Prajarajyam Party senior leader said.
The sources added that Chiranjeevi is inclined to take up the ‘clock’ symbol. “His initial concern was whether by using the NCP symbol, would the party still be able to qualify for being recognised as a regional party by the EC for the next elections. After being told by EC that Prajarajyam will qualify provided it meets the criteria, the NCP offer is likely to be accepted,” the sources said.
NCP too stands to gain from the arrangement. “While the party’s stature as a national party will grow by the usage of the clock symbol in Andhra Pradesh, it is also seen as a direct challenge to Congress president Sonia Gandhi as the ‘clock’ would be pitted against the ‘hand’ symbol of the Congress. There is a clear message to the Congress that the NCP cannot be taken for granted by the Congress in the post-election scenario,” one leader said.
According to Prajarajyam sources, Chiranjeevi feels that lack of a common symbol might greatly mar the performance of the party in the elections. “Chiranjeevi has a huge following in rural areas and many of these voters are either illiterate or semiliterate and therefore, rely on the symbol to cast their votes. The lack of a common symbol is bound to confuse the rural voter,” the sources said. Hence, the likelihood of Prajarajyam taking up the NCP’s offer, they added.

Time for the small screen!

The small screen seems to be beckoning actress Meena. She’ll soon be seen on screen in a serial titled Kalyaanam for Sathyajothi Films, to be launched in March. “Post Lakshmi, I got a lot of offers to do TV serials but they all seemed to be similar. But the script of Kalyaanam excited me as it had an interesting lead character.”
The actress is not keen to divulge any more details about her character in the serial. “I can’t talk about the finer aspects but it’s a role that I’ve never done before,” says a visibly excited Meena. “No one has cast me in such a role and I’m excited about it.” The lass is also busy with several films including Mariyadhai, for which she’s currently shooting in Australia.

Roja dancing with TDP party cadre in Chittor Video

Chandrababu Comments on Prajarajyam Party

Mahakutami leaders Seat Settlements-Videos

Mandakrishna crying in front of Media-Video

Chiranjeevi Speaking On Naxalism-Video

Raja vari Rambantulu @ Sakshi TV Launching

Kamal hates the term, Kollywood!

"Please don't use the term Kollywood. Call it Chennai films or Tamil film industry, but don't call it Kollywood." Kamal Haasan made this plea while speaking at the inauguration of Kalaignar TV's new comedy channel, Siripoli, the other day in Chennai and made it clear that he hates the term.

Kamal then explained the reason behind his aversion to the term. During his younger days, his father used to tell him, "Dont be a 'Kallipayan' (a loafer)." He said the word Kollywood reminded him of that.

Amitabh Bachchan had also expressed his hatred for calling Hindi filmdom by the name Bollywood. In his opinion, the expression means that Hindi film world is a poor cousin of Hollywood.

Nag’s next is Chak De’s remake?

Nagarjuna’s last release King has already completed 50 days run, but he is not yet announced his next project. According to sources from the industry Nagarjuna’s next project might be the remake of Bollywood hit Chak De.

It is also said tat Gunnam Gangaraju will direct this film. It is said that Nagarjuna is very impressed with the script work of Gunnam Gangaraju and asked him to direct the film. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Chak De became a huge successful all over the world

Why Rahman has nothing to do with Tollywood

Hyderabad: The world and India celebrated when music composer-director A R Rahman won two Oscars on Monday, but Tollywood could not drag itself into the celebrations. The reason: the sensible music director has so far steered clear of Telugu cinema. So Tollywood too did not quite embrace him.
In the 17 years that he has been a music director, Rahman consciously and deliberately chose not to work for Telugu films. He did not openly or blatantly declare his dislike for Telugu films, but Rahman showed it by avoiding them.
So on a day when Rahman was on top of the world, hardly anyone in the Telugu film industry showed an enthusiasm to celebrate or even display their happiness. The only exception was an emotional music director Koti who declared his love for Rahman on television. Rahman had worked for Koti before the former himself became one.
Rahman had in fact rendered music for only two Telugu films, both of which failed to impress Tollywood audience. Whether it was due to that strange experience or simply a matter of sensibilities that did not match, Rahman never worked on Telugu films thereafter.
Telugu film audiences know Rahman from the films that have been dubbed from Tamil into Telugu and were major hits. These included films like his debut film ‘Roja’, ‘Bombay’, ‘Jeans’, ‘Gentleman’, ‘Boys’, and ‘Sivaji’.
The two direct films that he did in Telugu were Venkatesh and Nagma-starrer ‘Super Police’ in 1993 and Mahesh Babu and Amisha Patel-starrer ‘Naani’ in 2004. It is said S J Suryah, who directed ‘Naani’ has once again roped in Rahman to compose music for his under-production film ‘Komaram Puli’ starring Pawan Kalyan.
“Rahman has hardly done any Telugu films because he is choosy about the directors he works for. The directors should not only have a music sense but should be able to understand his music and its relevance for the film,” a producer in the Telugu film industry said. Overtures by cash-rich Telugu producers and directors to rope in Rahman were politely but firmly declined, on the pretext that he had prior commitments and could not give the right dates.

A R Rahman's Performance In Oscar for Song in 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Oscars: Rahman Received his First Oscar Made India Proud

'Slumdog Millionaire' has won five awards including Best Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Sound Mixing, Film Editing and Original Score. India's Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Dev patel and Freida Pinto
Smile Pinki wins best documentary short subject award.

THE OSCAR WINNERS...

The Indian music maestro, Rahman wooed the audience with ‘O Saya’ and ‘Jai Ho...’ the nominated songs from ‘Slumdog...’, as the nominees for Best Original Song were being announced.

Best Original Score: A R Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire . “I have nothing but my mother and she is there with me. I thank her for making me coming all this way with her blessings,” said a proud Rahman.

Best Film Editing: Chris Dickens for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Sound Mixing: Ian Tapp, Resul Pookutty for Slumdog Millionaire. “This is just not a sound award, but a history being handed over,” said Indian receiver Pookutty.

Best Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire. “The cast and crew of the film told me so much about India and writing,” said a proud Beaufoy.

Best Documentary Short Subject: Megan Mylan for Smile Pinki

Best Sound Editing: Richard King for The Dark Knight

Best Visual Effects: Eric Barba for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Documentary Feature Film: James Marsh for Man on Wire

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight . It was a special moment for actor’s family - mother Sally, father Kim and sister Kate who came to receive the trophy on Ledger’s behalf.

Best Live action short film: Jochen Alexander for Spielzeugland Toyland

Best Make-up: Greg Cannom for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Costume Design: Michael O’Connor for The Duchess

Best Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Animated Short Film: Kunio Kato for La Maison En Petits Cubes

Best Animated Feature: Andrew Stanton for Wall-E

Best Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black for Milk

Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. “Has anyone fainted here, may be I will be the first one,” exclaimed Penelope immediately after receiving the award.

THE SHOW BEGINS...

Hilarious host Hugh Jackman opens the ceremony with a grand performance.

THE HOST...

Will Smith announced the awards for best visual effects, sound mixing and film editing categories.

Natalie Portman and Ben Stiller were the next to grace the stage to announce the award for best cinematography.

Sarah Jessica Parker clad in a shining silver off shoulder gown with Daniel Craig played the perfect host to a set of awards including best art direction, costume design and make-up.

Tina Fey and Steve Martin opened the awards ceremony announcing the first set of awards including best supporting actress, original screenplay and adapted screenplay.

Hilarious host Hugh Jackman opens the ceremony with a grand performance with actress Anne Hathaway.

Australian entertainer Hugh Jackman, stands tall as the first-time host to the ultra-glam evening. Though, he had hosted Broadway's Tony Awards three times in the past.

Robin Roberts welcomed the guests at the Red Carpet in a sensuous red gown designed by J Creww as she arrives for the 81st Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

RED CARPET

The much awaited and much anticipated, 81st Academy Awards will begin shortly with the Red Carpet already rolled out at the Kodak Theater.

Some of the stunning arrivals at the Red Carpet include teen idol Miley Cyrus, Aliciya Keys, actress Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie, Penelope Cruz, ‘Slumdog...’ star Freida Pinto, ‘The Wrestler’ star Marisa Tommei to name a few.

British director Danny Boyle shepherded the extended ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ family down the red carpet. The nine cast members, who played the three main characters in the rags-to-riches fairy tale were all on hand for the Oscars ceremony. The two youngest cast members, who still live in Mumbai's slums, were making their first trip outside India

After months of controversy and speculation, the wait will finally be over. With movies like Slumdog Millionaire , The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Reader leading the way in major categories, it's tough to predict who will take away the trophy. So do you think 2009 will be the year that ends India's dry run at the Oscars
(Source TOI)

A.R Rahman Received his first Oscar Award for Slumdog Millionaire

HOLLYWOOD: A R Rahman was celebrating a double Oscars triumph here on Sunday after winning two Academy Awards for his work in the hit film "Slumdog
Millionaire."

The talented music maestro picked up the best original score statuette before scooping the best song Oscar moments later after a medley performance featuring all three nominated tunes.

"I just want to thank again, the whole crew of 'Slumdog Millionaire' especially Danny Boyle for giving me such a great opportunity," said the delighted Rahman.

He hailed "all the people from Mumbai and the essence of the film, which is about optimism and the power of hope and our lives. All my life I've had a choice of hate and love. I chose love, and I'm here. God bless."

The awards took "Slumdog's" tally to 7 for the evening, with Danny Boyle winning the best director Oscar

Oscar Best Documentary Film 'Smile Pinki'

Protests over Oscars Favourite Slumdog Millionaire

‘Slumdog’ closing in on Oscars glory

Hollywood: Final preparations for the Oscars are being made, with uplifting drama “Slumdog Millionaire” poised to romp home in the race for the coveted best picture prize.
The red carpet was being vacuumed and streets surrounding Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre were sealed off to the public with the 81st edition of the Academy Awards less than 24 hours away.
The build-up to this year’s ceremony has been dominated by the Bollywood-inspired “Slumdog”, which has dominated other awards shows and is considered the overwhelming favourite for the best picture statuette.
Although period drama “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” will start the night with the most nominations, 13, compared to 10 for “Slumdog,” experts say that British director Danny Boyle’s film is unbeatable.
“It would be the biggest upset in modern Oscars history to see ‘Slumdog’ lose,” said Pete Hammond, a veteran awards season pundit and Maxim film critic.
“It hasn’t stumbled once this awards season. It has had an unprecedented sweep. It’s the equivalent of the perfect season in football or baseball.”
Pundits say “Slumdog” has delighted audiences with its rags-to-riches plot about a Mumbai teaboy who rises out from poverty and enters a television quiz show to win millions and be reunited with the love of his life.
The against-the-odds triumph of the film’s central character is mirrored by the movie’s improbable march towards Oscars glory. Made for only 15 million dollars, the film features a cast of unknown actors and is partially subtitled.
British bookmakers William Hill have priced the film at 1/10, making it one of the shortest price best picture contenders in history.
“It’s always been our theory that at the end of the day Hollywood is about putting bums on seats and that this year, an uplifting feel-good movie like ‘Slumdog’ would be the clear favourite,” spokesman Rupert Adams said.Other rivals in the best picture category are “Benjamin Button,” political drama “Frost/Nixon,” biopic “Milk” and Holocaust drama “The Reader.”

Goud’s NTP to merge with Chiru’s PRP

Hyderabad: The eight-month-old Nav Telangana Party led by T Devender Goud is all set to merge with Chiranjeevi’s Prajarajyam party and a formal announcement is expected sometime next week before the poll notification is issued, NTP sources said.
While the official reason for the merger is said to be common ideology of the two parties—social justice and separate Telangana, the reality is that Goud has been finding it difficult to run the party as it had failed to create the kind of impact he expected before he quit TDP in June 23, 2008.
It may be mentioned here that before starting his own party Goud was a strong leader in TDP and from the position of ZP chairperson he rose to become virtually number two in TDP. He was also the revenue, panchayati raj and home minister during TDP regime under N Chandrababu Naidu. He was also the TDP deputy leader in the state assembly and used to share the seat of opposition leader in the assembly with Naidu.
While the TDP had constituted a committee to recommend the stand it should take on separate Telangana, Goud quit TDP alleging that it was anti-Telangana and floated his own outfit. But contrary to his expectations, except E Peddi Reddy, a former minister, no other leader went with him. Even the cadre did not desert TDP.
Since then, Goud had made several attempts to strike an alliance with TRS, PRP and even BJP. Now finally, Goud is said to have been assured by PRP leader Chiranjeevi that the party would include the promise of supporting separate Telangana in its manifesto. This was preceded by several rounds of talks between Chiranjeevi and Goud, NTP sources told TOI.
Once the merger is formalised, Goud is likely to get a key position in PRP and will contest polls on PRP symbol. Party sources say that Goud is keen to contest from Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency and jump to national politics. So far he has represented Medchal assembly constituency in Ranga Reddy district. Sources said he is likely to be named as in charge of party’s Telangana affairs committee.
(Source TOI)

Rahman’s Tolly Days

TThis time as the Oscar winners get known to the world, us Indians were particularly eager to get the results. And we all know why. It is the Rahman effect, as the music maestro got nominated for more than one category for the Oscars. And like everybody else, Telugu director Koti too sent up a prayer as he not just hoped but believed that Rahman deserves the honour. What gives him this conviction one wonders. For those who don't know, Rahman's meteoric rise had humble beginnings in Tollywood -- he started his music career working as a keyboard player with Tollywood's music director, Koti!
"He was very young, about 17 years old at that time," remembers Koti and says he joined him in 1985. "At that time, there was not much computer technology available to music directors. But Dileep (his first name then, later changed to AR Rahman) always showed interest in the new technology and was keen to study it. He worked with me relentlessly all day and night, till as late as 10pm. And after that he'd work the night through with the instruments until the early hours of the morning," Koti remembers.
After working with maestro Ilayaraja for many years, Rahman joined Koti. At that time his remuneration was just Rs 600. "He was a hard worker and always thinking about music. When he started his small studio Panchathan Record Inn he invited me to his studio. Back then he used to compose music jingles for advertisements, TV channels and documentaries," recalls Koti.
Koti says that apart from his hard work, Rahman has reached the top because of his mother's unstinting support. "She has given everything to Rahman. I still remember that she sold her gold ornaments and got into deep debt to get the latest musical instruments which at that time had to be bought from Singapore. But Rahman too worked with dedication and discipline and spared no efforts," said Koti. He adds that Rahman never worked to impress the director or producer he just composed quality music with the story in mind.
Rahman always looks for innovation in music. "At that time our Telugu directors and producers couldn't fathom the music we were doing. Their interest was in the commercial formula scores. That maybe one reason why Rahman didn't get to do many Telugu films," opines Koti. This did disappoint and upset Rahman, said Koti. And then, he recalls, it was a song in Nagarjuna's film Iddaru Iddare recorded at Rahman's studio that broke the jinx and the song became a huge hit. And then, he did the entire rerecording for the film Nalla Trachu and people began to notice his talent."
Koti thinks that Rahman is a gifted player. "Luckily Rahman got to work with many creative directors and producers. Once he made a mark with 'Roja' he never looked back. But I still see him as Dileep, the little boy who worked with me," Koti remembers nostalgically. “Today I am confident he will get the Oscar. But even if he doesn’t it won’t matter--- Rahman is a great musician,”he adds.
And on a closing note what does Rahman have to say about Koti? Well, as long drawn struggles gave way to success and Rahman came into his own, Koti recalls that at an audio function in the city last year, as chief guest Rahman said , "Initially, some of the directors with whom I had worked couldn't understand my tunes. It was Koti, who recognized the talent in me. I will never forget my association with Koti

New Vizag airport terminal opened

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Rs. 95-crore new integrated terminal building at Visakhapatnam airport was inaugurated here on Saturday and named after the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

With a sprawling built-up area of nearly 22,000 sq. metres, the new terminal building is made of glass and steel and billed as environment-friendly. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel, who was scheduled to attend, cancelled his visit at the last minute.

Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who inaugurated the swank new facilities, noted that facilities for 24-hour operations and night landing had not been provided.

He would make efforts to get these facilities.

On a whirlwind tour of the district, Dr. Reddy went on a spree of laying foundation stones.

These included stones for the Rs.7,214-crore Babu Jagjeevan Ram Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi project at Sabbavaram, to irrigate eight lakh acres in the region, the AP University of Law, a new project to upgrade the road between Anakapalle and Anandapauram via Sabbavaram into four lanes at a cost of Rs. 347 crore, and for Apollo Hospitals in the Health City. He also distributed cheques to self-help group women.

Reacting to the Opposition’s criticism that the spree of foundation stones was aimed at the general elections, he stated at a meeting in Sabbavaram that development was a continuous process and the Congress government wanted to create permanent assets through major irrigation projects
(Source The Hindu)

Watch Sakshi New Telugu Channel TV Live

Free video chat by Ustream

Watch Sakshi New Telugu Channel TV Live

Sakshi TV First HDTV Launched

'Drona' film Interview with Nitin

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Oscar's leaked online’, ‘Slumdog’ makes a sweeping win

Los Angeles, Feb 20: The results of 81st Academy Awards, which are to be officially announced this weekend on February 22, have reportedly been leaked online. And if the reports are to be believed then Danny Boyle’s award winning ‘Slumdog Millionare’ that has been nominated in 11 categories has won the two prestigious-Best director and Best Film Awards.
The list of this year’s Oscar winners has been published in a document on the Internet.

The document which looks quite genuine, has apparently been scanned in, and has an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences letterhead and with the signature of Academy`s president, Sid Ganis.

"This is the final list of winners of the 81st Annual Academy Awards. As always, please treat this information with extreme care," a news website quoted the document as stating.

According to the list, the much acclaimed ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has been named the best film and its director Danny Boyle has won the best director award.

Kate Winslet has won best actress Oscar for ‘The Reader’ and Mickey Rourke has bagged best actor award for ‘The Wrestler’.

Heath Ledger has been named best supporting actor for ‘The Dark Knight’ and Amy Adams has won best supporting actress award for ‘Doubt’.

However, an Academy Awards representative has clarified that the list is a ‘complete fraud’ and has justified that the vote counting process is still on.

"The document is a complete fraud. The Academy`s president is not advised of the winners in advance and no such list is created,” Oscars spokesperson Leslie Unger said

Katrina is open to political offers

Katrina Kaif, who is playing a politician did do a lot of research on how politicians go about the process of campaigning, how they deliver speeches before crowds of thousands, and how they grow into powerful orators. And for which she happily faced the camera sans makeup and in simple cotton sarees! Katrina is also pleased that she can finally prove those critics wrong who branded her as a glamorous doll. “I have got to another level with this film. People will now know that I can do other type of films as well. I have been part of successful films and now I’m glad I’m doing substantial roles,” said the proud actress, adding that she can identify with the character she’s playing.

“She is a free-spirited girl and she knows what she wants. She has no ego hassles... it’s her determination that I could relate to,” said Katrina about the role. Strangely, for somebody who didn’t follow politics, Kats is now showing a healthy interest in the job of the politician. So will she stand for elections if offered a ticket? “Never say never. There have been many things in my life that I thought I could never do, but they’ve happened. If a political party that I believe in approaches me, I might just join them,” said Katrina, showing that reel might become real for a change.

Indian Americans are the best educated and top earners

The 1.5 million Indian Americans in the US continue to top the US Census charts as the best-educated, highest-paid and top-placed community among the 38.1 million foreign-born population in the country. As per a fresh analysis of data on the foreign-born population from the 2007 American Community Survey, 74 percent of Indian-born US residents had bachelor's degree or higher, which was far more than the figure for people born in any other foreign country.

This was also nearly three times the 27 percent of the foreign-born and about 28 percent of the natives having bachelor's degrees, showed the new analysis that was released by the US Census Bureau of the Commerce Department. These figures come from the new detailed characteristic profiles on the foreign-born population, or people who were not US citizens at birth, available on the basis of their countries of birth. "Among the foreign-born, those from India, Australia and the Philippines have the highest median household incomes," said the analysis, indicating the top positions Indian enjoy among the US workforce.

"The median household income for US residents is $91,195 (per annum). The foreign-born from Somalia and the Dominican Republic had some of the lowest median household incomes," the survey added. For Indians, this is several notches higher than the median household income of $50,740 for the total population, $46,881 for the foreign-born population and $51,249 for the native population.

In terms of people careers, India-born residents were again on the top of the ladder with just 8.3 percent of the group's population engaged in the so-called labour-intensive jobs. This is, indeed, a long way from the days of early migration when Indians mainly came to the US as labourers to build the country's railroad. "US residents born in India have the highest percentage of civilian-employed people working in management, professional and related occupations," the survey said, adding 69 percent of the population were in that category.

The survey showed that people from India ranked fourth in terms of sheer numbers when it came to the foreign-born living in the US. Mexicans topped the list with 11.7 million, followed by China (1.19 million), the Philippines (1.7 million), India (1.5 million) and Vietnam (1.1 million). "These new selected population profiles highlight the diversity among the many different foreign-born groups in the United States," said Elizabeth Grieco, chief of the Census Bureau's immigration statistics staff. "This diversity is due in part to the way the various communities were established, whether it be through labour migration, family reunification or refugee flows."

Modi uses Telangana plank to woo voters

Seeking to woo voters in the name of Telangana cause, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked the people of the region to “pick and punish” all those who have “betrayed” them over creation of a separate state.

Kick-starting the BJP election campaign in the region at a public meeting in Karimnagar, Modi said: “Show your strength. Jin jin logon ne Telangana ke saath gaddari ki hai, unhe chun chunke sajaa dena (Those who have betrayed the cause of Telangana, pick and punish them.”

Without naming Congress, Modi dubbed the Sonia Gandhi-led party as the villain and accused it of deceiving the people of Telangana on the promise of carving out a separate state.

“I am coming from the land of Sardar Vallabhai Patel and the modern Vallabhai Patel -- LK Advani -- has promised to create Telangana in 100 days if the NDA comes to power. I have no doubt that the NDA will be voted back at the Centre and Telangana will become a reality in 100 days,” Modi said.

He began his address by greeting the people in Telugu: “Naa priyamaina Telangana prajalaku namaskaramulu. Mee andariki naa haardhika subhakankshalu (my dear people of Telangana, good evening. My warm wishes to all of you).”

Modi wound up his speech with “Jai Telangana” and asked people to raise the same slogan. He repeated it three times and told them to be shriller in chanting the slogan so that the “Delhi Sultanate” could be “shaken”.

BJP state chief Bandaru Dattatreya, former Union minister Ch Vidyasagar Rao, former BJP president Bangaru Laxman and other senior leaders were present at the meeting
(Source Hindustan Times)

Videos:

K A PAUL suffers stroke, hospitalized

Hyderabad, Feb.21:- Evangelist and Praja Santi Party president, Dr. K A Paul, on Saturday suffered a heart stroke and was admitted to the Care hospital here.

According to hospital sources, he was being given medical care in the ICCU in the hospital by specialist doctors.

It may be mentioned here that Dr. Paul, a reputed evangelist stationed in the USA, who always kept himself away from politics, had recently launched the ‘Praja Santi Party’ promising to bring a change in the political set up. He recently developed differences with his brother who was running his ministry and kept him away from his religious and other activities.

Actor Sharada quits TDP to join congress

Hyderabad, Feb.21:- Actress and former MP, Ms Sharada, on Saturday resigned from the Telugu Desam Party.

According to information, she is believed to have sent her resignation to the party chief, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, by fax. Rumours were rife that she would be joining the Congress.

Ms Sharada, who won the prestigious Urvasi Award several times during her illustrious career, has been feeling ignored in the party which once treated her with kid gloves. She has been keeping herself away from all political activities since a long time.

The Congress party which has been looking for stars to face the stars in other parties is reported to have been wooing her since quite some time. The resignation has paved the way for her to join the ruling party

Satyam to exercise cost-cutting, relocate onsite staff

New Delhi: Satyam Computers today announced cost-cutting measures including relocating onsite support staff to tide over the current financial crisis in the company and meet the challenges posed by the global economic slowdown.
Satyam CEO A S Murthy said in an address to employees, “I am asking for your help to reduce, avoid or defer operational expenses wherever and whenever possible” adding, “Once our situation eases and conditions allow, we will revert to normal practices.”
Services suspended include limousine service, business class travel, hotel stays for associates in cities where Satyam has guest houses,and car services for intra-city conveyance. “As a policy, the pre-sales, solution architect, delivery and operational support personnel will be located in the low-cost countries. All units have to sharply reduce by more than 60 per cent non-billable domestic and international travel,” he told the associates.
The company has also put a freeze on expenses relating to internal issues. “All capital expenditures, unless required to meet customer deliveries, are being suspended till further notice. This includes renewal of laptops and office renovation. These measures are necessitated not just because of our financial situation but are relevant given the larger economic slowdown,”he said.
The company has suspended external training as well as the advertising and marketing co-lateral expenses for the time being.
“We will maximise the use of internal training facilities and instructors,” Murthy said, adding that the company will also terminate the lease of several rented premises to provide sizable saving.

Ys Jagan Comments on Chandrababu, RamojiRao & Radhakrishna-Videos

Chiranjeevi,Pawan kalyan kammam/Kurnool Road show-videos

Chiranjeevi about 'Nirmalamma'

SRK teams up with 'Ghajini' Murugadoss

With Ghajini breaking many records, one would expect more from the actor Aamir Khan- director AR Murugadoss jodi. But that’s not what’s happening. Murugadoss has moved on from one Khan superstar to the other. The Tamil-Telegu director is in talks with Shah Rukh Khan for his second Hindi film. Now, considering that there’s no love lost between Aamir and Shah Rukh, Murugadoss does appear to be going on the politically incorrect lane.

Murugadoss has been regularly meeting SRK since the last few months. It is reliably learnt that SRK has even agreed to do the Murugadoss film just before he left for the hospital for his shoulder surgery. Murugadoss admits that he was in Mumbai for negotiations with Shah Rukh. He says, “Things will materialise further only after Shah Rukh recovers from his surgery.’” An out-and-out romance, the film will be Shah Rukh’s home production. One of the industry’s top actresses, Priyanka Chopra or Kareena Kapoor will play the lead, reportedly. Unlike in the case of Ghajini, this film won’t be a remake.

Bindu Madhavi to Host Show in Sakshi TV

Avakaya Biryani girl Bindu Madhavi is getting good offers. Though the film failed at box offers, se got enough recognition in the industry. She was supposed to do a film opposite Puri Jagannadh brother Sai Ram Shankar. Unfortunately that film has been shelved.

If the sources are to believed, she is doing director B. Jaya’s upcoming film. She is also doing a film wit Allari Naresh. The latest buzz is that she has been signed for a television live show for Sakshi Television. Sakshi Television is all getting ready to go live from 23rd of this month.

Anil Kapoor to host KBC3?

If rumours are to be believed, then the lambi race ka ghoda has turned out to be none other than apunka Lakhan, The actor wowed the world with his act as a game show host in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire and now Sony Television, which has bought the rights of KBC instead of Star TV, is trying to cash in on his popularity.

“Initially, the channel was thinking of getting Salman Khan to host the quiz show since they had already signed him under a three-year contract for their game show Dus Ka Dum. But since the show didn’t do as well as they expected and they had already paid Salman, they thought they would get him to host KBC. Now after seeing Anil Kapoor’s performance in Slumdog Millionaire, the channel is trying to get him on board in order to raise their TRPs,” said a source.

Ash in Forbes’s most bankable star

Forbes has listed Aishwarya Rai as India's most bankable star in Hollywood, pushing down the Khans of Bollywood in the ratings of the best bet for a film's financial success. Aishwarya is among six Bollywood actors in the new Forbes list of Hollywood's Most Valuable Actors. Other Indians on the list compiled by the American business magazine are Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Irrfan Khan and Hrithik Roshan..

Although at 387th position in the global list of as many as 1,411 actors from across the world, Aishwarya is ranked highest among all Indian actors and is the only female actor from the country who made it to this elite club. The list also includes Indian American actor Kal Penn, whose films include "The Namesake". At 476th position, he is ranked higher than all the Bollywood actors, except Aishwarya Rai, who stars in the new Hollywood venture "The Pink Panther 2". Among the male Bollywood actors, Aamir is ranked highest at 540th in the global list, followed by Shah Rukh (735), Salman (753), Irrfan (825

Prajarajyam to fight outside state too

Hyderabad Feb 19 :Chiranjeevi is planning to field Lok Sabha candidates in Telugu-dominated areas in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Maharashtra, where his movies draw huge crowds. His party, the Praja Rajyam, has identified 10 LS seats in Karnataka with box office collections of Chiranjeevi blockbusters as the barometer. The party is conducting surveys in the other states to locate more constituencies where it can convert the applause of audiences into votes.

“Our candidates will contest from Mysore, Bengaluru South, Bijapur, Kolar, Gulbarga, Bellary, Chikmagalur, Raichur, Chikballapur and Chitradurga parliamentary seats in Karnataka,” said Mr Swami Naidu, Praja Rajyam leader. Interestingly, even while trying to spread its influence outside the state, the Praja Rajyam has scaled down its ambitions in AP. The party had claimed earlier that it would win more than 250 seats in the Assembly polls.

In fact, Chiranjeevi’s brother-in-law, Mr Allu Arvind, went to the extent of saying that the party would win 292 seats, leaving Pulivendula for the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, and Kuppam for the TD chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu.

However, the Praja Rajyam leader, Mr Parkala Prabhakar, said the party would win 205 seats in the coming polls. He cited a recent survey conducted by the party as the base for the prediction, which is modest by Praja Rajyam standards. The survey conducted in 294 constituencies revealed that the party would win 80 seats in Telangana, 90 segments in coastal Andhra and 35 seats in Rayalaseema.

Satyam employees in Green Card fix

Hyderabad Feb 19 :Of the approximately 11,000 employees of Satyam [Get Quote] USA, 7,000 are on H1B visas, says Mathew Daniel, a vice president of US operations at the company.

Though Satyam has faced considerable problems following the January 7 confession by its founder Ramalinga Raju of fraud, Daniel says Satyam has no plans to lay off any employees. Though insurance giant State Farm became the latest client to withdraw its contract with the scandal-tainted company, Daniel said Satyam has acquired 15 new clients in January alone.

On the ground, though, reports suggest that many Satyam employees have begun shopping around for alternate employment. Further, those applied for Green Cards through the company could face problems, according to Buffalo, New York-based attorney Danielle Rizzo. "Satyam's fraud has created a minefield of immigration problems for its foreign national employees in the United States," she said.

"It is possible that Satyam's I-140 petitions, whether pending or approved, will be denied or revoked for fraud. An essential piece of an I-140 petition is the petitioner's showing that it has the ability to pay the beneficiary's proffered wages. Satyam has admitted to accounting fraud, meaning that the I-140 petitions all necessarily relied on fraudulent documents," Rizzo said.

"I think the chances of I-140 revocation, even for approved petitions, are quite high. Even though it is not the employees' fault, the petition is filed by the employer and one of the key requirements in an I-140 is the employer's submission of evidence of its ability to pay.

"USCIS regulations require that evidence of ability to pay be submitted in the form of audited financial statements, federal income tax returns, or an annual report filed with the SEC. Clearly any of these documents would have contained fraudulent financial information. It is not only the beneficiary's fraud that would invalidate a petition but the petitioner's as well," she said.

Some of Rizzo's clients have filed petitions on behalf of former Satyam employees. "We have filed for more than two dozen people. Other law offices might also be filing for Satyam employees. We can assume that a sizeable number of workers are moving out," she said.

Those working at State Farm are among the ones leading the rush to the exit. Satyam can farm them out to other clients, but that requires approval from the USCIS, which may not be forthcoming.

The American Competitiveness in the Twenty First Century Act (AC21) permits post-6th year H-1B extensions in three-year increments if their I-140 petition has been approved, and whose priority date is not current. But if the USCIS cancels their I-140 approval later, the employees lose their legal status. They have to start the labour certification process all over again.

The AC21 also allows portability, meaning one can move to another company if his I-140 is approved and his I-485 petition has been pending for 180 days. But if the I-140 is revoked or withdrawn, it is not portable, except if it is withdrawn after the I-485 has been pending for 180 days.

"But revocation for fraud is not a withdrawal; thus the I-140 would no longer be valid for permanent portability purposes. Based on the high likelihood that Satyam's I-140 petitions will all be revoked, the safest course of action for former Satyam employees would thus be to start a new green card application from scratch as soon as possible with a new employer," Rizzo said.

Revocation of an approved I-140 for fraud also results in the beneficiary losing the priority date established by the petition, and underlying labour certification. Satyam employees who find new US employers can start the green card process afresh with a new PERM application. However, if the Satyam I-140 petition is revoked prior to their receipt of a Green Card, the earlier priority date is likely to be lost.

"It would appear that as US companies terminate their contracts with Satyam, there will be US consulting companies vying for those contracts who are more than willing to sponsor former Satyam employees for non-immigrant status and potentially also for new Green Card applications," Rizzo noted. "Because of the legal complications created by Satyam's fraud, however, each of these cases must be carefully analyzed by an immigration attorney."

Officials with Satyam say they foresee no such problems. The Securities and Exchange Commission has not taken any action against the company in the US, and unless the SEC takes action, the USCIS cannot take cognizance, they point out.
(Source USA Today)

Azharuddin joins Congress

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricket team captain Muhammad Azharuddin formally joined the Congress on Thursday, weeks after hitting headlines for contesting election for a Lok Sabha seat from Hyderabad.

He wanted his induction in the party as a birthday gift on February 8 when he turned 46, but it happened 11 days later when Congress spokesman Veerappa Moily introduced him at a special press briefing. “Sonia Gandhi is very happy to have Azhar in the party. He has firm belief in the secular and forward looking policies of the party,” Moily said.

“I am not the captain anymore so I cannot decide on whether I will contest in polls. That is for the party high command to decide. I want to work in the larger interest of the party,” Azhar said. “I am quite happy to be in front of a large gathering after a long time. I have been a fan of late Rajiv Gandhi. It is the only party that has made so many sacrifices,” he said, frankly admitting he has been missing the crowds after he was thrown out and banned in 2000 from cricket for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal.

Reacting to the new Congress find, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain asserted that only ‘fixers’ were joining the ruling party. He also wondered how one disgraced for fouling the sports with match fixing could be an asset to any political party. “All the fixers in the nation are either joining Congress or Samajwadi Party,” Shahnawaz quipped when asked to comment at the BJP press briefing in the Parliament House. A Congress spokesman, however, refuted the BJP charge, pointing out that Azhar had been India’s most successful captain and the alleged match-fixing incident was only an aberration that should not be exploited to rate a person.

Amma 'Nirmalamma' passes away

HYDERABAD Feb 19: Popular character artiste and film-goers’ favourite ‘Bamma’ (granny), is no more. Nirmalamma (89), who is instantly-recognized for her roles as a quintessential grandmother in films, passed away on Thursday morning at her residence in Jubilee Hills.

She is survived by her adopted daughter Kavitha and son-in-law Prasad. Famous as a talented actress for her versatility in character roles, she was loved by audiences for her realistic portrayal of mother and grandmother roles.

Born in 1920 in Bandar, she entered films in 1950 with ‘Garuda Garvabhangam’ and ‘Premaku Swagatham’ was her last film. Her production house Nirmala Arts made ‘Chalaki Mogudu-Chadasthapu Pellam’ starring Rajendra Prasad, directed by Relangi Narasimha Rao.

Over 700 films


In a career spanning over five decades, she worked in over 700 films and bagged Nandi award for best supporting actress for her role in ‘Mayuri’. Her roles in films like ‘Sankarabharanam’, ‘Yamagola’, ‘Padaharella Vayasu’, ‘Swathi Muthyam’, ‘Maavi Chiguru’ and ‘Subha Sankalpam’ remain unforgettable.

On hearing the news of her demise, the entire tinsel town including Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Dasari Narayana Rao, Krishna, Vijaya Nirmala, Tammareddy Bharadwaja, B. Gopal, Murali Mohan, S.V. Krishna Reddy, K. Atchi Reddy, Relangi Narasimha Rao, Paruchuri brothers, Sivaparvathi, Maharshi Raghava and others paid homage to the actress.

YSR condoles demise


Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family members. Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi said she was a natural actress and a powerhouse of talent.
(Source Hindu)

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Niramallamma Last appearance to Media -Video

Laxmi Parvathi In Congress?

Hyderabad, Feb.19: The Chief Minister, Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, was following the footsteps of former chief minister late N T Rama Rao, observed the NTR-TD leader, Ms Nandamuri Laxmi Parvathi.

She met Dr Reddy at his camp office on Thursday and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister to ensure a probe into the irregularities in Heritage company owned by TDP president, Mr N Chandrababu Naidu's wife.

Speaking to media personnel later, she said that she has not taken a decision to join the Congress party.

Kesineni Nani to join Telugu Desam

Vijayawada, Feb 19: Stage is set for the former Praja Rajyam Party urban convener,Mr Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) to join the Telugu Desam.

According to sources,Mr Nani is likely to join the Telugu Desam in the next fortnight.The TD president and former chief minister,Mr N.Chandrababu Naidu, had already given green signal for the entry of Mr Nani into the party.

Mr Nani,who was close to several Telugu Desam leaders,including former Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr G.M.C.Balayogi,joined the Chiranjeevi's PRP in early December 2008 and was made the party urban convener.However,he could not continue in the party for long,as the Kapu leaders of the party, began to push him aside.He started to feel uncomfortable in the party,particularly with the entry of the Vijayawada East Congress MLA,Mr Vangaveeti Radha Krishna.

Mr Radha Krishna encouraged the Kapu leaders,including the party Krishna district convener, Ms M.Vijaya Nirmala,to challenge Mr Nani and make way for his exit.It was because of that Mr Vijaya Nirmala had a fight with Mr Nani during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, which subsequently led to his exit.

Mr Radha Krishna bore grudge against Mr Nani because of the allegation that the latter had helped the TD leaders in the brutal murder of his father,Mr Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga on December 26, 1988.The vehicles used for the murder were allegedly procured by Mr Kesineni Nani.

Having quit the PRP,Mr Nani tried to join the Congress.The Congress leadership too had learned to have offered the Penamaluru Assembly seat for him.However,things took a new turn with the TD leaders, particularly Mr Harikrishna,Mr Yerran Naidu and others prevailing upon Mr Nani and convincing him to join the party.They have also tried to explain to him that the Kammas were not treated well in the Congress and have showed the case of former Minister, Mr Maganti Venkateswara Rao (Babu), who was asked to resign following the defeat of the party in the local body elections in his home turf Denduluru Assembly seat in West Godavari district.

Mr Nani took more than three months to get convinced of the TD as the right place for him and also for every Kamma leader in the State.Finally, he met Mr Chandrababu Naidu, Mr Yerran Naidu and Mr Harikrishna and secured clearance to join the party. He is likely to get the party membership after February 25, when the new moon arrives.

Meanwhile, the fate of the PRP former district convener, Ms Vijaya Nirmala, hangs in balance.The party had removed her from the post following trouble with Mr Kesineni Nani.Now, she is yet to make up her mind on her continuation in the party as she feels that she was humiliated by the leadership."I did not act on my own.But, I was made a victim of the developments.Now, how can I continue in the party," is what she had reportedly told some of the leaders.

Chiru, Goud woo BJP

Hyderabad: One is desperate to prevent his political oblivion, and the other jittery over his political debut. In concerted moves by a veteran politician and a novice, a behindthe-scenes attempt is on to bring about an unlikely alliance of the Prajarajyam and the Nava Telangana Party with the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.
While officially the three parties are denying any such move, sources in the PRP and NTP said Chiranjeevi has deputed T Devender Goud to woo the BJP into striking a poll alliance or at least a seat adjustment. “To take on thetwo major forces in the state — the ruling Congress and the TDP-TRS-Left combine — Chiranjeevi has directed Devender Goud to explore some sort of arrangement with the BJP,” sources told the TOI.
It was Devender Goud who had negotiated with the BJP on behalf of TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu after the general elections in 1998 to forge an alliance, which lasted for five years. “Goud who is finding himself politically marginalised after quitting the TDP and forming his own party, which failed to take off, is the mediator,” the sources said.
According to the sources, Goud held talks with Chiranjeevi and Naga Babu on the issue on Monday after which the NTP leader confabulated with BJP floor leader G Kishan Reddy the same day. “Devender Goud will lead a delegation to New Delhi to meet BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani and party president Rajnath Singh on Thursday,” the sources said.
Goud told at a press conference on Tuesday that his delegation will offer the support of the PRP and NTP to the BJP on the private members’ bill to be moved in the Lok Sabha by the right-wing party on Telangana on February 20. “But the agenda also includes forging some kind of understanding for the elections,” sources said.
The state BJP, however, is publicly maintaining that there is no question of any understanding with the PRP-NTP combine and that it would go it alone. But indications are that it is not averse to exploring a few options to expand its base in Andhra Pradesh.
The PRP and NTP have already announced that they will have a tieup for the coming general and assembly elections
(Source TOI)

Satyamites have a new worry

Hyderabad: The exit of two senior staff from Satyam in the last few days has thrown the firm into a fresh bout of uncertainty once again. News of the exit of Subbu D. Subramaniam, head of Satyam Computer’s manufacturing and automotive group, and Anil Kumar, senior vice president of the financial services vertical, from the firm as well as rumours of takeovers and subsequent layoffs are making employees feel insecure all over again. Added to these are fears that a takeover could involve a change of name of the firm - so that ‘Satyam’ would no longer be the brand name it is for these associates.
If practice, the departure of the two seniors has not really affected most Satyamites. A senior associate was quick to say that at his level, it is the company that matters more than the management. He added “Those who have left are from the top management. Since we have never interacted with them, their departure does not really bother us.” The departures are being viewed more as wrong signals about the future.
Many mid-level employees are worrying about the prospect of a takeover coming with a change of name and possible layoffs. “The Satyam badge has been my identity for the last five or six years and it will be difficult to identify with another name if the new owner decides to change the company name. There will be a feeling of disconnect,” said a senior associate.
“At worst we will lose the Satyam brand, but the new owner is also likely to be a big name and we will continue to have a job. Under the present circumstances, that is good enough,” said a senior Satyam BPO executive.
Then there is the fear of lay offs after a takeover. “The new parent company might decide to bring its own team and we would be shown the door then, so it’s better to prepare for that now,” said a team lead who has been with Satyam for almost four years.
While some associates prefer to ‘wait and watch’ for a few months more, others have started to explore opportunities. A senior manger at Satyam’s Chennai branch confirmed that a large number of employees had put in their papers in the last few days. “People are jittery now, especially the junior level associates who are either serving their bond period or are on the bench, mainly because of rumours that the company would start firing them in the next two months,” he said.
Seniors are not taking any chances either; many of them already have job offers in hand and are negotiating with other firms, just in case they are fired. However since finding jobs under current market conditions is not easy, many are compelled to stay on. “At least we are getting our salaries here, so why take a chance,” said one associate. However analysts say this concern is unnecessary as the the firm is now in “able hands”. With elections round the corner and Satyam being under scrutiny 24X7, it is unlikely that any massive layoffs will take place, they say.
In the meanwhile, seniors in Satyam make reassuring noises. “We have bagged 15 new projects from existing clients and we are also engaging associates in internal projects,” they claim, adding that they are trying to include everyone in the work flow so that no one is demoralised.
(Source TOI)

Ramgopal Verma heading to Tollywood for a bailout

At a time when his name has become synonymous with the biggest flops in the industry, Ram Gopal Varma seems to have no support from Bollywood. And as a last resort, the director was forced to head homewards finally, with the hope of banking on good old friend Suresh Babu’s help for his latest venture Rann. Sources confirm that all the big players turned RGV down before he headed to his Tollywood friend for support. “After the Reliance deal didn’t work out, Amitabh Bachchan’s company AB Corp also pulled out of their offer to co-produce the film,” says a source at RGV’s office. There were also rumours that Sony Pictures India were in talks with the director for the movie. But nothing materialised.

Ramu himself is on the defensive about the whole issue and claims he is working with Suresh Babu because they “always wanted to do something together.” “The news on it not working out with Big is not true. It was my choice to work with Suresh as we knew each other since long and have been planning to do something together and we both felt this is the right project,” Ramu insisted in an SMS. “It is true that Ram gopal Varma and I will work together on the Hindi film Rann. The schedule and the casting will be finalised in a week’s time. However, it is not true that Big entertainment and AB corp have backed out from this project. He must have approached a lot of people for many other scripts, but not this one. I know Ramu for a long time and we have made films together. We zeroed in on the Rann script as we found it interesting. I wanted to do Bollywood films, I was just waiting for the right movie,” said Suresh Babu.

Naresh to compete with Chiru

It seems that actor Naresh, who joined BJP, may compete against Chiranjeevi if Chiranjeevi decides to contest from Tirupathi in the coming general elections. But Naresh is showing interest to contest from Hindupur constituency.

Recently State BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya gave a hint that his party will send Naresh against Chiru, if he decides to contest from Tirupathi. Though there has been news that Chiru would contest from Tirupathi, but nothing has officially announced yet.

Siddhartha wants to do 'Pathala Bhairavi'

That he’s from Chennai is a little-known fact here, but that he’s the chocolate hero of Tollywood is well-known. Within a span of just four years, Siddharth established himself in Tollywood, but failed to make a mark in his hometown, though he has acted in a couple of Tamil movies. Ask him why, being from Chennai, he prefers to act in Telugu films, and he explodes, “I’ve already done five Telugu films, I’ve shifted to Hyderabad, I’m eating your favourite gongura just like you do and the audience has always felt that I am Telugu. I have done only one Hindi film so far and I have always preferred Telugu films.”

After superhit Bommarillu, it took Siddharth a year and a half for his next release, Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam. The actor, who went to watch the film incognito, says the audience’s response to his role in the film was amazing. He goes on to explain, “I don’t have any bodyguards and I often go to a multiplex whenever I feel like watching a film. Even if I have to take my mother shopping, I do it without any hungama.” Talk of filmi ‘moms’, and he chuckles, “I’m fortunate to be blessed with glam moms in my films.” He also tells us how much his mother liked the sarees Ramya Krishna wore in the film.

When asked about his aversion to acting in multi-language films, he replied, “Audience tastes differ from region to region. Moreover, I have to enact the role more than once and I don’t like to repeat myself. Even my earlier films, Nuvvostanante Nenoddananta and Bommarillu, were remade in other languages, but they are not as successful as the original Telugu version.” He adds, “I don't like remakes. People have approached me to do a remake of Jab We Met, but I decided to opt out. If I ever do a remake, I’d choose one that’s a few decades old, which the present-day audience is not familiar with.” When asked which old film he’d prefer to act in, if it was remade, pat came the answer – “Pathalabhairavi.”

Emphasising his preference for trying out new roles, he says, “I told my father that I don’t want to do a 9 to 5 job and that I want to join films. Here too, I don’t want to do the same routine films. Innovative subjects appeal to me,” he said. Siddharth, who was worked with three new directors in the Telugu films he’s done, says, “It’s not that I don’t like to work with seniors, but I always like to encourage new directors who come up with innovative ideas.”

His next project, Oye, which is releasing in May, also has debutant director Anand helming the project. After that he plans to work with another new director too. Before he signs off, he comes up with some advice for the directors he has worked with – “Work on your films as you would for your first project, only then will you get good results.

California to cut 20,000 state employees

Los Angels, Feb 17 (Reuters) - California, which is on the brink of running out of cash, will notify 20,000 state workers on Tuesday their jobs may be eliminated, a spokesman for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Monday.

The announcement came a day after California lawmakers narrowly failed to pass a $40 billion budget that would have plugged the state's deficit with a mix of tax hikes and spending cuts.

"In the absence of a budget, the governor has a responsibility to realize state savings any way he can," said Aaron McLear, a spokesman for the Republican governor. "This is unfortunately a necessary decision."

The layoff notices will affect about 20 percent of state workers, McLear said, adding the cuts would extend to every part of state government.

The positions would be eliminated in June in preparation for California's next fiscal year, which starts in July.

California, America's most populous state and the world's eighth biggest economy, has experienced a dramatic fall in revenues because of the housing downturn, rising unemployment and a sharp pullback in consumer spending.

To conserve cash, the state has stopped public works projects, furloughed state employees for two days a month and postponed sending out tax refunds.

Raviteja to Pairup with Nayantara

Nayanatara is going to act with Ravi Teja in a new film to be directed by Boyapati Seenu of ‘Bhadra’ and ‘Tulasi’ fame. This is the second film for Nayantara with Ravi Teja after ‘Dubai Sreenu’. This is also the second film for Raviteja - Boyapati Sreenu. Comedian turned producer Ganesh is set to produce the film under Parameswara Arts banner and will be presented by Ravi Kiran Babu. This film will be launched soon.

Currently, Ravi Teja is working for the film ‘Kick’ in the direction of Surender Reddy. Ileana is the heroine in the film. Currently, the film is in the shooting of third schedule and will be released in April 2009.

Aishwarya Duplicate demands imported beer

Sneha Ullal who eased into Tollywood with her debut film “Ullasamga Utsahamga” is said to be showing her tantrums. Recently the lady’s tantrums were reported by the producers of ‘Current’ which is Sneha’s next movie. Chinthalapudi Srinivas and Nagasuseela are producing this film and are reported to be vexed up with Sneha’s demands.

It is reported that Sneha is demanding imported beer from the producers almost every day. Adding to this, some of her friends recently visited Sneha in Taj hotel and their luxury living bill was also included into Sneha’s account which has to be paid by the Current producers. It is also reported that the babe is also fingering in the direction department of the film and is suggesting some unwanted advices to the debutant director Surya Prathap.

Recently, one of her latest fashioned goggles were broken accidentally by her, she immediately demanded a new pair from Naga Suseela which was fulfilled.

If this continues then the replica of Aishwarya Rai will be soon sidelined from the Telugu film industry.