4OOm runners to the fore

MR Poovamma
MR Poovamma

So many known names clashing in a single event occurs rarely in Indian athletics. One such rarity is the 400m race in the Open Nationals, where the country’s top quarter-milers MR Poovamma, Nirmala, Anu Mariam Jose and Tintu Luka will vie for glory alongside seasoned campaigners Ashwini Akkunji and Jauna Murmu.

Of late, Poovamma has been monopolising the event. Having claimed a hat-trick of Grand Prix gold, the Mangalorean would be confident. However, she can’t expect a free ride with the likes of Jauna, Ashwini, Priyanka Panwar, Sini and Mandeep returning from the dope-induced sabbatical.

She can’t discount Anu or Tintu either. Anu, only 23, has made rapid strides but lacked the killer instinct to better her. Tintu, meanwhile, is gradually progressing in her new stream.

The sheer numbers could bolster the 400m scene in the country, expects chief national coach Bahadur Singh. Though he reckons it is premature to predict the chances of the country excelling at the global stage, he thinks they are already a force to be reckoned with in Asia. “We will have a proper assessment of our athletes’ capabilities after CWG and the Asian Games next year. But the increase in bench strength, undoubtedly, will help raise the standard of running in the country,” he said.

National coach N Ramesh feels some athletes have the talent to blossom at the international level. “We are focussing more on 400m. Almost nine quality runners will compete in this event, and some have the quality and talent to make an impact at the international level,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport / by Shan A S / ENS – Ranchi / September 08th, 2013

Gym at indoor stadium opens for public in Madikeri

State-of-the-art stadiums and facilities are essential for the sports personnel to hone their skills. To support the sports talent in the district, the department of youth services and sports had constructed an indoor stadium at General Thimmaiah Stadium in Madikeri.

Youth have been showing interest in shuttle badminton and body building in the recent years. Keeping this in mind, the authorities had developed shuttle badminton court and a gym. The gym will be open for not only the sports personnel but also for the public and students. The decision was taken by the District Stadium Development Committee.

The indoor stadium which was developed using lakh of rupees was not utilised by many. Hence, the Committee had decided to allow the public to use it.

Those who would like to gain admission to the gym can collect application forms from the department of youth services and sports in General Thimmaiah Stadium on September 16.

The registration fee for shuttle badminton is Rs 500 for students, Rs 1000 for public and the monthly fee will be Rs 200. The fee for using the gym is Rs 400 for students, Rs 750 for public and the monthly fee is Rs 300, said department assistant director Jayalakshmi Bai.

For details contact: 08272-228985.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Srikanth Kallammanevar, Madikeri / DHNS – September 15th, 2013

I was intimidated when I first met Sanjay Leela Bhansali: Gulshan Devaiah

Gulshan Devaiah, who is best known for his role in Shaitan (2011), will now be seen as the antagonist in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram Leela. The actor has already shot for the film, but admits that he was initially scared to be part of it. In fact, many people from the industry told him not to sign on for it.

Anurag Kashyap claimed Shaitan is something you haven't experienced before.
Anurag Kashyap claimed Shaitan is something you haven’t experienced before.

The actor cites two reasons for being sceptical about signing the film. The first, he says, was that he was not sure if he could live up to Bhansali’s expectations. “Like most people, I only knew of him from what I had heard from everybody else. I was extremely intimidated when I first met him. In fact, I was scared. I have grown up watching his films and I was overwhelmed by the greatness of the man. So, I was not sure if I could live up to his expectations,” says the actor.

While Gulshan was still not convinced if he could pull off the role, several of his friends told him to not sign the film as they believed that he won’t have a great working experience with the director. “That was the second reason. Most of the people I called told me he does not give creative freedom. But, I must say, they don’t really know him. He is a great director and is always open to new ideas. He was supportive and I am glad that I went ahead with my instinct to sign the film,” says Gulshan.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / by Anirban Das, HT / Mumbai – September 14th, 2013

Team Bangalore ‘Banga Beats’ launch logo for upcoming Indian Badminton League

Ashwini Ponnappa and Puneeth Rajkumar
Ashwini Ponnappa and Puneeth Rajkumar

Vimal Kumar has had a long innings as player, coach and organiser for over three decades, but even he appeared surprised by the changes heralded by the Indian Badminton League.

The launch function for the Bangalore team’s logo had spruced up the staid venue and offered a glimpse of what the IBL could offer. It was a world of difference from events called to announce state or national ranking tournaments.

“I have been involved with badminton for a long time, but this is a totally different thing,” said Vimal, who shared the dais with Indian doubles star Ashwini Ponnappa, Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, Bangalore team CEO Vijay Lancy, team promoters and officials of the Karnataka Badminton Association.

He continued, “I’m looking forward to it. The IBL will bring put the limelight on badminton. We know the problems badminton face regarding sponsorship, but even then Indian badminton has improved. The gap between Indian and international players has closed… more corporate support is a good sign, and I’m very happy.

“But just the league is not going to improve badminton. A lot of work needs to be done by state and district associations at the grassroots level. Good performances from our players have made the difference.”

The Bangalore team – named Banga Beats – was bought by the BOP Group, which has interests in real estate. Karan Chaudhri, GM Marketing of BOP Group, said it had decided to invest in badminton because the sport was the right fit for its business. “Badminton is very close to the business we do,” he said. “Because every family plays badminton, and it’s our first step into sports. We have engagements planned, such as school tournaments, camps, and so on. We’ll also be looking at setting up infrastructure at our projects.”

The stars of the evening were Bangalore girl and doubles international Ashwini Ponnappa and Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who apparently plays badminton regularly. “It’s very exciting,” said Ashwini. “We’ve seen how well the IPL has been doing. We definitely know it’s going to get badminton more mileage. With matches in six cities, more people will get a chance to see top badminton matches.”

A note from the team owners said they had chosen the name ‘Banga Beats’ as “we wanted to give badminton the fun it deserves… Banga means party hard. And Beats is the beat of music.”

Former India international and team CEO Vijay Lancy said the IBL would usher in hope for Indian badminton. “It is heartening that companies like BOP have used badminton as a branding platform,” Lancy said, adding that he hoped Ashwini would be part of the Bangalore team.

source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / SportsKeeda / Home> Badminton – Indian Badminton League / by / Dev Sukumar / July 13th, 2013

Ajith song shoot in Madikeri

The two songs of the upcoming Kannada movie Ajith, which has Chiranjeevi Sarja and Nikki Galrani in the lead roles, will be shot in Madikeri and surrounding areas. Harsha will do the choreography for the songs.
SongKF15sept2013
The film, which is directed by Mahesh Babu, is the remake of Tamil film Paiyya. The movie will mark the debut of Nikki Galrani in Sandalwood and Yuva Shankar Raja — the music composer for Paiyya — as he will be scoring the music for the Kannada version too. The film also has Arpitha, Rockline Sudhakar and Shivamanju in important roles. Ajith has already been shot in Mysore and other locations of the state, and Sundaranath Suvarna is the cinematographer of the movie.

Meanwhile Chiranjeevi Sarja will soon start working for the movie Ayya-2, which will be a sequel to Ayya movie. The film will be directed by Om Prakash Rao. Chiranjeevi Sarja also has another remake film Chandralekha in the pipeline, which is a remake of the Telugu film Prema Katha Charitham.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada> Film / by Vinay Lokesh, TNN / September 13th, 2013

Mysore Kodava Samaja President passes away

Nadikeriyanda P. Kalappa
Nadikeriyanda P. Kalappa

Mysore :

Nadikeriyanda P. Kalappa (68), President of Mysore Kodava Samaja and a resident of Kuvempunagar, passed away at a hospital in Bangalore last night after a brief illness.

A retired Assistant Director of Agriculture Department, he leaves behind his wife Yashoda Kalappa, one son, one daughter and a large number of relatives and friends.

Kalappa, who was the Founder President of Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, had also served as the Vice-President of Mysore Kodava Samaja and as Vice-Chairman of Sri Cauvery Education Council.

Last rites took place at the foot of Chamundi Hill this afternoon.

Holiday for Cauvery School

The management of Cauvery Education Council has declared a holiday for Sri Cauvery Educational Institutions, run by Mysore Kodava Samaja, in Kuvempunagar, as a mark of respect for the departed soul.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / September 10th, 2013

Tributes paid to war hero Devayya

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and others offering floral tributes to the portrait of Ajjamada Devayya at the Circle named after him in Madikeri on Saturday./ The Hindu
Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and others offering floral tributes to the portrait of Ajjamada Devayya at the Circle named after him in Madikeri on Saturday./ The Hindu

Rich tributes were paid to late Squadron Leader Ajjamada B. Devayya, a Kodava hero who showed exemplary courage to shoot down a Pakistani Supersonic F104 aircraft in the 1965 war under adverse conditions, at the Circle named after him at the private bus stand in Madikeri on Saturday. Sq. Ldr. Devayya carried out the attack on this day in 1965 to lay down his life for the nation.

Garland

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, Ajjamada family members, officials, and guests garlanded the portrait of Devayya in the morning to remember the heroics of the war veteran with Mr. Bopaiah promising to find a suitable location to set up a statue in the city in honour of Devayya for upholding military traditions of Kodagu.

Sq. Ldr. Devayya was born on 24 Dec 1932. He was the only one among the members of the strike force who sacrificed his life for the nation after carrying out the task of attacking the Sargodha airfield in Pakistan on September 7, 1965.

This was revealed in a book written by English journalist John Fricker, after he was party to the description of an episode by the then Flight Lieutenant, Amjad Hussain, of Pakistan.

The private bus-stand circle in Madikeri was named after the war hero on September 7, 2009.

Sq. Ldr. Devayya was conferred with the Maha Vir Chakra for his illustrious service to the nation posthumously which was received by his wife Sundari from the President of India.

Delay

Though the State government sanctioned Rs. 5 lakh for setting up a statue of Devayya, the project was being delayed over a court order, he said. Efforts were on to talk to Bal Bhavan authorities to secure land to set up the statue of Devayya, he said. Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari, Ajjamada family members Karumbaiah, Katti Mandaiah, ex-servicemen, officials of Department of Sainik and Resettlement Board, Madikeri, were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Madikeri – September 08th, 2013

Centre to showcase Kodava culture

To preserve the rich culture and tradition of the community, a Kodava Heritage Centre is being set up at Balugodu in Virajpet taluk. The centre boasts of state-of-the-art facilities and is being built at a cost of `13 crore.

Federation of Kodava Samajas, which was established in 2000, is setting up the centre on a sprawling 15 acres. With the help extended by former revenue minister H C Sreekantaiah, MLC M C Nanaiah, former CM B S Yeddyurappa and MLAs K G Bopaiah and M P Appachu Ranjan, the centre will soon become a reality.

The heritage centre has received Rs 2 crore as funds and Rs 90 lakh from donors, Federation of Kodava Samajas president M N Belliappa said.

An additional Rs 10 crore is required to complete the work, he added.

The centre will have an ainmane, mundumane (ancestral homes), hockey ground, park for children, martyrs park, guest house with 12 rooms and spice garden, he said. Secretary of the Federation B B Subbaiah said Sports and cultural events were organised last year between the Kodava Samajas registered with the federation at the three-day Kodava Namme. The second year’s Namme will be held from October 25 to 27 and 30. Kodava Samajas from across the country have enrolled for it.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by B.C. Dinesh / ENS – Madikeri / September 09th, 2013

Rs 75 lakh grant for Madikeri Dasara

Madikeri :

Karnataka government has sanctioned Rs 75 lakh for the historical Madikeri Dasara festival and Rs 25 lakh for Gonikoppal Dasara. Virajpet MLA and ex-speaker KG Bopaiah told TOI that district incharge minister HC Mahadevappa had confirmed this to him over phone.

Recently a delegation from the Madikeri Dasara committee met chief minister Siddaramaiah and Mahadevappa and submitted a memorandum seeking release of funds for the Dasara festival immediately as the buzz is that the election commission may shortly declare elections for the Madikeri city municipal council. The committee had convinced the CM that if the election was declared, the code of conduct will come in the way of release of grant.

Dasara committee working president KM Ganesh has welcomed the immediate response of the chief minister. Dasara tableaux committee president Vinod said people want the tableaux procession to start early.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysore / TNN / September 09th, 2013

City’s rising Star

Sushma with her mom Alemada Usha Nanaiah.
Sushma with her mom Alemada Usha Nanaiah.

“I was drawn towards acting for I always found it overwhelming and challenging. Thanks to city’s theatre repertory Rangayana, I was exposed to the world of theatre better. Being passionate about theatre, I frequently visited Rangayana to watch and also perform in shows while at college. And that helped me groom myself and my acting skills,” says the city’s rising star Sushma Nanaiah.

Art and artistes are not new to Mysore. If the city is known for its culture and rare art forms, it has even produced several talented artistes who have made names for themselves in diverse creative fields. Here is one such young and talented artiste, who has gone on to become a familiar face for many, through the television industry in Karnataka.Meet Sushma Nanaiah, a young and beautiful multifaceted artiste from Mysore who has entered the Kannada small screen industry with an aim to showcase the fineness she possesses as a performer.

Having performed in over twelve soaps in various TV channels in three years now, Sushma says she was drawn towards acting for she always found it overwhelming and challenging. To be an actress, Sushma has drifted from one realm to another. Such was the fondness she had for acting that she took to being an actress, while she could have been a microbiologist otherwise.

She recalls that it is through a theatre workshop held at city’s theatre repertory Rangayana that she got exposed to the world of theatre better and that it helped her want to try her hands in small screen.

“Being passionate about theatre, I frequently visited Rangayana to watch and also perform in shows while at college. And that helped me groom myself and my acting skills,” says the rising actress. “Like any other girl of my age, I too pursued a degree and then a master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Mysore and started working as a data analyst at a company in Bangalore. But soon did I realise I was unhappy with what I was doing and that theatre and acting remain my first priority.”

Says Sushma, “I always thought I could concentrate more on my passion once I relocated to Bangalore; but I would hate to find myself extremely tired and stressed out after an entire day of work and travelling home from my workplace amidst messy traffic at Bangalore each day. That is when I began trying my hands in acting, finally giving upon my 9-6 office job.”

But it did not really become a mean task to Sushma since she had already proved that she is endowed with talent through her performances at various theatre shows at Mysore, Bangalore and Mumbai. She also is a trained freestyle and Bhartanatyam dancer, a singer, has even choreographed some dance programmes and anchored some TV shows. “And now, I am extremely happy with my profession. It feels wonderful when people recognise an actor by the name of her roles for it tells us how well we have impacted the minds of people through our roles and acting,” she gushes.

All set to tie the knot this coming November, Sushma says she will continue working the same way even post-wedding for her family is all supportive, adding: “I have done a few shows and have some more in the pipeline. I’ll continue doing what I am into.” “I would love to try my hands with direction in future,” the actress adds, talking of her future plans. Sushma is based at Bangalore but frequently visits Mysore as her mother resides in the city. — AN

Profile

Sushma Nanaiah, after her graduation at JSS Women’s College in city, completed her M. Sc (Microbiology) from the University of Mysore. A resident of Vijayanagar in city, she is currently settled in Bangalore. Sushma is the proud daughter of the late Alemada Nanaiah and Usha Nanaiah.

Acting Career: Kannada Serials

Kavya Kasturi – Kasturi Channel

Soubhagyavath – Kasturi Channel

Kartika Deepa – Udaya TV

Anna Tangi – Suvarna Channel

Deepavuninnade Gaaliyuninnade – ETV Kannada

Rathasapthami – Udaya TV

Galipata – ETV Kannada

Mahabharatha – Udaya TV and SUN TV

Movie: Cyber Yugadhol Navayuva Madhura Prema Kavyam (Kannada)

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / September 06th, 2013