Richa Chadda’s cabaret act

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Richa Chadda
Richa Chadda

Richa Chadda has been roped in by Pooja Bhatt to play the lead in Cabaret. Incidentally, Pooja had been looking out for the right actress for the part for nearly two years and had almost settled on a newcomer. However, she has now opted for Richa for the role of a seductress.

“It was a close call,” Pooja confirmed. “I was contemplating a newcomer for the part. But then I realised it was too much to expect a newcomer to deliver what the character required.”

Not only would the actress who essayed the part have to perform sizzling cabaret numbers, she would also need to be a top-notch dramatic performer.

Says Pooja, “It’s a very difficult role. Somehow Richa’s face kept coming to me. When I mentioned her for the role, some people told me she was too desi, too much of a Delhi girl. But I feel the sensuous side of Richa is ready to be tapped. Richa knows she’ll have to work very hard to get a cabaret dancer’s body-language right.”

To get that aspect of the role right, Pooja has asked her brother Rahul Bhatt, a fitness trainer, to put Richa through her paces. “Rahul will put Richa under a strict regime and make her slog to look the part.”

Gulshan Devaiah will star opposite Richa in the film. They have previously worked together in Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela, although they didn’t have many scenes together.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / DC / Subhash K Jha / November 19th, 2014

Robin Uthappa should be used as limited-overs specialist, not as ‘reserve’ batsman

Sports

RobinUthappaKF10dec2014

If form is anything to go by, Robin Uthappa has by far been the best Indian batsman this year. He changed the fortunes of the Gautam Gambhir-led Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this year where during an incredible run, the wicket-keeper batsman scored 11 consecutive 40 plus scores, which was a new world record in T20 cricket.

It was his red-hot form, which got him back into the reckoning for the Indian team, after six years.

But when he was included in the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this year, it was because the main players had either been rested, or had opted out. The same happened against Sri Lanka, where Uthappa was included for the last two ODIs, as Shikhar Dhawan was rested. Despite scoring heap of runs, for reasons unknown, he wasn’t the first choice to open the innings for India in ODIs.

While Uthappa scored 69 runs against Bangladesh in three matches, including a half-century, he managed just 35 runs in two innings against Sri Lanka. Not to forget, in both the matches against the Lankans, Uthappa batted much lower down the order as the top slot was fixed for the likes for Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane. Also, in the 4th ODI against Sri Lanka, Uthappa made sure he gave most of the strike to Rohit, who went on to score a historic knock of 264 runs.

Ajinkya Rahane has been in sensational form for India while opening the innings, but both Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan haven’t tasted much success while batting overseas. Since the beginning of this year, while playing away, Rohit has played seven matches and has scored just 218 runs, 79 being his highest score. Dhawan on the other hand has accumulated 264 runs from nine innings, 97 not out being his best against New Zealand. While they have scored some big knocks playing in India, their consistency while playing abroad has cost India dearly.

On the other hand, Uthappa’s consistency is known to all. The argument could be that all of Uthappa’s runs have come in India. But how is he supposed to score runs overseas, when the selectors stick with the same players, again and again? And how long is he supposed to keep performing in all formats of the game, despite being regularly snubbed by selectors? He has improved his game, technique, temperament, fitness, what else does he need to do to deserve a place in the playing eleven as a first choice?

Even in domestic cricket, Uthappa showed his resurgence as a batsman hitting a century (120) against East Zone followed by scores of 80 and 30 against Central Zone.

Uthappa is no more the batsman he was when he came into the Indian team in 2006. Though his ability to hit seamers over midwicket after charging down the pitch looked quite Hayden-esque, he was dismissed on most of the occasions while attempting similar strokes. Like most of the youngsters, he too was keen to clobber every delivery out of the park. But once he went in exile, he has done everything possible to gain attention from the cricketing cognoscenti.

Over the years, we have seen the best cricket teams use different players for different formats. For example, England used Alex Hales as a T20 specialist for several years. In the bowling department, they used Jade Dernbach as a T20 bowler. During his initial years, David Warner was used as a T20 specialist by Australia and it was only after a few years that he became a regular in all formats of the game. While the Indian team isn’t known for such experiments, the sort of comeback Robin Uthappa has made, he can definitely be used as a limited-overs specialist.

It would be unfair if the selectors judge him on the basis of his knocks in the last two ODIs against the Lankans. They got to rate his overall performance this year, and he should be the frontrunner as an opener for the forthcoming Australian tour and the ICC World Cup.

source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Z News / Home> News> Exclusive / by Suyash Srivastava / Thursday – November 20th, 2014

Poovamma, Uthappa honoured

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

PoovammaKF10ec2014

Quarter-miler MR Poovamma and cricketer Robin Uthappa walked away with the top awards at the Sports Writers Association of Bangalore’s (SWAB) annual award’s ceremony at the Karnataka State Billiards Association here on Sunday.

While Poovaama was recognised as the Sportsperson of the Year (female) for the second year in a row for her medal winning performances in the year, Uthappa was adjudged the best Sportsperson of the Year (male) for his feats in the IPL, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy in the season gone by.

Both the award winners weren’t present due to prior commitments.

The Karnataka cricket team, which won three trophies in less than two months at the start of the year, was identified as the Team of the Year.

After winning the Ranji Trophy, the team defeated a Rest Of India side to corner glory in the Irani Cup before capturing the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

J Arunkumar and Mansur Ali Khan, the batting and bowling coaches respectively of the team, won the Coaches of the Year award.

Former Indian women’s hockey captain Elvera Britto was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award.

Gagan Narang, bronze medalist in 10-metre air rifle shooting event in the 2012 London Olympics, was the chief guest for the occasion.

Winners: Coaches of the year: J Arun Kumar and Mansur Ali Khan (Cricket); Junior sportsperson of the year (male): S Chikkarangappa (Golf); Junior sportsperson of the year (female): Aditi Ashok (Golf); Behind the scene award: Raghuprasad (Hockey); Featured Association (2012): Karnataka State Billiards Association; Featured Association (2013): Karnataka State Cricket Association; Featured Association (2014): Karnataka Volleyball Association; Sportsperson of the year (male): Robin Uthappa (Cricket); Sportsperson of the year (female): M R Poovamma (Athletics); Lifetime achievement award: Elvera Britto (Hockey); Team of the year award: Karnataka State Cricket Association (Cricket).

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports / by DHNS – Bengaluru, November 17th, 2014

Kodava Samskrithika Mela on Nov 15,16

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Kodava Sahitya Academy, in association with The Highlanders Family Club, Kakkabbe, will organise a taluk Kodava Samskrithika Mela at Kakkabbe High School Grounds in Madikeri on November 15 and 16.

Addressing mediapersons in Madikieri on Thursday, Academy President B S Thammaiah said that the inauguration of the Mela will be on November 15 at 9.45 am. MP Prathap Simha, Zilla Panchayat Vice President Beena Bollamma, Major General (Retd) Bachamanda A Cariappa will take part.

An exhibition and Kodava folk games competition will be inaugurated at 11 am. ZP Member Biddanda Usha Devamma, Taluk Panchayat Member Bollachettira Suresh, GP President Kotera Naila Changappa and others will participate.

A cultural programme will be held at 5 pm. Madikeri Taluk Panchayat President Kandanda Prathija Acchappa, Kalyatanda Raghu Thammiah of The High Landers Family Club, Kakkabbe, Zilla Panchayat former President Shatheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Taluk Panchayat member Neravanda Umesh and others will participate.

A Kodava cultural procession will be taken on November 16 at 9.30 am. Chamarajanagara Deputy Commissioner Appachettolanda Kunjappa, Kodava Sahitya Academy President Biddatanda S Thammiah, Additional DC Abhiram G Shankar, Nalnad Kodav Koota Convener N Ganesh Poonaccha, Moornada Vidya Samsthe President B G Madappa and others will take part. Dignitaries will be felicitated on the occasion.

Sessions will be held at 12 noon while a poets’ symposium will be held at 12.30 pm.
The valedictory programme will be held at 2.30 pm.

District in-Charge Minister K J George, Atrocity prevention law study committee President Meriyanda C Nanaiah, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa, Zilla Panchayat President Shareene Subbaiah, MLA K G Bopaiah, MLC T John, former Minister M A Nanaiah, District Congress President B T Pradeep, district BJP President Suja Kushalappa, coffee grower Mittu Changappa will be present among others.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, November 15th, 2014

Yamini Muthanna and team to present Navagraha in Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Yamini Muthanna, Bharatanatyam dancer and Yoga teacher. File Photo: K. Murali Kumar. / The Hindu
Yamini Muthanna, Bharatanatyam dancer and Yoga teacher. File Photo: K. Murali Kumar. / The Hindu

Noted Bharathnatyam and Yoga exponent Yamini Muthanna and her team will be presenting a unique dance drama called Navagraha – Lords of the Constellation at a programme to be held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Kodagu Vidyalaya’s amphitheatre on November 28.

“Navagraha – Lords of the Constellation” is a theatrical presentation unique in its choreography, but in traditional Bharatnatyam format, said Ms. Yamini Muthanna, the artistic director of Kalasinchanam Yogastala Ancient Arts Trust (KYAAT), Bengaluru.

The music in the presentation has original Sri Shankaracharya’s Navagraha Slokas set in various ragas, said Ms. Muthanna is a statement. “The choreography is rich with complicated jathis, sancharies presenting the navagraha stories and karnas presenting the graha chalana or the movement of the planets”, she added.

The presentation scheduled to be held between 6.30 and 8 p.m. on Friday, November 28, has been organised as part of culture promotion programme by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan at Madikeri. KYAAT seeks to impart the essence of ancient art forms and scriptures, the statement added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – November 22nd, 2014

‘Kodagu is an integral part of Karnataka’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri hosts Jagrithi Samavesha

Kodagu should not be separated from Karnataka. Though the language of Kodagu is different, all kinds of transactions are being carried out in Kannada. Kodagu is an integral part of Karnataka, said Litterateur De Javare Gowda.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Jagrithi Samavesha organised by Karnataka Kavalu Pade at Cauvery Kalakshetra in Madikeri on Thursday. Rejecting any language is same as rejecting Goddess Saraswathi. Hence, one should learn and accept other languages, including English, he said.

Farmers’ movement leader and MLA K S Puttannaiah said that though the people from outside the state learn Kannada, our own people neglect the language. The culture, cuisine and solidarity in Karnataka cannot be found elsewhere, he added.

Linguistics expert Dr Kikkeri Narayan, delivering a special lecture, said that the regional languages are vanishing due to the effect of globalisation and westernisation. About 3,000 of 7,500 languages have been extinct over a span of 5,000 years, he said.

Litterateur C P Krishnakumar said that the language and culture of the place will thrive only when every Kannadiga contributes his share.

Karnataka Kavalu Pade State President M Mohankumar Gowda delivered a keynote address. Kavalu Pade Cultural Committee President Sathish Javare Gowda, District unit President M Krishna, City Municipal Corporation President Julekabi, Kannada Sahitya Parishat district President T P Ramesh were present among others.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, Novmeber 14th, 2014

K.M. Chengappa no more

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

KallichandaKF05dec2014

Mysuru :

Kallichanda M. Chengappa (45), Editor, Star of Mysore, passed away at his residence in Balele, South Kodagu, early this morning following a brief illness.

He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, two younger sisters, brothers-in-law and a host of friends and relatives. Last rites took place at his native village in Balele this afternoon.

Condoled: Star of Mysore management and staff have condoled his untimely death at a meeting held at SOM office in Bannimantap this morning.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / November 29th, 2014

Kodagu gets award for tourism

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, World Opinion

Kodagu has bagged the title of “Favourite Emerging Destination” in India at the Readers’ Travel Awards event in New Delhi on Tuesday

The award was presented to G Sathyavathi, Director, Department of Tourism, Karnataka by Divia Thani, Editor of Conde Nast Traveller magazine, Lalit K Pawar, Secretary, India Tourism and Nicholas Coleridge, President, Conde Nast International.

Kodagu has been the most popular hill station in south India for many years, said Minister for Tourism R V Deshpande. “Locals have made the experience more interesting by offering excellent cultural, culinary and nature-engaging experiences that attract tourists again and again,” he added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / DHNS – Bengaluru, November 27th, 2014

Rural Tourism : A suggestion to Mysuru-Kodagu MP

Business & Economy

by N.K.A. Ballal, Retd. Sr. Vice-President, ITDC

Rural tourism is essentially an activity which takes place in the country-side. Unlike the conventional tourism, the rural tourism is experience-based, nature and environment-friendly and is strictly based on preservation of our culture, heritage and traditions.

The benefits of rural tourism is multi-folded. Along with the creation of alternate source of income, it also helps in the revival of the local arts and handicrafts. It helps women empowerment, poverty alleviation and improves the standards of living of the rural folk. That is the reason, Government of India is giving so much importance and emphasising on the development of this form of tourism and is offering lots of incentives and subsidies for the same. Almost 74 percent of the population living in rural India and with almost 7 million villages, India is ideally suited for this form of tourism. With all major cities in India becoming urban jungles, the people are on the look-out for escape route and this form of tourism would definitely help.

Another major advantage is that rural tourism can be an upmarket experience both for domestic and international tourists. This is one of the primary reasons that the Home-Stay concept introduced by Karnataka Tourism has been a resounding success with more that 3,000 Home-Stays in place. Coorg is overflowing with domestic tourists from all over India. And most of them prefer to stay in these homes amidst the coffee estates and be with the nature. A win-win situation both for the tourists and the estate owners.

“Stop. Take a deep breath and walk, fly or catch a train away from the city and into the world where the average pace of life is slower than slow. It is not down in any map, true places never are.” [Herman Melville].

I would like to enumerate some well-known rural tourism centres in India for the benefit of SOM readers:

1. Eco-sphere Spiti – high altitude rural tourism: The Spiti Valley is a lesser known alternate to Leh and Ladakh. Visits to Buddhist Monasteries, Yak safaris, treks to villages, village home-stays and cultural performances are some of the activities on offer.

2. Chhotaram Prajapat’s Home-Stay near Jodhpur: This home-stay has become very famous since its inception wherein one can stay in village dwellings [with western commode], learn the art of weaving and experience home cooked food, camel safaris, folk dances, village trekking etc.

3. Lakshman Sagar – luxury rural tourism in Rajasthan: Here one can experience rural tourism in luxury of well-made huts or tents. New attractions would be brick-making kilns, chilli drying and wholesale market, nature walks and horse safaris.

4. Rural tourism at Kutch, Gujarat: Here one can experience the vibrancy of Gujarat, culture, art and dances.

5. Farming in Punjab: This trip is for tourists who want to see and experience traditional farming, dances and Punjabi cuisine.

6. Tribal travels in North East: Here one can experience the pleasures of mountain rides, trekking in unknown territories and interacting with tribes like Naga and Bodo.

7. Kila Raipur – rural Olympics in Punjab: The famous bullock cart race which happens in February every year.

8. Rural tourism in Maharashtra: This includes ‘the story of rice’ which allows the tourists to experience the way rice is cultivated, lessons about the famous worli paintings or visit to a village in the month of June when millions of fireflies light up the hills of western ghats.

I have just enumerated some of the rural tour initiatives which have become popular in the international calender but alas, as usual we Kannadigas have missed the bus. In spite of having all the features mentioned above, we have not been able to encash upon this novel tourism idea so far.

Whether ploughing a field, harvesting rice, learning to make toys or pots, traditional jaggery making, teaching the tourist how silk worm is bred, riding in a bullock cart or simply sleeping under the stars, rural tourism initiatives are not just giving the city-dwellers a taste of life on the other side of the farm hedge; they are creating sustainable eco-systems which provide alternate source of income for the village dwellers without straining their existing resources.

Since our Prime Minister has asked our MPs to adopt a village and convert that into a model village, I have the following suggestion to our own MP Pratap Simha. Sir, you can choose a village near Mysuru which has some traditional artisans or folk dancers living there and try to develop the same as a rural tourism venture. You can also adopt another village at Coorg which can highlight the exotic culture, dress and cuisine of the Kodavas. Apart from the money you have at your disposal from your own fund, this form of tourism gets lots of incentives from the Ministry of Tourism and Rural Development, which can be tapped. The village council can be persuaded to make some traditional huts with western commodes so that the tourists can be made to stay and experience the real village life.

This form of tourism should strictly be upmarket to ensure that only quality tourist come in and not quantity. Of course, our Department of Tourism should actively and aggressively market it at all the trade marts abroad. Just like the Home-Stays in Coorg, this will catch on and will bring in prosperity to the village and the region. A point to ponder.

[Do write your comments to ananthballal@yahoo.com]

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 03, 2014

Kasturirangan report on ESZ: Public hearing in Madikeri tomorrow

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Madikeri :

The State-level Expert team will be visiting Madikeri tomorrow to hold a public meeting with respect to the Kasturirangan Report, which recommends declaring 53 villages in Kodagu district as Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).

The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Fort Mini Hall at the DC’s office at 3 pm.

There has been a wide range of protests by people of Kodagu and organisations demanding the State Government not to consider the Kasturirangan Report. The team is visiting Madikeri to hear public grievances on the issue.

Meanwhile, a few organisations under the banner of Kasturirangan Varadi Virodi Samithi have also planned to stage protests tomorrow.

Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tiwari said that it was an opportunity for the public to put forward their objections before the team. He added that the video recording of the meeting would be sent to State Government.

Tiwari has urged the people to maintain peace during the meeting and added that security would be beefed up around the meeting venue.

Kasturirangan Report also recommends for prohibition of mining and industrialisation, ban on chemical fertilisers and control over development works in areas declared as ESZs.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / December 03, 2014