Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Rashmika Mandanna moves into her new apartment in Mumbai

Actress Rashmika Mandanna , who made her Tamil debut with Karthi-starrer ‘Sulthan’ that hit the screens earlier in April, is all set for her Bollywood debut . The pretty actress had now finally shifted into her new apartment in Mumbai, with her pooch, Aura.


Taking to her social media, the actress gave a glimpse of the house with an adorable picture of her dog. She captioned it as, “Dear diary, Ahhhh so much happened today, I finally shifted to the apartment! had to shop so many Ill things…( I am still not done) (gahhhh it’s a never ending expense) . Aura was out all day…1 had to meet 2 of my friends and I had to set up the place.. (Sai (my assistant) helped me) Aura and I passed out cz we were so tired”

Rashmika had recently returned to Mumbai to resume the shoot of ‘Goodbye’. The pretty actress will be making her Hindi debut with ‘Mission Majnu’, followed by her role in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Goodbye’. She was also snapped shopping for home essentials in the past few days in Mumbai.

In a recent interview, Rashmika Manadanna had spoken about how the the COVID-19 pandemic situation made her shift to Bollywood and do Hindi films as well. Speaking about her upcoming Bollywood movies, Rashmika Mandanna had said, “I think it’s just the time because before Covid hit, I had no time because I was doing so many South films and I didn’t feel at that time that I should do Bollywood (films). Once Covid hit and other projects slowed down, I felt it was the right time to do it and that’s when ‘Mission Majnu’ and ‘Goodbye’ came. There is no particular reason why I didn’t do it because back then I had a couple of Hindi film offers but I feel now is the right time.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Entertainment> Tamil> Movies / by TNN / June 25th, 2021

Chosen For Rangapuraskara

Gonikoppa:

Artistes Cheppudira Uthappa of Ponnampet and Madetira Belliappa have been selected for C.G. Krishnaswamy Ranga-puraskara, instituted by Kodagu Rangabhoomi Pratishtana, in recognition of their services to the field of theatre. 

The award will be presented to the artistes after lifting of lockdown, according to a release from Pratishtana Convenor Addanda Anitha Cariappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 29th, 2021

Kodagu DCC Bank celebrates its centenary

District Central Cooperative Bank president Kodandera P Ganapathy cuts a cake to mark the bank’s centenary on Monday.

Simple celebrations were observed to mark the centenary of Kodagu District Central Cooperative Bank on Monday.

The bank was established on June 28, 1921, owing to the efforts of the then pioneers of the cooperative movement, Dandera Kuttaiah, Puliyanda Thimamaiah, Kuppanda Bellyappa and Udiyanda Machaiah.

The bank began operations with 45 cooperative societies, 16 members, share capital of Rs 4,400 and deposits worth Rs 10,000.

Rao Bahaddur Kodandera Kuttaiah was the founder president of the bank and served in the post from 1921 to 1927.

The centenary programme was celebrated at the bank’s head office in Madikeri, in the presence of the president, vice president, directors, chief executive officer and other officials and staff.

A cake was cut in all 21 branches of the DCC bank, to mark the occasion. Sweets were distributed to the customers. 

Bank president Kodandera P Ganapathy said that the bank could complete its 100 fruitful years due to the cooperation of the staff and the customers.

A public function of the centenary celebrations is planned for August 20, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony for the centenary building will be done on the day, by the state cooperative minister, said Ganapathy.

The district in-charge minister, elected representatives from the district, representatives of cooperative societies, department officials and the former presidents and staff of the bank will be present, he added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / June 28th, 2021

Obituary – Kekada M. Nanaiah

Kekada M. Nanaiah (Papa), former General Secretary of KDCC Bank and a resident of Arvathoklu in Gonikoppa, Kodagu, passed away yesterday in Mysuru Hospital. He was 84.

Brother of K.M Belliappa, President, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, he leaves behind his wife, one son, two daughters and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at Kekada Vakka Thootangala in B. Badaga village, Cherambane, Kodagu, this afternoon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / June 25th, 2021

The cat-eyed beauty – A talent from the land that has contributed immensely to put India on the GLOBAL MAP

Gonikoppa:

The arrival of a promising talent to the Kannada film industry from Kodagu has raised expectation of film lovers across the state.

And the name is Ballachanda Akshitha Bopaiah whose root of origin is Gonikoppa in Kodagu. Ms. Akshitha is winning hearts of Kannada cine lovers across the state with her appearances in Kannada feature films.

Akshitha has proved herself as a promising actor from Kodagu and is enjoying the rewards of all the hardwork the artist has put in to reach where she is. She has acted in multiple films in Kannada starting with REAL POLICE, her debut film which marked Akshitha’s entry into world of Kannada cinema in the year 2017.

Akshitha has already acted with top names of Sandalwood like, Late actor Rebel Star Ambareesh, Real Star Upendra, Abhinaya Chatura Satish Ninasam, Late actor Chiranjeevi Sarja and many more.

In the film Ambi ninge vayassaito, Akshitha had donned the role of Childhood Friend of Late Actor Ambareesh and her role had impressed Ambareesh to an extent that the legend had declared Akshitha as a promising lead lady of the Kannada Film Industry.

Her role in the film Brahmachari starring Satish Ninasam gained popularity with her fine acting skills & her act in the scene where a marriage alliance is discussed for the hero is a notable one and was entertaining enough for film lovers.

Akshitha added life to the role in the film Upendra I Luv U in which she appeared as Real Star Upendra’s childhood friend.

The actor has appeared in a lead role in the film Shivarjuna. Also, P5 starring Vikram Ravichandran and Trivikrama are Kannada films in which Akshitha as appeared as the lead lady.

Akshita has also starred in TV commercials and her appearance in the Add for Pothy’s with Power Star Puneet Rajkumar is a notable one.

Apart from Sandalwood Akshitha has left a mark with audiences in Tamil Nadu with her outstanding performances in Tamil daily soaps titled, Azaghu, Sumangali, thazhampoo , Kannana Kanne.

With her classy and stylish looks and brilliant performances in both small and silver screen, Akshitha is here to stay and entertain audiences.

A resident of Gonikoppa, Akshitha is the daughter of Bopaiah and Prema Bopaiah. Completed her primary education at Gonikoppa Lion’s School, High School at St. Annamma at Virajpete and completed her M.Com at Mysore Vidyashrama College.

Her love towards acting has brought her this far and is shining bright in the hearts of audiences.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> BrandSpot>PR Spot / June 25th, 2021

First look of Varsha Bollamma from Stand Up Rahul out

Also starring Raj Tarun, the rom-com is being directed by debutant Santo Mohan Veeranki

Makers of the upcoming rom-com Stand Up Rahul featuring Raj Tarun in the lead role have released the first look poster of its female lead, Varsha Bollamma, on Wednesday.

The young actor, who won rave reviews for her performance in Middle Class Melodies, will be seen as Sreya Rao, a plain-looking young woman struggling with body image issues.

Written and directed by Santo Mohan Veeranki, Stand Up Rahul tells the story of an unenthusiastic stand-up comedian, who stands his ground for his love and passion for the narrative craft. 

Produced by Nandkumar Abbineni and Bharath Maguluri under Dream Town Productions and HighFive Pictures banners, the film is in the last leg of production and is expected to release soon. 

Also featuring Vennela Kishore, Murli Sharma, Indraja, Devi Prasad, and Madhurima in supporting roles, Stand Up Rahul has music by Sweekar Agasthi.

source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> CE Features / June 23rd, 2021

It’s important to surround yourself with people who keep you positive: Shubra Aiyappa

Actress and supermodel Shubra Aiyappa  has been spending most of the lockdown time last in her hometown Coorg, where yoga, meditation, reading and dancing have kept her happy. She caught up with us over a video chat to share her experiences through the pandemic and more.

Despite being home, amid near-and-dear ones and lush greenery, Shubra  admits that she got bogged down during the second wave, what with all the devastating news that was doing the rounds. “We were taken by shock by the onset of the pandemic, but we thought we were prepared for everything after that. But the second wave has been hard for all of us. It has hit home, a lot of people we know have lost their lives. It has been difficult and we have learnt a lot of lessons. It has been more heart-wrenching for my family and me,” she says, adding, “I’ve had the luxury of being in Coorg, which has been nothing short of a blessing. I chose to keep away from news channels and newspapers to preserve my sanity. Personally, I am better when I am happy and I found my peace by doing yoga, reading books and meditation. I have continued this through the two waves. I am close to my family and my friends have been a strong support system. At times like these, it is important to surround yourself with the right people who pep you up and keep you positive. There have been bad days, but being away in Coorg and doing what I love doing has helped.”

The actress is particularly upbeat when she talks about yoga. “Many years ago, I had a problem with my uterus that required hospitalization. Surgery was suggested as a solution, but we were not sure if that was the right choice. A friend then put us on to a yoga teacher who promised to make the problem go away in only three months. We tried that and when I went back to the doctor, my issue was sorted and, ever since, I have been fine. Yoga changed me for the better and that is why I am so passionate about it,” she beams.

The other positive factor that has helped keep Shubra sane is her love for reading. “I began modeling when I was 17. You tend to spend a lot of hours at airports or on flights, which can get boring. I chose to fight this by reading, which became a habit and at a time like this, when someone like me who loves to travel cannot do much of it, books have transported me to different places, times and situations,” she says.


With things slowly starting to get back to a semblance of normalcy, Shubra is thrilled to be back at work. “I am so excited about my new film Aaganya , in which my character will have two distinct shades. The first half will see me kicking some butt, which is exciting and challenging. I have returned home from the shoot with bruises, but it is so gratifying. We’ve finished one schedule. We begin shooting for the next schedule this week with a small crew and all precautions in place,” she states.

She also has her next Kannada film underway. “I am doing a Kannada film titled  Ramana Avatara. It was announced a while ago, but has been delayed owing to the pandemic and other factors. We have shot for a few days earlier and I will continue with the rest probably next month. So, it is an exciting time, because I get back to work and I have so much gratitude to be able to say that,” wraps Shubra.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / by TNN – Sunayana Suresh / June 24th, 2021

Star-struck fan travels over 900 kms to see Rashmika Mandanna

Rashmika Mandanna will be next seen in Telugu film Pushpa. (Photo: rashmika_mandanna/Instagram)

All along the way, Akash Tripathi kept asking people for directions to Rashmika Mandanna’s residence. People grew suspicious and informed the police.

A star-struck fan of actor Rashmika Mandanna travelled all the way from Telangana to Kodagu in Karnataka, a distance of over 900 kms, to meet her but had to return after police convinced him to do so.

Akash Tripathi from Telangana is a die-hard fan of Mandanna. Wanting to see her, Tripathi used Google search to reach her and he took a train to Mysuru, then a cargo auto to Muggula near Virajpet in Kodagu, the home district of the actor.

All along the way, he kept asking people for directions to the actor’s residence. People grew suspicious and informed the police.

Soon, the police stopped Tripathi and told him to go back to Telangana as Kodagu was under lockdown. The fan also got to know that he cannot see the actor as she was away in Mumbai for a film shoot, the police said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Telugu / by PTI, Madikeri / June 24th, 2021

Lt. Gen. Channira Bansi Ponnappa Is 11th Corps Commander

Madikeri:

Lieutenant General Channira Bansi Ponnappa, AVSM (Ati Vishisht Seva Medal) has been appointed as 11th Corps Commander. He took charge at Jalandhar in Punjab recently.  

With this appointment, the hilly Kodagu district, which has a long and illustrious history of courageous top Defence Officers, for which it is known as the ‘Land of Army Generals’, has added one more feather to its cap. 

Till now, Lieutenant General Bansi Ponnappa was the Chief of Staff Northern Command at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir. At present, there are two Corps Commanders serving in the Indian Army from Kodagu District. 

While Lieutenant General Bansi Ponnappa is 11th Corps Commander at Jalandhar, Lieutenant General Codanda P. Cariappa is First Corps Commander at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. 

Bansi Ponnappa hails from Nangala village near Bittangala in Virajpet taluk and is the son of Channira Ponnappa and Meera (Konerira, Virajpet Boikeri). He is married to Nitya Medappa (Keethiyanda). His son Nishanth is serving the Indian Navy as an officer and daughter Sunaina is studying in Bengaluru. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 04th, 2020

Retaining Wall Works Begin To Protect Kodagu DC Office

Mock drill demonstrates emergency preparedness 

Madikeri/Kushalnagar:

Under threat of collapse due to incessant rains and possible landslides, the Kodagu DC Office is being protected with a 40-ft concrete retaining wall. But the works have started only now though the project was formally sanctioned long back and works on making pre-cast concrete slabs began in February this year. 

Now the works have begun amidst heavy rains and a small portion of the wall has been built. The steep gradient on which the DC Office stands has been covered tightly with plastic sheets so that mud does not fall while undertaking the works. Rs. 5 crore is being spent on the project. 

The District  Administrative Office (DC Office) is located on a steep gradient along the Madikeri-Mangaluru Road and was built at a cost of Rs. 14.43 crore. It was inaugurated in November 2014 and last year, all the offices located in the DC Office Complex were shifted and they operated from the Office of City Municipal Council. 

Officials requesting anonymity told Star of Mysore that the works were delayed because of COVID second wave and the tendering too got delayed though the project was sanctioned long back. The Geologists from Geological Survey of India (GSI) who conducted a study of the steep gradient on top of which the DC Office is located, had recommended the District Administration to construct a retaining wall to prevent  any landslides. 

The wall will be 140 meters in length and the height varies from 30 to 40 feet. The contractors are using soil nailing and pre-casting method to build the sturdy wall. In this technology, iron rods are inserted into the walls up to two to three feet inside and two to three feet outside and then the wall will be built with pre-cast concrete material.

“Works have started now and we will continue the wall construction work till July first week and will stop the work if it rains incessantly. We have a project completion time till December or January 2022,” officials said.

Mock drill 

As the threat perception is high due to a couple of landslides that have occurred on the Madikeri-Mangaluru Road and following instances of road caving in and cracking open, a mock drill was conducted at the DC office last Friday where employees were evacuated. 

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services Department conducted the mock drill where drills including evacuating the injured or the trapped were demonstrated and practiced. Ladders were placed on the outer walls of the building and ropes were used to demonstrate the preparedness in case of emergencies.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 21st, 2021