Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Rohan Bopanna, Daniel Nestor win Dubai ATP title

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Dubai:

India’s Rohan Bopanna and his partner Daniel Nestor grabbed their second ATP title of the season by subduing Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Nenad Zimonjic in the summit clash of the Dubai Duty Free championships on Saturday.

The fourth-seeded Indo-Canadian combine raced to a 6-4 6-1 win in just 50 minutes against the unseeded Serbian-Pakistani team. It was Bopanna’s 12th career ATP doubles title and second with Nestor.

Bopanna and Nestor saved an early break chance in the opening set and never looked back after that.

They broke the rivals at the first available opportunity to pocket the first set and just ran away with the second to wrap up the match in a jiffy.

Bopanna and Nestor had won their first title in Sydney, early in the season.

The winners split USD 149,170 as prize money and earned 500 ranking points each.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / IBN Live / Home> IBN Live> Tennis / Press Trust of India / February 28th, 2015

Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa pays homage to Charlie Parker his way

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Rudresh Mahanthappa / Jimmy Katz
Rudresh Mahanthappa / Jimmy Katz

Like so many of today’s most interesting jazz musicians, the saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa regularly creates disparate contexts, hybrids, and concepts to develop new music. The son of Indian immigrants, he’s explored the music of the subcontinent in multiple environments: some have been explicit, such as the remarkable 2008 album Kinsmen (Pi), where he collaborated with the Indian classical-music saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath; others have been more subtle and integrated, such as the 2006 duets collection Raw Materials (Savoy) he made with pianist and fellow Indian-American Vijay Iyer. On other records he’s developed his compositions around cryptology and number theory (Codebook [Pi]), while yet another celebrated one of his mentors and musical heroes—the saxophonist Bunky Green.

His latest album is an homage to another key influence—Charlie Parker—but it’s also a rigorous compositional exercise wherein Mahanthappa isolates specific DNA from some of Bird’s most important compositions and solos to create new tunes that are, in most cases, utterly unrecognizable. Bird Calls (Act) is clever and consistently entertaining—it’s fun to tease out his conceptual acrobatics. His piece “Maybe Later” retains the rhythmic patterns of Parker’s definitive solo on “Now’s the Time” but totally changes the notes, while “Both Hands” rejiggers the melody line of Bird’s “Dexterity” by removing all of its rests, which transforms the tune into a breakneck tangle. Jazz has a long tradition of musicians writing new tunes based on the chord changes of standards, and Mahanthappa indulges in this practice only once: the lovely ballad “Sure Why Not?,” which is derived from both “Confirmation” and “Barbados,” songs that moved at much swifter tempos. The most explicit Parker quote comes on “Talin is Thinking,” which nabs a seven-note phrase from the melody of “Parker’s Mood.”

In his liner notes Mahanthappa explains his desire to pay tribute to Parker with predictable readings of his repertoire. “Imitating Parker is of no consequence to forwarding this form, but developing new perspectives upon tradition is the substance of contemporary expression,” he writes. Instead, the Mahanthappa demonstrates the lessons of the bebop patriarch through a transformation of ideas into something modern.

Ultimately, however, Mahanthappa’s exercises probably benefit him and his excellent bandmates more than the average listener, because Bird Calls stands easily on its own, without any knowledge of its conceptual underpinnings. He’s joined by his longtime bassist François Moutin, the pianist Matt Mitchell (a valuable collaborator of Tim Berne’s and Dave Douglas’s), drummer Rudy Royston (Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas), and the dazzling 20-year-old trumpeter Adam O’Farrill (son of pianist Arturo O’Farrill), and they engage fully with the compositions by matching the leader’s fire at every turn. Both on a series of five short pieces (“Bird Calls”) and the brainy reinventions, the band seizes on the opportunities offered by Mahanthappa’s flinty, jagged, multivalent writing. “Bird Calls #5,” for example, is a beautifully lyric, wandering solo from Mitchell, while “Bird Calls #3” is a fiercely slaloming alto solo by the leader.

Below you can hear the track “Chillin'”—a piece based on “Relaxin’ at Camarillo”—where fragments of the original are woven into the new piece (with a request from the composer to intersperse ideas from the Parker tune into individual improvisations as well).

Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa pays homage to Charlie Parker his way

source:http://www.chicagoreader.com / The Chicago Reader – The Bleeder / Home> – Music – Post No Bills / by Peter Margasak / February 13th, 2015

Calendar boys – Here come the pin-up boys!

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

The last bastion of the all-female club is broken as photographer Sharvee Chaturvedi zooms her lens on Bollywood’s first all-male pin-up calendar! She’s got the girlie eyeballs rolling.

Varun Sharma (L), Gulshan Deviah
Varun Sharma (L), Gulshan Deviah

Photographer Chaturvedi’s lens has captured actors playing out different in front of a still camera for the sea dot. The lenswoman brings to life actor Varun Sharma’s inner child by keeping alive his playfulness whereas a topless Jitin Gulati tries to spot Arjuna’s eye. Actor Gulshan Deviah practises patience and waits in anticipation lying in a two-piece suit as television host Shiv Pandit balances his inner and outer voice. Twelve men, 12 months and 12 inner challenges that’s part of an actor’s life – that’s what Chaturvedi camera captures.

NAKED EMOTIONS

The visual stories frame a particular human emotion that’s part and parcel of a man’s struggle in La la Land. Says Chaturvedi,”The idea was to create stories involving human emotions and spirituality. Men, too, have their demons to deal with, and the sad part is that they do not talk about issues bothering them or bogging them down. At the end of the day, we all want to be accepted. I wanted to see men beyond the prism of gender and capture their self strength.”

The idea of masculinity may have not changed all that much despite the giant strides in the last few decades, but looking at these actors playing out their inner desires, anxieties, sadness and demons, you get to see a side to them that’s not been exposed to the world before. These men are far more comfortable in their own skin. They may not be naked or in a swimsuit on the beach, but you cannot miss the naked emotions running through their faces and body language. Adds Chaturvedi, “The men I shot with didn’t for once focus or talk about a woman shooting them. The focus was on creating something worthwhile.” The idea was to break a barrier as a photographer, which women directors, writers, cinematographers have been doing over the past few years.

It’s been a while since the glamour industry woke up to the potential of a man’s body. What’s a movie today without the chatter and gossip of a superstar’s abs? The trials and tribulations of the mind in the glittery and ephemeral nature of B-town have for long been ignored, or not talked about enough. Chaturvedi’s calendar has now made them a talking point.

MALE PIN-UPS ACROSS THE WORLD

There’s a rise in male pin-up calendars all over the world.

Celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz shot his 2015 calendar – ‘Hunks and Hounds’, featuring topless men with their dogs. To entice women to buy the calendar, he also disclosed the men in the calendar were all single! Last year, English TV presenter Mark Wright went shirtless to show off his impressive physique as he posed for a calendar in his underwear.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home / by Nona Walia, TNN / February 15th, 2015

Personal Best: Robin Uthappa : Ice, ice, baby

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

RobinKF24feb2015

His fitness routine can put anyone to shame and his penchant for ice cream and baked goodies can make your jaws drop in surprise

At 21 he was part of the World Cup winning team. He felt invincible. He possessed a winner’s technical precision. The rest didn’t matter. Including a deliberate fitness regimen. That’s where Robin Uthappa faltered. He became a victim of a series of failures with the willow and worst — battle of bulge. At 26, his weight ballooned to 96 kilos. The fall from grace — from a swashbuckling Indian batsman to a domestic cricketer — was instant. But Uthappa had much to offer. Understandably, the downward slide was hard to handle — he became moody and impatient.
But after an intervention Uthappa got onto the straight and narrow. “I became aware of the importance of a nutritionist in my career and the need to battle my issues with weight. It’s been three years hence and I have followed a constant routine with utmost discipline,” he says.
Hard work pays. Uthappa has found his mojo again —cracked many a tons, lifted the desirable Ranji Trophy (his childhood dream), scored highest runs in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders and is in top form ahead of the knockout stage this Ranji season. He shares his secrets and daily routine which has helped him fall in love with the game all over again.

Meal plan
Breakfast: I have fruits for breakfast — mostly a combo of pineapples and papayas and sometimes only water melons. If I am still hungry after a bowl of fruits then I make myself an omelette. I also have a mug of black coffee without sugar.

Snack: At about 11 am, I have a handful of dry fruits and in the evening at about 5 or 5:30 pm I have fresh fruit juice, dry fruits with a multigrain sandwich.

Lunch: Between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm I eat fresh veggie salad. I get my protein fix through chicken, fish or beef and carbs through chapatis, rice or pasta (Olio pasta tossed in olive oil, without any sauce).

Dinner: It is usually at 7.30 pm and consists of veggies again, chicken/fish and my favourite arugula, which is rich in iron. In case I feel hungry later in the night, then I have a bowl of curds or carrots and cucumber.

Cheat meal
Once a week I eat what I am craving for at that moment — it could be pizzas, biryani or hot chocolate fudge.

Pantry Secret
At times, I bake my own version of healthy brownie (with not much sugar) and binge on it.


Guilty pleasures
Ice creams and chocolates. I also absolutely love Joy ice cream’s mango and raspberry flavour ice candy. Every time I play in Mysore, I ensure I have Joy ice cream since their factory is there. If I am struck by an ice-cream craving when in Mumbai (or any other place) I hold on to it till I reach Bengaluru. Once I am here, I head to Corner House to have my favourite ice cream — brownie fudge or the classic hot chocolate fudge.

Skin splurges
I go to the spa regularly and get clean-ups and facials done. Since we play a lot in the sun, I face a massive challenge dealing with sun tan/ sun burn. I alternate between two sun protection creams, La Shield and Lotus sun protection, everyday.

Tricks of the trade
Small meals every couple of hours. That’s been my mantra for the past three years. This helps me sustain good metabolism. I also get a blood test done every six months to see where I stand in terms of physical fitness.


De-stress strategies
I watch movies, read non-fiction books or listen to music. If this doesn’t help in distressing, then I go on long drives in the middle of the night. When I am in Mumbai I drive my BMW and if I am in Bengaluru then I borrow or steal my friend Sheetal Goutham’s Honda Amaze.

In the fridge
You will find fresh fruits, cold water and milk at all times.

Advice
Stay healthy, train right and eat right. If you are already doing this then please credit yourself with a cheat meal once every week.

Down time
Off late it’s been baking!

Secret weapon
My discipline.

Drink menu
I have protein shakes before and after each of my training schedule. I also have something called the Casein at night which helps in slow-releasing of proteins and recovery of muscles from wear and tear through the night.

Fitness
I train two hours, five days a week, focusing on endurance and speed since my game demands it. In the last few years, I have cultivated a routine which I follow before warming up or batting in the nets. These are technique-related drills which are very important for me and works for me. Nothing in the world can stop me from following this routine.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Columns> You / by Nandini Kumar, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / February 15th, 2015

Shah Rukh Khan invites Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa and Harbhajan Singh on India Poochega-Sabse Shaana Kaun!

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

ShahrukhKF24feb2015

After a long hiatus, SRK is making a comeback on television!

Shah Rukh Khan will soon be seen hosting a quiz show on &TV called India Poochega: Sabse Shaana Kaun. The actor is super-excited for his stint as a host. We hear that the show is not based on academic questions and contestants from various walks of life will be pitted against each other.

At the latest taping of the show SRK invited cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey (of Kolkata Knight Riders) The cricketing sensations were called upon to play the game of Sabse Shaana Kaun and they all had a blast. SRK tweeted, “Good fun time with the boys. Played for charity on SSK. Thank you for coming.”

King Khan prepped up for the quiz show at his home Mannat and put in a lot of late nights into the rehearsals of the show. He is quite excited for the audience to watch the show and he tweeted, “Shooting sabse shaana kaun….meeting so many wonderful ppl with common issues but special grit & determination. So special to be ordinary.” The actor also shared with his fans that he is “learning life” while shooting for SSK.

source: http://www.bollywoodlife.com / BollywoodLife.com / Home> Shahrukh Khan> India Poochega / by Shristi Dixit / Monday – February 16th, 2015

Whose garden is this in the heart of our city?

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All

Bengaluru :

Brigadier who carved the 22-acre Cariappa park out of defence land near MG Road slams colleagues for barring entry to public The man who opened the Army’s doors to Bengalureans has slammed his colleagues for barring the city’s residents from entering the Cariappa Memorial Park in the heart of the city.

(The 22-acre park was meant…)
(The 22-acre park was meant…)

The 22-acre park was meant to be the Army’s gift to the city but has been closed since 1998, two years after it was inaugurated. A board next to the now-abandoned park’s gate reads: `Restricted area’. The present Army establishment in the state says the park area, categorized as A1 defence land, cannot be made available to the public under Ministry of Defense guidelines.

Brigadier (Retd) Ashok Nagpaul, who established the park on defence land to foster closer interaction between the Army and public, said the Army cannot block entry into the park. “The land not only belongs to the defence but also to the people of Bengaluru,” said the former Commanding Officer for Karnataka and Kerala.

“There was 57 acres of land lying wasted. There were illegal activities like prostitution and other things that used to happen in that area, so I decided to build a parade ground and the park,” Nagpaul, 72, said over the phone from Pune.

A top Army official said that with defence land being rampantly encroached on, the Army cannot afford to give its land for public use.”In 1994 maybe people were not conscious about utilization of defence land, but consequent to which in lots of places we started losing defence land, and … very stringent guidelines were framed that you cannot use defence land for public purposes,” the official told ET, declining to be identified.

Until 1994, the park area was part of a larger parcel of land between Cubbon Road and MG Road.

source:http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> Collection> MG Road / by ET Bureau / February 17th, 2015

Cariappa’s Rs 2.4cr is an unreal dream for family

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

Bengaluru :

Maruthi Nilaya, a modest dwelling in Bagalugunte, an area adjoining bustling Yeshwantpur, was just another house until Monday afternoon. The family of KC Cariappa, living in a first-floor house, was the typical financially struggling but happy foursome. But on Tuesday, there were curious glances and knowing smiles as people flocked to their home.

The search for Cariappa’s house didn’t take long as a child perched on a compound asked, “Cariappa mane huduktaa iddeera?” (Are you looking for Cariappa’s house?). Before waiting for a reply, he pointed towards the house. The skinny kid — like the other residents of the street and the country now — knew who Konganda Charamanna Cariappa is.

Life has taken a dramatic turn for the spinner, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a jaw-dropping Rs 2.4 crore — 24 times his base price. The family can’t believe it. After a tiring overnight bus journey from Shivamogga, where he played a league match, Cariappa sat down to watch the IPL auctions with his family.

When KKR first put the paddle up, he admitted, he clapped for himself. Every member of the close-knit family had tears of joy.

Prathima, Cariappa’s mother and a housewife, summed up the scene: “The auction apart, just to hear his name being called out was enough to make me cry. When the bidding was over, it felt unreal that he had commanded a price like that. It still feels like a dream, one which we hope will never end.”

In less than three minutes, the youngster, named after Field Marshal General K M Cariappa, went from a budding cricketer to a crorepati.

“We stay in a rented house for which we pay Rs 5,000 a month. We have lived here for 12 years and haven’t had enough resources to repair it. I first want to buy a house for my family. I want to give the rest of the money to my parents,” the 20-year-old told TOI.

Will he gift himself a mean machine? “No. I am not interested in bikes and cars. I spent all my time working towards my dream of making it big as a cricketer, so I had no time to dream about fancy vehicles. For me, it is just a mode of commuting. Until a year ago, when I bought a gearless two-wheeler, I travelled by bus,” said Cariappa, who has been mentored by former Ranji player Sudhindra Shinde.

Coming from a youngster who has just won a ticket to the glitzy world of IPL, the statement may seem shocking; but given his hard life, he knows the value of every penny earned. For Rs 10 per day is the pocket money he and his older brother, Nanaiah, receive.

“It was all we can afford, and our children know that. Cariappa would leave home at 4.30, change two buses and walk from Shivajinagar to reach Chinnaswamy Stadium by 6am. But he never complained. Both our children know hard pressed we are for money,” Pratima confided.

Four years ago, when Cariappa made it clear cricket was his true passion, his father, a Charmanna, a supervisor at Kodava Samaja, could not afford the Rs 6,500 that was required to enroll him in a coaching camp and buy a cricket kit. But the doting father from Virajpet dug into his meagre savings and borrowed from friends to ensure his son had the basics.

“When he first said he didn’t want to study, I was very worried because I know the importance of education. People around me asked me to discourage him and said talent alone would not get him anywhere. We needed political influence and money to see him go the distance. I didn’t have either. But he was adamant, and said the pads were his books, the bat his pen, and he would script his life’s path with a ball in hand,” Charmanna said.

Elaborating on his son’s struggle, the man who earns a little over Rs 20,000 a month said: “I often give Cariappa Rs 100 for fuel. After filling petrol, he has little money left. Although I rarely show emotions at home, I sit at work and worry if my son has eaten or how he will manage if his vehicle breaks down. My face brightened after the auction.”

Cariappa, for his part, has realigned his priorities. While his pre-Monday ambition was to play for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, he now wants to play for Team India.

For a youngster who has dared to dream, it surely is no lofty ambition.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru> Namma Metro / TNN / February 18th, 2015

Why’s Harshika Poonacha is opting for TV shows?

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

HarshikaKF17feb2015

It’s been seven years since Harshika Poonacha made her debut in Kannada industry. Having done bold roles in the movies like B3, the actress is yet to join the A-list heroines. The actress is now making attempts to make a mark on the small screen by participating in a dance reality show Dancing Star season-2. She was also one of the contestants who were housed in the Bigg Boss house.

According to the insiders in the industry, “Harshika is now looking to revive her flagging filmi career by taking part in the reality shows like Dancing Star season-2. She might be trying to follow the footsteps of actor Vijay Raghavendra, whose career resurrected after winning Bigg Boss.”

On film front, Harshika has Telugu movie Panipuri and Tamil movie Ananda Thollai in the pipeline, along with The Gulaabi Street in Kannada.

source:http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> TV> News> Kannada / TNN / February 06th, 2015

Kodava cricketer goes for Rs. 2.4 crore

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports
Konganda Charmanna Cariappa inadvertently unleashed a fierce bidding war.
Konganda Charmanna Cariappa inadvertently unleashed a fierce bidding war.

I’m feeling over the moon, says Cariappaas KKR picks him at IPL auction

‘Who is Konganda Charmanna Cariappa?’ could well have been an Indian Premier League trivia question, because until his name was mentioned by auctioneer Richard Madley during the player auction at the ITC Gardenia Hotel here on Monday, the spinner was seemingly resigned to the slow-climb through his cricketing career.

The 20-year-old Kodava lad inadvertently unleashed a fierce bidding war between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Delhi Daredevils and his base-value of Rs. 10 lakh was shredded as money began to flow.

When finally KKR picked him at Rs. 2.4 crore, a hush fell across the media hall, and then journalists scrambled to get his number.

Reacting to the good news, Cariappa said: “I never expected this kind of bidding. I am feeling over the moon. I was hopeful that I would be picked up for my base price, but not at the price I got. I don’t know how life will change for me now. My father is the supervisor at the Kodava Samaj here, and my mother, a housewife. I started playing cricket seriously about four years ago. The last Karnataka Premier League was my first season where I was bought for Rs. 25,000.” Originally a leg-spinner, Cariappa meandered towards the guiles of off-spin, and people close to him label him as a “mystery spinner”.

It is precisely the reason why he was much sought after in the auction as IPL teams love to spring surprises on their unsuspecting opponents.

His coach, Sudhindra Shinde, said: “He usually bowls the carom ball. He needs to use this opportunity.”

In a State famous for men like B.S. Chandrasekhar, E.A.S. Prasanna, Anil Kumble and Sunil Joshi, Cariappa has an enviable legacy to live up to. For now, he is laughing all the way to the bank.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – February 17th, 2015

Madikeri: Values that Field Marshal Cariappa Stood for Focused at 116th Birth Anniversary

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Madikeri:

The 116th birth anniversary of the late Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was respectfully observed here on Wednesday, under the joint aegis of the Kodagu district administration and the department of Kannada and culture.

The function began at the Field Marshal Cariappa circle with the garlanding of his lifesize statue by MP Pratap Simha, MLA M P Appachu Ranjan, Tobacco Development Board chairperson T P Ramesh, zilla panchayat president Chodumada Shareen Subbaiah, vice president Allaranda Beena Bollamma, town municipal council president Julekhabi, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy president Biddatanda S Thammaiah, deputy commissioner Anurag Tewari, zilla panchayat CEO Kurma Rao and other prominent citizens.

At a formal programme held in Cauvery Bhavan of the TMC premises, Pratap Simha spoke on the late Field Marshal and termed him as a solider, general and commander-in-chief beyond compare. His ideals, discipline and commitment would always remain a source of inspiration to the modern generation, he said.

He also gave a call to everyone to adopt FM’s exemplary virtues like discipline, consistency and punctuality for which he was known all along his life. Programmes of this kind to honour those personalities who had taken the status and honour of the nation to greater heights should be regularly held, he further said.

MLA Appachu Ranjan too spoke on the integrity, sense of time and efficiency of the late Cariappa, who ought to be remembered by everyone. He was the one who introduced the martial traditions and culture to regions within India and abroad, he added.

He informed that the house in Shanivarasante where the Field Marshal was born had been turned into a library. Similarly, the ‘Sunnyside’ residence here where Gen Thimayya lived would soon be converted into a memorial edifice.

Col K C Subbaiah, president of FM K M Cariappa and Gen Thimayya Forum recalled that the former was the very first Commander-in-Chief of independent India’s armed forces. He urged the members of the parliament to make efforts to have the Bharat Ratna honour bestowed posthumously on Cariappa.

He further put forward a suggestion that the FM’s birthday be officially observed as Discipline Day on an all-India basis. He also made a fervent request for the early completion of the Sunnyside memorial project.

Nadikerianda Bose Mandanna, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his meritorious service to various fields, also gave a call to the younger generation to imbibe the virtues which Cariappa stood for like dedication and punctuality.

Forum secretary Ulliada M Poovaiah spoke on the life of FM Cariappa. A booklet on his life was also released on the occasion.

Department of Kannada and culture assistant director Mangala Nayak was also present at the function.

source: http://www.mangalorean.com / Mangalorean.com / Home> Broadcast> Madikeri / by Richard Lasrado / Thursday – January 29th, 2015