A few months back, the actor known for his work in Ram Leela and Dahaad, Gulshan Devaiah spoke to Filmfare. He was honest and did not shy away from answering questions about his relationship with his ex-wife, his equation with Anurag Kashyap and his overall journey in the industry.
When asked about his equation with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his experience of working with him, the actor said, “ People say Sanjay Leela Bhansali has a short temper, but this is not the case. Like other directors, he does not communicate openly with you. People are hesitant to talk to him. But I would share my ideas with him without hesitation.”
He further went on to add, “He became fond of me. He’d listen to me. He pays close attention to detail. He takes an entire day to frame a single shot. Perhaps some would find this strange, but when the film is finished, the meticulous detailing stands out. As an actor, he allows you to do whatever you want. However, during editing, he will only retain what he has instructed you to do, not what you have done on your own.”
Now, the actor will soon be seen in the Janhvi Kapoor starrer Ulajh. The film is directed by Sudhanshu Saria and will be released in cinemas on July 5.
source: http://www.filmfare.com / Filmfare.com / Home> News> Bollywood / by Filmfare / May 28th, 2024
Three journalists have been selected for the Annual Awards given by the Kodagu Press Club.
A.N. Vasu’s report titled ‘Yejentara Mosakke Baliyagi Videshadalli Silukida Mahile’ published in Shakthi Daily has been selected for Best Effective Report Award, instituted in memory of senior journalist K.B. Mahantesh.
P.V. Akshay’s (AG) report in Star of Mysore (SOM) titled ‘Daredevil Act by Kodagu-born Vet Saves Leopard in Mangaluru’ has been selected for Best Humanitarian Report Award, instituted by Koovarkolli Indresh and family in memory of his father B.V. Chandrashekhar and mother Pushpalatha.
Imanda Gopal Somaiah’s report ‘Madikeriyalli Maragala Maaranahoma,’ telecast on TV9 Kannada, has been selected for Best Environmental Report Award, constituted by M.N. Chandramohan in memory of his father M. Narayana and mother N. Padmavathi.
Each of the three awards includes a cash prize of Rs. 5,000 and a plaque. The awards ceremony will take place in Madikeri on June 2 at 12 noon.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 29th, 2024
With my father B.C. Machaiah (Retired. Police Officer) — Parane, Kodagu District, India
As I stood amidst the serene beauty of my hometown in Kodagu (Coorg) district, watching the funeral pyre of my father blaze against the backdrop of our ancestral lands, I found myself enveloped in a tapestry of memories and wisdom that he had bequeathed to me. My father, a dedicated police officer who served and protected his community passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 85, led a life that was a testament to living with integrity, simplicity, and a profound commitment to service.
In the quiet moments of reflection that followed his passing, I was reminded of the lessons he imparted, lessons that were as simple in their wording as they were deep in their meaning: Eat lightly, drink moderately, exercise regularly, and love excessively. But beyond these, he emphasized a philosophy that has become the bedrock of my understanding of life — serving something higher than yourself and contributing meaningfully to society.
Growing up in India, a land steeped in spiritual diversity and tradition, I had the privilege of witnessing the embodiment of true wisdom through my father’s everyday actions. Unlike the narratives that often glorify the path of renunciation for enlightenment, my father’s life story was a powerful narrative of engagement. He believed in being fully present in the world, embracing the gamut of experiences it offers — love, loss, laughter, and learning — while maintaining a sense of detachment from the outcome and expectations that often entangle us.
This philosophy was not born in isolation but was a product of India’s rich cultural and spiritual milieu. Accompanying my father on his police duties during significant religious events, I encountered monks and ascetics from multiple faiths, many of whom had descended from their secluded retreats in the Himalayas. Observing the crowds that gathered to seek blessings and wisdom from these spiritual figures, I am reminded of the profound conversations with my father. He often said, “Son, it is important to embrace the world fully and go through it all — love, loss, learn, laugh, and through it all live and thrive! Be in the world, but not of this world.”
This simple yet profound message has stayed with me, shaping my understanding of what it means to live a fulfilled life. It is not the ascetic’s withdrawal from the world that defines wisdom and fulfillment but the everyday person’s courage to face life’s challenges with integrity and love. My father’s life was a testament to this belief. He lived not as a monk in search of enlightenment but as a man deeply rooted in the world, dedicated to protecting his community, caring for his family, and living a life of service.
As I navigate through my roles as a son, a father, family, and citizen, I am guided by the legacy of my father’s wisdom. It is a reminder that true fulfillment and integrity come not from escaping the world but from engaging with it passionately, responsibly, and with compassion. So let us not get carried away by becoming monks and celebrating those who had some experiences in those roles. Let us celebrate those admist us today who are making a difference in communities where they live and serve — real people, real stories, real heroes!
In sharing this legacy, I aim to inspire others to recognize the beauty and depth in the everyday acts of courage, love, and service that define a truly fulfilled life. Let us celebrate the unsung heroes who, like my father, teach us that wisdom lies in living a life deeply rooted in the world yet not bound by it.
source: http://www.medium.com / Medium.com / Home / by Poonacha Machaiah / March 03rd, 2024
Madikeri in Kodagu, known as the “Kashmir of Karnataka” and the “City of Fog,” is enveloped in dense mist during the rainy season, attracting tourists with its enchanting allure. Despite past travel disruptions due to landslides, Kodagu has regained its natural beauty, offering travellers serene, foggy landscapes and vibrant greenery along the journey from Bengaluru.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Madikeri in Kodagu district, affectionately known as the ‘Kashmir of Karnataka’ and widely popular as the ‘Scotland of India’ is now shrouded in dense fog with the onset of the rainy season. Over the past three to four years, Madikeri’s reputation as the “City of Fog” has become well-established.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
‘The City of Fog’ aptly describes Madikeri during the rainy season, when a thick, ethereal mist blankets the town. This year, the fog has descended even before the rains began, drawing tourists with its enchanting allure.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Previously, travellers to Coorg from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and other regions had to cut their trips short due to landslides in Kodagu.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Over the last three to four years, the number of visitors to Kodagu had dwindled. Some attributed the persistent fog to deforestation in the area.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
However, the truth lies elsewhere. The landslides in Kodagu, triggered by floods, were nature’s way of restoring balance. Now, after three or four years, Kodagu has reclaimed its natural splendour.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
The state experienced a favourable pre-monsoon season in the first week of May, following the scorching heat of April. As a result, Mother Earth has been donning a vibrant green saree for the past 15 days. As you journey from Bengaluru to Kodagu, the mist begins to fall as soon as you cross the border at Kushalanagar. Travelling through the hills, the road often disappears into the thick fog.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
The mist envelops this green saree of Mother Earth like delicate jasmine flowers. At times, the fog is dense; at others, it lifts, creating a captivating play of mist in Madikeri.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
As you journey from Bengaluru to Kodagu, the mist begins to fall as soon as you cross the border at Kushalanagar. Travelling through the hills, the road often disappears into the thick fog. On the way to Madikeri, motorists can slow down, pause, and immerse themselves in the serene embrace of nature, savouring its unparalleled beauty.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> News> Lifestyle / Pics: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha / May 28th, 2024
Rani’s entire career has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the folk dance form, Ummathat, of the Kodava tradition.
Rani Machaiah (seated) was felicitated at a function in Madikeri on Thursday, 26 January. (Supplied)
The news came as mellifluous as the song that accompanies Ummathat, the traditional dance form of Kodagu.
Rani Machaiah — better known as Ummathat Ki Rani — was at her home in Madikeri when she received the news of the nation honouring her with Padma Shri.
Congratulatory calls have been flooding her from relatives, friends, well-wishers, and most importantly, from her large number of students since Wednesday, 25 January.
“A train of thoughts crossed my mind,” the 79-year-old shared her experience with South First. “I have worked for around 50 years, promoting this traditional dance form.”
She has been leading Ummathat since 1984 and she had trained over 10,000 students.
Rani recalled taking her students to different states to showcase the dance form. “Ummathat is performed by a troupe of 20 — two will be singing and the other eighteen will dance to narrate a story,” she explained.
“This dance form is similar to the traditional ones of every other state,” she added.
Creating masters
Rani doesn’t dance anymore. But she still teaches students to master the art form. She had trained several batches of students.
Padma Shri Rani Machaiah. (Supplied)
“Once they get married, they leave and a new batch joins. Girls of any age can join the troupe,” Rani said.
Her students had performed in Lakshadweep, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and several places across Karnataka.
“We get invitations from various places and institutions from all over the country and we perform our traditional Ummathat there,” Rani, who has dedicated herself to preserving and promoting the traditional dance form, said.
Rani was born in 1943 in Siddapura in the Kodagu district. Her husband, the late Machaiah, was an advocate, who passed away when she was 65.
Her son, Sathish Machaiah, 55, is a software engineer in Bengaluru. Rani’s daughter, Saritha Devaiah, is a homemaker in Kodagu. Her husband Devaiah owns a plantation.
When asked about her inspiration to take up Ummathat, Rani said it was personal interest.
Now, a lipi
Rani is the chairperson of Kaveri Kalavrunda Sangha, an organisation she founded. She is the recipient of the Rajyotsava Award and many other honours.
She was a former president of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and at present, she is encouraging groups of Kodavas working on designing a lipi — alphabet or script — for the Kodava language to preserve its literature since the language doesn’t have a lipi now (traditionally, Kodavas use the Thirke script, which is an abugida).
“It will look somewhat similar to Kannada and it will have phonetics and extra words that are used in the Kodava language in Kannada lipi,” Rani said.
source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / South First / Home> States / by Bellie Thomas / January 27th, 2023
30th Anniversary Celebrations, an exhibition of water colour paintings ‘Nisarga Lalithya’ by well-known artist H.P. Rangaswamy of Mysuru.
Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club-Mysuru President K.D. Muthappa inaugurates.
Senior artist and Founder-Chief Convenor of Bharani Art Gallery N.B. Kaverappa, presides, Artist Ganjifa Raghupati Bhat, writer Dr. Majjigepura K. Shivaramu, Nanjundaswamy of e-Biotorium Network Pvt. Ltd., Mysuru, will be the special guests.
Artist H.P. Rangaswamy will be present, 11 am.
Expo open to public, Gallery premises, Vivekanandanagar, up to 7 pm.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Events Tomorrow / May 25th, 2024
Club Mahindra, the leading brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, proudly announces the prestigious recognition of its Madikeri resort as India’s first triple net-zero-rated resort by the esteemed Indian Green Building Council. The Triple Net Zero acknowledges Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water, and Zero waste to landfill. The rating sets a benchmark on par with international standards thus making Club Mahindra Madikeri achieve a significant milestone in sustainable hospitality. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 Club Mahindra is committed to innovating and inspiring change.
More about Net Zero Certifications:
• Net Zero Energy: This indicates the resort generates as much energy as it consumes. Through optimum utilization of Solar Energy and energy-efficient infrastructure, the resort focuses on reducing its carbon footprint.
• Net Zero Water: This is a remarkable achievement in water management. It promotes water conservation and security. Club Mahindra’s water conservation initiatives demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices. Measures include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving fixtures.
• Zero Waste to Landfill: TÜV SÜD certified the resort for Net Zero Waste in FY23. Comprehensive waste management practices, including segregation at source, composting, recycling, and other measures, help Club Mahindra achieve zero waste
The resort nestled in the picturesque region of Coorg, Karnataka is a beacon of luxury, comfort, and responsible tourism, thus contributing to preserving the planet. The resort blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings, supporting local plants and animals, covering a vast area of 126464.26 square meters, with buildings occupying just 22257.7 square meters. Further, incorporating dense vegetation, insulated roofs, and using local materials, the resort has reduced the surrounding temperature by approximately 3°C. Additionally several other energy-saving initiatives such as Motion sensor-controlled washrooms, Regulated Geysers, Timer controlled external lights, Heat Pumps, and BLDC fans have resulted in an impressive energy performance index of 74.4 kW per m² per year, surpassing the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s benchmark of 313 kW per m² per year. Moreover, over 70% of the water is recycled and reused for operational purposes at the resort further emphasizing the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Additionally, the Mahindra Hariyali project has led to the planting of thousands of trees, enriching the region’s natural habitat and attracting diverse bird species. This initiative fosters a thriving ecosystem, enhancing the visitor experience with its biodiversity.
Julian Ayers, Chief Resort Officer, Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited, said, “At Mahindra, we recognize the crucial importance of advocacy and partnerships in driving the swift shift towards a sustainable future. Our journey towards a greener future began in 2008. Since then, we’ve embraced a ‘Planet Positive’ approach to sustainability. We’re committed to making our operations eco-friendly, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint, and revitalizing nature. Our unwavering commitment to habitat protection and biodiversity at Madikeri has earned us recognition and honour from the IGBC, reflecting our steadfast dedication. We embrace a global responsibility for safeguarding diverse ecosystems and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, we’re committed to innovating and inspiring change within our operations and beyond, as part of Mahindra Holidays’ sustainability journey.”
Mahindra Holidays is India’s first hospitality company to join the global campaign RE100 and EP100. To achieve its zero-energy goal, Club Mahindra implemented an 804 kW solar rooftop photovoltaic plant and solar carports in parking areas. In water conservation efforts, over 70% of water is recycled and reused, with natural streams diverted to a 380 kL capacity pond and 14 Rainwater Harvesting Pits constructed. For zero waste, the resort utilizes a bio-digester to convert food waste into biogas, reducing waste and LPG costs
With these remarkable achievements, Club Mahindra continues its steadfast journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation. By doing so, it provides its members with unparalleled access to some of the most breath-taking and exotic destinations both in India and across the globe.
8 AM Metro can be streamed on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium now
A still from 8AM Metro. (Courtesy – PR)
Laapataa Ladies has been the talk of the town ever since it released. Now that people have witnessed Gulshan Devaiah and Saiyami Kher’s film 8 A.M. Metro, they cannot help but feel the same sweet vibe from the movie. Netizens have unanimously praised the Raj Rachakonda directorial. Here are some reactions to note…
Netizens have sweet comments on the film
While one user called 8 A.M. Metro as sweet as Laapataa Ladies, another wrote, “Unexpected person, idelible memories.” A third user called the film impeccable. A fourth one called it therapy. Basically, the film has touched one-and-all. It is to be noted that this was also the case with the critics, back when the movie was out in theatres.
More about the film
8 A.M. Metro is the story of Preetam, played by Gulshan Devaiah and Iravati (Saiyami Kher). They each face fears after their sudden interaction in the train from Nanded to Hyderabad. Iravati gets panic attacks while travelling in a train. Preetam, on the other hand, is depressed and haunted by his past. The two explore more about themselves and each other during their journey. The film is now out on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium.
8 A.M. Metro also stars Umesh Kamat, Kalpika Ganesh, Nimisha Nair, Dheer Charan Srivastav, Jay Jha, Madhu Swaminath and Saurabh Dixitz apart from Gulshan and Saiyami. The movie was made on an estimated budget of Rs. 4 crores and was mainly shot inside a train.
Zee5’s latest offering
8 A.M. Metro is Zee5’s latest offering. Prior to this, the OTT platform was trending owing to The Broken News S2 release. The show starred Sonali Bendre, Jaideep Ahlawat and Shriya Pilgaonkar in the lead roles. The second season saw what the highs and lows which came with Radha Bhargava (Shriya) and Dipankar Sanyal (Jaideep). Sonali played the role of Amina Qureshi, who ensured Radha’s safety in jail and her bail from the place.
source: http://www.ottplay.com / OTT Play / Home> News / by Reema Chhabda / May 10th, 2024
This summer, treat yourself to a remarkable culinary adventure at the Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield’s Coorgi Food Festival. Under the expert guidance of Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda, a master of spice, embark on a gastronomic journey to the lush landscapes of Coorg with a menu that brilliantly showcases the region’s bold and aromatic spices.
Kick off your dining experience with delightful starters such as the fragrant Chekke kuru fry, the tender Mathi meen barthad, and the unique Kadambutt stuffed with bamboo shoots. Cleanse your palate with the refreshing nallamalu kanni soup and the comforting aadkaal soup.
Dive deeper into the culinary heritage with signature dishes like the iconic Pandi curry, the aromatic Meen curry, and the robust Keema curry. These are thoughtfully paired with cherished dishes like Cheemen pulav, Mutton pulav, otti, Nool puttu, or Thaliyaputt.
For those who prefer vegetarian fare, there is an impressive selection of dishes including the rich Avare kuru curry, the enticing Baimbale curry, and the seasonal kaad Mange curry, accompanied by delightful sides like paalputt and double beans pulav.
This May, gather your loved ones and head to Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield for a mesmerizing exploration of Coorg’s kitchen traditions with Chef Bopanna’s exceptional culinary creations. Experience the essence of Coorg, where each dish celebrates the region’s flavors and heritage.
source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel and Tour World / Home> Hotel News / May 09th, 2024
The innovative, interactive film has been selected as part of the Let’s Spook Cannes event. The film stars Varsha Bollamma in the lead role.
Varsha Bollamma-starrer Iruvam has been developed by ManMar Games.
The bilingual film Iruvam, made in both Tamil and English, has been selected as one of the four entries worldwide for the Let’s Spook Cannes event as part of the Cannes Film Festival . The film, which sees Varsha Bollamma as the lead, is innovative because it’s interactive.
Varsha excited for Cannes
Industry tracker Ramesh Bala made the announcement of the film’s selection on his X (formerly Twitter), writing, “.@Manmargames innovative project @iruvam_ManMar has been officially selected for the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival’s “Let’s Spook Cannes” event. A Landmark Indian Entry in the World’s Premier Film Festival #Iruvam starring @VarshaBollamma.” An excited Varsha re-tweeted the post, writing, “Super super super excited for this one!!! Eeeeeeeeepppp!!!!”
About Iruvam
Iruvam is an interactive film that blurs the line between film and gaming. The innovative full motion video (FMV) will offer a narrative where the viewers’ choices will impact the film’s storylines and the outcome, which will offer numerous endings. The description sounds similar to Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Directed by Manoj Annadurai, who is known for the independent English film Get Happy, the film will feature Sidhu Kumaresan, Shanmathi and Bala Guru.The film will be unveiled at Cannes between May 17-20 and will be subsequently released on a mobile platform.
Upcoming work
Varsha was recently seen in the Telugu film Ooru Peru Bhairavakona with Sundeep Kishan and is yet to announce her upcoming projects. The actor, who debuted with the 2015 film Sathuran got fame when she starred in Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha’s 2018 film 96. She debuted in Malayalam the same year with Kalyanam. In 2020 she debuted in Telugu with Choosi Choodangaane, which also starred Shiva Kandukuri, and in Kannada with Mane Number 13 the same year. She has since acted in films like Jaanu, Middle Class Melodies and Akka Kuruvi.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / by HT Entertainment Desk / May 08th, 2024
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