Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A chat with Namma Hudugi Nidhi Subbaiah

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

NidhiKF28sept2013
Mysore :
by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

After having found success in the Kannada film industry, namma hudugi Nidhi Subbaiah has landed in Bollywood in search of success again. After having made her debut through Ajab Gazab Love opposite Jaccky Bhagnani, Nidhi is trying to establish herself in the glamour world by signing more movies.

Nidhi was in Mysore after her latest triumph at South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA), where she was adjudged the Best Actress in a supporting role for the movie ‘Anna Bond.’

Star of Mysore caught up with the actress during her visit to the city to attend a private event.

Star of Mysore (SOM): You have found success in Kannada film industry, then why Bollywood?

Nidhi Subbaiah: I have always wanted to try new things. I want to live my life on the edge. In fact, one of my teachers asked me the same question. But, for me to be a part of the industry where you are treated as a newcomer and get to meet a lot of people is what is important. I believe I have the guts to take up new assignments and start my career from the scratch.

SOM: Now that you are in Mumbai, will you continue to do Kannada movies?

Nidhi: Of course. It depends on the offers and also the team I am working with. In fact, director Yograj Bhat is my favourite and there are also few actors with whom I am in constant touch. Just to say, one of the senior actors whom I met recently at the SIIMA awards in Dubai said that I had to stay in Bangalore instead of shifting to Mumbai. But, if I get good script and good director, I will definitely do a Kannada movie. People think I have left Kannada film industry which is not true. I love to do a lot of Kannada movies. (Tapping on the table) Touchwood, I have been getting offers for Kannada movies. Hope, it continues in the future.

SOM: It’s been almost five years since you entered the movie industry. How has your experience been so far?

Nidhi: There is nothing like show business and cinema. It has been wonderful experience to be a part of the film industry. Compared to others, I am very new to the industry. With no God fathers in the industry, I have been able to reach a level where people have recognised me and my talent. But, my ultimate aim is to reach a level where people should say that’s our girl who is topping in the film industry.

SOM: How did you get into glamour world?

Nidhi: Initially, I had never thought of becoming an actress. I was into sports and very much involved in sailing. But, it so happened that during my college days, I happened to participate in a fashion show. The organisers of the show called me for an audition and from then, I started modelling and ads. In fact, my first ad was for ‘Fair & Lovely.’ Later, got offers in the movies and that’s how I entered movies.

SOM: Who is your favourite co-star in the film industry?

Nidhi: This is a difficult question. Every one so far has been good to me. Diganth has been like a buddy, while I had good time shooting with Puneeth and Priyamani during ‘Anna Bond’. In fact, people say that two actresses do not gel with each other. But in me and Priyamani’s case, we gelled with each other and still are good friends.

SOM: What do you have to say about casting couch in film industry?

Nidhi: It is there everywhere, be it film industry or IT sector. People are not bothered to know about the other sectors, but are more interested to know things happening in film industry. It is up to the person, whether he/she wants to use the wrong way to success. But, people also judge a person’s character by their approach.

SOM: Who has been your inspiration to enter film world?

Nidhi: (Thinks for a while)… As a child I used to watch a lot of movies. Especially, movies with Kajol as the lead actress. Though, at that point of time I barely understood the language, I used to pester my friends and parents to accompany me to theatres which screened Kajol movies. She has been my inspiration.

SOM: What do you have to say to those aspiring to enter the film world?

Nidhi: It is important for a person to set priorities right before entering the films. They should not think about short cuts to success and should be a balanced person. The most important is not to get carried away with the success.

SOM: What do have to say about Mysore?

Nidhi: (Gets a little exited)… What should I say about Mysore? It is the place where I grew up. Unfortunately, I miss Mysore a lot since I have shifted to Mumbai. But, still I make sure to visit Mysore once in three months. Earlier, I used to come to Mysore on weekends when I was in Bangalore. There is no city like Mysore where people are soft-hearted and friendly. Love to be here always. (she signs off and heads for the makeup).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / September 22nd, 2013

Package tours planned in five circuits during Dasara

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

A breathtaking view of Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta./ Photo: M.A. Sriram / The Hindu
A breathtaking view of Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta./ Photo: M.A. Sriram / The Hindu

The tours will be conducted by KSTDC from Mysore

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has identified five circuits to operate special tour packages for domestic and international tourists visiting Mysore during Dasara this October.

Bookings for the package tours, to be conducted in air-conditioned buses, were expected to be announced shortly.

Tourism spots in Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Kodagu districts will be covered in the one-day tour packages, which also includes lunch at a KSTDC-operated restaurant.

If the response to this venture is good, the KSTDC will add more buses from its fleet of 52 luxury buses to operate the tours, officials said.

The five package tours start and end in Mysore. They are: Mysore–Biligiriranga Hills–K. Gudi–Mysore at Rs. 395 per person; Mysore–Nanjangud–Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills–Bandipur National Park–Mysore at Rs. 390 per person; Mysore–Ranganathittu–Srirangapatna–Kokkare Bellur–Mysore at Rs. 380 per person; Mysore–Somanathapura–Talakad–Shimsha–Mysore at Rs. 390 per person and Mysore–Madikeri–Mysore (including local sightseeing) at Rs. 450 per person.

KSTDC managing director C.D. Dyavaiah told The Hindu that the tour package includes the guide service and a vegetarian meal.

“These packages are being launched only for Dasara. In case of good response, we will extend the services for a couple of weeks,” he said.

ADDITIONAL FACILITIES

Mr. Dyavaiah said the KSTDC’s properties in Mysore and Madikeri were renovated recently. The Mysore property, Hoysala, on JLB Road, will be inaugurated next week. In addition to the 20 luxury rooms, 13 A/C rooms had been added, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Shankar Bennur / Mysore – September 21st, 2013

Red Carpet Reels back with Kokila Mohan’s ‘Nanthara’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

New Delhi:

Red Carpet Reels which had declared that ‘Ashokavana’ a few years ago in 2010, is back with a new title ‘Nanthara’, which stars Kokila Mohan and Dimple Chopda in lead roles.

If reports are to be believed, the shoot of ‘Nanthara’ which has Murali, Suresh, Ravi as producers has finished in Madikeri, Vizag and Bangalore.

While the film has been directed by Sam J Chaitanya, its music has been composed by A Madhusoodhan and lyrics penned by V Manohar and Nagendra Prasad.

As far as the supporting cast of ‘Nanthara’ goes, it features Sadhu Kokila, Satyaprakash, Harshavardhana and Rachana Mourya and others.

Kokila Mohan made a comeback to Kannada cinema after a long gap in ‘Gautham’. ‘Shuba Kala Barthaithe’, which has been directed by TS Nagabharana, is another unfinished project of Kokila Mohan.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in / IBNLive.com / Home / September 20th, 2013

80th Kannada Literary Meet in Kodagu in January 2014

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

80th All India Kannada Literary Convention will be held from January 7 to 9, 2014, at Field Marshal K M Cariappa College grounds here.
KannadaMeetKF23sept2013
The decision was taken during a meeting headed by district in-charge minister Dr H C Mahadevappa here recently.

Rs 1 crore has already been earmarked in the state budget for the convention. Requests will be made to the chief minister to grant an additional fund of Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore, Mahadevappa said and added that everyone should put their efforts in conducting the literary convention successfully.

MLA K Bopaiah said, Kodagu district had a responsible role to play, as it was hosting the literary convention. Officials should join hands in making the convention a success, he said. He said, a three-day holiday should be declared for schools and colleges in connection with the convention.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President T P Ramesh urged government employees in the district to donate their one-day salary towards the expenses of the convention. He also appealed to Gram Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat members to provide financial assistance.

State Kannada Sahitya Parishat Secretary Ramegowda, ZP Vice-President Biddanda Usha Devamma, DC Anurag Tiwari, ZP CEO K B Anjanappa, Assistant Commissioner Abhiram G Shankar and office bearers of the parishat were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / DHNS / Madikeri – September 17th, 2013

Need to conserve tribal languages stressed

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

Just like the way in which English is a threat to Kannada language, Kannada is posing a threat to minor languages in the state, said writer Abdul Rasheed.

Speaking at the valedictory of the ninth district Kannada literary meet here recently, he said along with Kannada, Kodava and tribal languages of Yarava, Jenukuruba, Bettakuruba, Malekudiya and other tribals are spoken in Kodagu.

“On the pretext of developing and conserving Kannada, we have neglected other languages,” he lamented.

“With the destruction of tribal culture, their languages are also on the verge of extinction. There is a need to strive for the development of minor languages.

Elected representatives are concerned about providing roads, water, and other infrastructure for tribal colonies, but not worried about conserving their culture and tradition. Culture, literature and life of tribals should be documented,” he said.

Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah said: “Parents feel inferior, sending their children to government schools. The need for proficiency in English in changed scenario is agreed, but we need to give priority to the administrative language,” he said.
Writer Vishnu Bhat presided over the meet.

Poets meet

Thirteen poets recited their poems at the poets’ meet. The poems highlighted corruption, suppression of weaker sections, beauty of Kannada culture, etc. K V Ramakrishne Gowda presided over the poets’ meet.

Felicitation

Shaurya medal winner Ayyangeri School student K S Suhail and highest scorer in SSLC B P Maulya were felicitated at the valedictory function.

Resolutions

The two-day Kannada literary meet resolved to urge the government to constitute an expert committee to find out a reason for low admission rate in government schools despite introducing English from first standard itself.

The other resolutions are: Railway connectivity is essential to promote tourism in the district. So, the state government should impress upon the Union Railway Ministry to start works on the proposed Mysore-Kushalnagar railway line.

The government should ensure that farmers get scientific price for their crops. The government should distribute Kannada dictionaries, published by Kannada Sahitya Parishat, free of cost among government school children.

The resolutions were read out by District Kannada Sahitya Parishat honorary secretary B A Shamshuddin.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service / Koodige (Kodagu Dist) / March 06th, 2013

Udupi, Kodagu, U-K best districts in Sakaala

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Udupi, Kodagu and Uttara Kannada (U-K) districts have secured top three positions in disposing of applications under Sakaala, a scheme for the timely delivery of services to the people of the State.

The districts of Bijapur, Raichur and Bidar are at the bottom of the ranking list. As much as 97.39 per cent of the applications were disposed of in the month of January. Altogether, 12.84 lakh applications were received under the scheme, according to the progress report on Sakaala released for January on Monday.

The report said the number of complaints had gone up. About 115 complaints have been received in January, 2013, against 89 in December, 2012.

For the month of February, the Sakaala portal will also have taluk-wise ranking. It will help the district administrations to evaluate the performances within the districts, the report said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / DHNS / Bangalore – February 25th, 2013

TOI Social Impact Awards: Wonder doctor’s success mantra

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Science & Technology

Mysore :

As a child M Jadeyegowda first saw Dr H Sudarshan dispense medicines to tribals at Biligiri Ranaga Hills near here. Initially, he stayed away from the doctor. Later, curiosity drew the tribal boy to the doctor. Dr Sudarshan and his Karuna Trust became the biggest influences on his life.

(Other than providing medical…)
(Other than providing medical…)

Other than providing medical help, Dr Sudarshan taught children in the tribal parts of Karnataka’s Chamarajnagar district. Jadeyegowda was a reluctant student. Today, he’s an assistant professor at Kodagu’s College of Forestry. “As a kid, I saw the doctor conduct surgeries with minimum facilities,” Jadeyegowda,43, says.

In October 2006, when the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) — to which Karuna Trust is affiliated — celebrated silver jubilee, Jadeyegowda, MSc, shook hands with President Abdul Kalam. He was one of the six students who had attended the tribal school set up by the NGO 25 years back. Jadeye now heads VGKK and is a trustee of the Karuna Trust. “I’m more comfortable being recognised as a beneficiary,” he says. “Jadeye is a beneficiary of our health and education programmes. That helped him,” Dr Sudarshan says.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysore> Silver Jubilee / by H M Aravind, TNN / February 01st, 2013

Gulshan Devaiah to play the antagonist in SLB’s Ramleela

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

Gulshan Devaiah who received praises for his role in Shaitan, will be seen in an all new avatar in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Ramleela’. The talented actor plays the antagonist in the movie.

(Gulshan Devaiah )
(Gulshan Devaiah )

Gulshan essays the character of ‘Bhavani’ in the movie. Talking about his character, Gulshan says, “Bhavani is a prominent member of the Jadeja clan who are of Chandrivanshi Rajput descent living in modern day Kutch Gujarat. The exact attributes of the character and his contribution to the plot is something I cannot divulge in but let’s just say he has enough shades of grey and is nothing like I have done this far in my career .” He further adds, “I am very excited to be a part of the film as I have grown up watching Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films and I am overwhelmed by the greatness of the man.”

Gulshan has already shot for the film. The movie is slated to release on 15th Novembe,2013.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood> Film / by Tanvi Trivedi, TNN / Septmeber 16th, 2013

2-day expo of paintings , books of Kodava artist

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

KoothandaKF20sept2013
Mysore :
An exhibition of paintings, writings and song compositions of late Koothanda Parvathy Poovaiah (1913-1994) of Pollibetta, Kodagu, in commemoration of her centennial year, will be held at Suchitra Art Gallery in Kalamandira here on Sept. 21 and 22 from 11 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm on both the days.

Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy will inaugurate the expo at 11 am.

Pattamada Shanti Ganapathy, who has organised the exhibition in memory of her mother, said that Parvathy was the third daughter of Neravanda Nanjappa and Mayamma of Madikeri. The famous Kodava playwright Haridasa Appaneravanda Appacha Kavi was related to her mother. Parvathy would meet him often and hear him sing, thus influencing her artistic interests.

Parvathy had authored three books in Kannada: Kodagina Sannakathe mathu Kavanagalu (1976); Kodagina Kathegalu (Janapada-1977) and Bhugila Gonchalu (1980). Apart from this, she wrote articles and poems to Kodagu periodicals quite often.

Dr. Rekha Vasanth, professor in Kannada at Kavery College, Gonikoppal, has written a brief Biography of Parvathy, published in 2012 by Kannada Pusthaka Pradikara.

While at Queen Mary’s in Chennai to pursue her studies, Parvathy learnt to play veena. Parvathy, who got married to planter K. M. Poovaiah in 1935, was a great follower of Gandhiji’s philosophy, after she met him in Madikeri in early 1930s.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / September 20th, 2013

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

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

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