Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Captivating coorgs

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

Nidhi Subbaiah
Harshika Poonacha, Nidhi Subbaiah, Prajwal Poovaiah and Deepika Kamaiah are not just the leading ladies of Sandalwood that are striding ahead of their contemporaries. Interestingly, a common link between the awesome foursome cannot be missed — the Coorg connection. With promising projects in their kitty and hits in the past, these beautiful lasses have their hands full right now.

The land of Kodagu or Coorg has given Sandalwood some fresh faces. Call it coincidence or sheer timing, these lovely ladies are making their way towards the top leagues in the industry. Nidhi Subbaiah, who was the industry hudugi, recently moved to Bollywood and will be making her debut with Jacky Bhagnani in the film Ajab Gazabb Love. “After Coorg actress Prema there was no one.

Then Nidhi (Subbaiah) and I entered the industry. I think other than Mangaloreans, Coorgs are known to be beautiful and that is one of the reasons for us to be here,” says actor Harshika Poonacha. “The other reason is that we Coorg girls are not afraid of stunts and shooting at risky locations. Whether dancing close to a creek or climbing hills, I prefer to do my dance sequences and don’t want a junior dancer to do it. I have heard producers say that Coorgs are a brave lot,” smiles the actor.

Not just films, television audiences too seem to favour Coorg beauties. Actor Swetha Changappa, has a cult following among women of Karnataka, as the popular host of Yariguntu Yarigilla, reality show. Her lead role in Arundhati too is much appreciated. “Television is a challenging medium. Every day we shoot for at least 10-15 scenes. I guess it is the will to put in continuous hours and still stay fresh and energetic that helps us make the cut,” says Swetha.

Harshika’s soon too be released Crazy Loka stars another Coorg actress, Daisy Bopanna. Daisy was a model before getting into acting. Director Kavita Lankesh who has seen Daisy grow in the industry says, “Coorg girls are blessed with looks and it works in their favour. Our audience is obsessed with fair skin and most of them are cast in films for looks and fairness. When it comes to acting, they are impulsive but on sets they are relaxed and are fun to work with.”

And another Coorg actress Deepika Kamaiah who’s first film was Chingari with Darshan, agrees, “I think it is a combination of hard work, ambition and the potential we have that has helped us climb the ladder of success. But above all, it is our family support. If not for their encouragement then I wouldn’t have been here.” Many of them are busy working on major projects. Prajwal Poovaiah was last seen in Bheema Thirdalli and is now working in four Tamil projects. A state level hockey player and a national level dancer on a reality show, Prajwal has a long way to go. “Hardwork, a bold attitude and progressive nature makes filmmakers choose us. People say we are beautiful women, I just take it as a compliment,” says Prajwal.

Meanwhile directors who have worked with them seemed impressed with their dedication and hardwork. “The ‘will do it’ attitude and approach to work matters a lot and that is one of the reasons for them to go a long way. Additionally, they are multi-talented too. While working on various film projects Harshika has even managed to complete her engineering, what do you say about that?” asks director Ghanshyam.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / DC, by Ayesha Tabassum / June 05th, 2012

An evening of fashion and glamour at Orion Mall

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

It was an evening of fashion and glamour at one of the city malls recently. The event, that took place on one of the week days, saw the members of the fashion frat turn up for it.

Gracing the event was fashion guru, Prasad Bidappa, who was seen socialising with the party peeps present and also sharing a fashion tip or two.
Rakesh and Prasanna

The ramp was lined up with models strutting and showcasing the hottest new trends of the season. Walking down the ramp among the many models were Carun, Neha, Rakesh and Hari. The fashion showcase continued for around an hour after which the models and audience headed over to relax at the lounge. Seen having fun at this do were models Priya, Lavanya, Prasanna, Zoheb and budding actor Surya.

BT spotted models Parto and Nisha who were seen sporting a similar floral top and was busy posing for the lensman.

Contributed by Disha Mangsuli

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Life & Style> Parties> Bangalore / TNN / June 03rd, 2012

Fellow traveller

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Coorg-born artist GS Bhavani trails Cauvery — from Talakaveri to the spot where it merges with the Bay of Bengal. The result is a telling short film on the ‘lifeline’.

For Kodagu-born GS Bhavani, the Cauvery was an extension of her childhood. Her bonding with the river began when her parents took her and her two siblings to Talakaveri, where Cauvery originates.

“I didn’t pay much attention to the Cauvery in the beginning. For Coorgis, it’s deified as kula devatha (family deity) and for any function, be it the birth of a child or the death of a family member, a visit to Talakaveri is mandatory. I would visit the spot without realising the magnificence of the river. After all, we had a stream running through in our estate too.”

After her father’s demise, her family moved to Bangalore, where her interest in Cauvery got re-ignited. Bhavani would hear comments like “though Cauvery is ours, the water goes to Bangalore”. That made her wonder how such a huge river “could flow like a trickle and come out of a tap in Bangalore”.

“The bonding suddenly strengthened, which was surprising. My mother would fill the Cauvery water direct from the tap for pooja and drinking purposes. The same water, collected from the tank, wasn’t ‘holy’ enough.” The re-ignition happened.

Opting to be an artist instead of a professional degree, she went to Dubbare forest in 2009 to record the festivities of tribals. “There I saw a man chopping a pig on the banks of the river. And being a vegetarian didn’t help me. Blood was flowing into the river and he threw away the intestines into Cauvery.” That, she says, was the defining moment.

With more passion, Bhavani decided to trail the river from the ‘source’ to Bangalore to see what actually happens to the river. And she had the ‘path’ filmed. The short film got rave reviews at the city’s ‘Voices from the Waters Festival, 2010’ edition. The love story deepened and she yearned for more, setting her off on a poetic journey along the Cauvery last year, till the Bay of Bengal, where it ends. Thus was born Journey With The River Cauvery. It was akin to a tryst with a loved one. Unhurried, yet short.

“It is a project that is a collection of videos and photographs as well. There is a main video of about 22-23 minutes which is about Cauvery. The other videos are of 2-3 minutes which will feature my site specific installations,” she says.

Since Bhavani journeyed along the 765-km of the river by road, she travelled much more (about 2,000 km). It took her about 15 days for this journey though many of her short videos were shot during day trips to nearby destinations like Mekedatu.

Just before Srirangam, the Cauvery deviates and circles the temple only to join back at Kalyani. At Kalyani, the river splits into five and Bhavani followed the one that leads to Poompuhar. It is called the Koli River and one can clearly see how it joins the ocean. Tributaries and rivers like Kannika, Harangi and many more confluence with the Cauvery.

“I have seen so many beautiful sights along the river. The main source continues to amaze me even now. The water is the same at all seasons.”

“The Puranic stories mention that river Kannika existed before Cauvery, yet she too loses her identity after the confluence. I was surprised to see the width of the river getting bigger as she flows; the longest bridge was in Tiruchy, around 1 km long,” says Bhavani.

On the flipside, there are some sights that she wished she hadn’t witnessed. “There are small channels from the river to flow through the villages, but dirty water from the houses flows right back to the river. The river isn’t treated with the respect she deserves.”

Bhavani’s main video “negotiates the landscape of the river as she flows through the sacred and secular, private and public domains”. Her solitary journey (“except for the taxi driver”) was pleasantly interrupted by friends and relatives who would join her at different places and stay with her for a while. “At the last stretch, near Poompuhar, one of my friends came over to shoot the scenes that had me in the frame,” she says.

Her lament is that she could have spent more time with the river, but for her limited resources. “I spent Rs 1.5 lakh on the project. My mother is now happy for me, especially after she saw the video. Some people wonder why I didn’t follow in the lines of my sister who is working in the US and my brother who is into computers. But I am an artist and my family has always supported me; in fact my brother’s wife is helping me.”

Journey With The River Cauvery is on at Venkatappa Art Gallery till June 30.

THE CAUVERY STORY

CAUVERY was once a woman who married sage Agastya after persuasion from her parents. She put up a condition saying that she would flow away as a river if Agastya left her alone for too long. Sage Agastya once went to bathe in river Kannika and forgot the time. Cauvery lost no time to flow away like she had always wanted.

She originated from one side of Bramhagiri Hills – Kannika is on the other side – went underground to avoid Agastya’s disciples and emerged at Bhagamandala.

source: http://www.BangaloreMirror.com / Home> Entertainment> Lounge> Story / by Jayanthi Madhukar / Monday, May 28th, 2012

A new Kannada star rises in Bollywood

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

Nidhi Subbaiah
After her foray into Bollywood with yet-to-be-released ‘Oh My God’, Sandalwood actress Nidhi Subbaiah is striving to gain a foothold in the Hindi film industry with her second film to be directed by Sanjay Gadhvi of ‘Dhoom’ fame.

As she shoots for ‘Ajab Gazabb Love’ opposite Jackky Bhagnani, Nidhi is loving every moment in Mumbai. “This is my fourth month in the city. I am enjoying the fast-paced life of Mumbai. I am at the right place at the right time. I’m not missing Bangalore or Coorg as of now, except for the food and weather,” she adds.

Elaborating on her current project, Nidhi says, “It’s a remake of a romcom flick in Telugu, Seema Tapakai. Presently, 60 per cent of the shoot is complete and we’ll be flying abroad soon for rest of the shoot.”

Nidhi has completed shoot for her first film, ‘Oh My God’, and is now busy with workshops and costume fittings. The doe-eyed beauty is loving every moment of it as she basks in the glory of a big break. “Any girl who wants to be a heroine would like to take a shot at Bollywood for its wide reach,” she says.

Ask about her current favourite in Bollywood, and she says Arjun Rampal. He plays an important role in ‘Ajab Gazabb Love’, along with Arshad Warsi. “I have just finished one schedule with him. He’s so hot and has an amazing screen presence. We have a lot of female crew members who, when he dashes into the sets, become speechless,” says Nidhi.

Although a new face in Mumbai industry, she claims she didn’t face any casting couch issues. “It might have been in the nineties. This is a new age and conducive for talent. Casting couch exists even in the corporate world. It is how you look at it and achieve your goals by taking the hard route.”

The Kannada actress is staying all alone in Mumbai and says she is comfortable with the space she is in now. “My mother keeps coming and going. I have lot of cousins and friends residing here. Jackky is my only friend in the industry. Soon, I will be making more friends,” she says.

Nidhi has not worked in any other south Indian film before heading to Bollywood. “Probably, I was destined to be here and I took it with both hands,” she says, adding, “My experience in Sandalwood has really helped me to reach this far.”
Comparing the current remuneration in Sandalwood with that of Bollywood, Nidhi says, “I have come here with a few years of experience in Kannada films. This is my second film in Hindi, so, right now, I am a nobody. Once I become somebody, I will talk about money.”

Back home in Sandalwood, her latest film, Anna Bond, released to a good opening. “I have not yet watched the film, but some fans didn’t like me dying in the film. They said: ‘We felt like leaving the movie hall that very moment.’ I have done justice to my role, but the saddest part was that they had to kill my character,” says Nidhi.

From now on, she will be seen in Kannada films only if some good projects come her way. “For a while, I will be busy shooting and promoting my Hindi film. I would always love to be part of a good film, especially if Yograj Bhat makes a Pancharangi sequel or Puneeth wants me in a future project,” she says.

For this ambitious actress, it’s a new place with new projects, but Nidhi is yet to find a life companion. “Mumbai is a new home and for a heroine, being single is good,” she signs off.

source: http://www.expressbuzz.com / Expressbuzz> Showbuzz> Kannada / by A Sharadhaa / Express News Service / May 27th, 2012

No UNESCO tag for Madikeri

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, World Opinion

Madikeri:

Madikeri Taluk Budakattu Krishikara Sangha president Kudiyara Muthappa said that the district will not receive the World Heritage Site tag in the near future.
He told reporters here on Wednesday that they received an official note from UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee which stated that they had received global objections to the issue, including from the district.

Hence, the highest deciding body on the tag has decided to drop the proposal.
The Ministry of Environment and Forest can submit a fresh proposal for nomination after three years in this regard, he added.

The Sangha had submitted a joint appeal to UNESCO opposing the tag in their respective areas quoting the reason as lack of implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People in the context of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention.

The main objection raised by the Sangha was that the local people weren’t taken into confidence nor were they informed about the tag, he said.
Even after six years, the Recognition of Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers Act-2006 had not been implemented and those who were living in the forest and adjoining areas were being evicted citing various Forest and Wildlife Acts, he alleged.

This was the main objection raised in the letter to UNESCO. Denying forest rights is a sheer violation of human rights of adivasis and other forest dwellers, he added.
Hence, the World Heritage Committee decided to defer on the nominations and called upon the Union Government to consult and collaborate with indigenous people.

He also released copies of the letter they had written and the replies too.
He also released the letter written by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs V Kishore Chandra Deo to all the Chief Ministers of the country quoting various problems in the implementation of the Recognition of Forest Act.

It may be recalled that the district was included in the list of World Heritage Sites as it is covered by the Western Ghats.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> South> Southern News> Karnataka / The New Indian Express, Express News Service / Karnataka, May 31st, 2012

Israeli priest cremated in Gonikoppa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized, World Opinion

He had embraced Hinduism out of choice

The body of an Israeli priest who got converted to Hinduism out of choice after being influenced by Hinduism, was cremated at Hosur near Ammathi on Wednesday morning.

Itamar Oran Narada Muni (67) was cremated as per the Hindu rituals in the land belonging to local residentKuppanda Rajappa. Eight associates of Itamar along with villagers were present during the cremation.

As per the law, the Associates had taken permission from the Central government and Athur Gram Panchayat to cremate the body.

Itamar was residing in Israel during his last days. He had expressed his desire to be cremated in Karnataka.

Though he had died on April 24, his Associates who had kept the body in mortuary were searching suitable land for cremation.

Though his associates had decided to cremate the body at Koodige Mallenahalli near Kushalnagar, there was stiff opposition from the villagers.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS, Gonikoppa / May 30th, 2012

Modelling is fun — Ashwini

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

“It all began after our doubles triumph at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Jwala (Gutta) and I did a shoot for a magazine supplement, with makeup on and much prompting from photographers. Jwala moved far more freely, while I was more guarded,” recalls Ashwini of the quiet and reserved traits she typifies. By A. Joseph Antony.
K. RAMESH BABU

Ashwini Ponnappa could well be the Ferrari of Indian badminton, all feline flair, yet packing punch and panache, carried over easily to the ramp. She may not launch a thousand ships, but should make a mark in modelling, where non-cricket sportspersons are rarely sighted.

“During a game, a fall needs only dusting off, but on the catwalk it spells disaster. Mercifully, there have been no awkward moments on either stage. While modelling for me is fun, to the professional it’s a lot more serious,” observes the 2011 badminton World Championship women’s doubles bronze medallist.

“It all began after our doubles triumph at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Jwala (Gutta) and I did a shoot for a magazine supplement, with makeup on and much prompting from photographers. Jwala moved far more freely, while I was more guarded,” recalls Ashwini of the quiet and reserved traits she typifies.

An audio-visual TV commercial shoot for a Delhi real estate firm came next. “Dialogue delivery in English was a cakewalk, but tough in Hindi,” says the Bangalore-born lass, harking to her totally south Indian roots in breathtakingly beautiful Coorg, home to the martial race that produced famous Indian warriors, Field Marshall Cariappa and General K. S. Thimayya.

Some still photographs were taken of India’s dominant doubles duo for Li Ning, their sponsor, comprising shadow movements. With no briefing, preparation or rehearsal, Ashwini walked the ramp, dressed elegantly, yet casually, to support People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

“I watched the others before me and simply did the same. I walked down till the end of the ramp, paused for a moment and headed back. That stroll was short but sweet,” she says.

From the ferocity of on-court smashes, she’s genteel and gracious off it. “I like it when I can recognise myself. I hate makeup (she doesn’t really need it). It’s a lot easier smiling endlessly, say for a video than appearing serious in a still shoot, which needs a wider range of expressions or innovations,” says the fledgling model.

“Confidence is a must for both, although playing is a lot easier. While I’ll chase more titles in badminton, I won’t pursue modelling offers but instead wait for them to happen. After all, it’s the game that’s made me,” she reflects, leaving little doubt about her priorities.

She doesn’t ‘skirt’ the issue that raged recently in the sport. “It’s smarter wearing attire meant for women rather than appear like men, although some see dressing up well as lack of focus. To each her own, but if skirts in squash or tennis don’t raise eyebrows, why the fuss for badminton,” she asks.

Comfortable with natural light and a cause close to her heart, she kept her cool for a shoot on a Hyderabad terrace, tolerating temperatures well into the fiery forties. Her mother Cauvery launched a designer wear range themed a ‘revival of 70’s’ with Accedo and Manzoor Hussain in Hyderabad recently.

Posing for a professional shoot would be more challenging than say sitting for a family portrait or when taking those fun pictures with cousins in Coorg. “A smile routine is smooth but serious ones needed much guidance, hands shouldn’t dangle awkwardly or come in the way, the head should be turned this way or that and feet should be in their proper place,” says Ashwini.

Unlike badminton where she has no role models, choosing to learn from seniors, contemporaries and juniors, she admires Lakshmi Menon and Lisa Hayden in modelling. Ask her how suited is she to modelling and she replies, “That depends on how others see or judge me.”

Ashwini Ponnappa on the ramp at the All Star Fashion show, conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to promote adoption of homeless dogs.
Is modelling as taxing, tiring and frustrating as badminton? “Both are fun. Playing comes more naturally but posing needs conscious effort and is very different from what you regularly do,” she thinks.

Does she have a favourite photographer? “I haven’t worked with so many to like them but photography can be fascinating,” she notes. So is there a favourite/ideal location for a shoot? “I’d love to shoot with animals around. I’d also have loved to be a vet, but the studies were quite demanding,” she admits.

When asked whether she would resist/avoid endorsing certain products/brands on any principle(s), as some did of cola drinks, her reply was more pragmatic. “I’ll decide when the offers come but will be quiet till then to keep people guessing,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “I am glad to have got the best of both worlds,” she says of her badminton career and modelling. To date, the sailing has been smooth and a career in modelling/endorsement is an option Ashwini is open to.

If ‘do unto others what you’d want them to do to you,’ is a credo she abides by, the svelte shuttler is clear she won’t go beyond a point. “Despite a very liberal upbringing, I value self respect immensely,” she stresses. But badminton comes first and in a country where cricket rules the roost, a shuttler need not be the only beneficiary when endorsing, but the sport could well gain too, she concludes.

source: http://www.tssonnet.com / SPORTSTAR / Home> General> Focus / Vol.No. 35, No.23 / June 07th, 2012

Happy Birthday Gulshan!

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

After walking the red carpet at Cannes, Gulshan Devaiah plans to celebrate his birthday with wife Kalloroi Tzafetta

Gulshan Devaiah, new face of indie cinema has turned a year older. The actor has just retuned from walking the red carpet at Cannes International Film Festival for his movie Peddlers. The film is directed by Vasan Bala and produced by Anurag Kashyap. Gulshan shares his plan of celebrating his birthday. He says, “I’ll spend my birthday with my beautiful wife Kalliroi. We’ll probably go watch a film.”

This year has been very lucky for the young actor. Few months ago he married his girlfriend Kalliroi Tzafetta and his film (Peddlers) got selected at the pretigious Cannes Film Festival. His performance grabbed eyeballs. He also go a lot of recognition for his last release Hate Story. We wish Gulshan Devaiah Happy Birthday!

source: http://www.Filmfare.com / by Filmfare Editorial / Monday, May 28th, 2012

Bahrain: Basava Jayanti-2012 Celebrated in Community Spirit

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's

Kingdom of Bahrain, 20 May 2012:

The Basava Samiti Bahrain organize ’Basava Jayanti-2012’ in the Kingdom of Bahrain with immense enthusiasm and devotion in Ban Sang Thai Restaurant hall recently.

An inaugural welcome with ’mangala kalasa’ and ’tal maddale’ was followed by Basava pooja and prayer with traditional Bharatnatya welcome dance by Basava samiti juniors. Introductory welcome speech was given by Samiti general secretary Shashikala Kallyyanamath.

The famous speaker and master comedian Indumati salimath was invited as chief guest and well-known playback singer Pandit Ravindra Sorganvi, accompanied by renowned tabla player Pandit Satish Hampiholi were invited as guest artistes from Karnataka.

Basava Samiti Bahrain headed by U H Neelkantha as honorary president honoured the chief guests and guest artistes. Shivakumar Kallayyanamath, Ravishankar, Gangadhar Nagthan, R M Patil and Kannada Sangha Bahrain president Rajkumar were the chief guests on the occasion.

Basava Samiti members presented a ’Karnataka Janapada Darshan’, a colourful folk dance choreographed by Raghuram and Praveen Konanje, which included men, women and children performing Dollu Kunita, Kamasale,Yakshagana, Kolata, Kodava Nrutya and Suggi Kunita. The 300-plus audience had a were taken into a different world with the performance. A brief note on the dance was given by Kiran Girish.

The magical voice of Sorganvi and tabla pandit Hampiholi’s flawless beats enthralled the crowd with a lot of devotional, classical, folk and stage-play music. The depth and perfection of Sorganvi’s golden voice impressed the audience.

Indumati Salimath took over to present a string of laughter, message of Basava and advice on healthy social life.

On the successful completion of 30 years of Delta Construction Company, the Basava Samiti Bahrian honoured the dynamic entrepreneur U H Neelakantha as ’Kayaka Yogi’. Sanjay Palled, Shivakumar Kallayyanamath, Shekahr Koppad and Samiti executive committee did the honours.

Neelakantha shared his practical experiences with the gathered audience. He has been a role model for the young generation. He believed in sincere work and supports many charity activities and cultural events in Bahrain.

Shivanand Patil compered the programme, which ended with a vote of thanks by Samiti general secretary and a community dinner.

source: http://www.BelleVision.com / Home> News / by Joel D’Sa / BelleVision Media Network / May 20th, 2012

Flowers, fruits to enthral onlookers in Madikeri

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Show to be held from May 11 to 13
The flower-fruit show at Rajaseat will be unveiled on May 11 at 4.30 pm.

The yearly programme organised by District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and Horticulture Department will be held from May 11 to 13.

This year, the Government has not released any special grant for the flower show owing to drought in many parts of the State. Despite this, the officials are all set to put up a good show.
Despite organising the show in a simple manner, the show is nothing lesser than the previous shows.

The highlight of the show this year will be the drawing of animals and birds using white stones. Monsoon show using test tubes will also enthral the audience this time.

As many as 6,000 flower pots of 125 varieties will be displayed. Some medicinal plants will also be displayed. Names of all the plants will be displayed so as to help the students and general public.

Vegetable carvings will be a part of the show. In the evening, musical fountain and light show will be held.

The programme will be inaugurated by Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah. Zilla Panchayat CEO M P Appachu Ranjan, MLC M C Nanaiah, M P H Vishwanath among others will take part.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri, May 10th, 2012