Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

It got boring: Biddu

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

At 67, dressed in his PJs and a pair of sequinned loafers, Biddu continues to exude the charisma of an ’80s pop star. No surprise for someone who’s spent over five decades of his life making some of Indian pop music’s most memorable tunes.

Biddu

Shuttling between Mumbai, Goa, London and Spain, Biddu
has charted out a yearly travel calendar that takes him to “happy, sunny places”. “At this age, I want to avoid the cold and snow. It’s a nomadic life, but whether I’m at Marbela or Mumbai, my people know me well enough to know that I like a masala dosa or two fried eggs for breakfast.”

The Disco Deewane singer is in the city to promote his debut novel, Curse of the Godman, which he penned three years ago. Coming a year after his autobiography Made In India, which captures the singer-songwriter-producer’s journey from Bangalore to Kolkata to London, ask him if writing is his new calling and he says, “I wanted to write this novel for a long time now. But my publishers said they would only publish it if I wrote my autobiography. So I sold myself to the devil.”

He recalls, “Four years ago, it struck me that I didn’t want to do music anymore. I wanted to open a restaurant or write a book— but the story of my novel hit me sooner.”

Curse Of The Godman, a mix of “adventure, mysticism, romance and murder” is set in 1950s India and is the story of a tea plantation in Darjeeling, terrorised by a tiger. And like his prolific years as a singer, the new writer too isn’t leaving any page unturned, literally. Ahead of its launch, he reveals that he’s already finished writing his second book: “It’s set in Mumbai and deals with the sexual awakening of a young boy.”

For a man who delivered some of the biggest hits in his heyday, and still rakes in royalties, was it difficult to change career lanes? “It got boring. I’ve done this for over 50 years now. So the day I decided I had had enough, I went and gave away all my music equipment. My wife thought I had gone mad.”

For now, Biddu is content living life on his own terms. “A regular day in my life involves long walks on the beach, yoga, lunches with friends and a little bit of writing, At this age, there’s little to complain.”

Biddu’s musical highlights

Curse of the Godman is out on HarperCollins for R 299. It will be launched at Crossword Bookstore, Kemps Corner on January 13.

He won the Grammy for Kung Fu Fighting, in the best selling single category.

Till date, he has sold 38 million records.

He produced Disco Deewane which sold 60 million records worldwide.

Biddu produced music for Qurbani, with songs like Aap Jaisa Koi.

He became the pioneer of Indi-pop with his pop album Disco Deewane and Alisha Chinai’s Made In India.

Till date, royalties from Kung Fu Fighting get him anywhere between 60,000 pounds-70,000 pounds a year.

He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rolling Stone Magazine.

source: http://www.HindustanTimes.com / ENTERTAINMENT > Music / by Megha Mahindru / Hindustan Times, Mumbai / December 29th, 2011

‘Huthri Festival’ celebrated in Dubai

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


The celebration of Huthri (Puthari) festival and annual get-together of the UAE Kodavas was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai recently.

Ponnachetira Arun Kaveriappa lit the traditional thook bolcha (lamp) to formally inaugurate the celebrations. Melodious invocation was rendered by Balyatanda Reena Charmanna. The highlight of the day was a quiz competition and a written composition for children.

After feasting upon the traditional dish thambittu, happy hours were spent by the bar and the guests savoured an elaborate spread of Kodagu delicacies, followed by dancing to the traditional vaalaga.

Members of the Organising Committee Mr. & Mrs. Pebbatira Niranjan Cariappa, Mr. & Mrs. Shantheyanda Vikas Achaiah, Mr. & Mrs. Konganda Dilan Mandanna, Mr. & Mrs. Puttichanda Vignesh Aiyappa, Theethira Nanaiah, Machangada Kariappa and Mr. & Mrs. Apattira Chethan Somanna made the event a grand success

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / By Lipika Nanaiah / December 23rd, 2011

Bajaj Discover presents 6th Dr. Batra’s Positive Health Awards 2011, Anil Kumble Felicitates the Awardees

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, Maharashtra:

The awardees recognized were Ms Sujatha Burla, Mr Siddu S. Loute, Mr Shreedhara T S and Ms Bhumika Rajendra for their exemplary effort of transforming humans to heroes.

Bajaj Discover presents Dr. Batra’s 6th Positive Health Awards 2011, held at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall today witnessed Anil Kumble, the cricket legend felicitating this year’s positive health awardees. This was an initiative to honor significant people who live a positive life despite their physical disabilities. Four such heroes were awarded in the presence of about 1,000 people in appreciation of their laudable efforts and their outstanding courage in their endeavor against diseased and disabled conditions of life.

The winners for this year’s edition of the awards were recognized and selected by an eminent panel of jurists comprising of Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Ms. Anu Aga, Mr. Vivek Oberoi, Mr. R. Balki, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj and Dr. Mukesh Batra. The awardees recognized were Ms Sujatha Burla, Mr Siddu S. Loute, Mr Shreedhara T S and Ms Bhumika Rajendra for their exemplary effort of transforming humans to heroes.

In addition to a short biographic film on each awardee, attendees at the award function were treated to scintillating performances by the dance guru Shiamak Davar’s troupe of specially-abled children.

Admiring the spirit of the awardees, the Indian Cricket Legend, Anil Kumble, said, “I am immensely delighted to felicitate these heroes who have fought out the trials and tribulations in life and have created a niche for themselves in the society. The foremost rule of any sport is to never give up, no matter what, but to keep fighting till the end. These individuals have lived that never ceasing spirit and have successfully fought against all the impossibilities in life to create possible winning situations for themselves. I salute Dr Mukesh Batra and Mr Rajiv Bajaj for this extra-ordinary event and for the great work that they are doing to contribute towards such a noble cause.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder and CMD, Dr. Batras’ Positive Health Clinic Pvt. Ltd. said, “Dr. Batra’s Positive Health Awards salutes people with unyielding grit and unflinching determination, who have beaten all odds to overcome seemingly hopeless situations and have been dedicated enough to make commendable contributions to society. These heroes have demonstrated the strength of the human spirit and have proved that, all it takes to make a difference in the world is a strong will power and great positivity. The Positive Health Awards honor this spirit and re-affirm Dr Batra’s commitment to health and positivity.”

Reiterating his support to the cause, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd. said, “The Dr. Batra’s Positive Health Awards is a step in a noble direction and we are proud to be associated with this initiative for the second consecutive year. We firmly believe that the lives of these awardees will inspire and spread hope to others.”

About the Awardees:
Ms Sujatha Burla (32 years): A road accident that happened 10 years back changed her life forever making her quadriplegic with limited mobility below the shoulders. She is a TEDx speaker and a popular TV presenter for TV9 hosting a show called “Close Encounter with Suzy”. She has never suffered with bed sores in last 10 years as she practices yoga and physical exercises regularly. She provides counselling to paraplegic people and also addresses the NASA & ISRO scientists with motivational speeches on positive thinking and living. She has been running an orphanage for the past 3 years. She belongs to a middle class family from Hyderabad. Her father passed away few years ago. With no financial support from any of her 3 elder siblings, she earns a living and supports her mother too.

Mr Siddu S. Loute (25 years): Visually impaired since birth, Mr. Siddhu is a Mathematics prodigy fondly called as a human computer. By Class II, he had already memorized math tables up to 56 lakh and now claims to have memorized tables up to 99 crore. When provided with a date from the past or future, he can provide the exact day the date falls on. He has memorized 45,000 phone numbers which makes him a walking-talking telephone directory. He had also participated and won a prize in a popular television show on Sony TV called ‘Entertainment ke liye kuch bhi karega’. His unique talent combined with his irrecoverable condition got him featured on a couple of TV channels such as TV9, Suvarna, Suvarna News, DD 1 and Sakshi. Overtly ambitious as he is, he has completed his LLB and aims to become an IAS officer with an honest intention to help the needy and the downtrodden. Son of a truck driver, he was abandoned by his family since the age of 5, and has since been living independently.

Mr Shreedhara T S (23 years): Mr. Shreedhara is 100% blind but he can read, write and speak English, Hindi and Kannada. He has developed a Kannada version of the text-to-speak software (first generation open source software) through which any visually challenged person can read, write and work on computers. The Knowledge Commission of Govt. of Karnataka has hosted his software named ‘E-Speak’ on its Kannada Wikipedia website to be used free of cost. He has hands on experience with Windows 98, Windows 2000/XP, Windows Vista, MS Office 2003. He can type at a speed of 35-40 wpm and has extensive knowledge and experience in using the internet. Coming from a farmer’s family, his parents practice farming in a village in the Shimoga District of Karnataka. Currently, his father has come to Bengaluru and has been assisting him in pursuing further education in computers.

Ms Bhumika Rajendra (9 years): She was only 3, when she had an elevator accident and had to get her right leg amputated above the knee. In spite of this disability, she had always wished to excel in Bharatnatyam and classical singing and would constantly practise to turn her dreams into reality. Though the artificial leg that was fitted to her knee was akin to an alien, she accepted it as a vital part of her being and has ever since been pushing her limits to excel in the Bharatanatyam dance form. During her dance sessions, there have been instances when her skin used to give way and the stump bled. And every time that happened she thought of giving up, but she fought unceasingly against all odds with a positive spirit. She has performed with the famous Kannada cine actor Sridhar at a “Zee Kannada” programme organized by Zee TV Network in Bengaluru. She has given many stage performances and has been extensively covered by various publications. She belongs to a lower middle class family from Kodagu District in Karantaka and her father works as a lecturer.

source: http://www.indiaprwire.com / HealthCare/Hospitals> Awards /
December 15, 2011 /India PRwire/

Helping Hands. Touch of joy to less privileged

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

There is always a steady stream of visitors at the Spastics Society of Karnataka. On Friday, a privileged bunch dropped in, bringing joy to the special children at the Society.

Nine members of the Indian national hockey team, accompanied by coach Michael Nobbs, medical doctor Lt Col BK Nayak and selector AB Subbaiah, delighted the excited kids, who jumped up in happiness.

“It’s brilliant if you can put a smile on the faces of these kids,” said an emotion-choked Nobbs, who initiated the visit arranged by Hemophilia Federation (India) vice-president Vikash Goyal. “Every moment of their life is a such a huge struggle. Most of these kids haven’t done anything wrong in their life, yet they have to undergo such a painful ordeal. We just spent 10 minutes in every classroom, probably less than a minute with every kid, but their joy was incomparable.

“Some of them watch TV, and could thus identify a couple of the Indian players. The next time they see us play on TV, they will be saying ‘These people came and visited us.’ Most of us are so privileged and yet we keep complaining about the smallest of worries. The players too sometimes feel they haven’t got their due. This visit will make a world of difference to their thinking.”

The group spent two hours touring the facility, interacting with several kids. It was obvious that most of the players were deeply moved by the plight of these children for whom life has been a struggle since birth.

“I am just lost for words,” said a teary-eyed Indian captain Bharat Chetri. “You really feel for the kids and for their parents. Apart from the continuous pain of watching their kid suffer, their parents also have to work doubly hard to raise them. Hats off to them,” added Chetri, easily the most popular man with the kids alongside local player VR Raghunath.

Such visits are being planned by Nobbs on a regular basis. A few days before the Champions Challenge last month, the entire team had met patients at Pune’s Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, which houses several war veterans.

“We will be doing this regularly,” observed a humbled Nobbs. “As humans, we need to give back to the society in whatever way possible. I heard about how Vikash Goyal lost his 12-year-old son a couple of years ago to haemophilia. It is really heart-breaking. We just did our bit in the smallest manner possible.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Home> Sports / DHNS / Bangalore, December 16th, 2011

Hyderabad International Fashion Week kicks off

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports, Uncategorized, , ,

The first day of the Hyderabad International Fashion Week kicked-off in grand style with designer Asmita Marwa showcasing her chic, earthy collection.

Fashionistas and socialites trooped in early and snagged the seats on the front rows and patiently waited even though the show started a tad bit late. Asmita’s friend actor Siddharth made his ramp debut as her showstopper. After pulling the the ramp act off with elan, he confessed to the audiences that he was nervous about tripping over! Guests hit the lounge and bonded with each other over drinks after Asmita’s show.

The second show – Sanjana Jon’s much anticipated one – began way behind schedule. Socialites like Kavitha Reddi, Preeti Rao, Nikitha Reddy, Santa Jon, Geetu Jethwani and others even left the venue, thanks to the long delay. But once the show began, all was forgotten.

Famed playback singer KJ Yesudas’s son Vijay Yesudas kick-started the show with a soulful Hinglish track. Models and actors showcased her trendy collection. There was no dearth of star power for Sanjana’s show as she had not one, but close to 15 showstoppers! Ace shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa, actors Subbaraju, Shawar Ali, Bindu Madhavi, Harshvardhan Rane, Asmita Sood, Sonia, Rahul Haridas, Sana Khan and other tinsel town stars walked the ramp and cheered on Sanjana, who was all smiles as Vijay Yesudas crooned “Why This Kolaveri Di” on the ramp along with the designer and the showstoppers.

Spotted: CM’s wife Radhika Reddy with her daughter Niharika, Mayor Karthika Banda Reddy and Chandra Reddy, Jwala Gutta, Vasuki, Deepti Reddy, Keerthi Narshimachar and Anu, Dalem Sehgal, Rummy, Beenu Singh, Kavitha Gulecha, Mala Pasha, designer Ishita Singh, Malini Alexander, Dr Kiran Krishnamurthy and many others.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Life & Style> Fashion> Shows / by Abhishek Raja / December 17th, 2011

Tiger Hills by Sarita Mandanna

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


I picked up this book for a lark(like I pick up most books these days). Some of the books I pick up like this end up very disappointing. This one on the other hand, was anything but disappointing.

It was riveting. The story of Devi, a girl born in Coorg in late 1800s. Devi is a wilful child with her mind of her own, unlike other girls at that time. She decides at the age of 10 that she would marry the Tiger Killer, Machu, her best friend Devanna’s cousin. Devanna, on the other hand grows up, desperately in love with Devi, who is completely unaware of his feelings. Devanna is a very intelligent child and is mentored by the local Reverend. He shares a love for Botany with the Reverend, and both of them spend a lot of time together finding specimens in the rich Coorg forests. His dedication towards biology pushes him into a medical school education, which turns the tide for everyone involved.

The way their lives turn out, weaved in with what is happening in Coorg at that time, makes for a fascinating read. The beauty, traditions, and the culture of the place is brought out beautifully by the author. The book transports you to the Coorg that Devi lived in. From the older times when Coorg was untouched by outside influences, to when Eurpoean influences gets the locals to change their names from Kalamma to Kitty, just as Nari Malai gets changed to Tiger Hills.

The story is fast paced, with shocking twists and turns, making us empathize with the characters at so many levels, even when they end up doing things which are not quite right.. A story of love, unrequited and requited, a story of the things people do when consumed by emotions, a story of how normal lives can change in an instant.

A book that gripped me through it. I would not call it a fast read, but a book which refuses to let go, even after you turn the last page.

source: http://www.wordsndreamz.wordpress.com / posted December 10th, 2011

Unique Jana Gana Mana Honour for K M Chinnappa

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

MADIKERI :

Madikeri: Kodagu has added one more feather in its cap as K M Chinnappa, environmentalist and former forest officer, was documented by ‘Jana Gana Mana’ team in celebration of 100 years of the national anthem of India penned by Ravindranath Tagore. As per the information available with Express, the team has selected many stalwarts in various walks of life for their achievements. Chinnappa was chosen for his service in the field of conservation of nature.

The film titled ‘Bharatha Bhaghya Vidhatha’ produced by Pancham Nishad Creative Private Limited, Mumbai, and the team headed by Ruchika Tiku, interviewed Chinnappa in his nativetown and amidst the forest he loves.Chinnappa is the only one selected from Karnataka.

Ruchika told Express that the institution aimed to highlight the nine values of Compassion, Honesty, Discipline, Courage Secularism, Passion and Vision, Peace and Harmony, Knowledge and Creativity, Positive Health and Environment.

Pancham Nishad is one of the leading organisations in the country focusing on the promotion of Indian music and culture through live concerts and other media since a decade. The documentary will aims at giving a positive message to the youth and to inspire them.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in. com / Karnataka / Posted on December 10th, 2011 / Express News Service, The New Indian Express

Fun things to do this weekend in Bangalore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Flea for all
Sunday Soul Sante was first curated more than a year ago, to bring together the creative culture of Bangalore at one venue. This event is essentially a day-long feature that showcases some of the best things Bangalore has — art, craft, fashion and accessories, home furnishings and pottery. Food is also an integral part of the Sante and there is something to please everyone.

For entertainment there will be a fashion show choreographed by stylist and fashion consultant Prasad Bidapa. Apart from that a lot of music is on the plate — with DJs Ivan, Vachan and Inferno on the console.

Where: At Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds
When: December 11, 12pm onwards

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Home> Bangalore / by Vishwadha Chander / Saturday, December 10th, 2011

Kodavas celebrate harvest festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

BANGALORE:
Members of the Kodava community assembled on Friday evening on Kodava Samaja Premises dressed in their traditional attire and finery. It is that time of the year, when fireworks and dance accompany the men, as they get down onto a small patch of a paddy field cultivated on premises to harvest the first strands of paddy.
The harvest festival of the Kodavas, called Puthari, was celebrated on Friday night in the City. When questioned about the timing, the secretary of the Kodava Samaja Ammatanda K Chinnappa explains, “The timing is decided by a group of elders associated with the Igguthappa temple in Coorg. This year, they have announced that the auspicious timing to begin the harvest season is at 9.05 pm on Friday.”
Several Kodava ladies also said that the festival was generally celebrated on Rohini nakshatra, the cycle of which begins on Friday night.
The cultural affairs secretary at Kodava Samaja Sudha Muthanna said that while in villages the festivities begin a week in advance, in the City, some 400 Kodavas members come together to celebrate with dance and more importantly, eat food cooked with the rice harvested on this auspicious day. “Kolata and other traditional dances are performed in villages at a common designated place or in the muttam (courtyard) of the ain mane all through this week and on all three days of this festival,” she said.
The Kodava Samaja arranged for the harvest early in the evening to allow people to take home a fistful of the harvest. “Families consider this as auspicious, like bringing Lakshmi home, and take the paddy home. Since, paddy cultivated on premises will be insufficient to cater to the needs of all Kodava members in the City, we have arranged for paddy from Kodava to supplement the stock,” said Sudha Muthanna.
At the time of harvest, a gun shot is fired in the air and everybody chorus Poli Deva Poli, where poli means prosperity. With this, they usher in a prosperous year. A rich festival indeed.

source: http://www.expressbuzz.com / Home> Cities> Bangalore / Express News Service / December 10th, 2011

Fest brings in glimpses of Kodava culture

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Taluk-level Kodava Sanskritika Mela painted a festive mood in Kushalnagar on Tuesday.

Kushalnagar, Dec 6, DHNS:
Organised by Kushalnagar Kodava Samaja, the programme was inaugurated by Zilla Panchayat President Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa who thus threw open a platform to showcase Kodava culture and traditions.

Kodavas dressed in their traditional attire presented a slice of Kodava folk culture by performing ‘Ummathat’, ‘Kolata’, ‘Bolakat’, ‘Kathi Aat’, ‘Valagathat’, ‘Pariyakali’ etc. The mela was not confined to youth. Even kids and elderly took part in the programme with equal zeal.

Inaugurating the event Ravi Kushalappa said that everyone should take up the responsibility of keeping their culture and traditions alive and passing it on to the next generation.

He said that the Kodavas should take this responsibility because Kodava culture and language is distinct from others.

“Number of Kodavas is declining in Kodagu. The Kodavas are migrating to cities to try their fortune. This in future will lead Kodava culture and language towards dangerous end,” he warned.

Kodava Sahithya Academy President Imudiyanda Rani Machaiah presiding over the programme said that Kalamela intends to protect the Kodava culture in its pristine form.

Kodava Sahithya Academy former president Bacharaniyanda P Appanna presided over the session. Kodava Samaja former president Cholanda A Muddappa presented paper on ‘Changing Kodava culture’ while Lecturer Ajjikuttira Sunita Girish presented paper on ‘Kodagu-background of Kodava folklore and history’

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Home> District/ December 06th, 2011 / DHNS