There is an impression that actresses generally hide their age or lie about their actual date of birth. In the case of Varsha Bollama, it is the other way around. She stated her real age. Also, she tried correcting Google.
Varsha Bollama is shot to fame with ‘Middle Class Melodies’. She also appeared in two other Telugu movies.
In a recent live interactive session with her fans on Instagram, a fan mentioned that Google is showing her age as 25. To this, she replied that she is just 24. Varsha Bollamma wrote, “I’m a 1996 born. So, I am 24! But Google knows it better than my mom, I guess!”
source: http://www.telugucinema.com / Telugu Cinema / Home> News / by Telugu Cinema / June 04th, 2021
Director falls for Rashmika Mandanna innocence and beauty
It is known news that Kannada lady Rashmika Mandanna who has already won the hearts of the Telugu movie lovers, is expanding her market in Bollywood.
She is playing the female lead in Hindi Film Mission Majnu, in which she is sharing the screen space with Sidharth Malhotra.
The action thriller drama is backed by RSVP Movies and Guilty by Association. Rashmika and Sidharth starrer Mission Majnu is inspired by the real events set in the 1970s. And it will reveal the story of India’s most courageous mission. Sidharth Malhotra is playing the role of a RAW agent who leads the mission.
Recently during the media interaction the director Shantanu Baagchi, who was seeking a female lead in the Sidharth Malhotra starrer, revealed that he was impressed by Rashmika Mandanna’ nuanced performance in Dear Comrade which was released in 2019. Rashmika has the right mixture of innocence and beauty.
The producer Amar Butala revealed that Rashmika picked up every nuance of the character despite being on a video call. Bheeshma girl has the sincere energy of a newcomer.
In Tollywood, Rashmika Mandanna is working with Icon Star Allu Arjun in an action thriller drama Pushpa, which is being directed by Sukumar and is bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers.
source: http://www.tollywood.net / Tollywood.net / Home> News> Top Stories / by Murali Ravi /May 09th, 2021
Producer and live sound engineer Anish Ponnanna has so far invited Swarathma’s Varun Murali, Parvaaz’s Khalid Ahamed and more.
Producer and sound engineer Anish Ponnanna. Photo: Courtesy of The Engineer’s Pick
In the crowded sphere of video content, Bengaluru-based Anish Ponnanna’s channel The Engineer’s Pick didn’t start out for the sake of gaining subscribers or views, but more as a “pure-play passion project” driven by the seasoned sound engineer and producer’s satisfaction. As it turned out, that focus still worked wonders for The Engineer’s Pick, which has over 67,000 subscribers and over 13.6 million cumulative views on YouTube.
Ponnanna began working in live sound engineering in 2010 and has since become the go-to man behind the console for composer-singer Clinton Cerejo , singer Vijay Prakash, plus fusion acts like Indian Ocean and Swarathma . Along the way, he often noticed “inefficiencies of live shows” when it came to delivering quality sound. In 2018, he launched The Engineer’s Pick from his own funds. “The live character was the focus. Musicians were informed in advance that there would be no overdubs or pitch corrections post production; and that they had to perform as if they were performing for a live audience,” Ponnanna says.
What has worked so far, as numbers show, are traditional Kannada songs revived with pristine production, like vocalist Ananya Bhat’s rendition of “Sojugada Sooju Mallige ,” which went viral and currently stands at nearly 13 million views. Other artists featured on two seasons of The Engineer’s Pick include folk artist Bindhumalini and vocalist M.D. Pallavi, folk-fusion band Swarathma’s guitarist Varun Murali rendering a quiet flip of “Bolo Kya Hai,” multilingual fusion act Shubham Roy Collective, vocalist Varijashree Venugopal and more. Most recently, they uploaded a performance of Kashmiri folk song “Aies Bayo” by Parvaaz’s Khalid Ahamed, violinist Apoorva Krishna and percussionist Rahul Shivakumar.
A behind-the-scenes shot of Ponnanna (center) with artists M.D. Pallavi (left) and Bindhumalini (right). Photo: Courtesy of The Engineer’s Pick
Ponnanna says, “I like to blur the boundaries of genres and languages, although I would like artistes to perform in their own mother tongues. It is the timbre (characteristics of a voice or an instrument) that I’m after.” So far, they’ve had performances in Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam, Tulu and Kashmiri. Curated by the producer, he says he approaches an artist and lets them pick the composition. “I have an episode coming up in Bengali. I may even have an episode in Kodava Thak – my own mother tongue. I experiment with both classical and contemporary styles. Experimentation is key; I do that a lot,” Ponnanna adds.
Previously self-funded, The Engineer’s Pick did run into trouble with finances and management once the pandemic took hold across the country. They then received funding from non-profit organization The Whitefield Project for the Arts & Culture and the Sanjeeth Shetty Foundation, which Ponnanna calls a “blessing” that’s helped keep the channel afloat. Another sponsor came in the form of audio company Shure, who provided high-end microphones.
Above all, there’s a certain science on the acoustics and production front that helps increase repeat listening. The producer says, “The mid and high frequencies are not too pronounced like they usually are in commercial music releases. This approach makes the compositions grow on you. I also choose compositions that suit this style of mixing. This methodology is what I believe is bringing subscribers to the channel.” With six episodes out from the second season of The Engineer’s Pick, at least eight more are in the pipeline. “You will surely get to hear some soulful music,” Ponnanna says.
Watch the video for “Aies Bayo” below.
Aies Bayo | Khalid Ahamed | Apoorva Krishna | Rahul Shivakumar | The Engineer’s Pick | S02E06 | LIVE
source: http://www.rollingstoneindia.com / Rolling Stone India / Home> Artists / by Anurag Talat / May 23rd, 2021
Through his four-year-old ‘Bhuvanam Foundation’ and initiative ‘Feed Karnataka’, Bhuvan with support from actress Harshika Poonacha handed over 200 food kits to the Municipal Council Commissioner.
Food kits were distributed in Madikeri Mann’s Compound Ground on Tuesday (Photo | Special arrangement)
Madikeri :
It is not common for an actor to share his mobile number across social media. But Bhuvan Ponnanna, the Sandalwood actor and native of Kodagu, has done just that even as he is working relentlessly to extend a helping hand to the needy during the pandemic.
Through his four-year-old ‘Bhuvanam Foundation’ and initiative ‘Feed Karnataka’, Bhuvan with support from actress Harshika Poonacha on Tuesday handed over 200 food kits to the Madikeri City Municipal Council Commissioner Ramdas. These kits will be handed over to needy families across the city. Further, the home guards, police and a few journalists also received food kits from the foundation.
The actor has also taken a unique initiative where food kits and medicines will be home delivered to needy residents across Kodagu. Two vehicles equipped with food kits and medicines will start doing the rounds across Madikeri, Gonikoppal and Virajpet areas from May 26 and the needy can avail food kits from the foundation following verification. The medicines will be supplied with display of prescriptions only. To avail the services, the eligible beneficiaries can contact the helpline number 9945008004.
Also, the initiative helps local farmers by buying vegetables from them and distributing it to the needy along with the food kits. Many donors including doctors have donated to the foundation and the organisation has so far distributed over 2000 food kits to the poor across Karnataka.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Pragna GR, Express News Service / May 25th, 2021
Sannuvanda Srinivas Chengappa (60), President of Virajpet Taluk Journalists Association and a resident of Thithimathi, passed away this morning at a hospital following brief illness.
He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, one son and a host of relatives and friends. Last rites were performed at Thithimathi today.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / May 20th, 2021
Nidhi Subbaiah, who started her career in Sandalwood, surprised many with her decision to take part in Bigg Boss Kannada this season. Known for having acted in films like Anna Bond and Pancharangi, the actress has now revealed in an interview that her main intention to participate in the reality show was to let people know that she is right here and not in Mumbai.
Nidhi told Cinema Express, “I came back last year before the lockdown. Before that, I was in New York. I am currently in Mysuru and plan to shift to Bengaluru to stay closer to the film industry.” For the unversed, the actress had moved to Mumbai a few years ago after she got an opportunity to work in a handful of Hindi films.
Nidhi added in her interview that Bigg Boss Kannada 8 has given her a different kind of fame as people across Karnataka have connected with her on a personal level. She also shared that the show has given her seven good friends, with whom she plans to stay connected with.
On being quizzed about some key takeaways from her BB experience, Nidhi said, “Bigg Boss house has taught me some life lessons — how to deal with pressure, anger and frustration. I learnt to be disciplined — sleeping and waking up on time, something that had gone haphazard previously. I’ve also learnt to cook and eat simple food without having to order in junk food all the time. It has made a difference to my lifestyle, and I hope to continue these habits.”
Nidhi, who was last seen alongside Shivarajkumar in Ayushman Bhava, is now looking forward to her next project. She has signed her horror film, which is being bankrolled by Lohith H’s Friday Films. The yet-untitled film is being helmed by debutant directors Pavan and Prasad.
source: http://www.filmibeat.com / Filmi Beat / Home> Kannada> News / by Waiz Ahmed / May 19th, 2021
A Bengaluru organisation is building a multimedia archive of tribal music in Karnataka, starting with the Kudiyas of Kodagu.
Still from the video: Who are these Kudiyas?
Bengaluru :
A life without songs sung to the beats of drums is probably unimaginable for the Kudiya people of the Western Ghats. “We sing about the plants and trees in the forests, the roots, stones, snakes, and elephants… There is a rhythm to each song, and we play the drum to that rhythm,” Kudiya musician Sharada Somaiah says in an interview with Bengaluru-based Gobal Kulture, which is taking the first steps towards building an archive of tribal music in Karnataka.
On April 13, Global Kulture released a 2.50-minute video titled “Hidden Sounds: Who are these Kudiyas?” on its YouTube channel. They’ve started with the Kudiya community, but Arun Sivag, percussionist and founder of Global Kulture, says the idea is to collect audio and video recordings of songs, interviews and dances of artistes from 40 communities (the state government lists 50 Scheduled Tribes), and compile it into the Budakattu Music Archive, a partial multimedia ethnography of tribal music and culture.
“It took one-and-a-half years of research to figure out how to go about this,” says Arun. This includes conversations with several people – including playback singer and co-founder of Global Kulture, Sangeetha Ravindranath, and Sumanto Mondal, who is editorial and communications partner at the organisation. However, the idea of the archive comes from Arun’s own experiences, and thoughts about music and musicians. “I always saw musicians on the street, and wondered why they weren’t on stage. Folk artistes are not given a stage, but they are the torch-bearers of music,” says the 29-year-old.
pic: a shot
In 2019, he began visiting government offices looking for a list of tribal musicians, and realised that the government didn’t really have one. But the idea stuck, and he came in contact with folk and tribal art expert Srinivas Murthy, who worked with Sharada’s father decades ago. With the little footage they collected in February at Sharada’s house in Tora village (Virajpet, Kodagu), they know they’ve barely scratched the surface. “One would need a whole life to understand their music. We are doing what the government is supposed to do,” says Arun.
The Kudiyas’ culture is oral — their songs and stories are the historical record of their existence. “They sing songs while working, after getting back from work, when there is a birth or a death, during festivals… They even have a song about the daughters of the tribe and how they wish the best for them,” says Sangeetha, who is working on translating the songs from Kodava to English.
The archive will also have interviews of the artistes, such as the one in which Sharada talks about the community’s origin story, and why they call themselves Kudiyas, says Mondal, who is translating her interviews from Kannada to English. They are looking for institutional funding that will allow them to retain creative independence. But for now, they are using their own resources to fund the project. Arun put in the stipend he got from OneBeat, a US government fellowship.
A part of that was used as honorarium for the artistes. “We are artists too. We want to pay them for their work. Right now, the only opportunities they have are annual performances at Vidhana Soudha and Ravindra Kalakshetra (auditorium in Bengaluru). When the government calls, these are the people who get the peanuts,” Arun says. Sharada’s earnings are paltry and not steady, like many artistes.
She pretty much kept the music of her community alive by teaching younger generations, but knows survival is at stake without economic opportunity. In the trailer, Sharada talks about her “biggest dream”. “…If our art is to survive, the government and other organisations must help us get a good platform, give us respect. Only if this happens will our music become a livelihood for us and for our children, and only this way will our art survive.”
Arun too has big dreams. He eventually wants tribal musicians to get the recognition and remuneration they deserve. “We want to build a not-for-profit artist management system for them. They should be treated just like any other artiste.”
Preserving history Global Kulture aims to collect audio and video recordings of songs, interviews and dances of artists from 40 communities and compile it into the Budakattu Music Archive.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Anisha Sheth, Express News Service / May 23rd, 2021
Nidhi Subbaiah, who started her career in Sandalwood, got an opportunity to work in a handful of Hindi films.
Sandalwood actress Nidhi Subbaiah
Nidhi Subbaiah begins her day with a song, which has been her ritual post waking up. This is something she has got used to after staying in the Bigg Boss house for 72 days.
The main intention to participate in the reality show for the actor, who has acted in films like Anna Bond and Pancharangi, was to let people know that she is right here and not in Mumbai.
“I came back last year before the lockdown. Before that I was in New York. I am currently in Mysuru and plan to shift to Bengaluru to stay closer to the film industry,” says Nidhi, adding that the Bigg Boss Kannada show has given her a different kind of fame, and people have connected with her on a personal level.
“It is overwhelming to hear from people across Karnataka calling me the ‘Pancharangi Girl’.”
“Especially in Kodagu, they now consider me as ‘Nangada Nidhi’ (our girl). Moreover, this Bigg Boss house has taught me some life lessons — how to deal with pressure, anger and frustration. I learnt to be disciplined — sleeping and waking up on time, something that had gone haphazard previously. I’ve also learnt to cook and eat simple food without having to order in junk food all the time. It has made a difference to my lifestyle, and I hope to continue these habits,” she says, adding that the show also gave her seven good friends, whom she hopes to stay connected with.
The actor, who started her career in Sandalwood, got an opportunity to work in a handful of Hindi films.
However, Nidhi says that she was never attracted by Bombay and the only reason for her move to Hindi films was because she wasn’t getting the kind of work she wanted in Kannada.
“When I was shooting for Anna Bond in Bangalore was when I signed two Hindi films. I felt Bollywood was calling, and as an actor, I thought I should give it a try. I did 6 to 7 films, which helped me expand,” she says.
Back to Sandalwood, Nidhi — who was last seen in Shivarajkumar- starrer Ayushman Bhava that featured her in a pivotal role — is now waiting to begin her next project. This will be her first horror film, which will be bankrolled by Lohith H’s Friday Films, and will be helmed by debutant directors Pavan and Prasad.
“It is a fantastic script, and can’t wait to begin,” says Nidhi, adding, “Staying inside in the Bigg Boss house, I had no idea about the Covid goings- on. I was planning to begin shooting post my exit from the house. We were in for a shock when we were shown clippings of what’s happening. Now, we have to wait for the situation to come under control to start any entertainment activities,” she says.
Nidhi, who loves acting, says given an opportunity she would like to sign 100 films and act till she can.
“I love acting, and the time between ‘action’ and ‘cut’ is like a moment of meditation for me. It is my favourite time when I forget everything and get into the skin of the character,” says the actor.
“I hope to be a part of the role that Taapsee Pannu plays in Thappad, or Pink,” she adds. The audience as well as the film fraternity have watched Nidhi up and close in the Bigg Boss house. Will it make a difference to the kind of roles she will be offered from now on?
“My director friends who watched me on the show say I was bold, straightforward, and didn’t use tactics. That’s how I am in real life — frank and bold. Now that people have seen me, directors too know what I am capable of. This might help fetch roles that fit my personality,” she says.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by Express News Service / May 18th, 2021
The group carried the dead body to the estate – nearly 0.5 km away – for cremation. “The path was slippery and we had to cross a farm to reach the spot,” said a member, a photojournalist.
Team Madhyama Spandana seen here in PPE kits for the last rites of a COVID victim in Kodagu. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
Madikeri :
Till recently, volunteers were the only ones risking their lives and undertaking the cremation of Covid victims in Kodagu. But on Sunday, with volunteers unavailable, a group of journalists took over and performed the last rites of a Covid victim.
The cremation took place after an 85-year-old resident of Balamuri village in Kodagu succumbed to Covid at his residence on Sunday. He had initially been hospitalised before being discharged a week later.
The family of the deceased, who had also tested positive for Covid, wished to carry out the cremation at an estate located half a kilometre from their residence. But as they were Covid positive, none of the villagers were willing to help them.
The son of the deceased man then reached out to a group of volunteers in Napoklu town, which is over 10 km from the village. The volunteers in turn requested the family to shift the dead body to the crematorium at Napoklu.
Helpless to do this as they had tested positive, the family turned to the Maadhyama Spandana group – a social service group started by a few journalists in the district to help the needy during the time of the pandemic.
“Through the Maadhyama Spandana group, I received a call and we immediately swung into action to help the family,” shared Pappu Thimmaiah, a photojournalist. He, along with journalist Rejith Kumar roped in three other friends from outside the media group – Praveen, Aneesh and Sherin. All of the donned PPE kits and headed to help the distressed family.
“We wore PPE kits and left from Siddapura to reach the victim’s residence. The dead body of the victim was also unpacked and we packed it in a PPE kit,” Rejith explained.
The group then carried the dead body to the estate – nearly 0.5 km away. “The path was slippery and we had to cross a farm to reach the spot,” said Pappu.
They then lit the pyre after ensuring that the cremation was carried out following the proper rituals.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Pragna G R, Express News Service / May 17th, 2021
Actors Bhuvann Ponnanna and Harshika Poonacha are again back with their social welfare works and this time have started free oxygen service through auto-rickshaws to the needy.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Actor Bhuvann Ponnanna runs Bhuvanam Foundation which is into social welfare activities
Actress Harshika Poonach has joined her hands with Bhuvann for this social cause
Health minister of Karnataka state has inaugurated the free oxygen service initiated by the actor
Free oxygen service from Bhuvanam Foundation owner and actor | Photo Credit: Twitter
Bengaluru is going through its most difficult time as the devastating second wave of Covid-19 has created a lot of trouble for the city by targeting the people on daily basis.
As a matter of fact, the city is facing a shortage of oxygen as the demand for it has been increased tremendously in the last 15 days. Those who are infected with the virus and are facing breathing issues are requesting authorities for the supply of oxygen. But, due to the high demand, it has become challenging for the local authorities to arrange for it.
Meantime, several eminent personalities, political leaders, generous industrialists from the city are trying their best to provide oxygen for the needy. Even film personalities are coming forward to do their bit.
In one such instance, the Kannada actors Bhuvann Ponnanna and Harshika Poonacha have started free oxygen supply service to the needy through bus and auto-rickshaw loaded with oxygen cylinders.
The service has been named “Oxygen Express” and it was inaugurated today by the state health minister Dr. K Sudhakar in Bengaluru. The whole initiative is being funded by the Bhuvanam Foundation run by the actor Bhuvann who was also a participant in the reality show of Kannada Bigg Boss Season 4 hosted by Sudeep.
Appreciating the initiative taken by both Bhuvann and Harshika Poonacha the state health minister has also tweeted in his official Twitter account.
Harshika has also replied to the minister’s tweet by tweeting, “Honourable Health Minister Dr. @mla_sudhakar sir inaugurated our projects #Shwasa and #Bhandawa from @BhuvanamF today Thankyou so much for honoring us with your presence sir #BhuvanamFoundation The Religion of Love and Kindness”.
This is not the first time for Bhuvann to carry out social welfare works for the people, he had helped the people during the flood time in Karnataka in 2019 too. Also just a few days back the actor had distributed thousands of food kits to the poor.
It can be remembered that a few days back Bhuvann had started a helpline to help those who are suffering from Covid and are in need of emergency help. He had given his private number for the cause and started receiving thousands of calls in a day. He then hired some people and made a team that is serving the people.
The golden-hearted actor Bhuvann Ponnanna has entered the Kannada film industry by appearing in a guest role in Just Maath Maathalli starring Sudeep in the lead role. He then appeared in negative shades in a couple of movies before participating in the Kannada Bigg Boss reality show.
Images Credit: Dr. K Sudhakar/Twitter
source: http://www.timesnownews.com / Times Now News / Home> News> Entertainment News > Kannada Cinema News/ byTimes Now Digital / May 14th, 2021
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