Actor Gulshan Devaiah, who comes from a non-film background, feels it is vital to maintain ‘friendship’ with people in the movie industry. The ‘Hunterrr’ actor said, “I think it’s very important to maintain a good relationship with the industry people. I have a good relationship with Vivek Agnihotri and Anurag Kashyap among others… Friendship is very important in this industry.”
However, friendships are not what will help one last long. “As far as your work is concerned, it depends on your talent. Beyond a point, it’s only your talent that will help you sustain,” he said.
Gulshan says that before signing any film, he also consults his wife. “I discuss films with my wife. My wife (Kalliroi Tziafeta) is also an actress. If I have a mental block with something, I discuss it with her,” he said.
Is Gulshan also interested in directing films? He said, “I am not interested in direction at all. I am interested in characters. I am an actor and I want to prove myself as an actor at this point of time.”
U S Mahendar (fifth from left) with his team members | JITHENDRA M
The engaging logo of the pot-bellied coffee maker juggling his classic steel tumblers is all set to invade tea drinking bastions in north of the Vindhyas under the brand Hatti Kaapi. Rooted in Bengaluru, the affordable and well-researched over-the-counter format is the brainchild of U S Mahendar, a small town coffee powder maker, hailing from Hassan district. Catering to office goers, tourists, shoppers and passersby, the distinctive little outlets dish up seemingly endless South Indian style cups of filter coffee. They almost serve 70,000 cups of coffee on a daily basis along with a small range of teas, milkshakes and snacks.
The Hatti Kaapi growth chart is impressive. It began as one tiny outlet in 2009 operating out of Bengaluru’s bustling Gandhi Bazar area and located under a stuffy staircase. Now 40 units are spread across street corners, tech-parks and more recently airports in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. At Rs 12, one can get a cup of hot filter coffee and khara bhath, while a cup of hot coffee costs Rs 5.
Mahendar himself sounds a tad bemused by their success and the several awards and recognitions they have won. “It was at 5.30 am on November 27, 2009, that we served our first cup of traditional filter coffee from our 40 sq ft counter in Gandhi Bazaar. We sold 3,000 cups at Rs 5 each the next day and haven’t looked back since,” he says, adding, “I came to Bengaluru with my mother, friend M L Gowda who is now a partner in Hatti Kaapi and with just Rs 2,000 in hand. My mission was to market our coffee powder to some of the big Udupi restaurant chains specialising in South Indian filter coffee. One particular brand insisted that we come in at 4 am each day , brew the coffee, serve it to customers and collect feedback on the quality.”
After three exhausting months of doing this, they were told that they were not good. In retrospect, that rejection turned out to be in their favour. Mahendar took it as a challenge and decided to start his own brand.
He attributes his success to his core team which includes a mix of Starbucks baristas, industry veterans like S Lakshmana Swamy from Hindustan Unilever, his head of operations Balaji A R and several others who have been around since its inception. “We are now taking on tea drinking areas up north—Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. My dream is to have a Hatti Kaapi presence in major international cities like New York and Paris,” says he. This does not seem impossible as word has it that they are developing ties with international super market chains like Carrefour although they currently have no plans to raise money externally or to dilute their stake.
“You cannot beat our price or our packaging. We serve you coffee in earthen pots, takeaway cups or old-fashioned steel tumblers,” says he. And to satisfy those hunger pangs they also have a no-fuss menu of samosas, rolls, South Indian rice- and lentil-based staples like idlis or Bisibele Bhath (hot rice-dal mixture), stuffed buns and bags of savoury dips. “Our biggest challenge is keeping our price low without compromising on quality. Since we started, we have only increased our prices by Rs 3 per cup in corporate campuses and Rs 5 elsewhere. Yet the quality of our coffee powder and milk is not compromised on. We want to be the quintessential neighborhood adda that everyone must want on their street corner,” he signs off.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> LifeStyle> Food / by Jackie Pinto / April 04th, 2015
Pepper farmers from Wayanad visiting a pepper farm in Coorg.
A study tour organised jointly by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) here and Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD), Kozhikode, to various pepper plantations in Coorg in Karnataka provided a fresh experience to the pepper farmers in Wayanad.
Decades ago, Wayanad was known as the land of spices but it lost its fame in pepper production since the 1990s when the vines began to get affected by various diseases.
“We organised the tour to provide an exposure to the farmers on the significance of adopting scientific practices in pepper cultivation to keep the diseases at bay and improve pepper production, P. Ramakrishnan, training coordinator, MSSRF, told The Hindu .
The organisations have been jointly organising training programmes for progressive farmers on modern agriculture practices in pepper cultivation for the past one year. The effort is to bring back the lost glory of the district as a leading pepper producer, Mr. Ramakrishnan said.
As part of the tour, 25 farmers visited various pepper plantations in Coorg, including a farm of the DASD at Appagala in Coorg.
They were told about the way the DASD tackled the quick wilt disease that had spread in various parts of Coorg a decade ago, threatening the pepper plantations here.
Scientific agriculture practices were followed, and farmers in the area were getting an average yield of 7 tonne pepper from a hector, Mr. Ramakrishnan said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Kerala / by E. M. Manoj / Kalpetta, April 01st, 2015
Fkcci President S Sampath Raman said Fkcci will not support the establishment of industries harmful to the environment in Kodagu District. There is a need to set up eco-friendly industries that will support tourism, education and health sector.
Speaking after flagging of golden jubilee celebrations of Kodagu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Madikeri, on Tuesday, he said tourism is being promoted in Kodagu District.
There is a need to strengthen road and railway connectivity to the district. Mangaluru-Mysuru highway that passes through Madikeri should be developed further.
Fkcci will impress upon the government on the need for the laying of railwayline till Kushalnagar, he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has chalked out several programmes for the development of tourist spots in the state. He has given nod for laying of five cable cars in the state.
However, the government has forgotten to include to lay a cable car at Mallalli waterfalls.
He said that the FKCCI will urge the government to check elephant-humanbeing strife, initiate measures to construct private bus stand at Madikeri, develop Koodige Sainik School and Coffee Park in the district.
Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry President B N Prakash said the chamber of commerce will organise 50 unique programme as part its golden jubilee celebrations throughout the year.
“The tourists will visit in a large number if the city is kept clean. Promotion of tourism will help in generating employment.
“Swaccha Kodagu—Hasiru Kodagu” campaign will be organised in the near future.
Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Dwarakanath released a logo of the golden jubilee celebrations.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, April 01st, 2015
Bengalur actor Gulshan Devaiah speaks to The Hindu on his experience playing the role of Mandar Ponkshe in Hunterrr
Bengaluru actor Gulshan Devaiah is making headlines these days, having played Hindi cinema’s first-of-its-kind understated sex addict in Hunterrr. The boy, who started off in the English theatre circuit working with Kalki Koechlin, and then moved on to play negative roles in films like Shaitan and That Girl in Yellow Boots (where he played Chittiappa the don), talks to MetroPlus about how everyone knows a sex addict like Mandar, about how he’s a performance-oriented actor, how he’s gone undercover to theatres, on life in Bengaluru, and growing up.
Your role as sex addict Mandar Ponkshe is being seen as a rather bold one in Hindi cinema. Did you see it that way?
No. Even when I read the script I didn’t feel it was a ground-breaking role. I didn’t pick the role. I make do with what comes to me. But this role was different. Harshavardhan (Kulkarni, the director) was offering me a comedy role when I was getting only violent roles! The first 15 pages of Hunterrr were great, and I think it was Naseeruddin Shah who said if the first 10 pages of the script are not great, then it’s not worth doing it. I liked the character. I liked the ordinariness of the guy.
He is your average Joe, or Ramu, who lives a colourful “secret” life; he’s not brave to admit it openly, and he wants to keep it safe. I suppose this is how it is in real life too – Harshavardhan knows such guys, based on whom he wrote the script. They don’t brag about what they do; you accidentally figure it out. I knew a guy like this – you know how boy-talk is! And in my opinion, one should never over-think anything. If a role appeals to you and your portrayal is sincere, that’s all that matters. The character had an Amol Palekar feel…
But this story is far removed from the innocence of Palekar’s films…
But that was a different time. It was the 70s and art reflected the era. I’ve not followed all his films, but I don’t think Amol Palekar did any A-rated film at all. All my films, funnily, have an A rating (adult censor certificate).
Going by the kind of reactions the film has got, it’s been more appealing to men.
And I understand why. It’s because of the sexuality, and men are able to relate to the protagonist. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing in the film for women. I’m sure they too have seen such men in their lives — a lot of people love Barney’s character in How I met Your Mother. This film is definitely no chick-flick. But I have gone covertly into theatres for the first time, just to see the reaction and was happy to find women coming in with families, girls bringing their boyfriends.
You’ve been doing these oddball roles in Bollywood all along…
You make these choices because of your sensibilities. I’m a performance-oriented actor. I can’t just spread out my arms and look good. My approach to acting comes from my theatre background. I rely on my imagination, having grown up alone, as an only child.
Tell us more about your life.
I’ve lived all my 30 years in Jalahalli. I went to Cluny Convent Jalahalli and St Joseph’s Indian High School — there were a lot of Mandars there!
What’s happening on the theatre front? Things seem to have quietened there.
I have indefinitely retired from theatre. It’s taught me everything I know. I’ve never had the opportunity nor the privilege to go to any acting school. But I felt a certain level of dishonesty was creeping in. It was not fair to do theatre when I was not having fun.
What next?
I’m working in two Pooja Bhatt productions — Love Affair (with friend and co-star Kalki Koechlin), and Cabaret with Richa Chadha. There’s Junooniyat with director Vivek Agnihotri. There’s an indie called Candy Flip set in a shack in Goa that I’m also doing. And then I’m doing Ishq Uncensored with Kalki again.
So, Kalki’s a favourite to work with, ever since your theatre days?
Yes, there’s a comfort level and camaraderie. She and my wife are great friends, and it was her husband (Anurag Kashyap) who gave me my first break!
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Bhumika K / March 30th, 2015
Brisk preparations are on at the Junior College grounds here where the Kuppanda Cup Hockey tournament will be held from April 15 to May 9. The Tournament Reception Committee Convenor Rajiv Cariappa has expressed confidence in completion of all ground and gallery works before April 10.
Addressing a press meet at the Press Club here, Rajiv said that over 200 teams had registered their names for the tourney which would be organised as per the rules of Hockey India by Hockey Kodagu.
Kuppanda Bopanna added that the date for registration had been extended till Mar. 31 and the ties would be released on April 3 at the Hockey Academy meeting.
The press meet was attended by Reception Committee Secretary Kuppanda Vinod Belliappa and others.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 28th, 2015
It’s not uncommon for people to pick up a stick and fiddle with it. But eventually they get bored of the ‘game’ and throw it aside. Bheemaiah KK, however, decided to earn a living from these discarded pieces of wood.
‘Bheemstyx’ is a unique start-up – most people don’t spend years curing and crafting sticks that are otherwise disregarded in an attempt to turn them into something beautiful and durable. Bheemaiah has, over time, progressed from crafting walking sticks to home decor sticks, gadget sticks, city walking sticks and more.
“About a year ago, I found inspiration in a friend’s collection of hand-carved walking sticks; I had a though ‘I could make those and I could make them even better!’,” he says. Since then, the coffee planter from Coorg, who shuttles between Bengaluru and Madikeri, has spent a lot of time scavenging for different kinds of sticks. He says he doesn’t go in search of a particular kind of a stick but rather, “When I see a stick on the ground, I think what I can do with it. I never cut a tree to make the sticks.”
Bheemaiah has an altogether thorough process of making the sticks. He says he prefers hunting for sticks in summer and spring because then they are relatively dry and free from insect infestation. “The process is very time consuming because far more sticks are rejected than harvested because they are either too crooked, thin, thick or straight…there are a million reasons! When I get home, I first strip off the bark and allow the branch to dry in the sun for up to two weeks, while sealing the ends up to prevent splitting. Then I let it dry for a few more months before I decide what to do with them.” The sticks are then sanded, shaped, painted, accessorised and glamourised.
The sticks are unique because not only are they hand-carved but they are multi-purpose. Made from hardwood, there are country and deep river walking sticks that come with a compass or catapult attached to the head of the sticks. They also have rubber soles to give the user a sturdy grip. According to Bheemaiah, decorative sticks are becoming popular these days. “They are intricately made and look fashionable. I also provide sticks that provide support to the plants in a garden. Anyone who needs any kind of a stick, I deliver it.” What are his favourite sticks? “I always have a stick made from Rattan vine in my jeep – it’s like bamboo and very flexible. You can bend it and it will straight up.”
How does one look after a stick? “Don’t leave it in the sun for long periods of time as it will crack; store it in cool, shady spots. Oil it often but don’t soak it, and wipe the residue as it will become sticky,” advices Bheemaiah.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Ananya Revanna, Bengaluru / DHNS – April 02nd, 2015
Journalists and photojournalists from across the state on Sunday March 29 took time off from their hectic schedules to test their cricketing skills in the state-level tournament organized at General K S Thimmayya district sports ground here.
The team from Dakshina Kannada, which included Daijiworld’s ace photographer Dayanand Kukkaje, won the runner-up place, losing to Kolar team in the finals by 67 runs.
The tournament was organized under the aegies of Karnataka state working journalists’ association and Kodagu district working journalists’ association.
Dakshina Kannada team won the toss and put Kolar team to bat. Opening batsman Manjunath with 35 runs and Suresh with his undefeated knock of 103 (15 sixes) helped the team score 148 runs for the loss of two wickets within the stipulated ten overs. Suresh became the only batsman to have made a century.
Batting second, the Dakshina Kannada team could managed to score only 81 runs in 10 overs for the loss of three wickets. Manjunath Bhat scored 31 runs with two boundaries and two sixes. Arun scored 16 runs.
Manjunath Bhat of Dakshina Kannada team was declared the man of the series, while Suresh from Kolar was declared the man of the match for his century in the finals.
Udupi’s Raghavendra was adjudged the best bowler, Kolar’s Suresh the best batsman, Shivamogga’s Satish the best player.
In addition, Kolar’s Suresh won a prize for hitting the maximum number of sixes and Kodagu’s Vinay Hanagal won a prize for the best catch. Shivamogga team was declared the most disciplined team.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Madikeri (EP) / Monday – March 30th, 2015
Indian captain Sardar Singh with P.R. Sreejesh. File photo / The Hindu
Ace midfielder Sardar Singh will lead a full strength Indian men’s hockey team in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from April 5 to 12.
The Azlan Shah Cup despite being an invitational tournament, India have gone for a strong 18-member squad with just three changes from the last December’s Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar.
Midfielder Danish Mujtaba, striker Lalit Upadhyay and defender Gurjinder Singh are the three players to miss out and in their places midfielder Chinglensana Singh and forwards Satbir Singh and Mandeep Singh have been drafted into the side.
While Sardar will captain the side, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will continue to be his deputy.
Besides two goalkeepers — Sreejesh and Harjot Singh — the squad will have five defenders in Gurbaj Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh and V.R. Raghunath.
The midfield will be under the leadership of skillful Sardar and he will be assisted by Manpreet Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglensana and S.K. Uthappa, while Ramadeep Singh, S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Satbir and Mandeep will form India’s forward line.
The Azlan Shah Cup will also be Dutchman Paul van Ass’ first assignment as the new chief coach of the Indian men’s hockey team.
“The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be my first tournament as the coach of this team and I look forward to a positive start by doing well in this tournament,” Van Ass said after the selection of the team on Wednesday.
“The players and I are still trying to know each other both, professionally as well as on the personal front. By the intensity and efforts put in by these players on the field, during the preparations, gives me much confidence in this team and a hope to have a great start as one unit. I have seen them play in Champions Trophy last year and they are turning into a formidable line-up who are keen to take on new challenges.”
Talking about the Azlan Shah-bound team, captain Sardar said, “The team composition is almost the same as Champions Trophy, although we have three new inclusions — Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Satbir Singh and Mandeep Singh. All three will help boost our options for attack.
“I think their contribution for their respective teams in Hockey India League 2015 helped them make a comeback into the national squad.”
Besides India and hosts Malaysia, the other participating nations in this year’s Azlan Shah Cup are Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Canada.
India will play their first match against Korea on April 5 followed by games against New Zealand (April 6), Malaysia (April 8), Canada (April 9) and Australia (April 11).
Women from the rural areas of Kodlipet hobli near Shanivarasanthe, have achieved self reliance through dairy farming and have also produced significant quantity of milk.
The Nandipura Milk Producers Women’s Cooperative Society was established in 2008 by a couple of women in Kodlipet, with an intention to attain self reliance through farming activities in the rural areas.
Presently, Pramila Ravishankar, Chinnamma and Girija Girish are serving as president, vice president and secretary of the association, respectively. While Nirmala, Yashoda, Umavathi, Kavitha, Shashikala, Manjula and Jayamma are working as directors.
248 members
There are totally 248 members in the society who are engaged in dairy farming. Out of these, 75 members are from Kyathe, Neegunda, Chikkakundha and Kelakodli villages who regularly supply milk.
The milk is tested for its purity and everyday as much as 450 litres of milk is supplied to Kodige dairy.
Thirty HF cows have been provided to members, under Amritha scheme.
The association provides Rs 24 per litre to the members while Rs 4 is be provided by the Government as the subsidy.
Nandini self help group was established after Rs 75,000 subsidy from Karnataka Milk Federation. Interest free loans of Rs 5,000 is provided to 15 members.
When a member repays the loan, another member is be provided the loan. The members pay Rs 500 evey month towards the repayment.
The members said that the income that they earned from the dairy farming had made them self reliant and also helped them save some money after managing the household expenses.
The members also run Stree Shakthi and other self help groups.
25 dairies in Kodagu
“Kodagu district has 25 dairies. The district needs a separate milk union and a better price is to be ensured. Also, the time of the delivery of milk to the dairies needs to be revised,” said one of the Directors Nirmala.
Amidst comments that the dairy farming practices are dwindling in Kodagu, the Nandipura Milk Producers Union has carved a niche for itself, by being a role model to others.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Shanivarasanthe – DHNS, March 30th, 2015
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