Language is no barrier

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Nishan Naniah’s claim to fame? He gave the very respectful term chechi a sexual undertone! Many by now would have connected the dots to the obvious reference to Nishan’s character in Ee Adutha Kaalathu. His quaint accent in speaking the Malayalam language and his rakish charm endeared this Mumbai boy to a whole lot of women.

After a brief lull, he is back with 10.30am Local Call in which he plays the lead. A suspense thriller, he has his fingers crossed about the outcome of the film. Talking about being selective while choosing roles, he says that his prime criteria has always been his interest level from the point of view of the audience and of course, the credentials of the producer and the director. The defining factor would be the script he says, “I take up only those roles which are scripted well. There is many a slip between the cup and the lip! Sometimes the script that gets translated on screen is so very different and I have made those mistakes before!”

Nishan is elated at having shared screen space with Vikram for the multi-lingual David and says that it was wonderful to share screen space with an actor who was hassle free and down to earth. The Mumbai boy says that the language barrier never stopped him from attempting films in the South. In fact, his first film was in Telugu, after which he got offers from Malayalam. Nishan very candidly says, “Hindi is a language I think in and I love but that has never stopped me from branching out! My only principle is that I will do only one film at a time; I prefer to sit idle than sign six films simultaneously.”

An eclectic interest in books has shaped this intelligent actor’s thoughts and he is a firm believer in destiny. Nishan stoically believes that whatever is intended for him will come to him; otherwise it will pass him by. Supporting his theory he reveals, “ For most of my films, I was never the first choice but circumstances converged to ensure that I do those roles.”

Nishan is also very confident about his talent and why not? Notwithstanding the fact that he is a Film Institute product, he says that he has never accepted any role for the sake of the greenbucks and adds, “I do not want to compromise on my work, I work hard and put my heart and soul into my performances which is why I am not insecure about my talent.” It is his confidence in his craft that made him sign a woman-centric film like Radio.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Entertainment> Mollywoood / DC, by Priya Sreekumar / February 25th, 2013

Metal detector to check tourists in Raja Seat

Detector has been installed in the wake of Hyderabad bomb blasts

In the backdrop of bomb explosion in Hyderabad three days ago, the police have tightened security in Madikeri city which is one of the major tourism hubs in the State.

rajaseatKF02mar2013As a part of the improvised security measures, metal detector has been installed in Raja Seat garden that draws thousands of visitors from across the nation every day.

The police personnel have been posted in some of the key areas in the city including bus stands and tourism places. However, tight security is provided to Raja Seat on priority basis as large number of tourists throng to this garden, especially on week ends. The metal detector installed at the entry gate of the garden will function on three days in a week including Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Bomb Detection Squad which functions under Kodagu District Police Department has installed this metal detector. A team of nine personnel are operating in this squad and the personnel have undergone special training at a training centre in Bangalore.

In case a bomb is traced, a special Bomb Diffusing Squad will arrive from Bangalore to diffuse the bomb. According to the police sources, in the wake of bomb blasts in the nation, the number of police personnel guarding the Madikeri bus stand too has been increased. The general public who are accustomed to undergo examination from metal detector in bigger cities like Bangalore and Mysore, are co-operating in Madikeri too.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Kodagu Superintendent of Police M N Anucheth said that metal detector has been installed at Raja Seat as a preventive measure in the wake of Hyderabad twin bomb blasts. “As the terrorists mostly target more populated areas, metal detectors are installed in such places. Raja Seat and bus stand are under special scrutiny in Madikeri,” he said.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / February 24th, 2013

Big bird day : Bird-watching event all over Kodagu

Mysore, Feb. 23 :

Big Bird Day (BBD), a major bird-watching event will take place across the length and breadth of Kodagu district tomorrow in which more than 25 teams of ornithology enthusiasts have enlisted to assimilate data about the winged creatures.

The “Big Bird Day” is an initiative that was initially started by the ‘Delhi Bird Watchers’ in 2004. The underlying concept of this initiative is “Bird Watching” for the entire day in order to accumulate the highest possible number of species in the region. This year it has become a Pan-India event for the first time. There are more than 200 enlisted teams, making this the largest BBD event for the first time. There are close to 1500 participants all over India. Birders go individually or in small groups, watch birds in certain areas and report the sightings by the end of the day, according to Dr. Bishan Monnappa, a well known orthopaedic in Virajpet and an avid photographer, who is BBD Co-ordinator for Kodagu.

“Despite Kodagu being a difficult terrain, a lot of volunteers have come forward to participate in this event. It will be an educative event which is non-competitive and non-commercial,” said Dr. Monnappa

This event will provide valuable scientific data regarding the rich avian life of India. Pending the success of this event, future plans are to be implemented to cover those areas with the assistance of the Forest Department. Contact Dr. Bishan Monnappa at bishancm@yahoo.com

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / February 23rd, 2013

Was sure I wouldn’t be picked: Bopanna

India’s doubles star Rohan Bopanna is undergoing mixed feelings right now. While on one hand, he is happy to clinch his first title of the year — the Marseille Open, with Brit partner Colin Fleming on Sunday, on the other, he is upset at being left out of India’s squad that takes on Indonesia in the Asia-Oceania Davis Cup tie in April. However, the All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) decision to not pick him and Mahesh Bhupathi in the squad that includes singles players Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri, and doubles players Leander Paes and Sanam Singh, hasn’t surprised the Bangalorean
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In an interview with MiD DAY, Bopanna spoke of his joy and sorrow. Excerpts

The Marseille title being the first of the season for you, must be special.
It’s always special to win a title. At the highest level and with the current format for doubles on the ATP circuit, the outcome of matches hinges on three to four points. So, it’s great to string four matches in a row and win.

The timing of the win should be special too, given its come a day after the announcement of the Davis Cup squad. Was the selection on your mind?
Honestly, I never looked at getting the timing right while winning the tournament. I just tried to do my best. And speaking of the selection, while on court, I only try to focus on the match at hand, and not think of anything else. However, I was very sure I would not be picked for this Davis Cup tie anyway.

You must be upset at not being considered for the Davis Cup
.
Yes, of course! Not being selected to play for India is a big disappointment, especially since the tie is going to be held in my hometown.

Has this disappointment overshadowed your joy of winning in Marseille?

No… the Marseille win is a big achievement for me. It won’t be overshadowed by the disappointment over Davis Cup selections.

Do you think you’re paying the price (maybe like Mahesh too) for being one of the senior India players to be associated with the newly formed Indian Tennis Players Association?
Absolutely not! The ITPA has been formed for the betterment of tennis, and to improve things for the current as well as future players. We all are trying to be part of this movement so that India can produce more successful tennis players.

Your partnership with Colin is brand new, but you guys seems to have gelled perfectly.
Winning the title at Marseilles definitely means that Colin and I have gelled really well on court. I have known Colin for a couple of years now and we are friends off the court as well. The camaraderie we share has definitely helped us complement each other on court.

source: http://www.mid-day.com / Home> Sports> Mumbai / by Ashwin Ferro / February 26th, 2013

Team Coorg to defend crown

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Defending champions Team Coorg in this file photo is with their strong supporters in Oman. Photo – Supplied photo
Muscat:
Defending champions Team Coorg Oman is all set to participate in the Gulf Cup Hockey Championship 2013, organised by the United Thalassery Sports Club (UTSC), due to be held in Dubai next month.

Team Coorg won the crown during the second edition last year and was also a finalist in the inaugural edition in 2011.

Team Coorg has been working hard to improve its players’ fitness and skills in the face of the vastly improved opposition, who have had a lot of exposure to Club-level tournaments in Dubai over the last few seasons. Team Coorg, however, will enter the tournament without much match practice, but they are confident of taking on the might of the other expatriate teams.

Scheduled for March 1 at the Dubai Sports City Turf, Team Coorg Oman will field a team of players of mixed ages since a few of its original members have left Muscat, while a few others are nursing injuries; some of the newly married guys have succumbed to the temptation of good food, and the ongoing exams keep the schoolboys indoors, further limiting the team’s options.

A few newcomers will strengthen the aging team, and a lot will be expected of the few players who have improved their skills over the last year.

Team Coorg’s popularity can be gauged by the increasing support it receives from all quarters.

Hugely popular
Many supporters will travel with the team from Oman, and many more in Dubai are eagerly looking forward to joining them at the venue.

Team Coorg has picked up the thread from back home and has endeavoured, over the years, to keep alive the esprit de corps of sports, its customs, and its traditions.

A total of 10 teams, including one Pakistani team, are participating in this edition of the championship. The chief guest of the tournament is Mustafa Zafeer, the patron of UTSC.

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Home / by Times News Service / Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

This school is 100 years old

Ponnampet Government Higher Model Primary School near Gonikoppa is completing 100 years of existence.

A programme to mark the celebrations will be held on April 7 and 8.

The school was started in 1861. It is one of the English Kannada Medium School started by the British in Kodagu.

The school has 1.28 acre land and was donated by Maneyapanda Monnappa.
Cheppudeera Madayya and his son Rao Bahaddur Thimmaiah Subedhar constructed the building in memory of his father and grand father Diwan Cheppudeera Ponnappa.

Acchiyanda Kalamayya was the first head master of the school. A health centre was constructed adjacent to the school in 1912. The land for the health centre was donated by Chetrumada family. The centre was constructed in the memory of King V George.

As the time rolled, a separate school was started for female children. The land for the school was donated by Sundar Singh. Later, the school was upgraded as composite high school in 1944.

A hall was constructed behind the school in 1936. The compound walls have been constructed utilising the funds available under MGNREGA. Retired head teacher M S Kushalappa has given drinking water facility to the school.

At present, 600 children are pursuing their education in the school. The school is getting decked up for the centenary celebrations. The students are getting ready to present cultural programmes.

Shathamanotsava Samithi president M S Kushalappa said that old students association has been constituted. In the memory of centenary celebrations, an open stage at a cost of Rs 12 lakh is being constructed.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / /Gonikoppa, February 26th, 2013

Colin Fleming wins Marseille title with Rohan Bopanna


Britain’s Colin Fleming claimed his second ATP doubles title of the year as he teamed up with Rohan Bopanna of India to win the Open 13 in Marseille.
The pair beat Pakistan’s Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and Dutchman Jean-Julien Rojer, the top seeds, 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

Fleming joined forces with Bopanna in the absence of regular partner Ross Hutchins, who is recovering after being diagnosed with cancer in December.
The Scot, 28, has now won seven ATP doubles titles, three with Hutchins.
“It’s a great day for us,” said Fleming. “We beat one of the best teams in the world. They played the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals last year and I’m sure they’ll end up there again this year.”

Bopanna added: “It’s always tough to play against friends. Then, I also want to thank my partner. He wasn’t feeling well this morning but he came out and played a great match.”

Fleming began the year playing alongside Jamie Murray in Brisbane and then won in Auckland with Brazil’s Bruno Soares, before a disappointing first-round exit with Murray at the Australian Open.

A burgeoning partnership with Wimbledon doubles champion Jonny Marray was then interrupted when the Englishman suffered a calf injury in Rotterdam earlier this month.

The singles title in Marseille went to Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat Czech top seed Tomas Berdych 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.

source: http://www.awaztoday.com / Home> Latest News / February 25th, 2013

Social service award for Harshika


Actress Harshika Poonacha is in an all time high as the actress received an award for social service recently. An excited Harshika posted a picture of her holding the award on Twitter and tweeted saying, “My first award for Social service :)) feels honoured :))”

The actress was last seen in Crazy Loka directed by Kavita Lankesh that had actors Ravichandran, Surya, Harshika and Daisy Bopanna in lead roles. She is currently awaiting the release of her next flick Advaitha that will see her pairing up with Ajai Rao for the first time. She also has Bithri opposite Srikanth and Ale with Thanush and Aviva Bidapa up for release.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada / by Sharanya CR, TNN / February 25th, 2013

Nagesh Kukunoor at the wheel

The filmmaker will be on the lookout for locations for a road movie while driving through south India in March

Image Credit: IANS / Nagesh Kukunoor will be part of ‘My Endeavour alterrain’ road trip through south India

Nagesh Kukunoor is ready to undertake a picturesque road journey to Coorg and Munnar and, while at it, he hopes to find the foundation of his new project — a road movie he has been wanting to make for a long time.

The acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter, known for critically acclaimed movies such as Hyderabad Blues, Rockford and Iqbal, will undertake the journey as part of an adventure driving series, My Endeavour alterrain, by Ford India and National Geographic Channel.

“I want to use this journey as a foundation of a road movie that has been on my mind for a long time. I always wanted to do a road movie and I keep travelling a fair bit because of my work … you never know how stories get triggered,” Kukunoor said.

Is he going with a set story in mind?
“I have a specific thing, but I won’t tell you,” he said, flashing his dimpled smile.

“Well, I do have a loose story in mind and I want to see places that can work for that story. I want to see if I get something interesting … the thing with movies is that you plan something, and then something you absolutely didn’t plan takes shape. So you never know,” he added, hinting at a sense of uncertainty.

But excited he definitely is. Starting from Coorg to Coonoor to Palakkad to his final destination Munnar, Kukunoor is totally kicked about driving through scenic green terrains of the Western Ghats, replete with tea and coffee plantations, and waterfalls.

His companion? A camera crew!
“The camera is going to be my buddy.”
Uncomfortable will he be, then?
“It doesn’t make me uncomfortable because all these years, I have worked with the camera and fortunately or unfortunately, I have worked in front of the camera as well. So it doesn’t make me uncomfortable at all,” said Kukunoor, who has acted in some of his own directorials such as Rockford and Hyderabad Blues.
He is more excited about the trip, to start sometime in March, as when he first undertook it in 1995, he couldn’t complete it.

“I had once undertaken an extensive trip to south India, and Munnar and Coorg were on my map, but I gave up halfway to Coorg. That endeavour remains unfinished for me and this time I want to complete the journey,” he said.
Kukunoor, 45, remembers driving long stretches when he was a student in the United States.

“It has been a very long time that I personally drove long stretches. I have undertaken car journeys, but then you end up driving for a small section and hand over the wheels to someone else after a while. This is not going to be that — I am going to drive the entire stretch,” he said.

source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Tabloid / by IANS / February 25th, 2013

Nidhi Subbaiah celebrates birthday in Mumbai

Nidhi Subbaiah celebrated her birthday, which falls on February 16, with her closest friends in Mumbai. The Kannada actress, who is best remembered for her roles in Pancharangi and Krishnan Marriage Story, has now shifted to Mumbai, ever since she began shooting for her Bollywood films, a couple of years back.

Nidhi, who has had two releases to her credit – Oh My God! and Ajab Gazabb Love – has been living it up in Mumbai, say her close friends. The actress has been seen partying with her bunch of buddies from the industry there, which also includes her Ajab Gazabb Love co-star Jaccky Bhagnani.

Recently, Jaccky and Nidhi were in Bangalore, where they walked the ramp as the showstoppers for designer Ramesh Dembla at the Bangalore Fashion Week. Nidhi, we hear, is currently listening to a few scripts, but hasn’t narrowed down on any particular project to sign on. We also hear the actress has been receiving a few Kannada film offers to

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada / by Sunayana Suresh, TNN / February 16th, 2013