The actor will join hands with the director for Hello 123, which will have music by V Harikrishna.
Bhuvvaan Ponnanna, known for his antagonist roles in films like Just Math Mathalli, Kool, and Kuchiku Kuchiku, worked his way to playing the lead in Randhava. Now, after a break, he steps into the spotlight as a hero with the upcoming musical, Hello 123, directed by none other than Yogaraj Bhat. The film features music by V Harikrishna and is produced under the banner of Amrutha Cine Craft by Vijay Tata and Amrutha Vijay Tata.
“When I came to Bengaluru in 2007, Yogaraj Bhat’s name was everywhere,” Bhuvvaan recalls. “Every actor wanted to do a film with Bhatru. While I was playing villains, I always had this wish, much like senior actors wanted to work in Puttana Kanagal. I wanted to be part of Yogaraj Bhat’s world, as I loved the magic he had brought to actors like Ganesh or Diganth.”
The actor admits he took his time after his debut as a hero in Randhava. “Yogaraj Bhat doesn’t push stories onto actors; he works around them. He told me, ‘I will not match the story with the actor; I’d rather work on the story, and then see how the actor fits.’ He was very particular, always striking up conversations, understanding me—my background, my language, my flavour. After many discussions, he tailored the story to suit me.”
Bhuvvaan, who also has a theatre background and trained in filmmaking at a New York film university, calls working with Bhat a learning experience. “Despite my theatre experience, this is going to be like film school. The chance to work with a director like Yogaraj Bhat is rare, and I am ready to absorb every moment.”
Hello 123, launched with Harshika Poonacha and Bhuvvaan’s daughter Tridevi in attendance, promises a light-hearted journey of a musician rising from nothing to everything. “It’s a typical Yogaraj Bhat film,” Bhuvvaan says. “Music, love, drama, the essence of Malnad, quirky characters, and humour—everything is in there.”
Pre-production is underway, and shooting is expected to begin in October. Apart from Bhuvvaan, the director and music director, the rest of the cast and crew is yet to be finalised.
source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / by A Sharadhaa / September 05th, 2025
“It is literally true that former Chief Minister late D. Devaraj Urs lent voice to voiceless and marginalised sections of the society during his tenure as the CM,” said MLC Dr. D. Thimmaiah.
He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Dhwani Kotta Dhani’ award ceremony organised jointly by Anveshana Seva Trust and Ursu Jagruti Academy Charitable Trust, at Institution of Engineers-India (IEI) on JLB Road here on Friday, marking the 110th birth anniversary of late former CM D. Devaraj Urs.
“Devaraj Urs always stood with the marginalised, micro, downtrodden and other voiceless communities, when it came to extending rights, benefits and facilities. Urs is still remembered for his outstanding and exemplary service to the society while in power. Most of the politicians these days have homes in big cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru. But Urs did not have any house in the State capital or other big cities. However, his memory is etched in the minds of everyone and it still stands fresh,” Dr. Thimmaiah noted.
Highlighting the revolutionary decisions taken by Urs while in power such as elimination of bonded labour, ban on manual scavenging and introduction of ‘Uluvavane Bhumi Odeya’ Act (the tiller is the actual land owner), the MLC said it was D.D. Urs who gave land to the landless and provided shelter to the shelterless. His contributions and achievements are memorable at the National-level even today, he added.
Educationist Bhramara Bahaddur from Bengaluru, Karnataka Karavali Samskrutika Okkuta Founder Dr. Jagannatha Shetty from Mandya, senior yoga teacher Jagadish Shettar from Dakshina Kannada, Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Photographer M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav from Mysuru, Goa Liberation Movement fighter Girija Shankar Patil from Koppal and Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (Madikeri) Associate Professor Dr. Anand from Kodaguwere conferred ‘Dhwani Kotta Dhani’ awards on the occasion.
Charitable Trust Vice-President H.A. Venkatesh, Hon. Secretary Dr. MGR Urs, former Tumkur University VC Dr. Y.S. Siddegowda, Anveshana Seva Trust Founder-President Amarnath Raje Urs, former Bengaluru Kanteerava Studios Chairperson Vijayalakshmi Urs and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 31st, 2025
Narayan Jagadeesan, the Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter, has opened up about the impact of his former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammate Robin Uthappa on his career. Jagadeesan and Uthappa shared the CSK dressing room between 2020 and 2022, playing under MS Dhoni alongside Ravindra Jadeja.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Jagadeesan revealed how Uthappa influenced his approach as both a cricketer and an individual.
“Robin has instilled more discipline in me regarding how to approach each session,”
Jagadeesan said. “He has taught me many things, making me calm and secure, not just as a cricketer but as an individual, and to stay present.”
On the technical side, Jagadeesan credited his Tamil Nadu coaches for shaping his batting. “When it comes to batting, Guru sir [AG Guruswamy] and Narasimha [both coaches in Tamil Nadu] have helped me,” he added.
Jagadeesan also lived his father’s dream earlier this year when he was named a reserve player in India’s squad for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. Though he did not make the playing XI, being part of India’s thrilling six-run victory was a moment of pride for him.
“The India jersey is now going into the frame, and I hope to add many more,” he said. “Being part of such an intense and thrilling match made it even more special. Winning the game from an unexpected situation was truly remarkable and gave me goosebumps.”
Most recently, Jagadeesan represented Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025. It turned out to be a mixed campaign for him. He scored 180 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 179.07, including two half-centuries.
source: http://www.revsportz.in / Revsportz / Home> Breaking News > Cricket / by Staff Reporter / August 28th, 2025
On Sunday, the 13th (of July), my father and the Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, K.B. Ganapathy, passed away.
Knowing him, I think he would have got a kick out of it if he had kicked the bucket on Friday the 13th, popularly considered an unlucky day.
It feels odd to write about my father, but I feel I owe it to the readers of Star of Mysore, who have made this small newspaper from this small city into one of India’s most successful evening newspapers.
To not write about him would feel wrong. Especially because his life was not only well lived, but it was also wildly interesting.
KBG, as he was popularly known, never really spoke much of his early life with me until a few years ago, when I became a father and he, a grandfather. The stories were fantastic.
When you become one of the youngest lawyers in Bengaluru at a time when jukeboxes and dance halls were in vogue…
When you, as a nerdy, bespectacled boy from Coorg to have the audacity to move to Bombay to become an actor, then a scriptwriter, without knowing a word of Hindi…
When you rejoin College in Bombay to study journalism and are chosen to work under a legend like T.J.S. George…
When you launch your own advertising agency in Pune and help name the now-iconic moped, Luna…
When you move Osho Rajneesh from Juhu Beach into an apartment and handle his first PR campaign for The Illustrated Weekly of India…
When you finally pack it all up and return to Mysore to run a bill-book printing press… and then start your own newspaper… You’re bound to have stories. And KBG had a whole lot of them and he told them brilliantly…
From tales of quirky Bombay industrialists to the eccentricities of Osho Rajneesh, from the spiritual gurus he encountered in his career to dealing with political thugs he had confronted, his stories were always unexpected, always unforgettable.
Whether he was protesting at the Bombay Docks with George Fernandes or breaking ‘journalistic ethics’ by openly campaigning for H.S. Shankaralinge Gowda in Mysore, KBG lived with a conviction few dared to match and fewer still could argue with, though I often did.
What made him a good journalist was simple. A nose for news, a maniacal work ethic, and a fearlessness that bordered on charming arrogance.
KBG also had a quirk. He never wore a shirt without a pocket. Why? Because he always carried a tiny notepad and a pen. Even on the day he died, he had notes scribbled in his little notepad stuffed in his shirt pocket — observations and “news points for reporters.” He never stopped reporting.
KBG loved intellectual combat, and often our dinner table arguments ended with me yelling, “Youth may be wasted on the young, but wisdom is definitely wasted on the old !”
He would smirk and say, “Don’t flatter yourself. At your age, only Rahul Gandhi can be forever young.” Then, with a smile, he would ask, “Drink?”
That was KBG. You could argue with him, disagree with him, even mock him, but he always knew how to separate debate and decency.
That same spirit defined Star of Mysore. Even if you didn’t share his ideology, your voice still had a place in his paper.
Through Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, he gave voice to countless civic warriors. Many of them eventually joined politics, but before that, they helped shape our city.
He encouraged service clubs like Rotary, Lions and MGP, believing they created a collective civic conscience to keep the Government accountable.
Though he had an irreverent side, he was also deeply spiritual.
On his 85th birthday, I asked him, “After all these years, what according to you is happiness?” He replied instantly, “Freedom from physical pain.”
Then, after a pause, added, “You can have all the money and status you want, but if your body is hurting, even if it’s a toothache, you’ll be miserable.”
I asked when he had this spiritual epiphany. With a mischievous smile he replied, “When I had piles.” We both laughed. I said, “Now you know how it feels to work with you.” He laughed and clapped, something he would do on hearing something witty. That bellowing laughter with clapping will be missed.
Since his passing, people have asked me how I’m coping. For now, I keep reading the note he would write on the first page of his diary every year for over 40 years. They are lines from the Bible:
“The race is not to the swift,
nor the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant,
but time and chance happen to them all.”
And then he would add, in his own hand:
“So do not despair, Ganapathy, for this too shall pass.”
And so, while we grieve, we carry on, for… this too shall pass.
On behalf of my family and everyone at Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, Thank You, dear readers, for your love and loyalty. We hope to continue informing, entertaining and waking the activist in every Mysurean.
P.S.: After his passing, some have criticised the current State Government for not offering KBG State Honours like his peers got.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter.
What greater honour can a journalist ask for than the love of his readers?
That, for my father, was more than enough.
e-mail: vikram@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns, In Blace & White , Top Stories / by Vikram Muthanna / July 26th, 2025
Mysore Kodava Samaja paid floral tributes to Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy (KBG), Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, who passed away on July 13, at the condolence meeting held at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar yesterday.
Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, former Samaja President and present BVB Mysuru Hon. Secretary Poyyettira S. Ganapathy, former Rajiv Gandhi University (Arunachal Pradesh) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa, Samaja Advisor Jammada Ganesh Ayyanna, former Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa, KBG’s son and Star of Mysore Managing Editor Vikram Muthanna, Bharani Art Gallery Convenor Nellamakkada B. Kaverappa and others spoke about KBG.
Samaja Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Hon. Secretary Ketolira A. Belliappa, Joint Secretary Ajjikuttira Diana Poovaiah, Hon. Treasurer Ittira G. Kashiappa and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> Photo News / August 11th , 2025
Nearly 200 varieties of indigenous rice varieties on display at the desi rice mela, which was inaugurated in Mysuru on Saturday. | Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM
The two-day desi rice mela commenced in Mysuru on Saturday, with seed conservators expressing concern that commercial crops were pushing the traditional paddy varieties to the brink.
The objective of the mela is to highlight the paddy diversity that existed in the Old Mysuru region, and how scores of indigenous paddy varieties are going out of vogue due to the proliferation of hybrid varieties and shifting consumer preference to white polished rice.
With over 200 paddy varieties on display, the mela is being held at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry, and has been organised under the aegis of Sahaja Samrudha and the Save Our Rice Campaign. Also on display are traditional rice varieties from different States, including rare types such as red rice, aromatic rice, black rice, medicinal rice, and bold-grained rice, along with value-added rice products.
Paddy conservators from across the State are selling their own desi rice directly. Seeds of popular varieties like Rajamudi, Burma Black, Sidda Sanna, Ratnachudi, Navara, Govind Bhog, HMT, and Sindhoor Madhusale are also on display and for sale.
The mela was inaugurated by B.P. Ravishankar, a seed conservator from Hudoor in Ponnampet, Kodagu. He has preserved as many as 57 desi rice varieties.
“Paddy cultivation is becoming increasingly expensive. With the arrival of commercial crops, traditional paddy varieties are being pushed to the margins and the government must provide necessary support to bring these desi rice varieties back into farmers’ fields”, said Mr. Ravishankar.
Unveiling medicinal rice varieties, Shridevi Annapurna Singh, former Director of the Central Food Research Institute, said that traditional varieties are rich in nutrients, while the black and red rice varieties have medicinal properties, and called for their inclusion in people’s diets.
Presiding over the event, G. Krishna Prasad, Director of Sahaja Samrudha and the Organic Farmers’ Collective, said that farmer-breeders in Karnataka have developed excellent paddy varieties like Sidda Sanna, Sindhoor Madhusale, Andanoor Sanna, and NMS-2. “The government must take steps to release these varieties, which are popular among farmers,” he said.
Mr. Prasad also cautioned against any attempts by the government to introduce transgenic paddy varieties that pose risks to the environment and consumer health. Farmers and consumers must remain vigilant to prevent transgenic paddy from entering farmers’ fields, he added.
C. Shanthakumar, the coordinator of Save Our Rice Campaign, said that Karnataka was the home of paddy diversity, but hundreds of varieties have been lost due to lack of demand. ‘’The desi rice mela has been organised to create awareness among farmers and consumers about nutrient-rich, traditional paddy varieties suited to local food habits,” he added.
The mela also offers millets, vegetable seeds, tubers, organic products, and fruit saplings that are for sale.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 09th, 2025
The 3rd Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) and get-together of Pombolak Kodava Koota located at Vjayanagar 4th Stage, was held recently at Kodava Samaja, Mysuru.
Mundotira Jaya Changappa presided.
Ajjinikanda C. Mahesh, Editor of Poomale Newspaper and President of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, was the chief guest.
On the occasion, Ajjinikanda Mahesh and Pemmanda Suraj, DySP, Madikeri, were felicitated for their contributions.
The newly elected office-bearers and Committee Members of Pombolak Kodava Koota for the term 2025-2028 are as follows:
In a heartfelt tribute to Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy (KBG), Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East and Kodagu Model School held a condolence meeting at the school’s Cheethamma Hall recently.
Association members, leaders and school representatives highlighted KBG’s towering personality as a journalist, mentor and champion of public service.
Association President Kademada M. Belliappa remembered KBG as a visionary from Kodagu, whose media platforms empowered civic awareness across Mysuru.
Former President Kanjithanda K. Aiyappa reflected on the values KBG embodied, stating, “Birth is an option, but death is predetermined.” He credited KBG with sparking the idea of Kodagu Model School.
Senior member Kakamada Subbaiah noted that KBG’s life and values continue to shape how his passing is honoured, while former President Puliyanda S. Devaiah shared personal memories of their long-standing association as neighbours, calling KBG “a guide, mentor and enterprising figure” who contributed to the School’s bylaws and resource networks.
Former Secretary Appachangada Motaiah recalled KBG’s pivotal role in overcoming early challenges in building the school, acknowledging the commitment of teacher Chowrira Prapulla and Chairperson Chowrira Seethamma, alongside his own guidance.
Former Treasurer C.M. Chengappa praised KBG’s inclusive leadership and his rare Hon. Doctorate from University of Mysore.
Head Mistress Anitha Mary recalled KBG’s genuine interest in student activities and exhibitions, while Treasurer Pattamada Charmana described him as “a fighter whose contributions are irreplaceable.”
Administrator Cauvery and Chairperson Seethamma acknowledged his mentorship, intellect and community reach.
Kannada teacher Hamsamati read a commemorative poem in KBG’s honour.
President Belliappa concluded the ceremony by sharing a condolence message received from the Prime Minister’s Office.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 31st, 2025
Bringing the rich and rustic Kodava food to our palates, Chef Smitha Kuttayya impressed our hearts and tummies at Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur.
Lush green landscapes, ethereal waterfalls, and aromatic coffee plantations… wouldn’t you like to be in Coorg every single day? Well, a delicious fragment of Kodava culture presented itself on our plates at the Kodava Food Festival in Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur. Chef Smitha Kuttayya, who looked stunning in her Kodagu-style saree, treated us to what was no less than a delightful feast right from the hills of her beloved homeland. She told CE, “The unique distribution of flavours and the use of local ingredients such as kachampuli, a local vinegar, is what makes Kodava cuisine stand out.”
Chef Smitha Kuttayya
We started off with the Balekai Barthad, plantains marinated in kachampuli, shallow-fried and coated with rice flour. This dish was simply superb, with the right amount of sourness, crisp and texture. Its non-vegetarian counterpart, Meen Barthad, where the fish was marinated in kachampuli, chillies, and salt, was just as irresistible, with everyone going back for more. The Bollary Barthad, shallow-fried cucumber with spices and green chillies, was moderately spicy yet soothing. The Nallamalu Erchi and Koli Barthad — lamb and chicken fry respectively — stood out. The lamb, with subtle hints of cinnamon and cardamom, took you on a flavour ride. “Traditional Kodava cooking uses minimal oil for meat, relying on the lard instead. We also don’t favour overly spicy food, and because of our proximity to Kerala, we love using coconut; almost every dish has it,” Chef Smitha explained with a chuckle.
All the dishes were plated so professionally, but Chef Smitha revealed that this is the effect of modernity; traditional Kodava cuisine draws from its warrior culture, which prioritises bulk cooking for sustenance and togetherness. But then there are commonalities too — a staple loved across the southern states, the dosa appeared in its Kodava avatar: Neer Dosa. We had two versions: one filled with veg poriyal, the other with prawns marinated in kachampuli. Though quite full, we were treated to more of that famed Kodava hospitality.
Chef Smitha brought out Otti (Kodava-style akki roti) and Kadambuttu (steamed rice balls) served with six curries. The Kootu, a mixed vegetable stew, matched the rainy Hyderabad mood perfectly, while the Kaad Mange, a tangy seasonal mango gravy, became an instant favourite. The spicy Meen Curry melted in the mouth, but the Koli Kanni, a chicken curry rich with coconut, cardamom, cloves, and pepper, stole the show. But no Kodava meal is complete without Pandi Curry or pork curry. While the other curries paired well with the Otti, the Pandi Curry was perfect with the Kadambuttu; the grainy rice balls with soft, flavourful pork created a textural celebration in the mouth. Among the vegetarian curries, the Baimbale Curry, made with tender fermented bamboo, burnt onions, and roasted rice, was the winner.
Now, both Hyderabadis and Kodavas love their rice, and so we had Erchi Pulav, a coconut-based lamb pulav which brought back the flavours of the hills, especially when paired with Mango Pachadi. The Vegetable Pulav was just as good. The spiciest dish was the Onkkerchi, or dry-shredded pork, due to the generous use of bird’s eye chilli.
It left us craving something sweet and so we had Thambuttu, mashed ripe bananas blended with roasted rice flour. With a generous drizzle of ghee, this dish was traditional perfection. “A woman is central in the Kodava household. During Puthari, our harvest festival, we make Thambuttu and offer it first to the married daughters, praying for their well-being,” shared Chef Smitha. The meal concluded with Kaskase Payasa, a delicious poppy seed kheer that was so good, it was hard to stop at one helping.
We were 800 km away from Coorg that day, but after tucking into that delightful spread, we felt miles closer to the hills.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Hyderabad / by Nitika Krishna (headline edited) / July 19th, 2025
The Suttur Mutt has deeply condoled the passing of K.B. Ganapathy, Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra. In his condolence message, Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji recalled that Ganapathy was originally an Advocate who practised at the Karnataka High Court and Civil Courts.
“Driven by a deep interest in journalism, Ganapathy left his legal profession and worked for The Free Press Journal and The Indian Express for several years. He later founded the English eveninger Star of Mysore in 1978 and the Kannada morning daily Mysuru Mithra in 1980, becoming the Founder-Editor of both newspapers. These publications quickly gained popularity for their in-depth reporting on local issues affecting Mysuru and surrounding districts, the Swamiji added.
“Ganapathy wrote thought- provoking editorials and book reviews, often highlighting social shortcomings. He also served the society in many capacities — as a Member of the Karnataka Media Academy, President of Mysuru District Journalists Association, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) and Vice-President of Kodava Samaja. He actively participated in relief efforts through Mysuru Nagaraikara Vedike, extending help to Tsunami victims in Tamil Nadu and others affected by natural disasters,” the Seer said.
Sri Deshikendra Swamiji further noted that Ganapathy authored four books in Kannada — ‘Adarshavadi’, ‘Kodagina Mele Shilubeya Neralu’, ‘Choomantra’ and ‘Shivajiya Khadga’ — and seven in English. “His book ‘Life and Times’, which reflects on life, literature, religion, spiritualism and personalities, stands out as a significant work. His recent book ‘The Hidden Life of a Yogi’ was released during the 9th edition of the Mysuru Literature Festival-2025. His popular Abracadabra column in Star of Mysore and its translated versions in Mysuru Mithra were widely read and appreciated. He received numerous accolades, including the Rajyotsava Award and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Mysore,” the Seer added.
“His demise is a great loss to society and the field of journalism. May the Almighty grant strength to his family, relatives and well-wishers to bear this loss. We pray for his soul to rest in peace,” the Seer said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / July 14th, 2025
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