Hyderabad's New Yorker heroine

New Yorker Aasheekaa Bathija moved to Mumbai in search of Bollywood fame. But before the Hindi moviedom gates opened, she cut her teeth in the Telugu film industry, which welcomed her and made her a star in the Surender Reddy-directed comedy Kick.

"I was pleasantly surprised with the rave reviews and appreciation I received for my work," she says. "In my first film itself, I have worked with the top professionals of the industry. For me, it was a great way of Kick-starting my career."

A Sindhi who immigrated to the United States when she was a one year old, Aasheekaa did not know a word of Telugu.

"But language was no problem at all. Acting is all about emotions, and emotions have their own universal language. Though everyone on the set spoke Telugu, they all were very considerate to make me feel comfortable. After some time, I began to understand Telugu and by the end of the shooting, the language barrier faded," she says. "Though people in Mumbai do not recognise me, when I travel to Hyderabad, people seek autographs."

A few offers have come after the movie. But she wants to only play the heroine. What kind of roles is she looking forward to? Like Kareena Kapoor [ Images ] in Jab We Met [ Images ], shoots back Aasheekaa, whose parents and younger brother live on Long Island, New York.

A graduate of business from Fordham University, New York, Aasheekaa wants to continue in the film industry even after the stardom is gone, as a writer or producer.

"I landed in Bombay not knowing anyone. All I knew was my destination: Films. And I can say with pride that things are moving along rather smoothly," she says.

Gandhi sisters in 'Harikathe'

The Gandhi sisters, Pooja and Radhika, are all set to act together in a film, 'Harikathe', for the first time. The movie is to be produced and directed by Dayal.

Pooja entered Sandalwood through Ganesh starrer 'Mungaaru Male' and later went on to be a part of hits like 'Milana' and 'Buddhivanta'. Off late, the Gujrathi damsel is finding it difficult to score a hit despite a few good performances in films like 'Anu'.

Radhika debuted in Sandalwood with 'Balli', which was shelved after a couple of days shooting. Later she acted in 'Chickamagalura Chikka Mallige' and 'Kalakaar'. While the first film was a damp squib at the B.O., the second was an average hit.

No takers for Vishal

It seems there are no takers for Tamil action star Vishal in southern filmdom as his much-hyped home production 'Thoranai' is still in the cans and the producer of his romantic film 'Theeratha Vilaiyattu Pillai' has backed out.

The film was to be made by Ramesh, who produced his 'Pokiri' a few years ago. But he has shelved it after seeing the debacle of 'Thoranai'.

Unfazed by this, Vishal got in touch with a few production houses, but the response was said to be far from encouraging. Finally, he has decided to make 'Theeratha...' under his own banner G.K. Film Corporation.

However his brother Vikram Krishna, owner of G.K. Film, felt that the audiences won't accept him in in a 'romantic' role in 'Theeratha...' and has asked Vishal to make necessary changes in the script to suit his action hero image.

The story-writer is apparently making relevant changes in the script to suit Vishal's onscreen image.

Nayantara's marriage rumours worry parents

She is one of the highest paid actresses in the south Indian film industry, but right now Nayantara is under parental surveillance, thanks to rumours of her marriage with dancing star Prabhu Deva.

The two met on the sets of 'Villu', the film didn't work but their friendship blossomed. According to sources, Prabhu Deva was at that time mourning the death of his 10-year-old son who was suffering from cancer and Nayantara had just split from actor Silambarrasan. Industry insiders say that fate brought them together.

The actress is said to be so much in love with Prabu Deva that she has tattooed his name on her left hand. Early this month, it was reported that the two have secretly tied the knot in Tirupathi. They were reportedly spotted shopping in Dubai last week.

Nayantara's parents are now a worried lot and have told their daughter that they would accompany her everywhere. They have even told her that in case she didn't agree to this, they would stop her from acting.

The actress is, therefore, seen regularly with her parents on movie sets. She may not be enjoying their forced company, but the production executives of her films are surely at the receiving end - they now have to look after the needs of Nayantara's parents as well, informed sources said.

Nitin, Ileana in 'Retchipo'

Nitin and Ileana play the lead in 'Retchipo', directed by Paruchuri Murali and produced by GV Ramana. The shooting for the action film is almost complete. More than half of the film was shot in the deserts of Gulf.

The comedy track involving Sunil, Suman Setty and Raghubabu would be one of the highlights of the movie, says the director. Nitin, who scored a hit recently with 'Drona', is confident that this film would become a landmark in his career. He says the desert scenes in the film have come out very well and looks stunning.

Surender Reddy is the cameraman and Mani Sharma scores the music. The cast includes Sunil, Bhanuchander, Shower, Ahuti Prasad, Tanikella Bharani and MS Narayana.

Shamili, Siddharth in 'Oy'

Shamili debuts as a heroine with 'Oy', starring Siddharth Narayan in the lead. Debutant Anand Ranga writes and directs the film and Yuvan Shankar Raja scores the music. The film, a clean romantic entertainer, is all set for a release this week.

Shamili, the younger sister of Shalini Ajit, was one of the most loved child artistes in south India and her role in Mani Ratnam's 'Anjali' was very much appreciated. Her brother, Rishi aka Richard, is a famous actor in Tollywood.

The cast of the film includes Krishnudu and Tanikella Bharani. Producer Danayya said that Shamili's performance and her girl-next-door looks would be the main asset of 'Oy'.

'Kandhasamy' release to be delayed

It is reported that the release of 'Kandhasamy' may be further delayed. The mega action film, starring Vikram and Shriya Saran in the lead, was supposed to be released in July next.

The Susi Ganesan film has Vikram playing a super hero and it requires a lot of computer graphics. Though it was believed that the studio work could be wrapped up in July, it would need a few more weeks, our sources in Kollywood say.

The audio of the film, launched last month, has become a big hit. It has four songs sung by Vikram. The music has been scored by Devi Sri Prasad.

Mammootty in double role again

In Ranjith's 'Paleri Manikkam', Mammootty plays a double role. The film is a crime thriller based on a murder case that rocked Kerala in the ‘50s. He will play the roles of a CBI officer who re-investigates the case and that of a Muslim landlord.

Ranjith has based the script on a novel by T P Rajeevan. Sreenivasan, Vijayaraghavan and Siddique re among the cast. The shooting of 'Paleri Manikkam' will commence this week.

Mammootty has had a lacklustre year in 2008 and is yet to score a big hit this year. But he has many good films coming up such as Hariharan's 'Pazhassi Raja', 'Kutty Srank' by Shaji N Karun, 'Ee Pattanathil Bhootham' and R Sukumaran's 'Yugapurushan'. Last year, he played a double role in Anwar Rasheed's 'Annan Thampi'.

Pa. Vijay debuts with 'Gnabagangal'

National Award winning lyricist Pa.Vijay debuts as a hero with 'Gnabagangal', directed by Jeevan. The film, which has already created a buzz, is all set to release on July 3.

Vijay says that the story of the film is based on a true incident involving one of his friends. His friend fell in love with a girl, but she married another man. Vijay's friend was shattered and died a broken man. The events of the story are taken from the diary of his late friend, says Vijay.

Sreedevika plays the female lead and she has dubbed in her own voice for the film. James Vick scores the music. There are 100 significant characters in the film.

Meera Jasmine splits up with her fiance

Meera Jasmine and her beau Mandolin U. Rajesh's have parted ways, it is reported. The talented two have been seeing each other for quite sometime and had announced their decision to marry earlier.

Rajesh has confirmed the news of their split up and said he would like to concentrate on his music. Our sources in Kollywood say the musician was frustrated with Meera Jasmine for signing up films indiscriminately as she wanted to earn the maximum before her marriage.

Rajesh said that what had happened was in no way connected to his dreams. He felt that time would heal the wounds.

Chiru ready to act again

The actor turned politician Chiranjeevi had stated some time back that he
was quitting films for good. He said that he would dedicate the rest of his
life in social service.
Chiranjeevi now seems to be having a change of heart. After several speakers
at the audio launch ceremony of Magadheera asked Chiranjeevi to act in films
once again, he seems to have been tempted to make a come back.
Chiranjeevi said that he did not rule out the idea completely. He said that
he does not known what lay ahead but he may act once again in future. The
message from Chiru was clear to all his fans wait for some more time and
then I will make a comeback.

Irfan Pathan to marry Shivangi

It’s a decision that could break a million hearts. ‘Baroda bomber’ Irfan
Pathan is set to marry long-time friend Shivangi Dev, daughter of an Indian
diplomat in Australia. Pathan, who has known Shivangi for the past six
years, told TOI that their parents had finally given their nod to the
wedding.

“We know each other really well now,” said a blushing Irfan, who first met
his lady-love in Canberra in 2003. The younger Pathan, however, is sure of
the venue. “It will take some time but certainly in Vadodara. It will be a
traditional wedding,” he said.
TOI had first reported about Irfan’s relationship with Shivangi, in March
last year. Irfan had first met her during a practice match. “She was very
shy and didn’t talk much during our first meeting. It took quite some time
before we got comfortable with each other and got into a relationship,”
Irfan said.
So, who proposed first? “I was the one who proposed to her about three
years ago. I was in Vadodara when I called her up and asked her if she
would marry me,” he said. She said yes.

Initially, there was some resistance from both families. “Now, our families
have accepted our relationship,” he added.
Shivangi, who has visited Irfan’s home twice, works as a chartered
accountant in Australia and also teaches dance to children. “She is a very
good dance teacher and has a major fan following in her dance school,” said
Irfan who has visited her school.

Ram Charan over the moon

Ram Charan is now literally over the moon. The audio of his second film
Magadheera was released on Sunday and it is getting good response. The audio
release function saw several big wigs from Tollywood praising the work of
Ram Charan.
The horse riding and chasing scenes and the big fights are the highlight and
the director of the film Rajamouli said that these will be the best ever
filmed in Tollywood.
Magadhera stars Kajal Agarwal as heroine and Sri Hari in a key role.
Keeravani has scored the music for the film. The audio release function was attended by

Suhasini as Allu Arjun’s mother

National award winning actress-director-producer-cinematographer Suhasini, wife of ace director Mani Ratnam, is all set to make her reentry in Tollywood! The multi-talented actress will be seen in the role of Allu Arjun’s mother in director Guna Sekhar’s latest film, being produced by Danayya under the banner of Universal Media.

The film has started rolling from March 22 in a grand set built at Ramoji Rao Film City, Hyderabad. Tamil actor Arya, who is basking in the glory of his superb performance in Nan Kadavul, is acting as the antagonist in this film.

Music is scored by Mani Sharma and lyrics are penned by Veturi. Ashok is the art designer, while Stunt Shiva composes the action scenes. Editing will be by Srikar Prasad and photography by R.D. Rajasekhar.

Kamal walks out of ‘19th Step’

Kamal Haasan has walked out of '19th Step', a period film based on Kalarippayattu, it is learnt. The film, being produced by Walt Disney and directed by Bharath Bala, stars Asin in the female lead; AR Rahman provides the music.

Kamal, who was busy shooting for 'Unnaipol Oruvan', starring himself and Mollywood superstar Mohanlal, asked the filmmakers to make some changes to his role in '19th Step'. (His character in the movie is supposed to be a guest role, that of a martial arts guru in Kerala). But the producers and the writer, MT vasudvan Nair, refused to budge and that prompted Kamal to back out of the project, reports say.

Kamal Haasan plans to start the work for his magnum opus, 'Marmayogi', soon after the completion of 'Unnaipol Oruvan', it is reported.

Vivek plays hero in 'Naandhaan Bala'

Vivek, the only comedian to have won the Padma Shri award, tries his luck again as a lead actor with 'Naandhaan Bala'. Vivek will play Bala, a typical Brahmin youth brought up in the orthodox surroundings of a temple. Newcomer JV will play the second male lead.

Earlier, Vivek had sung "Solli Adippaen" as the male lead in a film opposite Chhaya Singh. The film was completed a couple of years ago but it is still lying in the cans for want of distributors.

The makers of "Naandhaan Bala" are looking for an actress to play the female lead in the film. It is being produced by Srikahskmi Kala Productions and will be directed by R. Kannan, who made 'Raasaiah' with Prabhudeva and Roja more than a decade ago.

'Ganja' Karuppu, Mayilsami, Charlie, Saranya and Nasser would be forming the rest of the "Naandhaan Bala". Veterans Vaali and Vairamuthu have penned the lyrics and Vidyasagar has composed the music for the film.

Tarun grows younger!

Want to know how actor Tarun Chandra had looked seven years ago? Just see his latest flick 'Love Guru'. Tarun looks exactly how he had looked seven years ago in this film. To get the exact look, he has lost almost seven kilos and has changed his hair style.

Why the sudden change? "Director Prashanth wanted to see me in a different getup. He was having a look at my photos before the film started. He stuck to one photo which I had taken seven years ago. He wanted me to look just like that as the character requires so. For that I had to reduce my weight and change my hairstyle. Thanks to him, now I look what I was seven years back," says Tarun.

Tarun who looked a little fat these days looks very thin in 'Love Guru'.

Priyamani goes to Bollywood

After Asin, Genelia D'Souza, Shriya Saran and Trisha, yet another south Indian actress is entering the Hindi film world albeit in an indirect way. Priyamani would be essaying a role in the Hindi version of Mani Ratnam's Tamil film "Ravanan".

She would be portraying the same role in the Hindi version and the National Award-winning actress is mighty excited about the significance of her character in the film.

The actress, who has worked in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films, won the National Award for best actress for her performance in Tamil film "Paruthiveeran".

Malashree is 'Andhra Kiran Bedi'

The dubbing rights of Malashree starrer 'Kannadada Kiran Bedi' has been sold to a Telugu producer and the film will be released as 'Andhra Kiran Bedi'.

Malashree is not new to Telugu cinema. The actress has acted in films like 'Prema Kaidi' and 'Bava Bavamaridi'. Many of her Kannada films were dubbed into Telugu and the action heroine has many a fans in Andhra also.

The dubbing work for the film is already in progress and the film is expected to hit the theatres by August. The film was directed by N. Omprakash Rao. Srinivasa Murthy, Ashish Vidyarthi, Rangayana Raghu, Shantala, GV forms the rest of the star cast.

I’m not competing with Asin

Actress Trisha, who has signed not, one but three more flicks with Akshay Kumar in Bollywood, says she isn’t approaching a career in Bollywood as a competitor to Asin. The ‘Ghilli girl’, who has peaked many heights in her career in Tamil, says she has her unique charm and thinks she is competitor to nobody in the Bollywood industry.

Trisha, who got launched through Priyadarshan in his ‘Leysa Leysa’, has acted with the biggest heroes in South India, including Vijay, Ajith, Mahesh Babu and Vekatesh. And now, she has set her eyes on Bollywood.

An actress with a figure to vie for, Trisha says she is confident of finding a place for herself in Hindi cinema, where size zero and glamour rule. And she does not consider herself a competitor to Asin, who is the next-big-thing in Bollywood, after charming the people with her role of Kalpana in ‘Ghajini’.

“I have agreed to roles that have a mix of both glamour and performance,” clarifies Trisha, who has just completed work for Silambarasan’s ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’. Following this, she is working with Dhanush in Vetrimaran’s ‘Aadukalam’.