Nayanthara's next move

Nayanthara made her debut in Tamil through the film Ayya opposite Sarath Kumar. Most of her films are with top heroes in the Tamil film industry including Surya, Simbu, Ajith and of course Rajinikanth. She acted as Rajini’s heroine in Chandrmukhi and danced with Rajini for the introductory song in Sivaji. Nayanthara’s role in Billa is much talked about and the stills and trailers of the film show her in a different look. She was about to act with Vijay in the film Kuruvi directed by Dharani but Trisha came her way and grabbed the chance. But Nayanthara waited patiently. Her upcoming films are with Dhanush and Vishal, the upcoming stars in the Tamil film industry. Even in Telugu she has acted with all big stars. The latest news about Nayanthara is that she had been signed for Vijay’s next project after Kuruvi. The yet to be named film will be directed by Prabhu Deva.

Shilpa's Yoga

Shilpa Shetty,the actress who has always been termed 'the best bod in Bollywood', has now released a special edition of a DVD called 'Shilpa's Yoga' targeted at the European market. Here, she reveals her fitness secrets to create a lean and toned body while retaining all the feminine curves."Shilpa is the sexiest yogi the world has ever seen," quips her publicist Dale Bhagwagar. "In 'Shilpa's Yoga' she demonstrates simple techniques against the stunning coastal backdrop of Kerala. She explains how to transform mind, body and soul, with unique ways to build stamina and get revitalised, while discovering inner peace," he adds. With careful and precise instructions, the DVD demonstrates specific sequences that enhance concentration, agility and flexibility. The workout aims not only to strengthen and tone, but also to heal. 'Shilpa's Yoga' is designed to help improve posture through a series of calming poses which focus on slow movement and breathing control. It outlines various benefits of yoga, including stress and tension release, increased energy and vitality, weight loss, improved circulation and digestion, and comes with a free audio-CD of chill out ambient music to help unwind and relax after practicing the yoga techniques. "Go for it. It might even improve your sex life," says Bhagwagar. The DVD is released at an exciting time for Shilpa. Her perfume S2 continues to top the sales charts in Britain, while the tour of her musical 'Miss Bollywood' has met with stupendous success in 16 cities across Europe.

Trisha IN IT Story

Has Gautham Menon abandoned his Surya film Vaaranam Aayiram? Last week he signed up Trisha to do a female oriented musical, set against the IT background with four new guys in the lead! And Gautham has pulled off yet another surprise by ditching his favourite music director Harris Jayaraj, and signing up A.R Rahman for this yet untitled film which will start rolling from August first week. Gautham himself is producing this film, which will be a quickie and he plans to wrap it up in three months. There are rumours that a Mumbai based corporate is backing the project, which is likely to release in December. Meanwhile rumours of Gautham- Harris fall out has been making the rounds, but director and music director have jointly taken off to the backwaters of Kerala, to compose songs for Vaaranam Aayiram! Just can’t figure what the hell is happening!!

Vishal Lingusamy Teams up again

Vishal in his new avataar as a cop for the movie Sathyam is all excited about this new role. Given that he is now officially considered an action star, his fans are also eagerly awaiting Sathyam's release. Shooting for the movie is progressing quite smoothly and is half complete. Hot on the grapevine is the news that after Sandakozhi, which was a rollicking success, Lingusamy and Vishal will coming together again after the for the actor's next movie. Earlier, it was rumoured that Jayam Ravi was to play the lead in Lingusamy's next project, but now he seems to have had a change of mind. It was also said that the movie would be remade in Telugu with Ram Charan in the lead. We wonder if that is still on...

Amir Fan of Vadivelu

It is well known that Aamir Khan is very busy with his current project, a remake of the Tamil film Gajini. Director Murugadoss had earlier screened Pokkiri, in which Asin had acted, to convince Aamir of her capabilities. According to industry sources, Aamir while watching Pokkiri had disclosed that he is a great fan of Vadivelu. When Vadivelu was asked to react on this, he said that he is happy that such a great actor enjoys his acting in spite of the language barriers. This implies that language is not an obstruction where comedy is concerned, added Vadivelu. As a mark of respect to Vadivelu’s new-found admirer, it has been decided to specially screen his latest venture, Indiralogathil Na. Azhagappan. Producer Narayanan of Seventh Channel said that they have plans to approach Aamir for an appointment to watch the film.

MGR Life Line

Date of Birth

17 January 1917, Kandy, Ceylonn

Date of Death

29 December 1987, Madras, Tamil Nadu, India

Birth Name

Marudur Gopalamenon Ramachandran

Nickname

MGR
Mini Biography

M.G. Ramachandran (1917-1987), popularly known as MGR, dominated like no other, the films and politics of India's Tamil Nadu state. A charismatic actor and philanthropist, he commanded the idolatrous adulation of millions of Tamilians and became Tamil Nadu's chief minister. His achievements in 3 fields, namely films, philanthropy and politics were remarkable considering his humble origins in Sri Lanka. Raised in poverty by a widowed single mother, he had nothing more than his good looks when he got his first break in "Sati Lilavati", a Tamil film of the late 1930s. In the 1940s and 50s, the Tamil film industry was being transformed by screenwriters like Annadurai, Karunanidhi and others belonging to the Dravidian movement. MGR starred in many of the movies they helped make. Annadurai became his mentor and MGR joined the DMK, Annadurai's new Dravidian party. His films made MGR a matinee idol among Tamilians. He also started monetarily helping people in need, sowing the seeds for his reputation as a philanthropist. When Annadurai died as Tamil Nadu's chief minister, MGR's rival Karunanidhi assumed office. MGR accused him of defalcation and was kicked out of the DMK. In 1977, MGR's ADMK (later renamed AIADMK) party was swept into power. In his first term, MGR cleaned up corruption and carried out reforms like having an income limit for backward class people to be eligible for the reserved seats in government colleges and jobs. His reforms proved unpopular, so MGR became another corrupt Indian politician having learned not to rock the boat. Tamil Nadu stagnated during the rest of his reign. Yet his mesmerized legions of fans continued to vote him into power. His death in 1987 created a power vacuum that soon brought his old nemesis, the corrupt Karunanidhi, back into power. MGR was a complex man who triumphed over poverty and tried to improve the lot of the people who revered him. However, in the end, he was a god that failed.

kalloori Tamaana pairs with Suya

Surya is busy shooting for Gautham Menon's Vaaranam Aayiram which is likely to be wrapped up soon. It has been said that Gautham and Surya have worked very hard for this movie and have taken pains to bring in perfection to every shot. Now after this film, Surya will be seen in an A V M film to be directed by K V Anand of Kana Kanden fame. After Perazhagan, this will be Surya's second tryst with AVM films. Kalloori Tamanna will play the love interest of Surya in this unnamed venture of K V Anand's.
K V Anand, while discussing his new project says, "Currently I am involved in polishing my script, finalizing technicians and other artists. The story is about a man who struggles to achieve success in life. I want my title to reflect this one line and I am desperately trying to arrive at such a title". According to Anand finding the right title seems to be a Himalayan task right now.