Saturday, May 24, 2008
Rajini: from boss to beggar
As the grand receipts for Sivaji: The Boss pour in, Rajinikanth is in a small room in Chamrajpet, Bangalore. He is lying on the floor, on a hard mattress, with a ceiling fan rotating on top. This is the simple room of his oldest friend, Bahadur, who used to send him hundred rupees every month in the years Rajini was struggling in Madras. When he visits Bangalore these days, the Superstar spends a few days at his friend’s house, sleeping on the floor in a non air-conditioned room.
Rajini suggests to his friend that they go to the temple and give thanks. His friend is astonished and says, they will be mobbed. Rajini disguises himself as a 70 year old beggar and wanders through the temple, and goes unrecognised. But a Gujarati lady mistakes him for a beggar and hands him ten rupees. Rajini accepts it gracefully. Later, the lady thinks her eyes are playing tricks on her: the old beggar leaves a 100 rupee note on the altar and another one in the temple hundi. She realises her folly as she sees the beggar get into a posh car. She runs to the car and asks forgiveness, and for the ten rupees back so that she can donate it to the temple. But Rajini says he’ll keep the ten because, “every time God finds a way to remind me that I am nothing but a mere beggar at his altar.”
Bus number 10 A
He was born in Bangalore at the Vani Villas hospital to Ranoji and Rambai Gaekwad on 12 Dec 1950 at 9.45 pm. The first bus that Rajini was a conductor of was the 10 A Bus that ran from Majestic circle to Srinagar.
Rajini sleeps on Mount Road pavement
Borrowing a little money from his brother, he joins an acting school in Madras. On his first night in the city he has no place to sleep, and spends the night on the pavement outside the LIC building on Mount Road. Later, his classmates take pity on him and allow him to share their little accommodation in Aminjikarai: Arun Lodge, Room 28.
There were many days Rajini and his classmates starved because they had no money. One day they stood outside a fancy hotel on Mount Road and wondered if they would ever get to eat there. Many decades later, Rajini drove one of his classmates to the hotel, and asked him if he remembered the
hotel. “Do you own it now?” asked the classmate. Rajini smiled and said: “I own the whole building now.”
How he acquired his name
He gets an audition call from K. Balachander. The director sees promise in the struggling actor at once and offers him not one but three roles. Rajini is overjoyed. In one of the movies –Mundru Muduchu,- he learns that he will be acting with the legendary Kamal Haasan and Sri Devi. But he does not know Tamil. “We will dub your voice,” says KB, but my advise to you is to learn Tamil as quickly as you can. Learn Tamil and I will take you places.” Later, KB asks Rajini what screen name he’d like to use. “Sivaji Gaekwad, Sir” replies Rajini. “Oh no, that will not do, said KB, and asked him if he had seen his play, Major Chandrakanth.
“Of course, sir”.
“There are two characters in the play. One is Sreekanth and the other is Rajinikanth…Since I have already named someone else Sreekanth, I would like to call you Rajinikanth.”
“I take it as an honour, sir.”
His first dialogue
Rajini’s first dialogue is for KB’s Mundru Muduchu: he has to go towards Kamal Haasan and ask, “Is this Bhairavi’s house? I am Bhairavi’s husband.”
Called Superstar for the first time
Kalai Puli Dhanu released Bhairavi in a big way. Hoardings and ads all over the place, with the legend on the poster written broadly: ‘Watch Superstar Rajinkanth in Bhairavi’. Rajini was embarrassed to be called a superstar - this being the first time he has been described that way. He thinks only MGR and Sivaji can be called superstars. He phones Dhanu and says, Sir, why did you call me that?
Dhanu says: Because you are.
The kadavule kadavule scene
Kushbhoo: “Do you remember the famous ‘kadavule, kadavule scene? If you notice carefully, every time he said that I was grinning. I could not control my laughter. Even after the shots were canned, he would tease me with kadavule, kadavule. That was quite embarrassing.”
Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s crush on Silambarasan
He was her schoolmate. But it came to nothing. Later, she meets Dhanush at a preview show and is drawn to him.
Kamal talks Rajini out of it
At one point Rajini decides to renounce everything, take sanyas. He informs his wife, Lata, who is stunned. He goes to KB and declares he wants to give up acting. Later that day Kamal meets him and talks him out of it, saying he could remain an actor and balance spiritual quest with family and profession. Rajini listens to him.
Rajini suggests to his friend that they go to the temple and give thanks. His friend is astonished and says, they will be mobbed. Rajini disguises himself as a 70 year old beggar and wanders through the temple, and goes unrecognised. But a Gujarati lady mistakes him for a beggar and hands him ten rupees. Rajini accepts it gracefully. Later, the lady thinks her eyes are playing tricks on her: the old beggar leaves a 100 rupee note on the altar and another one in the temple hundi. She realises her folly as she sees the beggar get into a posh car. She runs to the car and asks forgiveness, and for the ten rupees back so that she can donate it to the temple. But Rajini says he’ll keep the ten because, “every time God finds a way to remind me that I am nothing but a mere beggar at his altar.”
Bus number 10 AHe was born in Bangalore at the Vani Villas hospital to Ranoji and Rambai Gaekwad on 12 Dec 1950 at 9.45 pm. The first bus that Rajini was a conductor of was the 10 A Bus that ran from Majestic circle to Srinagar.
Rajini sleeps on Mount Road pavement
Borrowing a little money from his brother, he joins an acting school in Madras. On his first night in the city he has no place to sleep, and spends the night on the pavement outside the LIC building on Mount Road. Later, his classmates take pity on him and allow him to share their little accommodation in Aminjikarai: Arun Lodge, Room 28.
There were many days Rajini and his classmates starved because they had no money. One day they stood outside a fancy hotel on Mount Road and wondered if they would ever get to eat there. Many decades later, Rajini drove one of his classmates to the hotel, and asked him if he remembered the
hotel. “Do you own it now?” asked the classmate. Rajini smiled and said: “I own the whole building now.”
How he acquired his nameHe gets an audition call from K. Balachander. The director sees promise in the struggling actor at once and offers him not one but three roles. Rajini is overjoyed. In one of the movies –Mundru Muduchu,- he learns that he will be acting with the legendary Kamal Haasan and Sri Devi. But he does not know Tamil. “We will dub your voice,” says KB, but my advise to you is to learn Tamil as quickly as you can. Learn Tamil and I will take you places.” Later, KB asks Rajini what screen name he’d like to use. “Sivaji Gaekwad, Sir” replies Rajini. “Oh no, that will not do, said KB, and asked him if he had seen his play, Major Chandrakanth.
“Of course, sir”.
“There are two characters in the play. One is Sreekanth and the other is Rajinikanth…Since I have already named someone else Sreekanth, I would like to call you Rajinikanth.”
“I take it as an honour, sir.”
His first dialogue
Rajini’s first dialogue is for KB’s Mundru Muduchu: he has to go towards Kamal Haasan and ask, “Is this Bhairavi’s house? I am Bhairavi’s husband.”
Called Superstar for the first time
Kalai Puli Dhanu released Bhairavi in a big way. Hoardings and ads all over the place, with the legend on the poster written broadly: ‘Watch Superstar Rajinkanth in Bhairavi’. Rajini was embarrassed to be called a superstar - this being the first time he has been described that way. He thinks only MGR and Sivaji can be called superstars. He phones Dhanu and says, Sir, why did you call me that?
Dhanu says: Because you are.
The kadavule kadavule scene
Kushbhoo: “Do you remember the famous ‘kadavule, kadavule scene? If you notice carefully, every time he said that I was grinning. I could not control my laughter. Even after the shots were canned, he would tease me with kadavule, kadavule. That was quite embarrassing.”
Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s crush on Silambarasan
He was her schoolmate. But it came to nothing. Later, she meets Dhanush at a preview show and is drawn to him.
Kamal talks Rajini out of it
At one point Rajini decides to renounce everything, take sanyas. He informs his wife, Lata, who is stunned. He goes to KB and declares he wants to give up acting. Later that day Kamal meets him and talks him out of it, saying he could remain an actor and balance spiritual quest with family and profession. Rajini listens to him.
Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikkalam
The shooting for Gautham Menon's much-discussed Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikkalam begins today.
This film has Trisha alongside four new faces, who are marking their debut in films as actors. Some of them are not new to cinema though. The four new guys are: Gautham’s assistant Veera, Shaam (SS music VJ), Sathish (a dancer who did a cameo in Unnale Unnale), and Karthik (actress Sridevi’s nephew and brother of actress Maheswari).
The film's title brings a deja vu feeling? No wonder! That's because the photo shoot for this film was done in 2007. For some reason, the shooting was delayed and now, it has finally started.
Music is by A.R.Rahman. The film, produced by P. Madan and J. Ganesh, also introduces a new cinematographer, Manoj Paramahamsa.
This film has Trisha alongside four new faces, who are marking their debut in films as actors. Some of them are not new to cinema though. The four new guys are: Gautham’s assistant Veera, Shaam (SS music VJ), Sathish (a dancer who did a cameo in Unnale Unnale), and Karthik (actress Sridevi’s nephew and brother of actress Maheswari).
The film's title brings a deja vu feeling? No wonder! That's because the photo shoot for this film was done in 2007. For some reason, the shooting was delayed and now, it has finally started.Music is by A.R.Rahman. The film, produced by P. Madan and J. Ganesh, also introduces a new cinematographer, Manoj Paramahamsa.
Kuselan – The 100th day trick!
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The Rajini led multi starrer extravaganza Kuselan is gearing up for a July release. To be precise, July 18th has been set as the release date and director Vasu is working towards achieving the target. Interestingly, there seems to be a reason behind the finalization of July 18.The Kuselan stable seems to have decided to celebrate the movie’s 100th day around Diwali time which falls October last. Keeping this in mind, the release date has been fixed, sources revealed. As the release date is drawing closer, it is also learnt that patch work of the movie has already been started.
Kuselan will have Rajinikanth play an extended cameo and the bevy of star cast includes the likes of Pasupathy, Meena, and Livingston apart from the few-minute cameos by other prominent stars.
Silambarasan’s world tour and Bollywood foray
Silambarasan is a busy man these days. Kaalai might have been a bit of a disappointment but he has left that behind and is now getting ready to trot the globe and celebrate 75 years of Tamil cinema along with a few of his co-stars.
The first stop is going to be London, on the 25th of this month and two days later he will be performing in Canada. Accompanying him will be Kadhal Sandhya and current rapping sensation, Yogi B, whose Polladhavan deeds have gained him a few fans. The show that this trio will put up is sure going to be a treat to watch.
Upon his return from this world tour, Silambarasan is going to be aiming even higher. Yes, he will have Kettavan and Silambattam at various stages of progression but he will also be simultaneously taking his first step into Bollywood. The surprise element here is that he will be not be debuting there as an actor but as a director. He is armed with a bankable script, that of Manmadhan and is reportedly considering the cast for the movie. So, 2008 is going to be pretty hectic for Silambarasan and we wish him all the best for his projects, especially his Bollywood dream.
The first stop is going to be London, on the 25th of this month and two days later he will be performing in Canada. Accompanying him will be Kadhal Sandhya and current rapping sensation, Yogi B, whose Polladhavan deeds have gained him a few fans. The show that this trio will put up is sure going to be a treat to watch.Upon his return from this world tour, Silambarasan is going to be aiming even higher. Yes, he will have Kettavan and Silambattam at various stages of progression but he will also be simultaneously taking his first step into Bollywood. The surprise element here is that he will be not be debuting there as an actor but as a director. He is armed with a bankable script, that of Manmadhan and is reportedly considering the cast for the movie. So, 2008 is going to be pretty hectic for Silambarasan and we wish him all the best for his projects, especially his Bollywood dream.
Jeeva to join hands with Cheran
Jeeva’s sabbatical will be over with his Thenavattu hitting the screens in the near future. Meanwhile, he is also busy shooting for his upcoming venture Siva Manasula Sakthi. He mentioned that he’s recently agreed to play dual role for ‘Maraindhirundhu Paarkum Marmam Enna’. Directed by Ahmed, this action thriller will have Yuvan Shankar’s score and Arvind Krishna’s cinematography. Shoots are scheduled to be held in Singapore soon.He also revealed about his next project where he plays the lead alongside Cheran. To be produced by his father’s Super Good films, this movie will be directed by Brinda Sarathy whose earlier credits include Thithikudhe. Jeeva also added that the movie has an offbeat storyline.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Dasavatharam on June 6
The eagerly awaited Kamal-starrer “Dasavatharam” is releasing on June 6 (Friday). Producer Oscar Ravichandran disclosed this on May 20. The film will have the highest number of prints ever for an Indian movie, he said.
Kamal Haasan plays ten different roles in this “magnum opus” to be released initially in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on May 20, further postponed till May 27 hearing in the case filed by Sri Vaishnava Dharma Samrakshana Society, represented by its president Govinda Ramanuja Dasa, objecting to certain scenes which, according to the petitioner, would wound the religious sentiments of Hindus.
A vacation bench comprising Justice K. Venkataraman and Justice M. Sathyanarayanann on May 20 adjourned the matter by a week after counsel for the producers submitted that it would take at least two weeks to make the required number of prints of the film.
Producer Ravichandran, in his counter affidavit, came down heavily on the petitioner, contending that such public interest writ petitions would incite communal disturbances. Provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Goondas Act should be invoked against the Vaishnavaite Society and its office-bearers for filing the “vexatioius PIL”.
Ravichandran claimed that “Dasavatharam’ in fact glorified the religious traditions and sentiments of not only Hinduism, but also Christianity and Sikhism, and that no scene in the film would cause disrepute to the “pranava mantra OM” and the Bhagavad Gita.
The producer further submitted that Govinda Ramanuja Dasa had filed the petition only to ‘ventilate his private malice’. The censor certificate had been issued to the film and the question of removing any scene at the choice of the petitioner did not arise at all. The petition was an attempt to upset and disturb the communal harmony and it should be dismissed, he pleaded.
Kamal Haasan plays ten different roles in this “magnum opus” to be released initially in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on May 20, further postponed till May 27 hearing in the case filed by Sri Vaishnava Dharma Samrakshana Society, represented by its president Govinda Ramanuja Dasa, objecting to certain scenes which, according to the petitioner, would wound the religious sentiments of Hindus.
A vacation bench comprising Justice K. Venkataraman and Justice M. Sathyanarayanann on May 20 adjourned the matter by a week after counsel for the producers submitted that it would take at least two weeks to make the required number of prints of the film.
Producer Ravichandran, in his counter affidavit, came down heavily on the petitioner, contending that such public interest writ petitions would incite communal disturbances. Provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Goondas Act should be invoked against the Vaishnavaite Society and its office-bearers for filing the “vexatioius PIL”.Ravichandran claimed that “Dasavatharam’ in fact glorified the religious traditions and sentiments of not only Hinduism, but also Christianity and Sikhism, and that no scene in the film would cause disrepute to the “pranava mantra OM” and the Bhagavad Gita.
The producer further submitted that Govinda Ramanuja Dasa had filed the petition only to ‘ventilate his private malice’. The censor certificate had been issued to the film and the question of removing any scene at the choice of the petitioner did not arise at all. The petition was an attempt to upset and disturb the communal harmony and it should be dismissed, he pleaded.
Shriya pairs up with Little superstar
Silambarasan's Silambattam is shaping up well and the actor's Kettavan has also been revived. Meanwhile, director Shakthi Chidambaram has approached him with another project touted to be an action flick. Shakthi, who has two films in the pipeline, one with Raghava Lawrence and another with Sundar C, will be ready for Silambarasan right on time to commence the project, says sources. And with this project, Silambarasan's desire to pair up with Shriya on screen will be fulfilled!
Accepting the offer, Silambarasan also made a request that Shriya be roped in for the project. It is said that Shriya also agreed to play the female lead alongside Silambarasan. Gossipmongers also insist that Shriya has slashed her salary considerably to stay in the race.
Accepting the offer, Silambarasan also made a request that Shriya be roped in for the project. It is said that Shriya also agreed to play the female lead alongside Silambarasan. Gossipmongers also insist that Shriya has slashed her salary considerably to stay in the race.
Vijay Interacts with US Fans
Vijay is currently spending his summer holidays in the US with his family. Meanwhile, Jayavel Murugan, US distributor of Vijay’s recent release Kuruvi, has arranged a special show of the movie in San Jose. Vijay, always keen to show his commitment to his fans, immediately decided to take a break from his holiday and attend the show to meet his fans.Jayavel Murugan has also decided to hold and interactive section with Vijay, much to the delight of his fans. The event will be on Friday, May 23 and the venue is Century Berryessa 10, 1171 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95312. The event is from 7.45 to 8 p.m. and will be followed by a screening of Kuruvi.
Ilayathalapthy Vijay has a large fan base and the Kuruvi's release has generated a lot of enthusiasm. For most of his fans, meeting Vijay in person is like a dream coming true. This interaction with Vijay is his first in the US.
Five heroines and an elephant for Jayam Ravi
Normally the possibility of romancing five heroines in a movie can be enjoyed by the heroes who lead the pack of leading men in the star power hierarchy and occasionally if the script demands a new time hero gets lucky.So Jayam Ravi is the latest from the group of budding stars group to be fortunate to get the company of five leading ladies.
Which all glam queens will be giving company to Jayam Ravi in the movie 'Perannmai' has still not being let out by the director of the film S.P. Jananathan.
That's not the end of the story.
An elephant is to share a good screen space with the hero of the film who will be seen in the role of a forest guard.
The elephant is said to be a very important character in the film.
Of course the elephant will not have any dialogues to mouth, but the makers clearly had a good idea of the kind of elephant that they wanted.
Other wise why the people in charge of 'Perannmai' considered a particular elephant for the role after an elongated look out for finding the right animal to fit in.
The soon to be animal celebrity in the making did not come cheap as the deal for the remuneration is Rs.25000 per day other than the transporting and food expenses.
The film not only has an animal in a substantial role after a long time but also is introducing the use of a helicopter camera in Kollywood.
The poster of the new film which shows Jayam Ravi in a stretched out posture with a never seen before kind of bow and arrows which looks very sophisticated and custom made gives out the content of the movie as a highly action oriented one.
The elephant does not have to think about his future career in acting, but the five girls in the film do have to.
Let's see who gets noticed more with the tall and handsome hero.
Which all glam queens will be giving company to Jayam Ravi in the movie 'Perannmai' has still not being let out by the director of the film S.P. Jananathan.
That's not the end of the story.
An elephant is to share a good screen space with the hero of the film who will be seen in the role of a forest guard.
The elephant is said to be a very important character in the film.
Of course the elephant will not have any dialogues to mouth, but the makers clearly had a good idea of the kind of elephant that they wanted.Other wise why the people in charge of 'Perannmai' considered a particular elephant for the role after an elongated look out for finding the right animal to fit in.
The soon to be animal celebrity in the making did not come cheap as the deal for the remuneration is Rs.25000 per day other than the transporting and food expenses.
The film not only has an animal in a substantial role after a long time but also is introducing the use of a helicopter camera in Kollywood.
The poster of the new film which shows Jayam Ravi in a stretched out posture with a never seen before kind of bow and arrows which looks very sophisticated and custom made gives out the content of the movie as a highly action oriented one.
The elephant does not have to think about his future career in acting, but the five girls in the film do have to.
Let's see who gets noticed more with the tall and handsome hero.
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