Hansika Motwani ready to act in Kollywood

The pretty little girl, who started her acting career with a television show, has now transformed into a gorgeously hot woman. Hansika Motwani worked in a few Hindi films as a child artist and later bagged a lead role in Puri Jagganadh's Telugu film, Desamuduru. There has been no looking back for the actress since then. She is already a hit in Tollywood and has also worked in Bollywood flicks.

Just recently, she set her eyes on Tamil cinema and the young girl is already on her way to make a mark in the competitive industry. Hansika's first Tamil film Mappillai released recently and has Kollywood in awe of her already. Talking to the media recently, the actress said, "I am glad that Tamil audience liked my performance in Mappillai. I am now looking forward for my second Tamil release Engeyum Kadhal. I am cast opposite Jayam Ravi in this one."

Rumor regarding Reemma Sen

Reemma Sen has been lying low for a while after the good  response to her role in Aayirathil Oruvan. There was some speculation that she was going to get married and quit acting but the actress has simply denied it as rumors.

Word on the grapevine is that she has been roped in to do a big project in Telugu directed by hit machine, VN Aditya, and this film is to be produced by D Rama Naidu. This will be a heroine-oriented, breezy entertainer with three fresh faces who will be vying for her attention.

Reemma Sen is also in demand in Tamil and Malayalam cinema and top producers are approaching her hoping that she will green light their projects.

Stars cater Gulf Film Festival glitter

Celebrities worked the red carpet and the flashes of cameras provided the glamour and the buzz that signalled the official opening of the fourth Gulf Film Festival (GFF) last night at Dubai Festival City. Among the stars in attendance were Emirati director Abdullah Al Kaabi, whose 2010 short film The Philosopher has won numerous awards, including at the Hollywood Film Festival, while he garnered a prestigious invite to the Tribeca Film Festival that takes place in New York next week.

Also gracing the red carpet was Syrian actress Niveen Madi, wearing a full-length leopard skin gown with crystal accessories and hair swept to one side. "The festival keeps growing each year," she said. French actress Samira Mesbahi, who stars in the movie Skype, followed shortly after, donning a film reel hat. The actress, who is based in Dubai and France, wore a bow-tie necklace to match her black outfit. The world's first screening of the Iraqi drama Child of Iraq, by Ala'a Mohsen, opened the film festival.

After the stars made their way through the razzmatazz of the red carpet, an invitation-only ceremony followed. "I'm happy to be here," said Mohsen, in front of a packed audience that included Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "I'd like to thank the festival for this opportunity to show two distinct societies, having lived in Iraq and Denmark." GFF 2011, held at the InterContinental Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Grand Cinemas at Dubai Festival City, includes a competition for Gulf films, a student competition and a children's segment.

During the opening ceremony, Emirati actress Mariam Sultan, Saudi filmmaker Mohammad F Gazzaz, and the Kuwaiti filmmaker Mohammad al Sanousi, were honoured for their contribution to Arab cinema. "The Gulf Film Festival is unique in the world as the only platform where filmmakers from the Gulf nations, Iraq and Yemen can share what's on their minds and hearts with the world in an open setting, said Festival chairman, Abdulhamid Juma. "There has never been a more important time for this."

Another Iraqi director, Luay Fadhil, who walked the red carpet, is in the Shorts Competition, with his movie Frame. "I won a prize last year and it is my dream to go back to Baghdad and make a feature film," he said. Kuwaiti director Abdullah Boushari, who also has a studio in Miami, is enjoying the recognition his home country is receiving. "It's exciting because films from the Gulf are getting better and there's more variety from Kuwait," he said. "I feel like I am coming back home when I attend GFF."

South Indian Actors engaged in TN Election

 

They may be calling the shots in the reel world but the popularity of three top south Indian cine artistes paled when they came to the real world of Tamil Nadu politics. Action hero Vijaykanth, glamour-cum-character actress Kushboo and legendary comedian Vadivelu faced the wrath of the law when they violated election rules in the impending state elections.

They were booked for breaching election rules in the ongoing frenzied political rallies. Tamil Nadu elections have always had that electrifying factor, with actors adding colour to campaigns, and even contesting in the polls, though many had backed out in the state Legislation Assembly Elections slated for April 13.

Leading Tamil movie actors, some with millions of die-hard fans, both in urban and rural constituencies, are often roped in by political parties to canvas for votes in the heavily contested elections. Kushboo, who acted in more than 100 movies, along popular stars like Rajnikanth and Kamal Hasan, and a member of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has become the latest offender.

She was booked on Sunday for stirring traffic chaos in Theni district where she was busy wooing voters. Police seized eight vehicles belonging to her entourage. Likewise, actor-politician Vijaykanth, nicknamed 'Captain', was also booked for violating India's Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct -- when he and his supporters trespassed at the nomination centre last Thursday.

Among the three, Vijaykanth, founder of the Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) is the only person contesting in the assembly polls, in Rishivandiyam, Villupuram district. Pro-DMK Vadivelu, one of the most successful comedians in the Tamil cinema, was not free from controversies, either. He made a fiery "denigrating speech" against Vijaykanth -- forcing the local police to take stern action against him.

"One who steers a ship in water should be called 'captain', and not the one who always lies in water (liquor)," Vadivelu was quoted as having said in a public rally last week.

Sneha enters into Bollywood

 

The latest passenger from Kollywood to get a ticket to Bollywood is Sneha. The smiling beauty of Tamil cinema has been roped in for an upcoming Hindi movie, to be directed by Revathy Varma.

Sneha will play Naseeruddin Shah’s wife in the film titled ‘Mad Dad’. Popular Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia will play her daughter. “It is a challenging role and I love being part of the film,” she says.

According to Revathy Varma, Sneha’s looks in the film will be in 1980s style. “Sneha is a talented actor. She can perform any role with ease. This is the reason behind selecting her for the role,” the director says.

Sneha, who was last seen in ‘Bhavani’, is currently acting in ‘Vidiyal’, ‘Ponnar Sankar’ and ‘Murattu Kaalai’ in Tamil. “She has given bulk dates to Mad Dad and is eager to shoot for her maiden Hindi film,” sources close to her say.

Actress Ramya banned From Films

 

Popular south Indian actress Ramya was today banned for one year by Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) amid the dispute between her and a producer over the repayment of a loan. "The KFCC has banned the actress in the wake of baseless allegations that she levelled against filmmakers", its President Basant Kumar Patil told PTI.

30 year-old Ramya, who has acted in a number of chartbusters, had announced her decision to quit the film industry following the rift with A.Ganesh who she claimed owed Rs 10 lakh to her. When contacted, Ramya said the ban would "not make any difference" to her as she has already decided to bid adieu to the industry. Ramya, who has also acted in several Tamil and Telugu films, had refused to take part in promotional programmes of Ganesh's film Dandam Dashagunam.

Winner of the 2006 Film Fare award for best actress (Kannada) for her role in Thananam Thananam, Ramya had said certain comments made by Ganesh had "tarnished" her image among the fans. But Patil charged the "false allegations" made by the actress against renowned Kannada filmmakers, including Rajendra Singh Babu, had "tarnished" their image.

On Kannada film icon Ambareesh who sought to mediate on behalf of Ramya, Patil said the veteran actor was "unaware of the real issue". President of the Producers' Association K C N Chandru said the producers too had decided "not to cooperate with Ramya in future as her behaviour was not in good taste". Ramya has acted in box-office hits Arasu, Amruthadhare and Mussange Mathu (Kannada) and Vaaranam Aayiram (Tamil).

Trisha promises a treat for her fans

 

Trisha is one of the few Tamil actresses who are as popular in Telugu cinema as they are in Tamil. The actress is currently looking forward for her Telugu film Theen Maar to hit screens. The film music launch was held recently in Hyderabad. During the launch, Trisha publicly made a grand promise to her fans and we hear that the actress has already started working towards fulfilling it.

Sources present at the event reveal that Trisha is high on her Telugu film which also stars Pawan Kalyan in the lead. Though the actress didn't interact much with her fans during the audio launch, she has promised to give them more of her time at the 100th day celebration of the movie.

We hear that the actress promised her fans that she will not only extensively interact with them at the 100th day celebration of Theen Maar but also talk to them in Telugu. Now, that's some smart way of charming her fans in Tollywood we say!

Ramya warned to leave films

 

Last weekend, fans were in for a shock as reigning queen of Kannada films, Ramya, announced voluntary retirement following criticism over her refusal to attend the audio launch of her forthcoming film Dandam Dashagunam. Trouble started when producer Ganesh shared his 'helplessness' in front of the media on the day of the launch. The actress had insisted her dues be settled before she attends the launch, he said, adding that Ramya had failed to attend the function even after her payment was cleared.

Even as reports of Ramya's "arrogance" and "unprofessional behavior" started surfacing, the actress went on a silent mode only to react on social networks later. She announced that she had decided to quit films following the unfortunate string of events and said that she was tired of fighting her cause. But it was only after the media speculated that she was quitting as marriage was on cards, or that she wanted to concentrate on other language films that the hurt actress came out with the truth.

Ramya revealed that she had not attended the launch as Ganesh was yet to settle the dues. The money that was being talked about was the one that he had borrowed from her to complete the film. The actress said she had borrowed money from a friend and lent it to Ganesh, who had promised to return the money soon after. "But it has been ten months and he is yet to return it. Not only that, he even refused to take my calls during this period," she says.

RamyaRamya was irked further when she learnt that Ganesh was planning his next film with his brother as the director. From where did he get the money for this venture when he claimed that he had no money and had even failed to return the money he had borrowed, she wondered. Things took an uglier turn when Ganesh after 10 months landed at her door step and insisted that she promote the film.

"Even then he did not mention anything about returning the money or about my calls that had gone unanswered. And this bothered me," she adds. Shouldn't she have brought the matter to the Film Chamber in that case? "I have been writing to the Chamber. In fact, I wrote four letters to them stating the problem, but I got a response only after Ganesh went to the Chamber saying that I was refusing to promote the film! They wrote back to me asking me to promote the film."

As Ramya broke her silence and backed her version by providing valid documents, Ganesh admitted that he still owed her money. Following this the Artistes' Association led by actor Ambareesh decided to boycott Ganesh. A letter has been sent to the Artistes' Association by Chamber President Basant Kumar Patil. Meanwhile, Ganesh has decided to stage a protest in front of the Chamber. He has also assured that the borrowed money will be returned to Ramya in a couple of days.

With the spat garnering so many eyeballs, like Ramya herself puts it, the film has got more publicity than it would have even if she had attended the audio launch. The problem may have inched closer to a solution, but not before leaving Ramya sad. "In this whole process, it was assumed that I was quitting as I was getting married. I was even linked to a married man. That's not how one should talk about a girl," she says.

When asked to clear her relationship status and pat came the reply, "Yes, I am in a relationship. And I haven't denied it. But why am I being linked with wrong people? And contrary to reports, my guy wants me to continue to do films post marriage too. He knows I am passionate about cinema." Finally now that the truth is out and justice is being done, will she reconsider her decision?

"I will consult Ambareesh uncle on this. And even if I decide to continue in Kannada films, I'll take my own time to zero in on a script. I'll be very picky." And what about other language films? "I will work in other industries as I have had no problems there. It is here that I have been often dubbed troublesome. When Kannada filmmakers come to me, they ask me to adjust and compromise on my remuneration. They say I am a Kannada girl and should help them make good films. And I even agree. But later they talk ill of us Kannada girls only."

"When we question, we become arrogant! They even go on to question our contribution to the industry. At the end of it I'm just hoping that my fight inspires other actresses to also resist injustice." As of now at least actress Pooja Gandhi seems to have taken a leaf out of Ramya's book. She has alleged that the producers of her soon to be released film Nee Illade are yet to settle her payment. Will she get her due?

Kushboo notifies Vijay

 

Kushboo has warned Vijay that politics is not as easy as cinema. The actress, who recently joined the ruling party DMK, has advised the star that entering politics is not recommended as fans are different from voters and not to miscalculate that all his fans would vote for him.

This warning comes as a surprise because Vijay has not entered the political fray directly till date and there is just a speculation that he would either campaign for the AIADMK or offer support from the outside through his fans.

Kushboo went on to add that acting in movies is much easier than the work one has to do as a politician.

Vidya Balan plans to play role of Silk Smitha

 

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who essays the role of Silk Smitha in 'The Dirty Picture', says that portraying the southern seductress will not be a difficult job for her. "I don't think it is difficult to portray a real-life character like Silk Smitha. People know her through her work, through films and songs," said Vidya.

However, the actress said it would be challenging to portray characters of prominent personalities. "It would be challenging if I play a character based on Indira Gandhi as people know her mannerisms and you can't go wrong for a person of this stature who was a Prime Minister. She continues to be a prominent and respectable person. Even in that case to play Amitabh Bachchan would be challenging," she said.

"With Silk Smitha it is going to be more of my personal interpretation than her impersonation," she added. Portraying real-life characters is not a new thing for the 'Ishiqiya' girl, who played Sabrina Lal in her previous film 'No One Killed Jessica'. In Milan Luthria 'The Dirty Picture', a biopic based on the life and death of Silk Smitha, Vidya would be seen in a complete different avatar, alongside Emraan Hashmi, Tusshar Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah.

The film is an ode to the life of the southern sexy siren Vijaylakshmi, better known as Silk Smitha, and her journey to stardom followed by her sudden demise, the actress said. Vijaylakshmi reached iconic status as a sex symbol in Tamil cinema. Appearing in over 200 films, the young actor was neck deep in controversies and eventually died at the age of 33. It is suspected that she committed suicide. "On my part I would do research on her. I have seen her songs and films on south Indian channels. She spelt sex," the 33-year-old Vidya said.

Shooting for the film begins next month. Vidya, who went de-glam wearing loose and ill-fitting shirts in 'No One Killed Jessica', would now be seen in an alluring avatar in 'The Dirty Picture'. However, the actress says she is least bothered about being glamorous or non-glamorous. "I don't see or define a role as glamorous and non-glamorous. I am getting to play a completely different person and that is what is exciting for me. Glamorous and non- glamorous does not matter to me. The script is the queen. I feel even the saree is extremely glamorous and sexy," she said.

Trisha learns filmmaking from Kamal Haasan

 

Trisha is learning the art of filmmaking. And that too from Kamal Haasan, the master of all subjects as far as cinema is concerned. As a result, she is having a whale of a time on the sets of 'Manmadhan Ambu' (Tamil).

"Mr K made me handle the electronic clapboard. Learnt that a lot of competence is needed even for a job people think is so small", the actress informs with all excitement.

She added: "Had great fun though being the clap gal. And I proudly called myself the first AD after it was done". Trisha, along with Kamal and other members of the crew, also visited various exotic locales in France.

"Went to a beautiful church with Mr K and few others... Was built in the 16th century by the Dominicans. Stunning is an understatement!", she informs.

Well, lucky girl na?!

Actress Tamannah

About the same time last year everyone was so much delighted with Tamannah Bhatia. She was making all the right moves in Kollywood; playing roles that endeared her to the audience, not going down the glamour route, choosing with wisdom and even getting more familiar with Tamil than any other North Indian import.

Look at the initial phase of her career and she had garnered more respect from audiences and critics than most of her contemporaries who were trying to do the same. The way she chose movies like Kalloori and Happy Days (Telugu) told us that she was prepared to do things that were not conventionally stardom material. And, what was even better is the fact that she was doing them all with a fair measure of success. Of course, there was the occasional commercial outing like Padikkathavan. But, you have to give that to an actress who works in an industry which runs basically on commercial content.

2009 and early 2010 were years that basically cemented her place as an actress who had been accepted by the audiences. The variety of roles she had in that year were truly praiseworthy, starting from the routine heroine act in Ayan, to the disillusioned with life woman in Anandha Thandavam and the bubbly but confused girl in Kanden Kadhalai. Her innocent role in Paiya too was liked by the audiences. Yes, none of them were award winning performances or anything of that sort, but these were roles that sent the message that she was here to stay on her terms, for quality as well as success.

But, since Paiya, it has all been downhill for the lady. Yes, everyone has a bad patch now and again. But, analyzing her three movies since Paiya show that there has been a serious change in role selection criteria – at least it appears that way. When she was going great in Kollywood, why at all did she have to do Sura? The film appeared a completely jaded and jinxed project. It had nothing in it for the heroine (in fact it had nothing in it for anyone at all). Tamannah’s character in Sura could easily be one of the contenders for dumbest heroine of the decade infamy if there was one. The only justification that can be given for jumping onto such a project is the opportunity to star opposite Vijay. But that was an uncharacteristic decision from an actress who has shown the courage to work with newcomers.

Sura was a mistake, everyone makes them and it can be pardoned. But, it was followed up by Thillalangadi.and then Siruthai. Both remakes of Telugu blockbusters and both were conspicuous by the increased glamour quotient being offered by Tamannah. The glamour quotient is all right, but it is the way it is offered that makes it acceptable or repulsive. In both Thillalangadi and Siruthai, it was more of the latter than former because the heroine seemed to be kept in there for just that and nothing else. Some have said that ‘Tamannah was wa(i)sted in Siruthai’, literally! Really it all looked like nothing but a glorified item girl who gets to do duets with the hero in Thailand (rather than with the villain in a bar).

But, the most disappointing aspect of all is that there seems to be no originality in any of this. Well, one has to admit that there is very little reason in asking for originality in glamorous roles. Having seen Kanden Kadhalai (a remake of Hindi superhit Jab We Met), we know that she can do better than just a photocopy appearance in remakes.

But, cinema wisdom suggests that an actor is only as good as the character written for him/her and the director handling it, unless it is Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj or any other acting genius. It looks like the Tamil industry conspired to compromise the credentials that Tamannah had earned over a couple of years. And, it is funny to hear people within the industry grumbling about the lack of quality heroines. You get as good as you give! And at present, the Tamil film industry doesn’t seem to deserve the better Tamannah, it is happy with the wa(i)sted version.

Bhamaa went for a rural outing

It is very easy to be fooled by her traditional girl-next-door image. But, behind the cute-as a-button face, is a powerhouse of talent and her debut film in Malayalam, Nivedyam, stands testament to that very fact. Actress Bhamaa, who has won accolades for her performances in Mollywood, is all set to take Tamil cinema by storm in her maiden venture Sevar Kodi, which is being directed by Subramaniam.

"Almost every actor, at least from Kerala, works in Tamil films before moving on to Telugu and Kannada. For me, though, it happened the other way around. I consciously chose to wait for my break in the Tamil industry and I am happy that I finally got to essay a role which I can identify with. It was completely worth the wait," begins Bhamaa.

Sevar Kodi, which is being directed by Subramaniam, has debutant Arun Balaji playing the lead along with Bhamaa. Talking about her role in the film, Bhamaa explains, "I play a village girl. However, she is well educated and quite street smart. The story is about how she meets the hero, who is a typical 'up to no good' character, and changes him for the better. The main setting is in the Thiruchendur temple festival, where the characters meet for the first time."

Ask her if she is nervous about working in a different language, and the actress shrugs it off nonchalantly. "I have worked in Telugu and Kannada and those were languages I never even knew! Tamil is not at all an alien language for me. In Kerala, most of the crew that we work with, right down to the hairdressers and make up artists, are invariably Tamilian. Plus, I watch a lot of Tamil films and so, I was able to gain a better understanding of the language," she states with confidence.

If there is one thing that Bhamaa doesn't want, it is to be stereotyped. "I don't want to play the girl next door all the time. I am open to glamorous roles but not vulgar ones. I have essayed modern girl roles in many films," she signs off.

Kajal will not pair up with Simbu

Simbu has been cast in the Tamil remake of the Hindi mega hit Dabangg and is all set to reprise the role Salman Khan. There was news that Kajal Agarwal will pair up with Simbu but sources have rubbished it. They made it clear that it is going to be a big project and that the team is trying to sign up a popular and successful actress from Bollywood. Sonam Kapoor is the most probable among the other choices and if that is confirmed they will go ahead with her.

Kajal Agarwal catapulted to the big league with the Telugu hit Maghadeera and has also signed the Hindi remake of Singam opposite Ajay Devgn. It is surprising as to why Kajal is not being considered at all. Perhaps, it may be due to the newest fever that has caught Kollywood in importing famous Bollywood faces to Tamil cinema, as in the case of Sonakshi Sinha for the Kamal-Selvaraghavan film, Deepika Padukone for Raana and Prachi Desai for the Arun Vijay film.