Chinmayi elated after winning award for 'Shivaji'

Chinmayi, who won the Tamil Nadu Government award for the best female playback singer for music chart-buster 'Sahana' in Rajinikanth-starrer 'Shivaji' says she feels "blessed" to have worked with Rahman on her award-winning song.

The singer, who is a multi-tasker with diverse interests in singing, dubbing, hosting TV shows and running her own company and, of late, learning to play the 'sarangi' (stringed musical instrument), is elated after winning the award.

"Working under Rahman sir is always a divine experience," said Chinmayi who was introduced by the popular music composer in the Mani Ratnam directed 'Kannathil Muthamittal' in 2002.

The song also fetched Chinmayi her first state government award for the best female playback singer.

Chinmayi, 24, who learned music from her mother, was studying in the 12th standard when she first met Rahman.


Courtesy: ptinews.com

Sivaji: Available on Blu-Ray now

After acquiring the DVD rights of Rajni starrer Sivajidirected by Shankar, Ayngaran International has launched Sivaji on Blu-Ray, the next-gen discs! Now,Sivaji Rajinikanth is not only a ‘Vellai Tamizhan’ but is also the brightest Tamizhan on TV!
What is Blu-Ray? While conventional CD and DVD readers/ writers use red laser rays to read or write/ read data, Blu-Ray writers uses blue laser rays (405 nm), with wavelengths shorter than red lasers (650 nm), which means the blue laser is finer than its red counterpart. This allows Blu-Ray writers to write more data in less space with greater precision. This is analogous to a sharp-sighted artist (enabled with good magnifying glass) painting on a grain of rice with his finest brush. Finer the brush, finer the art work; for these artists, there is enough space on a single grain to draw landscapes or intricate designs and patterns! Similarly, a single Blu-Ray DVD can store up to 500 GB of data.
Of late, being available on Blu-Ray format has become a status-builder for films. To that extent, Sivaji has added one more feather to its cap. Thanks to the efforts of Ayngaran International, now you can watch Sivaji on a Blu-Ray disc, which will be a first-of-a-kind experience.


Courtesy: galatta.com

Mani Ratnam impressed by Rajni’s Sivaji

Impressed by the stunts in Sivaji – The Boss, ace director Mani Ratnam has roped in the stunt director Peter Hains for his forthcoming bilingual film Ravan. Peter Hains has carved a niche for himself in the Indian film industry by choreographing stunt scenes for various films including Sivaji, Gajini (Hindi version) and Anniyan.

The film’s shooting had to be stalled when the lead pair, Abishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, were held up in Mumbai owing to the ill health of Amitabh Bachchan. Sources have it that shooting will recommence after Diwali. Ravan – the Hindi version - stars Abishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead role with Vikram playing the antagonist. In the Tamil version Vikram and Aishwarya Rai play the lead roles and Prithviraj plays the villain role.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A R Rahman Get 10 cr For Endhiran!

Music maestro A R Rahman, now busy composing tunes for Shankar’s `Robot’, has charged the producer of the film a fee of Rs 10 Crore!

`Robot’, with Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead, is all set to hit the floors soon. Currently, Shankar is on a global location hunt, while Rajni is getting ready for Shankar’s “most ambitious project till date”.

Teaming up with the best has always been the Shankar norm. Who else but Rahman, who has revolutionised Indian film music industry, would fit the bill?

Rahman is learnt to be straining his every nerve to ensure that the music would be something to remember and cherish.

Shankar had set India to the foot-tapping numbers of Rahman, with ‘Gentleman’ (1992). Who can forget the impact that “chik puk chik puk raile” and “Ottakathe kettikko” had on the Indian music lover? The stunner-of-a-music-score had instantly raised Rahman to iconic status. In no time, the humble wizard from Chennai became the toast of the Indian music world.

All the films, which Shankar later directed, except for ‘Annyan’, had Rahman’s lilting numbers as their hallmark.
‘Kathalan’, ‘Jeans’, ‘Muthalvan’, ‘Nayak’ (Hindi), ‘Boys’- all these Shankar-ARR albums went on to become chartbusters.

It was rumoured that after ‘Boys’ the duo fell out on some “silly misunderstanding”.

Anyway, bereft of each other’s company, each of them went about their jobs and reaped success.

They joined hands once again with the superhit ‘Sivaji- The Boss’, and all the five numbers became chartbusters. The first edition of ‘Sivaji’ was sold out in three days after the audio release in South India.

Now, it is time for another superhit from the infallible duo.

Courtesy: zimbio.com

Inspired by Sivaji

Golmaal Returns, tipped to be a Diwali release, has a huge star cast including Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Tushaar Kapoor. The film, as the title indicates, is the sequel to the yesteryear smash hit Golmaal. According to the film's director Rohit Shetty, a song choreographed by Ganesh Acharya

was inspired from the Rajini-starrer Sivaji. The director said that he got the idea to include a similar kind of song after he watched the shooting of Sivaji in Hyderabad. The song is made on a budget of Rs. 6 crores. About 1000 stuntmen and dancers have been used for this song, not to mention that all the stars will also feature in it. Interestingly, there would be some fight sequences in the song. According to Ganesh Acharya, "you can see different costumes, different movements, different sort of action, and we have also taken some parts of Sivaji in the film."

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rajinikanth already costing producer before shooting starts

It is understood that a Rajini film will cost lots money as the class of the film by default will always be well above par laden with oodles of style to match the Superstar's charisma. This style and glamour forms a majority of the budget of a Rajini film. Every producer expects this and prepares for this.

Now with Rajini's Robot, it seems that bar is being upped even before the actual shooting of the film starts. The film has Aishwarya Rai along with Superstar. Ash is now touring with The Unforgettable Tour in the US. The film will start full swing she is back in the country. If you consider the rate that the Rajini goes at (he got 25 crores for Shivaji) and the rate that Aishwarya is getting paid for the film, one can safely assume that the film's producer has already got a huge bill to play even before the film starts shooting.


But his woes are just starting. The initial photo shoot which is set to take as soon as Aishwarya's schedule allows it has already costed the producer a whole crore for just wardrobe, the set and other such things. Shankar has promised that Robot will be way grander than the grand film of grand films in Tamil Cinema, Shivaji.

So is this a sign of how big Robot will ventually? If so, then all eyes are waiting to savour the first look of the film and the film itself much more.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Baadshah scared of Superstar!

Rajinikanth starrer Kuselan is all set for release world over on August 15th. Looking at the unexpectedly crazy response Rajini's last film Shivaji got at the box office all over India even from non-Tamil speaking audience, the makers of Kuselan had decided upon releasing it in its Hindi dubbed version simultaneously. But now it seems like the Baadshah is afraid of the Emperor!

Both Kuselan and Shahrukh Khan produced and starring Billoo Barber directed by Priyadarshan are remakes of Malayalam hit film Katha Parayumbol which had Mammootty in the lead. The story lines of both are exactly the same to that of the original. Both the Hindi and Tamil remakes feature a song where in the lead stars (Ranjii and Shahrukh) appear in 20 various looks. If Kuselan releases in Hindi first, there will be no novelty left for Billoo Barber at all amongst the audiences.



A source tells us, "While Shahrukh was confident that he would be able to wrap up his film before Rajinikanth's Tamil version, he was in for a not so pleasant surprise when he came to know that the Rajini film is not only over but is due for a release in August and that too with its Hindi dubbed version. Shahrukh had already planned a grand Diwali release for his film. But now with the Rajini film coming up much before Diwali he was in for a shock. He then used all his good relations with Rajini (they had met last in Delhi for a news channel's award show) and called him up requesting him to postpone the release of his Hindi version. Rajini obliged and now the film shall only release in Tamil and Telugu all over the world. The Hindi dubbed version will definitely release too but post Diwali."

Rajini's Shivaji (2007) is being dubbed in Hindi and is all set for a September end release. The makers of Shivaji have even shot a song with Rajini where he will imitate Bollywood legendary yesteryears heroes.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Finalizing Rajini's looks for Robo

Director Shankar and costume designer Manish Malhotra are busy men these days. They have the rather pleasant task of stylizing superstar Rajinikanth in such a way that he jells with the character he plays in the film. Initial reports indicate that Rajinikanth would play a young scientist in the film and would be seen in a rather eccentric getup.

But then, what is a Rajini film without style and substance? Manish Malhotra is a big name when it comes to dressing up popular stars. His work in 'Sivaji' was 'to the point' and brilliant. The Shankar-Malhotra combine would most definitely want to recreate the stunning Rajini demeanor with Robo as well. To finalize his looks, photo-shoots were held at the AVM studios and a popular studio in Nungambakkam. Rajinikanth dressed up in Manish Malhotra's costumes and reportedly looked dazzling.

Rajinikanth is not all that young anymore and so requires wigs these days. Many of his fans still believe that no wig can actually live up to his original hair. But then his original hair is lost forever and so hairstylist Banu was roped in for 'Sivaji'. She has been restored with the responsibility for 'Robo' as well.

Shankar is known to experiment and so he is expected to organize many more photo-shoots before actually finalizing the star's looks. Aishwarya Rai who plays Rajinikanth's leading lady in 'Robo' is currently on a world tour with her husband and in-laws. As soon as she gets back to India, another round of photo-shoots are expected to take place.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Rajini’s third attempt for Robot

Rajinikanth is gearing up for his next venture Robot, which happens to be director Shankar’s brainchild. The film is slated to go on the floors in a short time. Recently, Rajinikanth was spotted donning the greasepaint and costumes to participate in Robot’s photo shoot held in Mumbai. The second and third photo shoot schedules were held a few days ago at the AVM Studios and a theatre in Nungambakkam. According to our sources, Rajini was seen trying out various costumes and wigs during the photo shoot and the one that suits him well will be used in the film. It seems that Shankar is bent down on showing a much younger-looking to the audience this time. He has roped in costume designer Manish Malhotra and make-up artist Bhanu for Robot. Incidentally, they were also associated with Sivaji that got rave reviews for Rajini’s costumes and make-up.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Shriya may not act in Marmayogi

It looks like Shriya may not be able to act in Kamal Haasan's Marmayogi owing to her extremely busy schedules. Marmayogi is directed and produced by Kamal Haasan, who also plays the protagonist. Many were considered for the role of the heroine, Shriya being one among them.

While speaking on this matter, Shriya said that she is really happy and excited about her name being discussed for Marmayogi, and like all heroines of Kollywood, she too wants to act alongside Kamal Haasan. She said if she gets to act in Marmayogi, she would achieve the status of having acted with the “Twin Stalwarts” of Kollywood, as she has already acted with Rajinikanth in Sivaji. But Shriya said she is afraid this will not take place as she already has her hands full, juggling with films in Tamil, Hindi, and English (Kanthaswamy in Tamil; Ek and Mission Istanbul in Hindi; The Other End of the Line and What is cooking? in English). She had also signed up a film with Dhanush long ago, the shooting of which will begin in December.

She is not confident that she would be able to accept Marmayogi or any other film at present. She quipped she is looking for a miracle to happen which will enable her to act in Marmayogi despite her overloaded call sheet.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Big B in 'Marmayogi'?

It has been confirmed that ‘Marmayogi’ will have veteran Bollywood actress Hemamalini playing a prominent role. But the biggest surprise that could lead to tremendous anticipation is that Amitabh Bachchan might be part of the project too. Kamal Haasan, it seems is trying to rope in the legendary actor for an interesting role.

According to sources, Kamal Haasan has recently expressed this desire saying ''We are working on ‘Marmayogi’ which will be on a grand scale and Amitabh Bachchan would be perfect for a role in the film”.

It can be recalled that plans were on to rope in the Big B for the Rajini starrer 'Sivaji'. However he declined the offer.

It would be interesting to see if the Shahensha of Hindi films is fascinated by 'Marmayogi'. Sure would be great if he is. If that happens, it will be the first time Amitab would be part of a Tamil film.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Shriya - Success from Shivaji to Mission Istanbul

Shriya is currently one of the hottest young actresses around - wait until you see her appearance in Mission Istanbul. She also made a big impression last year in Shivaji, alongside Rajnikanth.

This Delhi girl has a touch of class and a beautiful smile that would warm any male heart. She is very modest about her performance in Shivaji, "To be honest," she says, "Rajini sir's heroines can piggy-back ride on his popularity. Thanks to him, I got so much attention and respect from the masses and the industry."

Shriya is multilingual and is currently doing two English movies - The Other End of the Line with Desperate Housewives' Jesse Metcalf and the Deepa Mehta directed What's Cooking. About the Jesse Metcalf movie, she says, "I play a call center girl in Mumbai who goes to San Francisco in search of my love played by the obnoxiously handsome Jesse Metcalfe in The Other End of the Line. I had great fun doing the film!"

It's rumoured that Shriya, who has just finished the much-anticipated Mission Istanbul, has been picked by Kamal Hassan for his next big movie Marmayogi, which will also have an English-language version.

Courtesy: bollyspice.com

Rajinikanth in comics

The superstar’s fame is reaching sky high. He was on T-shirts (in U.S., it is a rage to wear T-shirts with depicting Rajni after a pop artist started this trend few years ago; it is catching up again now), footage related to his film were featured in foreign films (French film Prête-moi Ta Main), so many film personalities acted as his fans in their films, and so many heroes declared they are his fans and modelling their lives after him. It is needless to mention his fanfare throughout the world. Soon, he will be in COMICS!


Yes! This is the idea of a Chennai-based artiste Gaman, who heads a publication company called Krea Comics. Earlier, Gaman conceptualised a project and created some designs and illustration based on Sivaji’s Rajinikanth and discussed this idea with the producers of Sivaji, but the project did not take off. Now, he has created another prototype of his project and is in touch with the makers of Robot. Pretty soon, the results will be out. And it looks like this time, it is going to be a positive result.

So, pretty soon, we will get to see our superstar in comic books. This is a very rare and incredible achievement for any star. Though films are bigger than comic books and video games, an actor’s fame is considered to have reached its highest point if he or she is featured in a comic book or a video game or a cartoon. It shows their iconic status. In the West, only the likes of Arnold Schwarzenneger and Bruce Willis have achieved it. In Asia, Jackie Chan had been featured in a cartoon called “The adventures of Jackie Chan”. In India, Neetu Chandra (she acts alongside Madhavan in Yavarum Nalam) is featured in a 3D mobile game which is a tremendous achievement by her.

Courtesy: galatta.com

I don't think remix is a bad word: AR Rahman

There's little one can say about him that has not been said before. He is a musical genius whose popularity spans across continents. He has revolutionised Indian film music and now he is nurturing young talent at his own music conservatory. The man who delivers music from the heart and he is AR Rahman.

Rajeev Masand: Let me start today by throwing an accusation at you. You seem to be reserving the best songs in your album for yourself, whether it is Khwaja mere Khwaja from Jodha Akbar, Tere Bina from Guru, whether it is a song from Sivaji. Is it pure selfishness or is it the fact that you think that you can bring something to the songs that perhaps others can’t?

AR Rahman: I don’t make decisions for myself. I leave it to the directors. In Tere Bina, I had Khader Mustafa who I liked very much. But Mani Ratnam felt that I should sing it. Khwaja mere Khwaja was a song done as a template to listen to and when I played it Ashutosh wanted it. He added it. It was not there in the film earlier.

In Jaane Tu, it was just the opposite. He did not want my voice. He felt it was too soft. I said I like this song and I will do another song for you. He then asked me to re sing it. Initially it was soft jazz and he did not like it. He wanted it more aggressive and more fun kind of singing.

Rajeev Masand: Originally I know, you were committed to do music for Om Shanti Om but you did not do it because you were refused the publishing rights, which is the ownership rights. I know it is common practice in the West and makes perfect sense that the person who creates the music should own the music.

AR Rahman: It is both ways. Some people buyout the music and it is transparent. The buy out is shared. But in this case, strangely we never intended to do that. At that particular time, when my company was launched, I realised the importance of having a publishing of ones own. I have reached 41 now and somewhere I felt that I have to do something for my kids and the generation and in a way to exploit our music in the west, something like an ambassador in the other country. Like recently there is a movie, The Accidental Husband, which has three of my Tamil songs. To give more scope and accessibility to my stuff, it is important. It is a little shocking in the beginning but people are getting used to it.

Rajeev Masand: Did you hear the music of OSO?

AR Rahman: Yes. I liked it. I would not have been able to do it the way it was done.

Rajeev Masand: Was it very different from what you had imagined doing it when you were committed to do it?

AR Rahman: I had a couple of meetings with Farah and we were discussing the Bombay theme and it is unfortunate that we could not work on this. But we are great friends and we will be working in future.

Rajeev Masand: I also know that you were committed to doing Kamal's film Dasavatharam, which you couldn't because time constraints did not allow you.

AR Rahman: Yes at that particular time, I was doing many things. I was travelling and Kamal ji wanted me to give the music immediately and it was a huge film. I knew the kind of work it would require. I knew I could not do justice in that short period.

Rajeev Masand: You were replaced then by Himesh Reshammiya. Were you insulted?

AR Rahman: No, not at all. Himesh did the songs but I think Devi Sri Prasad did the background music.

Rajeev Masand: Have you heard the music?

AR Rahman: No, I have not heard the music.

Rajeev Masand: He has also sung in Tamil.

AR Rahman: I would love to listen to it.

Rajeev Masand: What do you think of him as a singer? You have used so many Bombay voices. You have introduced so many people in the music industry. How come you haven’t found anything for Himesh?

AR Rahman: I think he has got a particular style. I have heard him very closely and I think he is capable of much more. In fact we were co-judges in a show for a channel. So, I am waiting for the right song for Himesh. I like him as a person and I wish him all the best.

Rajeev Masand: You know that he is a movie actor now as well.

AR Rahman: Yes I know. Awesome.

Rajeev Masand: I know you have started a music Conservatory in Chennai. Is this your way of giving back to the industry?

AR Rahman: I just get panicky thinking what if there are no violin players and no trumpet players and I would have to go to Prague or London again or other places. Not only me, Ilayarajah goes to Budapest and Salim goes to Prague. We are all passionate about music and if we don’t have the right kind of players then we will have to compromise and even spend more. I was waiting for someone to bell the cat. I waited for almost 10 years. It did not happen. So just a week before my birthday, I decided to do it. Everything has gone well and we will start in June.

Rajeev Masand: Do you find that we are too lenient as a society? Why are we so indifferent about plagiarism? Look at Pritam’s track record lately. Look at Race, Jab We Met, Metro. Almost all his track records can be traced to either a Korean hit or another Hindi film song or a foreign song. Why are we so lenient as a society as far as plagiarism is concerned?

AR Rahman: It is not just one person. There are a number of people. It’s also how the industry has forced people to do that.

Rajeev Masand: Do you actually believe that?

AR Rahman: I think now people are in a position to say no that I can’t do that. They will be respected even more when they do that. I think that it is what each composer needs to do when he is forced and told that some song is needed. So, one should maintain one’s integrity. If someone wants a particular song without courtesy, then the composer should refuse and say he doesn’t want to steal the song. Else most of them will land up paying a lot of money from their pockets as an out of court settlement.

Rajeev Masand: Your fans were very surprised when you took a shot with remix. You did it few years ago with New, then you did it with Azhagiya Tamil Magan and then now you have done it again with Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.

AR Rahman: I don’t think remix is a bad word. There is both good and bad in that. You can’t say all Western music is bad and noisy. I don’t agree with that. You also can’t say that all Indian music is classic. I am a composer and if there is a song which I love, for example Tu hi re and someone remixes it, I would not like it, but if there is a peppy song and I want to hear something interesting, then it’s okay. That’s what I did. I took two tracks from Adaan and I released it. Some guy there in a village will be remixing it in his computer and singing in his voice and producing something interesting, an idea that may not have occurred to us.

Rajeev Masand: You said no to Spike initially when he said he wanted to use Chaiyya Chaiyya and wanted to add rap to it when he wanted to use it for his film, The Inside Man.

AR Rahman: No. We were trying to be careful. Rap means swearing and I did not want Chaiyya Chaiyya to have any swear words in it. So, when they assured me that they would not have any swear words in it, and then we said yes.

Rajeev Masand: I remember you saying a little while ago that you were tired of doing these big historic films and you were looking at letting your hair down a little. Is the film Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, a respite then, an opportunity?

AR Rahman: I started working on the movie at about the time when I said that. Working with Abbas was really great. Though it was a little crazy but I like the craziness. It’s good to break away from routine at times and not be rigid.

Rajeev Masand: How would you describe the sound of the film?

AR Rahman: I think it is a mix. With different lyricists, different flavours come out. With him, there is a genre of words and phrases he has picked and the song is around that. For example, Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, it is a song that I haven’t ever done before. It is simple arrangement yet romantic. It’s like rediscovering yourself.

Rajeev Masand: If I ask you to choose the one song that you are most remembered for, would you still pick Chaiyya Chaiyya?

AR Rahman: You can’t be generic about it. People get angry. Down south people like the film called Duet and it is a soundtrack. Some love Roja, some like Taal, some Lagaan.

Rajeev Masand: Which ones are the breakthrough ones for you?

AR Rahman: For me, personally, I would say Roja, album Vande Mataram, Taal, Dil Se, Bombay Dreams, and probably Rang de Basanti now. In South, last year’s Sivaji is also one. So these are all different songs. When you get bored, you move on to the next phase. These are all different phases.

Rajeev Masand: There was time that you were extremely reclusive, media shy and hardly any media appearances. That seems to have changed now.

AR Rahman: That is sarcastic?

Rajeev Masand: No not sarcastic at all. Did you consciously choose to be more accessible, whether it is brand endorsements, interviews or be it television appearances.

AR Rahman: Yes. Some proposals suited me as a musician. I would not be selling oil or underwears. And also I needed that to fund my school and other interesting projects that I was doing. It was also a way to communicate with people, and people started liking it.

Rajeev Masand: You are collaborating once again with Rakesh Mehra for the music of Dilli 6. That is after the great soundtrack that you gave him for Rang de Basanti. What was the brief for Dilli 6 and how are you going to top the music of Rang de Basanti? I know you will say that they are two different films, but it’s impossible to avoid the comparisons?

AR Rahman: Certain things…you have to let them be. Maybe there is some soundtrack that moves away from Rang de Basanti and is even better for the ears. I am not worried about it at all.

Rajeev Masand: What is the brief for that?

AR Rahman: It is all a secret.

Rajeev Masand: You are also working again with Subhash Ghai after Taal and Kisna. Taal, in the sense was one of the most popular and successful commercial albums that you did. What can you expect from Yuvraj? Subhash Ghai says it’s a complete musical this time.

AR Rahman: Yes he loves music. We are talking about a very passionate man and he wants to pick up the best music and picture it in a great and different way. You have to give it to the man. He has been there for three decades and still wants to excel. It is a great attitude and I am learning from him.

Rajeev Masand: You will still not give us a brief for this one?

AR Rahman: No...

Rajeev Masand: You have worked with one of the best filmmakers, Mani Ratnam, Shekhar, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Rakesh Mehra and many more. Are there other filmmakers that you are looking forward to work with, just because you think you will be able to bring something interesting to their film or just because you like their kind of films?

AR Rahman: Yes. There was a time when I wanted to work with Bazelon and Andrews.

Rajeev Masand: And you almost did work with them?

AR Rahman: We had a couple of meetings but then I had to leave all my assignments and go and settle in Sydney or London, which at this point in my career or age, I can’t do.

Rajeev Masand: I read something interesting that you were all set to work with Bazelon and then they went to IMDB and they looked up all the movies you did and they were thirty. And they got worried.

AR Rahman: It is threatening because they would be worried that if I am already doing so many films, how would I concentrate on theirs. What happens is that when someone announces a movie and their music and my name, even without my consent, my name is there on IMDB. It is dangerous. Anyway, now the most liberating thing for me is my own label. And if I want to do something good, I can produce it myself now.

Rajeev Masand: Is there one music instrument that you are determined to learn how to play?

AR Rahman: Yes, there is a new instrument called the Continuum, which could be a breakthrough in Indian classical music, which I hardly find time to practice and when I do practice, I think it is good. I may soon have classes for that in my Conservatory.

Rajeev Masand: Is there any one song by another composer that you have been humming lately?

AR Rahman: Lately....there is a song of Mohit Chauhan in Jab We Met.

Rajeev Masand: Tumse hi?

AR Rahman: It’s very Himachal actually?

Rajeev Masand: Best of luck. Thanks for talking to us.

Courtesy: ibnlive.com

Chapter on Rajini in CBSE books

Wow! what a cheerful and eventful year for our Superstar Rajinikanth! In the beginning of the year 2008, he received ND TV's prestigious 'Entertainer of the Year' award from Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A few months later his biography My Name Is Rajinikanth hit the stalls and still it is selling like hot cakes. Now a chapter on Rajinikanth's life has been added to Std VI English prose book of CBSE.

This is the first time in India's history that a chapter about an actor's success history has been included, that too in a CBSC text book. The chapter is under the section: Dignity of Work. Published by Oxford University Press, the chapter consist the extract of his life from a conductor to a superstar and also includes excerpts from his friend Bahadur, who was a past colleague of Rajini later became a bosom friend. In 1970s Rajini, a bus conductor in route No.10 A, and Bahadur, a driver in the same bus were good friends.

According to the book, young Shivaji Rao alias Rajini sometimes also acted in plays staged at the Gubbi Veeranna Ranga Mandir in the city. When Bahadur saw his friend on stage, he realized that the young man has great acting potential. The overwhelming response from the audience, particularly, when he played Duryodhana and Yechhama Nayaka, the Kannada Warrior, strengthen his belief. "It was then that I was convinced that he should act in movies," Bahadur said.

When the Madras Film Institute was set up in Chennai around the same time, Bahadur suggested to Shivaji Rao that he should pursue a course in acting at the Institute. The young man was obviously reluctant to give up his conductor's job and do the course since he was worried about his finances.

Bahadur replied, "Give up the job. I'll look after all your needs." Bahadur kept up his promise till Shivaji completed his course. For two years, from 1974 to 1976, he gave a significant part of his salary to Shivaji and ensured that he completed the course at the Film Institute. When the course was over, the famous director K Balachander signed up the young actor for his new Tamil films Apporva Ragangal and Moonru Mudichu. And the rest is history!

Now almost all the children in CBSE stream can read about our superstar and his hard working nature and how he became an example for true friendship. This is truly a biggest, rare and worthy honour to the Superstar and even superior than any other awards he received so far

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Robot amidst stringent security

The Shankar – Rajinikanth magnum opus, Robot, has begun groundwork work and research. With director Shankar importing computers from America that will be employed for the special effects in the movie, Robot is more or less underway.

Keeping in mind the Internet-sneaking-of-Sivaji-images that remained unsolved despite the tight security arrangements in place during Sivaji’s shoots, Shankar has left no stones unturned this time around to make sure that the computers are tucked away secretively in a Gemini lab. Guarded by security personnel, access to the hall is restricted to the very few kingpins associated with the movie.

Superstar Rajinikanth is busy with his extended cameo for Kuselan and an announcement about Robot’s commencement is expected to be out soon.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Age in action

Hollywood has finally acknowledged that action heroes who sell are like good wine, they get better with age.

That ageing action heroes still rule the roost has been proved by the critical acclaim Harrison Ford and his Indiana Jones and The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull received at Cannes, where it premiered last Sunday, and is expected to be this year's biggest summer blockbuster.

The film - which sees the 65-year-old Harrison Ford return to the role of Indiana Jones after a 19-year gap was praised by the world media, reportedly garnering a three-and-a-half minute standing ovation by the select few who were invited to watch it, according to a Hollywood trade publication.

Before the screening, huge crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the movie's super hero Harrison Ford, who is quoted as saying, “I expect to have the whip turned on me. I'm not really worried about it. I work for the people who pay to get in. They are my customers and my focus is on providing the best experience I can for those people.” According to Hollywood websites, the film and its hero have received a resounding thumbs-up from critics known to pan popular entertainers. Noted critic Derek Malcom in his review has surprisingly given three out of five for this film. The film's director, the legendary Steven Spielberg (62) has hinted that he and producer, the iconic George Lucas (63) may take a fifth installment of the world's most popular action adventure Indiana Jones with Harrison Ford!

All this is great news for Kollywood's ageing action heroes who are still in their mid 50s - the likes of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sarath Kumar and Arjun (44). These heroes have been around for more than 20 years, and are still the best in business. It reiterates the fact that like Hollywood's dad army - Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone (62) and Bruce Willis (53), our ageing stars have audiences' faith in them. “The Tamil audiences have grown up on Rajini sir and Kamal sir and they are still the poster boys for today's youth in the 16 to 25 age group as they have reached iconic status,” says director K S Ravikumar, who has worked with both the stars.

Just as older action heroes in Hollywood are facing stiff competition from younger and fit action heroes like Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom and Jason Statham, in Kollywood too, stars like Vijay, Ajit and Surya in their mid 30s are giving the bigger superstars a run for their money. However, the bottom line is that younger action heroes worldwide are not in the same league or as charismatic and hot as the older guys who are all mega-brands with audiences of all ages.

Hollywood's ageing super heroes have the best of make-up men, stunts and fitness personnel monitoring round the clock their sagging skin, creaking bones, thinning hair, paunches, and back problems. The grapevine says that Ford was given air-brushing, his looks were digitally enhanced. This is afterall the world of make believe and our ageing stars too have been given digital make-overs for that youthful, debonair look and make their death-defying action scenes look natural and real on screen. The Kollywood buzz is that Shankar is going to give a totally new look to Rajinikanth in his forthcoming Robot. The director has already teamed with hair designer Bhanu and bought the latest expensive wigs from US for the star. Unlike in earlier days, technology can help a star hide his age and look smarter and more dashing on screen.

Though Rajinikanth's public appearances show his age, it never shows on screen. The trade attributes the success of Sivaji to Rajinikanth's young and charming looks in the film.

Shankar has spent a lot of time and energy to see that he could play the character he plays in the film. The buzz is that the actor keeps to a strict diet, consisting mainly of vegetarian food. Kamal, on the other hand, regularly works out and is very particular on how he looks on screen. Sarath Kumar also works out daily and is an actor who performs action scenes with a lot of conviction. So, while it might seem that size does matter, age definitely doesn't!

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Rajini's new hairstyle in Robot!

The superstar is almost done with his part in Kuselan and is all set to sail towards his next magnum opus Robot. Expectations are skyrocketing as Rajinikanth, for the first time, will be starring opposite Ashwarya Rai. Made on a mega budget, Robot is a joint venture by Ayngaran International and Eros International.

According to industry sources, director Shankar and Rajini will fly down to the US to finalize the make-up for the latter. While Rajini's make-up in Sivaji came in for some rave reviews, Shankar wants Robot to be even better. It is said that Robot will feature a younger Rajini sporting a different hairstyle. Also, the Robot team intends to bring in professionals from Hollywood to work on Rajini's make-up.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rajini prefers Arya’s villain

Chakravarthy shot to limelight with Ram Gopal Varma’s Sathya. The actor also has several Telugu movies to his credit, which had the cash registers ticking. This tall-bewhiskered actor has now been roped in to play the villain role in Sarvam, which has Arya in the lead character. And it looks like the villain spree would continue for quite sometime, as director Shankar has approached him offering the role in Rajini-starrer Robot. Being a prestigious project it is expected that he would lap up the offer. It may be recalled that Suman, a hero in Tollywood, was signed up to play the baddie for Sivaji, which won him accolades from one and all.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

It doesn't get bigger than Rajinikanth

That Rajinikanth is the only real superstar in Kollywood is like saying grass is green. It's an undisputed, inviolable truth. The man has been ruling the Tamil box-office for the last 23 years, a world record in itself.

It is said that Rajinikanth doesn't need to act or change his look from movie to movie. Distributors say that all he needs to do is stand in front of the camera, and people will flock to the theatres to see him do just that. In most of the 153-odd movies he has done in a career spanning 33 years, Rajinikanth does no more than play himself. He reaches out to the masses with his electrifying screen presence mixed with heroism, peppy songs and famous punch line dialogues, which in time become part of the common man's lingo.

What attracts today's Generation Next-audiences (some of them were not even born when he became a superstar) to the phenomenon called Rajinikanth, who turned 57 last December? Most of the young people interviewed by a marketing agency who carried a survey on the superstar say that the man's appeal largely revolved around his on-screen image.

Says Dorairaj, an 18-year-old student, "I'm crazy about Boss (nickname of one of his characters in Sivaji ). He has a unique style and comes across as a down-to-earth person without any star trappings." The young man says the first thing he learnt when he went to school were Rajini's punch lines!

Some of the more famous Rajinikanth one-liners that he spouts in his movies either to the villain, arrogant heroine or his side-kick are later rattled off by everyone, from an autorickshaw driver to an up-market IT professional. You can hear people quote his most famous dialogues and punch lines like " En vazhi, thani vazhi " (My way is a separate way), " Naan oru thadavu sonna, nooru thadava sonna mathiri (If I say it once, it is like saying it a hundred times), " Andavan solran, Arunachalam seyiran " (God orders, I do it). All this has become a part of Tamil folklore, adding to the mystique of the Rajnikanth persona.

Rajinikanth has never experimented with his screen image, and is very particular about doing only mass masala fantasies. The 2007 super-hit Sivaji opened new vistas for Tamil cinema at the worldwide box-office. The film said to be made at a cost of Rs 60 crore including the star's fees — an astronomical Rs 20 crore — is reported to have made around Rs 100 crore from theatrical and other rights.

Courtesy: timesofIndia.com