Early Tollywood: 03/10/08

Monday, March 10, 2008

MANISHA KOIRALA

Manisha Koirala, born on August 16, 1970 in Kathmandu, Nepal, is an award-winning prominent Bollywood actress, UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and social activist. She is also an accomplished Bharatnatyam and Manipuri dancer. Koirala, who made her acting debut in Bollywood with the film First Love Letter (1991), had her first commercial success with Subhash Ghai's Saudagar from the same year. She went on to be one of the most versatile actresses of her generation, working with some of the most prominent film directors of her times. Though most of her films have not done well at the box office but her niche as an actor remains harmless irrespective of box office collections. During her years in Bollywood, Koirala mostly ventured into more serious and realistic cinema, rather than commercial one. Today, she is considered to be one of the finest actresses in the Indian industry.

Early life

Manisha Koirala was born into the politically prominent Koirala family; Her grandfather Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala was the Prime Minister of Nepal during the late 50s-early 60s, as well as two of her great uncles, Girija Prasad Koirala and MP Koirala. She studied at New Delhi's Army Public School and Vasant Kanya Mahavidhyalaya (VKM) Varanasi. She lived with her grandmother in Varanasi during her studies. Her ambition was to be a doctor, but a modelling stint opened a career path into Bollywood.

Her brother is Siddharth Koirala is also an actor.

Recently she returned from New York after receiving a diploma in filmmaking. She also became a member of an independent filmmaker's society.

Career

Her first film was Pheri Bhetaula (We shall meet again), a Nepali movie released in early 1989. Her first Hindi movie was Subhash Ghai's Saudagar in 1991. The film proved to be a good beginning, as it was the biggest hit of the year. After that, she went on work with some of the most prominent film directors of Bollywood.

She went on to star in many critically and commercially successful films such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 1942: A Love Story (1994) and Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Bombay (1995). Her performance in the latter was critically appreciated and won her the Filmfare Best Performer Award. She was also seen in more commercial films. Her role as a reigning srar in Mansoor Khan's romantic musical Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995) opposite Aamir Khan gave her a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress.

1996 was her year with her films Agni Sakshi doing well at the box office and her highly acclaimed performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directional debut Khamoshi: The Musical, where she played a daughter to deaf parents. She won her second successive Filmfare Best Performer Award and a Star Screen Award for Best Actress for her performance in Khamoshi.

One year later in 1997, she played the leading role alongside Kajol and Bobby Deol in the thriller Gupt: The Hidden Truth, which was one of the biggest hits of the year.She went to collaborate once again with Mani Ratnam, and starred in his award-winning film Dil Se (1998) opposite Shahrukh Khan. Her role received similar good reviews, and gave her various award nominations. Despite performing poorly at the box office in India, the film proved to be a hit overseas.

Since then, she has been part of several critically and commercially successful projects. She won favorable reviews for her role as a traffic accident victim in the averagely received Mann (1999), which also entered into the top five highest grossing films of the year; She was the leading actress in the moderately successful Kachche Dhaage (1999), and Rajkumar Santoshi's critically acclaimed Lajja (2001). Her performance as a rape victim who quests for justice in the film Grahan (2001) was also much appreciated.

In 2002, She starred opposite Ajay Devgan in Ram Gopal Verma's Company. The film was critically acclaimed, as well as Koirala's performance in it, and she won her third Filmfare Best Performer Award.

In 2003, she ventured into strong woman-oriented films such as Escape From Taliban which won her the BFJA Best Actress Award. She was also the main protagonist in the movie Market where she enacted a role of a prostitute, portraying a whole life story.

In 2004, she produced the small-budget caper-comedy Paisa Vasool in which she starred along with Sushmita Sen and was directed by Srinivas Bhashyam; this was probably the first ever chick-flick in Indian cinema in that it did not have a male lead nor a love story.

Overall, Koirala starred as the leading role in 6 high-budget, successful Tamil movies: Bombay (1994) co-starring Arvind Swamy, Indian (1996) co-starring Kamal Hassan, Mudhalvan (1999) co-starring Arjun, Aalavandhan (2001) co-starring Kamal Hassan, Baba (2002) co-starring Rajnikanth and Mumbai Express (2005) co-starring Kamal Hassan.

Since then, She has appeared in various unsuccessful films, some of them being well received, such as the drama thriller Tum - A Dangerous Obsession (2005) and the horror film Anjaane - The Unknown (2006). Her last release was Anwar in 2007. She is also set to star in Deepa Mehta's foreign film Exclusion.

Social Work
In September 1999, Koirala was appointed as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador. She is actively involved in social work, specifically working with organizations to promote women’s rights, prevention of violence against women, and also to prevent the human trafficking of Nepali girls for prostitution.

Controversies

In 2002, Manisha accused the director of the film Ek Chotisi Love Story Shashilal Nair of using Koirala's body double to shoot some love scenes in the film and portraying her in bad light by shooting obscene postures using another actress in her place, without Manisha's approval to do so. Koirala required from Nair to re-shoot these scenes because the double's body did not match her physique and required that these scenes be deleted from the film. Koirala had also claimed that Nair stipulated to re-shoot the scenes if she agrees to bear half the expenses.“ I always believed in Shashi. I did this film out of sheer goodwill. I had nothing to gain from it financially as I did the film for free. I also gave him all the dates immediately. It was his first chance to direct a film in four years. He has a family to support and I couldn't bear to see a friend in hardship. ”

Koirala decided to sued Nair and dragged him to court. She has moved the court against the filmmaker, and objected to the alleged nudity and obscene postures, saying she had not performed in these scenes and that Nair had made use of another actress for this. Koirala has pleaded that these scenes be deleted from the film. Finally, the court decided to stay the release of the film.

Another controversy occurred In February 2006, when a wake of protests by section of people following a media report claimed Koirala had named her pet dog after a revered Muslim figure, which caused to demonstrations against her. Koirala was provided police security to prevent any problem. In the following days, The accusations continued. However, Koirala denied the accusations and the Police said the actress had no pet at all.

AwardsAwards Won

* 1996, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance, Bombay
* 1997, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance, Khamoshi: The Musical
* 1997, Star Screen Award Best Actress, Khamoshi: The Musical
* 2003, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance, Company
* 2004, Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards, Best Actress, Escape From Taliban

Awards Nominated
* 1995, Filmfare Best Actress Award, 1942:A Love Story
* 1996, Filmfare Best Actress Award, Bombay
* 1996, Filmfare Best Actress Award, Akele Hum Akele Tum
* 1997, Filmfare Best Actress Award, Khamoshi: The Musical
* 1997, Filmfare Best Actress Award, Agni Sakshi
* 1999, Filmfare Best Actress Award, Dil Se

Filmography

Year Film Role Other notes
1989 Pheri Bhetaula Nepali film
1991 First Love Letter Radha
Saudagar Radha
1992 Yalgaar Meghna Kumar
1993 Insaaniyat Ke Devta Nisha
Anmol Anmol
Dhanwan Anjali Chopra
1994 Yun Hi Kabhi Pooja
1942: A Love Story Rajeshwari Pathak
Sangdil Sanam Sanam
1995 Bombay Shaila Bano Winner, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance; Tamil film
Anokha Andaz
Milan Priya
Criminal Shweta Kumar
Guddu Salina Gupta
Ram Shastra Anjali Sinha
Akele Hum Akele Tum Kiran Kumar
1996 Dushmani Sapna Oberoi
Agni Sakshi Shubhangi/Madhu
Yeh Majhdhaar Radha Rai
Khamoshi: The Musical Annie Winner, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance & Nominated, Filmfare Best Actress Award
Indian Ishwarya Tamil film
1997 Sanam Sanam
Loha Manisha Koirala
Gupt: The Hidden Truth Sheetal Choudhry
Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein Suman
1998 Yugpurush Sunita
Achanak Pooja
Dil Se Meghna
Maharaja Shaili Mathur
1999 Kachche Dhaage Rukhsana
Lal Baadshah Kiran (Life Insurance Agent)
Laawaris Anshu Mehra
Jaihind Sheetal
Mudhalvan Thenmozhi Tamil film
Kartoos Mini
Mann Priya Verma
Hindustan Ki Kasam Roshanaara
2000 Champion Sapna Khanna
Khauff Neha
Baaghi Rani
Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya Manisha/Sapna Khanna
2001 Grahan Paro, Parvati Shastri
Chhupa Rustam Nisha
Lajja Vaidehi
Aalavandhan Sharmilee Tamil film
Moksha Ritika Sanyal
2002 Company Saroja Winner, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance
Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani Vasundhara/Divya
Ek Chotisi Love Story The Woman
Baba Chamundeeswari Tamil film
2003 Escape From Taliban Sushmita Bannerjee/Sayed Kamal
Ek Badi Si Love Story The Woman
Calcutta Mail Sanjana
Market Muskaan Bano/Kaalia
2004 Paisa Vasool Maria
Tum - A Dangerous Obsession Kamini
2005 Chaahat - Ek Nasha Mallika Arora
Mumbai Express Ahalya Tamil film
Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story Princess Jahan Ara
2006 Anjaane - The Unknown Shivani Malhotra
Darwaza Bandh Rakho Julie
2007 Anwar Anita Released
Dus Kahaniyaan Pre-production
God Tussi Great Ho Sheetal In production
Khela Post-production
2008 Exclusion In production

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KATRINA KAIF PROFILE

Name : Katrina Kaif
Nick Name : Kat
Birthdate : July 16, 1984
Birth location : Hong Kong, China
Height : 5' 6½" (1.69 m)
Sex : Female
Eyes : Black
Sign : Scorpio
Nationality: British
Birth Place: London, Uk
Marital status: single
Profession : Actress, Musician, Model
Relationship : Salman Khan (actor)
Claim To Fame : Jasmeet Malhotra (Jazz) in 'Namastey London'.
Debut Film : Boom

Biography:Katrina is a Kashmiri-Brit fusion as his father was Indian and mom was English. Katrina was born on July 16th 1983 in Hong Kong; her family lived for a while in Hawaii and the moved to London. Katrina has seven other siblings and all sisters. Katrina started modeling when she was fourteen and her first shoot was for a jewellery brand. Katrina continued modeling in London and was approached by Kaizad Gustad for his film ‘Boom’; after which the model decided to move to Mumbai.

Katrina walked the ramp in India for some topnotch designers and decided to permanently live in Mumbai and pursue a career as an actress. Katrina started working with Ace photographer Atul Kasbekar and was also on the cover of ‘Cosmopolitan’ magazine.
atrina had to struggle to make her way in Bollywood as she had the linguistic short coming and Producers were hesitant to cast her, so the actress started taking Hindi lessons and also started learning Kathak. In 2004, Katrina did a Telugu movie opposite South Superstar Venkatesh titled ‘Malliswari’. Katrina made news when she started dating actor Salman Khan who also launched her in mainstream cinema in the movie titled ‘Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya’. The movie became a superhit and Katrina finally made an impact.

Katrina is the brand ambassador for ‘Lakme’, ‘Silk-n-Shine’ and International brand ‘Veet’ in India. Katrina has impressed the directors and has some big projects in her pipeline- Anees Bazmee’s ‘Welcome’, David Dhawan’s ‘Partner’, Vipul Shah’s ‘Namastey London’, and Anil Sharma’s ‘Apne’. With such great projects in Katrina’s kitty, future sure looks promising for this pretty actress.
er seriousness to climb to the top position in Bollywood is seen in the very fact that she took her Hindi classes and dancing lessons very seriously. She quickly learnt the art of dubbing and finally rendered her own lines with ease in "Namaste London" {2007} in which she acted opposite Akshay Kumar.

The promising actress is banking on her yet to be released movie, "Main Yuvraj" hoping that this movies will
Do well at the Box- Office and take her career to new heights.

Latest News
# Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif have different priorities Salman Khan is known to get embroiled in one controversy after the other. He has been charged in the hunting of black buck cases and also in a hit and run accident case where he ran over one person and injured three others. After Salman's high profile relationship with katrina kaif, the actor began dating model turned actress Katrina Kaif. This model turned actress has even starred opposite Salman Khan in Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya. Katrina has stood by Salman through all his trials and travails; however it is now being rumoured that Katrina and Salman are having some problems in their relationship.... More

# Bollywood gals Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra turn a year older:- Two of bollywood's upcoming talented, beautiful and smart beauties celebrated their birthdays on 16 July and 18 July.Katrina Kaif turned 22 yrs on 16 July while Priyanka Chopra turned 24 yrs on 18 July. While Salman hosted a small get together for his girlfriend Katrina, Priyanka celebrated her big day with family and a few close friends....More

# Salman Khan wants girlfriend Katrina to replace Priyanka in London Dreams:- Salman is said to be interfering in the film London Dreams. According to sources Salman has asked director Raj Kumar Santoshi to replace his co-star Priyanka with none other than girlfriend Katrina Kaif.The cast of London Dreams has already been decided. The film was to star Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan. Priyanka Chopra too was finalized as one of the female leads... More

# British actor Jason Connery with Katrina Kaif in 'Namaste London':- Vipul Shah's film 'Namaste London' will star British actor Jason Connery as the second lead in the film. The British actor will play the second romantic interest opposite Katrina Kaif. Jason Connery is the son of Hollywood legend, Sean Connery. Vipul Shah's film is loosely based on the classic 'Purab Aur Paschim'.... More

# Katrina Kaif's personal anguish continues:- Katrina Kaif, super model-turned actress is trying to cope with the fact that her beau, Salman Khan has been recently sentenced to one-year imprisonment for the poaching of a wild life species. Just as she is trying to carry on normally with her life, she has been delivered another blow. Recently, for the shooting of her film, Welcome in Dubai a watch and some cash was stolen from her room... More
Trivia:

Born on July 16, 1984 Katrina Kaif is one of eight siblings, all girls, from a mother who is a Caucasian of British Nationality, and a father who was formerly from Kashmir, India, but who has since acquired British citizenship.
Katrina grew up in Hawaii, but was brought up in London, UK. She started modeling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the tender age of 14, when she was approached for a jewelery campaign. Thereafter she continued modeling in London.
Continuing to model was the reason she got her break in a Bollywood movie "Boom" offered by none other than film-maker Kaizad Gustad.
She was flooded with modeling assignments the minute she set her foot on Indian soil, especially with her innocent expressive face, hour-glass figure, and drop-dead gorgeous looks.
Professionally she started off as a model with photographer Atul Kasbekar, and upon being accepted, she received offers from LG, Cola, Fevicol, Lakme, & Veet. It was the Lakme commercial that got her noticed. She retained Matrix as her Manager to accept work on her behalf and at the price she deserved.
Moving to different culture and country was not much of a culture shock for her, as she states that no matter where you come from, the bottom line is that everyone wants to be loved, respected, and cared for.
Unlike other artistes from foreign lands, Katrina did not experience any difficulties in getting a visa nor of getting it extended in India.
Although linguistically challenged, Katrina puts on a bold face and states that other Bollywood artistes like Sridevi, who did not know Hindi, did get offers from Bollywood film-makers, and she is no different. She is taking Hindi and dancing lessons to fit in with the Bollywood culture. She likes to display a picture of her learning Kathak dancing where she used to dance 7 hours a day non-stop.
Despite of her soft gorgeous looks, she is not easily intimidated, but admits that she is very emotional, almost an incurable romantic, wears comfortable non-revealing clothes when at home, hates to do her hair, and above all dislikes make-up. Admitting to being lonely in the beginning, but now has several nice friends who she can hang out with.
Although her first movie "Boom" was panned by the critics and shunned by the audiences, two other Telegu movies "Malliswari" and "Pidugu" did get her noticed. She grossed Rs.70 lakhs for Malliswari - making her top the list of the highest paid actresses during a South Indian movie debut.
Not done with South Indian movies, she has been signed in a Tamil movie "Bheema" opposite National Award Winner Vikram.
Voted recently as the lady with the most luscious lips in the film industry.
She has received good reviews for her part in "Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya", as well as a brief appearance in "Sarkar".

Personal Quotes:

I can read and speak Hindi quite well now and that’s quite an achievement considering I didn’t know the language at all when I came down here.
Salman Khan is a senior actor and I have learnt a lot from him during the making of the film. He is very focussed and dedicated.
On being voted the most luscious lips in the film industry:"It’s feels funny to hear such things"
I find a face beautiful, good looking, attractive, and all the terms you want to use, once I know them.
Although I haven't met Madhuri Dixit in person, I find her very beautiful on screen. I also find Manisha Koirala beautiful.
I am Moody... and a Cancerian to the boot. Even a small thing can change the entire mood, but I'm working on that. Besides, I'm also loyal and possessive
On avoiding talking about Salman Khan "We respect each other's privacy. I'm answerable to the media for my professional life, not my personal life.
It's not my style to either wear minimum clothes, to strip or to even be comfortable with a sex-symbol label. I just want to do good work instead of sporting such meaningless tags. Sex sells, but to a small extent, not always. And this is what filmmakers have to accept. The exposure has to be relevant to the film and its characters and not forced for the sake of titillation. On the contrary, some of the greatest Indian films have been devoid of all these sexual trappings. I know my comfort zone in today's Indian culture and society.
I have no complaints. I think I'm especially lucky. As you said, I've come from outside and I'm not even anywhere closely connected. But I have absolutely no problem here. People have been more than welcoming, even before I was ready.
There was a time when I felt that I need to take time to understand more about the industry, the workings of it. I was doing my modeling, which I really wanted to do at the time. So that's why even my entry into films was later than people expected.
I've been very blessed, I think, or what do you call it... mmm... lucky to get at this stage what I have. It's not like I've come from acting school and done work at an academy or something. I feel I've been given a very huge chance and opportunity.

Katrina Movies:

Boom (2003)

Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Gulshan Grover, Javeed Jaffery, Madhu sapre, Padma lakshmi, Katrina Kaif, Seema Biswas, Zeenat Aman, Bo Derek, Aditya Lakhia, Burjor Dastoor, Mukesh Ahuja, Wendell Rodricks, Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Simon Kelly, Boman Irani, Prem Punjabi, Jackie Shroff
Director : Kaizad Gustad
Producer : Ayesha Shroff
Executive Producer : David fischer, Mel d'souza, Sanjay jumani
Music Director : Talvin Singh
Genre : Action

Malliswari (2004)

Cast: Venkatesh, Katrina Kaif, Balaiah, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Brahmanandam, Tanikella Bharani, Naresh, Ahuti Prasad, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, Mallikharjuna Rao, Chalapati Rao, Sunil, CVL Narasimha Rao, Devdas Kanakala etc
Story - dialogues: Trivikram
Produced By: Suresh Productions
Screenplay - Direction: Vijaya Bhaskar K

Sarkar (2005)

Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Kay Kay Menon, Supriya Pathak, Katrina Kaif, Tanishaa, Anupam Kher
Director : Ram Gopal Varma
Producer : Ram Gopal Varma, Parag Sanghavi
Executive Producer : R. R. Venkata Rao
Music Director : Amar Mohile
Genre : Drama

Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya? (2005)

Cast : Sohail Khan, Isha Koppikar, Arshad Warsi, Rajpal Yadav, Sushmita Sen, Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan
Director : David Dhawan
Producer : Dhilin Mehta, Seema Kar, Sohail Khan
Music Director : Himesh Reshammiya
Genre : Comedy

Allari Pidugu (2005)

Cast: Balakrishna (dual role), Katraina Kaif, Charmi, Puneet Issar, Mukesh Rishi, Rahul Dev, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Duvvasi, Parachoori Venkateshwara Rao, Tanikella Bharani, Totapalli Madhu, Subbaraju, Raghu Babu, Sumitra, Kavita, Chalapathi Rao and others
Director : Jayant C. Paranji
Story, Screenplay & Dialogues: Paruchuri Brothers
Produced By: MRV Prasad (P.B Arts)

Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye

Director - Raj Kanwar
Co star - Akshay Kumar
Genre - Social / Romance

Hello

Cast - Salman Khan , Sohail Khan, Sharman Joshi, Isha Koppikar, Gul Panag, Amrita Arora, Dilip Tahil, Suresh Menon, Sharat Saxena
Director - Atul Agnihotri
Co star - Salman Khan
Music Director: Salim Merchant, Sulaiman Merchant, Sajid, Wajid
Genre - Romance

Namastey London

Cast - Akshay Kumar , Upen Patel, Rishi Kapoor, Javed Sheikh,Ritesh Deshmukh, Tiffany Mulheron, Clive Standen, Shaana Diya, Liam Evans Ford, Richard Field,Paul Williamson, Vipul Shah
Director -Vipul Shah
Co star - Akshay Kumar
Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya
Genre - Romance

Apne

Co star - Dharmendra , Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Shilpa Shetty, Kirron Kher, Victor Banerjee, Javed Sheikh, Aryan Vaid
Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya
Director - Anil Gadar Sharma
Co star - Dharmendra
Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya
Genre - Romance

Partner

Cast - Govinda , Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta, Dilip Tahil, Amey Pandya
Producer: Sohail Khan
Director - David Dhawan
Music director: Himesh Reshammiya

Welcome

Producer: Firoz Nadiadwala
Director - Anees Bazmee
Co star - Feroz Khan , Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Mallika Sherawat
Music director: Himesh Reshammiya, Anand Raj Anand

Nanhe Jaisalmer

Director:Samir Karnik
Producer: K. Sera Sera
Co-star:Bobby Deol, Vatsal Sheth, Dwij Yadav, Prerna Virender, Prateeksha Lonkar, Beena Kak, Sharat Saxena
Music Director:Himesh Reshammiya

Race

Producer: Kumar S. Taurani, Ramesh S. Taurani
Director - Abbas-Mastan
Co star - Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor, Sameera Reddy
Music director: Pritam

[+/-]

KAMNA JETHMALANI

[+/-]

SALURI RAJESWARA RAO

Saluri Rajeswara Rao (b. 1922 - d. 25 October 2000) is famous Music composer for South Indian Films. He was born in Sivaramapuram village near Salur in Vizianagaram district (erstwhile Srikakulam district), Andhra Pradesh, India. His father, Sanyasi Raju, was a famous mridangam player for the concerts of Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu and was also a lyricist.

Early career

His tryst with cinema came unexpectedly in the form of a talent-scouting Huchins Recording Company to his native place Vizianagaram in 1934. A child prodigy, he could identify the ragas at the tender age of four and by the time he was seven, he started giving stage performances. Huchins spotted "master" Rajeshwara Rao and took him to Bangalore along with his father. They recorded "Bhagawat Gita" in Rajeawara Rao's voice. P.V.Das and Gudavalli Ramabramham, Film Producers, visited Bangalore, and impressed by his singing ability, brought him to Madras. They cast him as Lord Krishna in their "Sri Krishna Leelalu" in 1934. The film was released the next year (1935) and Rajeshwara Rao became a household name all over Andhra Pradesh. Later he played the role of "Abhimanyu" in "Maya Bazar"(1936).

He went to Calcutta (now Kolkata) to act in "Keechaka Vadha". He met such stalwarts as Kundan Lal Saigal and Pankaj Mullick. He became a disciple of Saigal and learned Hindustani music for a year. He also learnt to play the sitar and the surbahar. He had already mastered playing the tabla, dholak, and miridangam, later the piano, harmonium, mandolin and the electric guitar too. By this time he had acquired the knowledge of orchestration, of how to mix the sounds of different instruments.

Music Director
He returned to Madras in 1938 and formed his own music troupe. He worked as assistant to Jayaramayyar for a Tamil film "Vishnuleela" in which he also played the role of 'Balarama' and sang his own songs. He became a full-fledged music director with "Jayaprada". He continued with his acting in "Balanagamma" and "Illalu" in which he acted opposite his famous singing partner, Rao Balasaraswati Devi.

When He entered the industry there was no playback system. The Actors used to sing and act at the same time with the orchestra in the background unseen by the camera. While he was doing "Illalu" the playback system had come into vogue.

Rajeshwara Rao showed thru his private records how light music should be set in Telugu films. "Thummeda Oka saari", "Kopamela Radha", "Podarintilona", "Rave Rave Koyila", "Challa Gaalilo" "Paata Paduma Krishna" all of which his father has written. Rajeshwara Rao, through these songs, set a new trend in light music in Telugu.

Rajeshwara Rao's most rewarding assignments came from Gemini, which he joined in 1940 and lasted for a decade. After leaving Gemini, he got an offer to provide music for B.N.Reddy's "Malleswari" (1950). It was a sensational music hit. Then came "Vipranarayana", "Missamma" and a host of other musical hits, more than a hundred of them in Tamil and Telugu and a few in Kannada. When Vijaya's "Missamma" was made into "Miss Mary" in Hindi, Hemantha Kumar provided the music. He changed all the tunes, but retained one - "Brindavanamum Nandakumaranum" which Hemantha liked so much that he took permission to retain it in the Hindi version - an instance of one master's tribute to another.

Among the classical ragas, Rajeswara Rao likes Bhimplas, Sindhu Bairavi, Kafi, Kalyani, Pahad, and Malkauns, which he has used most in his songs.

His two assistants for over four decades Rajagopal and Krishnan, both well versed in classical music, have proved an asset to him. s-rao-p

Family Members

Music flows in Rajeshawara Rao's family. His elder brother S. Hanumantha Rao was a music director in the Kannada and Telugu. His eldest son, Ramalingeswara Rao is well known piano and electric organ player in the South. His second son, Poornachandra Rao, is a popular guitarist. His third and fourth sons, Vasu Rao and Koteswara Rao are well-known music directors. Koteswara Rao (Koti) has formed a team with Somaraju (son of veteran music director T.V.Raju) as Raj-Koti and the duo was the most popular team in Telugu film music for quite some time before they split up and started composing independently. Today, Koti is a well known music director in Telugu film industry.

Awards

Rajeshwara Rao was awarded the honorary doctorate "Kalaprapoorna" in 1979 by the Andhra University. He was appointed "Asthana Vidwan" by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, during which period he composed music for Annamacharya Keerthanas sung by Ghantasala. He was "Kalaimaamani" award winner by Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram. He was awarded the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema in 1992.

Movies Acted and/or Composed Music
He acted in few films like Sri Krishna Leelalu (1935), Maya Bazaar (1936), Jayaprada (1939) and Illalu (1940)

He composed music to some popular and very successful and memorable Telugu movies like:

* Jayaprada (1939),
* Chandralekha
* Illalu (1940),
* Apavadu (1941),
* Bala Nagamma (1942),
* Chenchu Lakshmi (1943),
* Bhishma (1944),
* Paaduka Pattabhishekam (1945),
* Ratna Mala (1947),
* Vindya Rani (1948),
* Aahuti (1950),
* Apurva Sahodarulu (1950),
* Mangala (1951),
* Malleswari (1951),
* Navvite Navaratnalu (1951),
* Priyuralu (1952),
* Pempudu Koduku (1953),
* Raju Peda (1954),
* Vipra Narayana (1954),
* Missamma (1955),
* Bhale Ramudu (1956),
* Charana Dasi (1956),
* Maya Bazaar (1957),
* Chenchu Lakshmi (1958),
* Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu (1959),
* Bhakta Jayadeva (1961),
* Iddaru Mitrulu (1961),
* Bharya Bhartalu (1961),
* Bhishma (1962),
* Aaradhana (1962),
* Chaduvukunna Ammayilu (1963),
* Puja Phalam (1964)
* Bobbili Yuddham (1964),
* Manchi Manishi (1964),
* Amara Shilpi Jakkana (1964),
* Mairavana (1964),
* Doctor Chakravarti (1964),
* Desa Drohulu (1964),
* Dorikite Dongalu (1965),
* Palnati Yuddham (1966),
* Sangita Lakshmi (1966),
* Aatma Gauravam (1966),
* Pula Rangadu (1967),
* Bhakta Prahlada (1967),
* Vasanta Sena (1967),
* Bangaru Panjaram (1968),
* Aatmiyulu (1969),
* Aadarsa Kutumbam (1969),
* Chitti Chellelu (1970),
* Pavitra Bandham (1971),
* Amayakuralu (1971),
* Bala Bhararam (1972),
* Chakradhari (1976),
* Kurukshetram (1977),
* Radhakrishna (1978)
* Tandrapaparayudu (1986)

Visits Abroad

He visited United States of America and Performed in Telugu Association of North America meeting and Telugu Literary and Cultural Association (TLCA) in 1981.

[+/-]

RAMANA GOGULA

[+/-]

MANI SHARMA

Mani Sharma Yanamandra born July 11,Kumbakonam,Tamil Nadu is a music director known for his works in Tollywood. Before becomng a music director in Tollywood, Sharma used to work with M. M. Keeravani. He has composed music for over 100 films.

Awards and nominations

* 1998: Winner, Telugu Filmfare Best Music Director Award for Choodalani Vundi
* 1998: Winner, Nandi Award for Best Music Director for Choodalani Vundi
* 2000: Winner, Nandi Award for Best Music Director for Chirunavvutho
* 2003: Winner, Nandi Award for Best Music Director for Okkadu
* 2003: Winner, Telugu Filmfare Best Music Director Award for Okkadu
* 2005: Nomination, Telugu Filmfare Best Music Director Award for Athadu

Tollywood Filmography as music composer

* Chiruta (2007) (filming)
* Athidhi (2007) (filming)
* Okka Magadu (2007) (filming)
* Lakshyam(2007)
* Lakshmi Kalyanam (2007) (background music)
* Madhumasam (2007)
* Raraju (2006)
* Stalin (2006)
* Ashok (2006)
* Pokiri (2006)
* Veerabhadra (2006)
* Style (2006)
* Ranam (2006)
* Lakshmi (2006) (background music)
* Jai Chiranjeeva (2005)
* Allari Pidugu (2005)
* Athadu (2005)
* Narasimhudu (2005)
* Athanokkade (2005)
* Subhash Chandra Bose (2005)
* Radha Gopalam (2005)
* Balu ABCDEFG (2005)
* Gudumba Shankar (2004)
* Arjun (2004)
* Yagnam (2004)
* Samba (2004)
* Adavi Ramudu (2004)
* Sri Anjaneyam (2004)
* Anji (2004)
* Lakshmi Narasimha (2004)
* Tagore (2003)
* Palanati Brahmanaidu (2003)
* Raghavendra (2003)
* Okkadu (2003)
* Pellam Vurelithe (2002)
* Bobby (2002)
* Indra (2002)
* Aadi (2002)
* Takkari Donga (2002)
* Murari (2002)
* Yuvaratna (2002)
* Subbu (2001)
* Narasimha Naidu (2001)
* Prematho Raa (2001)
* Bhalevadevi Basoo (2001)
* Mrigaraju (2001)
* Kushi (2001)
* Devi Putrudu (2001)
* Vamsi (2000)
* Manoharam (2000)
* Chiru Navutho (2000)
* Azad (2000)
* Annayya (2000)
* Yuvakudu (2000)
* Rajakumarudu (2000)
* Iddaru Mitrulu (1999)
* Ganesh (1999)
* Seenu (1999)
* Choodalani Vundi (1998)
* Bavagaru Bagunnara (1998)
* Super Heroes (1998)

Kollyood Filmography as music composer

* Aarya (2007)
* Pokkiri (2007)
* Anjaneya (2004)
* Sabari (2007)
* Pokkiri (2007)
* Narasimmha (2001)
* Youth (2003)
* Shajahaan (2002)

[+/-]

HARRIS JAYARAJ

Harris Jayaraj (born January 8, 1975) is a music composer from Tamil cinema. He has written scores and soundtracks and played music for many Tamil films, as well as Telugu and Hindi films. He lives in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Over a period of six years, Jayaraj has established himself as one of the leading composers in South India.

Early life

Harris Jayaraj was born into a pious Christian Nadar family in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He studied at the Krishnasamy Matric School, Chennai and later obtained a music degree in London, England. His father, S.M. Jayakumar, is a film guitarist who later became a noted Indian musician and composer.

Career

Harris Jayaraj entered the world of film music as a musician, playing the Tabla and other percussions for many films under the famous music director of south india A.R Rahman. He started his career by composing beats for TV advertisements. His first music score for a commercial movie was for the Tamil film Minnale (2001). The music was well received, especially the song, "Vaseegara", made the film becoming a big box office hit, running the charts for weeks. After Minnale, Harris composed music for the Tamil movies 12B and Kovil which were once again a huge musical super hit. His first music score in Bollywood was for Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein, a remake of Minnale', which was again, a Hit.

In 2005, he composed for the movies like Anniyan and Ghajini. The song "Suttum Vizhi sudarae" from the film Ghajini, was well received.

Harris has always been the favourite composer of movie director Gautham Menon as both of them are very successful in Tamil film industry, however they have worked "together" in a series of hit movies like Minnale ,Kaaka Kaaka (2003), Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006), Pachaikili Muthucharam (2007) and Varanam Aayiram, that is currently under production.

Trivia

* Jayaraj has said that his favorite musicians are Aruljothi balagopal (who played the tabla for Neem Musicals ) and M.S.Viswanathan.
* Harris Jayaraj has been a keyboardist and percussionist for various music directors based in South India. He has predominantly worked with A R Rahman, Karthik Raja, Vidhyasagar. He has assisted Adithyan in various projects like Seevalaperi Pandi, Asuran etc.,
* Harris Jayaraj is also the favourite composer of Vishal. Vishal in an interview said Harris Jayaraj is one of the important person in his life because of the musical hitof the first movie of Vishal, "chellamae".
* Music Director Dharan who had worked for movies like Parijatham, Sivi etc., has been working under Harris Jayaraj.
* Some of the singers introduced by Harris Jayaraj include Nakul, Saindhavi, Srilekha Parthasarathy, Madhumitha, Nikhil Matthew, Mahathi and Suchithra Ramanathan.
* Harris Jayaraj has recently revealed that his choice for singing 'Ragasiya Kanavugal' in Bheema was P.Susheela. However, due to later not in active singing career, he had to opt for Madhushree.

Filmography

Composer:

1. Vaaranam Aayiram (2008) (filming)
2. Munna (2007)
3. Pachaikili Muthucharam (2007)
4. Unnale Unnale (2007)
5. Sainikudu (2006)
6. Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikaalam (2006)
7. Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu (2006)
8. Ghajini (2005)
9. Anniyan (2005)
10. Ullam Ketkumae (2005)
11. Thotti Jaya (2005) (as Harrish Jeyaraj)
12. Arul (2004)
13. Chellame (2004) (as Harrish Jeyaraj)
14. Gharshana (2004) (as Harrish Jeyaraj)
15. Kaaka Kaaka (2003)
16. Saamy (2003)
17. Samurai (2002/I)
18. Laysa Laysa (2002)
19. Majunu (2001)
20. Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001)
21. Minnale (2001)
22. 12 B (2001)
23. Real Story (2000)

Soundtrack:
1. Munna (2007) ("Baga Baga", "Chammakkuro", "Kadhulu Kadhulu", "Koncham Koncham", "Manasa", "Vastaava Vastaava")
2. Sainikudu (2006) ("Byla Bylamo", "Mayeraa", "Aadapilla Aggipulla", "Sogasu Choodu", "Orugalluke Pilla", "Go Go Adhigo")

Music Department:

1. Thotti Jaya (2005) (music programmer: theme music)

[+/-]

DEVI SRI PRASAD

[+/-]

SNEHA ULLAL PHTO GALLERY-2

[+/-]

A R RAHMAN

Allah Rakha Rahman (born on January 6, 1966 as A. S. Dileep Kumar in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) is an award-winning composer, record producer and musician. In a career spanning over a decade, Rahman has sold more than three hundred million records of his film scores and soundtracks world-wide, and sold over two hundred million cassettes making him one of the world's top 25 all-time top selling recording artists.

His acclaimed music compositions have led some to declare him the Mozart of Madras and Isai Puyal .

Biography

Early life and influences

A. R. Rahman was born to R. K. Shekhar, a composer, arranger and conductor for Malayalam-language films. His father died when Rahman was nine years old, and his family rented out musical equipment as a source of income. Rahman converted to Islam after a personal family incident and was a student at PSBB for a short while before changing schools.

During these early years, Rahman served as a keyboardist and an arranger in bands such as "Roots" with friends, embracing numerous music genres. He played the keyboard and piano, in addition to, among others, the synthesizer, the harmonium and the guitar. His curiosity in the synthesizer in particular increased because, he says, it was the “ideal combination of music and technology.” He began training in Carnatic music. At the age of 11, he joined, as a keyboardist, the troupe of Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja, one of many composers to whom musical instruments belonging to Rahman's father were rented to. Rahman later played in the orchestra of M. S. Viswanathan and Ramesh Naidu, accompanied Zakir Hussain and Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan on world tours and obtained scholarship to Trinity College at Oxford University, where he graduated with a degree in Western classical music.

Career

Film scoring and soundtracks
In 1991, Rahman began his own studio, attached to his house, called the Panchathan Record Inn. He initially composed music for advertisements, the title music of Indian Television channels and music in documentaries, among other projects. In 1992, he was approached by film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score and soundtrack for Ratnam's Tamil language film Roja. The debut led Rahman to receive the Rajat Kamal award for Best Music Director at the National Film Awards, the first time ever by a first-time film composer. Rahman has since then gone on to win the award three more times (for his scores for Minsaara Kanavu (Electric Dreams, Tamil) in 1997, Lagaan (Tax, Hindi) in 2002 and Kannathil Muthamittal (A Kiss on the Cheek, Tamil) in 2003), the most ever by any composer.

Roja's score met with high sales and acclaim, in its original and dubbed versions, bringing about an effective transformation in film music at the time, and Rahman followed this with scores for films including, among others, Bombay, Kadhalan, Indira, Minsaara Kanavu, Muthu and Love Birds, which gained him notice. His soundtracks gained him recognition in the Tamil film industry and across the country for his versatality in classical, folk, jazz, reggae, soft rock and other styles in his pieces. Rangeela, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, marked Rahman's debut in Hindi films. Many popular scores for films including Dil Se and Taal followed. The sales of these albums prompted several film producers to take film music more seriously.

Rahman's work is also unique in the fact that his collaborations with some film directors have always resulted in successful soundtracks. In particular, he has worked with Mani Ratnam on ten films until 2006, all of which have been musical hits. Also notable is his collaboration with the director S. Shankar in the films Gentleman, Kadhalan, Indian, Jeans, Mudhalvan, Nayak, Boys and Sivaji.

His first movie album Roja in Tamil was listed in TIME's "Top 10 Movie Soundtracks of All Time". Rahman also composed the score for the Chinese film Warriors of Heaven and Earth in 2003.

Rahman continues to record frequently in his studio, the Panchathan Record Inn. His latest work includes Water, Rang De Basanti, Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, Guru , Varalaru - The History of the Godfather and Sivaji: The Boss. Rahman has scored the movie Provoked and is also working on Shyam Benegal's next venture, Chamki Chameli, which is set for release in late 2007 as well as Jodhaa Akbar. He has also composed the score for Shekhar Kapur's upcoming film Elizabeth: The Golden Age with the composer Craig Armstrong. He is a recipient of the Padma Shri.

Other works
Rahman has been involved in several projects aside from film. He made an album Vande Mataram (1996) on India's national song, singing the title song on the album. He followed it up with an album called Jana gana mana, a conglomeration of performances by many leading exponents/artists of Indian classical music. In addition to writing jingles for ads, he has composed several orchestrations for athletic events and T.V. and internet media publications, documentaries and short films.

In 2002, he composed his maiden stage production Bombay Dreams (2002) following a commission from musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Furthermore, Rahman, along with the Finnish folk music band Värttinä, composed the music for The Lord of the Rings theatre production. He composed the piece "Raga's Dance" for Vanessa Mae's album Choreography (2004).

In the last six years, he has performed in three world tours of his concerts to audiences in Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, UK, Canada, and the US (Hollywood Bowl). A two-disc soundtrack, Introducing A. R. Rahman, (2006) featuring 25 pieces he composed from his Tamil film scores was released in May 2006.
Music style

Rahman's interest in the works of Classical and Romantic period composers, Carnatic composers, early film composers and predecessors K. V. Mahadevan and Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy of the Tamil film industry and others continued through his late teens. He further explored and trained in Carnatic music, Western classical, Hindustani music and the Qawalli style of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, in addition to numerous other styles. His interest and outlook in music is said to stem from his love of experimentation. As a result, his scores have alternated from songs and themes composed covering a variety of genres, with unconventionally-grouped instruments, and different vocal styles being used and combined together in some of his film soundtracks, to more traditional orchestral themes with leitmotif techniques composed in others. Rahman's works often feature a mix of minimalist songs and evocative, thematic pieces, building on his differing chord progressions and rhythms. He has written scores and songs with new and varied melodic and percussive sounds from instruments of different music systems. This unique blend he pioneered would come to be known as his avant-garde sound.

Philanthropy

In addition to composing themes for charity media features and events, Rahman has set up the "A. R. Rahman Foundation" with a goal to eradicate poverty globally. This includes setting up and partnering with educational institutions across India to provide education to children who do not have easy access to schools or funds. In 2004, he was appointed as the Global Ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a project by WHO. He has shown support to charities including Save the Children, India, and worked with Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam for his song "Indian Ocean" . The song featured a-ha keyboard player Magne Furuholmen and Travis drummer, Neil Primrose. The proceeds of the song went towards helping orphans in Banda Aceh, one of the areas worst affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Personal life

Rahman (born Dileep Kumar) is the second of four children born to R. K. Shekhar and Kareema Begum (Kasthuri). He has three sisters, Rehana (Kanchana), Fatima Talat (Bala) and Israth. He is married to Saira and has three children - Khatija, Rahima and Amin. Rahman is an alumni of the PSBB Lake Area School, Nungambakkam, Chennai. His nephew G. V. Prakash Kumar is a composer in the Tamil film industry.Son of Rehana (Kanchana).

Filmography

Composer:

1. London Dreams (2009) (in production)
2. Satyagrahi (2008) (in production)
3. Lajjo (2008) (announced)
4. Rockstar (2009) (pre-production)
5. Dilli 6 (2008) (filming)
6. Ghajini (2008) (filming)
7. Yuvraaj (2008) (filming)
8. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
9. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)
10. Azhagiya Tamizh Magan (2007)
11. Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) (as AR Rahman)
12. Sivaji (2007)
13. Bombil and Beatrice (2007)
14. Guru (2007)
15. Sajni (2007)
16. Sakkarakatti (2007)
17. Yahan Ke Hum Sikander (2007)
18. Provoked: A True Story (2006)
19. Parashuram: One Man Army (2006)
20. Godfather (2006)
21. Rang De Basanti (2006)
22. Jillunu Oru Kaadhal (2006)
23. Water (2005)
24. Ah Aah: Anbe Aaruyire (2005)
25. The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005)
26. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005)
27. Kisna: The Warrior Poet (2005)
28. Swades: We, the People (2004) (as A.R. Rehman)
29. Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha (2004)
30. Ayitha Ezhuthu (2004)
31. Yuva (2004)
32. Naani (2004)
33. Meenaxi: Tale of 3 Cities (2004)
34. Ennaku 20 Unakku 18 (2004)
35. Kangalal Kaidhu Sei (2004)
36. Lakeer - Forbidden Lines (2004)
37. New (2004)
38. Tehzeeb (2003)
39. Tian di ying xiong (2003)
40. Boys (2003)
41. Nee Manasu Naaku Telusu (2003)
42. Parasuram (2003)
43. Udhaya (2003)
44. Saathiya (2002)
45. Baba (2002)
46. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)
47. Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)
48. Kadhal Virus (2002)
49. Nayak: The Real Hero (2001)
50. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
51. One 2 Ka 4 (2001)
52. Zubeidaa (2001)
53. Alli Arjuna (2001)
54. Paarthale Paravasam (2001)
55. Star (2001/II)
56. Thenali (2000)
57. Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000)
58. Dil Hi Dil Mein (2000)
59. Pukar (2000)
60. Alai Payuthey (2000)
61. Rhythm (2000)
62. Thakshak (1999)
63. Taal (1999)
64. En Swasa Katre (1999)
65. Jodi (1999)
66. Kadhalar Dinam (1999)
67. Love You Hamesha (1999)
68. Mudhalvan (1999)
69. Padaiyappa (1999)
70. Sangamam (1999)
71. Taj Mahal (1999)
72. Earth (1998)
73. Dil Se.. (1998)
74. Jeans (1998)
75. Kabhi Na Kabhi (1998)
76. Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998)
77. Daud: Fun on the Run (1997)
78. Iruvar (1997)
79. Minsaara Kanavu (1997)
80. Love Birds (1997)
81. Ratchakan (1997)
82. Sapnay (1997)
83. Vishwavidhaata (1997)
84. Mr. Romeo (1996)
85. Indian (1996)
86. Anthimanthaarai (1996)
87. Indira (Priyanka) (1996)
88. Kadhal Desam (1996)
89. Bumbai (1995)
90. Rangeela (1995)
91. Karuththamma (1995)
92. Muthu (1995)
93. Duet (1994)
94. Gangmaster (1994)
95. Kadhalan (1994)
96. May Madham (1994)
97. Palnati Pourusham (1994)
98. Pavithra (1994)
99. Super Police (1994)
100. Gentleman (1993)
101. Kizhaaku Seemayile (1993)
102. Pudhiya Mannargal (1993)
103. Pudhiya Mugam (1993)
104. Thiruda Thiruda (1993)
105. Uzhavan (1993)
106. Vandicholai Chinnarasu (1993)
107. Roja (1992)
108. Yodha (1992)

Soundtrack:

1. Jodhaa Akbar (2008) (performer: "Khwaja Mere Khwaja")
2. Sivaji (2007) (performer: "Athiradee") ("Sivaji", "Balleilakka", "Style", "Athiradee", "The Boss", "Sahana", "Sahara")
3. Guru (2007) (performer: "Ay Hairathe", "Jaage Rahe", "Tere Bin") ("Barso Re", "Ay Hairathe", "Jaage Rahe", "Ek Lo Ek Muft", "Maiyya Maiyya", "Tere Bin", "Baazi Laga", "Shauk Hai", "Dhoom Dhamaka")
4. Inside Man (2006) (writer: "Chaiyya Chaiyya - Bollywood Joint", "Chaiyya Chaiyya")
5. Rang De Basanti (2006) (performer: "Khalbali", "Luka Chuppi", "Rubaroo") ("Rang De Basanti", "Khalbali", "Khoon Chala", "Luka Chuppi", "Pathshaala" (Part 1), "Pathshaala" (Part 2 - "Be a Rebel"), "Rubaroo", "Tu Bin Bataye")
6. Lord of War (2005) (writer: "Bombay Theme Tune") (performer: "Bombay Theme Tune")
7. The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005) (performer: "Al Maddath Maula") ("Mangal Mangal", "Mangal Mangal" (Agni Version), "Mangal Mangal" (Aatma Version), "Main Vari Vari", "Holi Re", "Rasiya", "Takey Takey", "Al Maddath Maula")
8. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005) (writer: "Azadi") (performer: "Azadi") ("Desh Ki Mitti")
9. Swades: We, the People (2004) (performer: "Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera") ("Yeh Tara Woh Tara", "Saanwariya Saanwariya", "Yun Hi Chala Chal", "Aahista Aahista", "Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera", "Pal Pal Hai Bhaari", "Dekho Na")
10. Yuva (2004) (performer: "Dhakka Laga Bukka", "Kabhi Neem Neem", "Fanaa")
11. Meenaxi: Tale of 3 Cities (2004) ("Yeh Rishta", "Chinnamma Chilakkamma", "Do Kadam Aur Sahi", "Dhuan Dhuan", "Rang Hai", "Noor-un-ala-Noor", "Cyclist's Rhythm", "Potter's Village")
12. Tehzeeb (2003) ("Khoye Khoye Aankhen", "Meherbaan", "Aapko Mujhse Gila Hota Na Shikwa", "Sabaq Aisa", "Mujhpe Toofan Uthaye", "I Wanna Be Free")
13. Saathiya (2002) ("Saathiya", "Aye Udi Udi", "Chhalka Chhalka Re", "Chupke Se", "Mera Yaar Mila De", "O Humdum Soniyo Re", "Naina Milaike", "Mangalyam", "Chori Pe Chori")
14. Bollywood/Hollywood (2002) ("Extract")
15. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) (performer: "Desh MEre Desh")
16. Yadon ilaheyya (2002) (writer: "Mumbai Theme Tune") (performer: "Mumbai Theme Tune")
17. Nayak: The Real Hero (2001) ("Chalo Chale Mitwa", "Shakalaka Baby", "Sooki Sooki Roti")
18. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) (music: "Ghanan Ghanan", "Mitwa", "Radha Kaise Na Jale", "O Rey Chhori", "Chale Chalo", "Waltz for a Romance", "O Palanhaare", "Lagaan - Once Upon a Time in India") (performer: "Chale Chalo")
19. Zubeidaa (2001) (music: "Dheeme Dheeme", "Main Albeli", "Mehndi Hai Rachnewaali", "So Gaye Hain - 1", "Hai Na", "Pyaara Sa Gaon", "So Gaye Hain - 2", "Chodo Mori Baiyaan")
20. Fiza (2000) (music: "Piya Haji Ali") (performer: "Piya Haji Ali")
21. Pukar (2000) (music: "Kay Sera... Sera", "Sunta Hai Mera Khuda", "Humrahi Jab Ho Mastana", "Hai Jaana... Hai Jaana", "Kismat Se Tum Hum Ko Mile", "Ek Tu Hi Bharosa")

22. Taal (1999) (performer: "Ishq Bina") ("Taal Se Taal Mila", "Taal Se Taal Mila" (Modern Remix), "Kahin Aag Lage", "Ramta Jogi", "Ni Main Samajh Gayee", "Nahin Saamne Tu", "Ishq Bina", "Kya Dekh Rahe Ho Tum")
23. Mudhalvan (1999) ("Azhagana Ratchashiyae", "Kurukku Chiruthvale", "Mudhalvanae", "Shakalaka Baby", "Ulundhu Vithakkaiyilae", "Uppu Karuvadu")
24. Dil Se.. (1998) (performer: "Dil Se Re") ("Chal Chaiyya Chaiyya", "Thaiyya Thaiyya", "Jiya Jale, Jaan Chale", "Dil Se Re", "E Ajnabi", "Satrangi Re")
25. Daud: Fun on the Run (1997) ("O Bhavre", "Zahreela Pyar")
26. Sapnay (1997) ("Awara Bhavre")
27. Fire (1996) ("Bombay Theme" (1995), "Ek Ho Gaye Hum Aur Tum" (1995))
28. Bumbai (1995) ("Bombay Theme", "Antha Arabi" (Hindi: "Ek Ho Gaye Hum Aur Tum"), "Kannalanae" (Hindi: "Kehna Hi Kya"), "Kuchi Kuchi", "Uyire" (Hindi: "Tu Hi Re"), "Poovukku Enna" (Hindi: "Kuch Bhi Na Socho"))
29. Rangeela (1995) (performer: "Mangta Hai Kya") ("Tanha Tanha", "Hai Rama", "Mangta Hai Kya")
30. Roja (1992) ("Roja")

Music Department:

1. Godfather (2006) (playback singer)
2. Rang De Basanti (2006) (playback singer)
3. Jillunu Oru Kaadhal (2006) (playback singer)
4. Lord of War (2005) (composer: song "Bombay Theme")
5. Ah Aah: Anbe Aaruyire (2005) (playback singer)
6. The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005) (playback singer)
7. Swades: We, the People (2004) (playback singer) (as A.R. Rehman)
8. Ayitha Ezhuthu (2004) (playback singer)
9. Yuva (2004) (playback singer)
10. Saathiya (2002) (playback singer)
11. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) (playback singer)
12. Kannathil Muthamittal (2002) (playback singer)
13. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) (playback singer)
14. Fiza (2000) (playback singer)
15. Taal (1999) (playback singer)
16. Dil Se.. (1998) (playback singer)
17. Jeans (1998) (playback singer)
18. Daud: Fun on the Run (1997) (playback singer)
19. Iruvar (1997) (playback singer)
20. Fire (1996) (composer: songs "Bombay Theme" and "Ek Ho Gaye Hum Aur Tum")
21. Kadhal Desam (1996) (playback singer)
22. Bumbai (1995) (playback singer)
23. Rangeela (1995) (playback singer: "Mangta Hai Kya")
24. Kadhalan (1994) (playback singer)

Thanks:

1. Water (2005) (musical thanks)

Self:

1. Guru World Premiere in Toronto (2007) (TV) .... Himself
2. Bollywood - Indiens klingendes Kino (2005) (TV) .... Himself
3. The 100 Greatest Musicals (2003) (TV) .... Himself
4. "Omnibus" .... Himself (composer) (1 episode, 2002)
- Spotlights & Saris: Making Bombay Dreams (2002) TV episode .... Himself (composer)
5. Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000) (uncredited) .... Himself

Awards for A.R. Rahman

Awards of the International Indian Film Academy
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
2003 Won Award for Technical Excellence Best Background Score
for: Saathiya (2002)

2002 Won Popular Award Music Direction
for: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Nominated Popular Award Music Direction
for: Zubeidaa (2001)

2001 Nominated Popular Award Music Direction
for: Fiza (2000)
Shared with:
Anu Malik
Ranjit Barot

2000 Won Award for Artistic Excellence Music Direction
for: Taal (1999)

Filmfare Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
2007 Won Filmfare Award Best Music
for: Rang De Basanti (2006)

2005 Won Filmfare Award Best Background Score
for: Swades: We, the People (2004)

Nominated Filmfare Award Best Music Director
for: Swades: We, the People (2004)

2003 Won Filmfare Award Best Background Score
for: The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)

Best Music Director
for: Saathiya (2002)

2002 Won Filmfare Award Best Music Director
for: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

2000 Won Filmfare Award Best Music Director
for: Taal (1999)

1999 Won Filmfare Award Best Music Director
for: Dil Se.. (1998)

1996 Won Filmfare Award Best Music Director
for: Rangeela (1995)

1995 Won R.D. Burman Award

National Film Awards, India
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
2003 Won Silver Lotus Award Best Music Direction
for: Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)

2002 Won Silver Lotus Award Best Music Director
for: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

1997 Won Silver Lotus Award Best Music Director
for: Minsaara Kanavu (1997)

1993 Won Silver Lotus Award Best Music Director
for: Roja (1992)

Screen Weekly Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
2002 Nominated Screen Best Background Score
for: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Best Music Director
for: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Zee Cine Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
2005 Nominated Popular Award Best Playback Singer (Male)
for: Swades: We, the People (2004)
For the song "Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera".
Technical Award Best Background Score
for: Meenaxi: Tale of 3 Cities (2004)

2003 Won Popular Award Best Music Director
for: Saathiya (2002)
Tied with Nadeem Saifi and Shravan Rathod for Raaz (2002).
Technical Award Best Background Score
for: The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)

2002 Won Popular Award Best Music Director
for: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

2000 Won Popular Award Best Music Director
for: Taal (1999)

[+/-]

SEKHAR KAMMULA

[+/-]

KRISHNA VAMSI

Krishna Vamsi is a film director from India who has directed many films in Telugu film industry(South Indian) and Bollywood.

He is known as one of the most creative directors in Tollywood. He assisted director Ram Gopal Varma. His first film, Gulabi fetched him a good name. His next film Ninne Pelladatha was produced by Akkineni Nagarjuna who identifies creative directors like Ram Gopal Varma and Y V S Chowdary. It went on to become a massive hit, with a typical Hum Apke Hain Kaun story-line. His third film, Sindhooram was about extremism in Andhra Pradesh. It got good reviews. It fetched him a national award for best regional film. He continued to give good hits like Antahpuram and Murari. Antahpuram won 8 Nandi awards including the best heroine award for Soundarya. Khadgam stands as the best film in his career till date. Prakash Raj, Sreekanth and Ravi Teja were at their best in the film.

Krishnavamsi was born on 28th July 1962. He did his BSc. in Tadepalligudem followed by M.A. in Agricultural Economics from Agra University. Then he joined the film industry. He started as a light boy then became camera assistant, assistant to the editor and assistant director.

Before joining Ramgopal Varma as an assistant director, Krishnavamsi worked with Crossbelt Mani, Tripuraneni Varaprasad (for Brahma Nee rata tarumaru, naa perey durga, veera viharam etc). Krishnavamsi worked with Ramgopal Varma for films like Shiva, Kshanakshanam, Raatri, Antham, Gayam, Money, Money Money. He gave disastrous movies too. Samudram was his first flop. His movie Chandralekha (a remake of the super hit Malayalam movie of Mohanlal) in which Akkineni Nagarjuna played the lead role, was a flop too. This movie is remade into Hindi as Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, and it was received well. Currently he is in a bad patch of his career with, two consecutive flops: Sri Anjaneyam, Chakram. His latest movie, Rakhi, too was a flop film.

Career

* Krishna Vamsi established his own production company Andhra Talkies in 2000. Here are some highlights of Krishna Vamsi's direction talents:
* Favourite movie according to Krishna Vamshi himself is the movie "Sindhooram". Title which can be symbolized as 'Blood' or 'life' or 'hope of life' or just a symbol of prosperity for any Indian Hindu wife. This movie highlights all aspects of Naxalism and it is beautifully portrayed throughout the movie. This movie gives you a understanding on how are young and old roped into the swell of Naxalism and the efforts by each and every member of Naxalism and of-course the end of their lifes.
* Sindhooram is by far the best epic movie of his generation, a story attempted by few before but never could portray in a way Vamsi could and definitely on par with his mentor Ram Gopal Varma (who is again specialized in making gangster and underworld movies). Krishna vamsi's this attempt has definitely raised many eyebrows and has given us many good talents like our very own Ravi Teja who made his debut with this film. Sanghavi has definitely played her part the best but on the glamour front, she was lagging behind. And Brahmaji (vamsi's muse) has taken this chance to be a perfect character artist cum Hero but should work on his vocal vibrations before attempting to be a complete Hero. All-in-all Hats-Off to Vamsi who has bought in the scope of learning with definite entertainment awaiting.
* He is well-known for bringing out new talents in artists. He made Jagapathi Babu, who is famous for playing typical family roles, play a tapori role in his award winning movie Antahpuram. However, his movie Samudram, in which Jagapathi Babu played the leading role, was a disaster.
* His music-sense is fantastic. All his movies have wonderful albums. All the albums are well-appreciated till date.
* He is a choreographer too. His songs have the typical Krishna Vamsi romantic touch. At least one song in each of his films has a melodious duet.(Except "RaKhi") Examples are: "kannullo nee rupame" from Ninne Pelladutha, "ii velalo niivu em cestu untavu" from Gulabi, "nuvvu nuvvu" from Khadgam, "oke oka maata" from Chakram
* His movies contain a good social message too. Chakram, Khadgam, Sindhuram are typical examples.
* He shares a very good relation with Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry, the hat-trick Nandi best lyricist award winner. He gets the best out of him whether it be teen songs like "class room lo tapassu cheyyuta", duets like "nuvvu nuvvu", message-oriented songs like "jagamanta kutumbam naadi" and "artha sathabdhapu agnyananne".
* His movie, Chakram was inspired by an old song written by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry "Jagamanta Kutumbam naadi".
* His latest movie is Rakhi with Jr NTR. It has a lot of expectations as both the director and hero haven't tasted good success in recent days. Both of them are hungry for success. His film Rakhee is a flop too.This movie is about the present position of ladies problems. He put out the most difficult tasks performed by N.T.R.
* He also choreographed two songs from the film Okkadunnadu on director Chandra Sekhar Yeleti's request.

Personal life
He is married to Ramya Krishnan, a South Indian actress.He has one son, Ritwik.

Filmography

1 1995 Gulabi
2 1996 Ninne Pelladatha
3 1997 Sinduram
4 1998 Chandraleka
5 1998 Anthapuram
6 2000 Samudram
7 2001 Murari
8 2002 Khadgam
9 2003 Shakti
10 2004 Sri Anjaneyam
11 2005 Chakram
12 2006 Danger
13 2006 Rakhee
14 2007 Chandamama

[+/-]

V V VINYAK

Veera Venkata Vinayak (born October 9) is a successful Telugu cinema director who has the potential to deal with stars such as Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Allu Arjun, Jr. NTR, Venkatesh, Nitin and Prabhas.

Career

Most of his movies have had big stars in the lead. He was well noticed with his first movie Aadi, a blockbuster. Watching his directorial capabilities, Balakrishna offered him Chennekeshava Reddy. Though it didn't succeed as expected, it didn't do much damage to Vinayak's career. He then made a youthful film called Dil that established Dil Raju, a highly successful producer today in the Telugu film industry.

It's a dream for any upcoming director to handle a Chiranjeevi movie. Vinayak is considered lucky to have directed Tagore for Chiranjeevi. This movie set records and won the hearts of millions.

Then, he did Samba with Jr. NTR, and Bunny with Allu Arjun, tasting success. His 2006 flick Lakshmi with Venkatesh restored the glory lost by Venkatesh as a mass hero. It initially started off as an average grosser, but went onto become one of the biggest hits in Venky's career. Vinayak's film with Prabhas, Yogi, released in January 2007,was a average hit film.He is a good director

An Interview With VV Vinayak

You are rated as one of the top directors in the Telugu industry. The name Vinayak is synonymous with hit films. What is your comment?
I am happy that I am rated as one of the top directors but at the same time I am a bit scared. I have directed only a few films. Most of them are hits. But as you know, the stature in the industry is based on success alone. I feel that there is a lot of room for improvement.

It is a general feeling that your films are high budget and that you spend more than what's required...
The budget of my films depends mainly on the script requirements and not on the spending power of the producer. The comments are raised from the fact that I have directed only big budget films so far.

Do you attribute the success of your films to your talent or big heroes?
Script is the life of any film. Narration is another. I would say that a film may not be successful just because a big hero acted in it or a big director worked for it. I had a bitter experience with Chenna Kesava Reddy, a big hero film and I tasted success with Aadi. As you know, NTR did not have a big hero image before Aadi. The success of Aadi gave both of us good recognition in the industry.

Why you are taking up only big budget films? Why not low budget films?
There is nothing like big or small. My task is to make the film commercially successful. I try to make the film a big hit irrespective of the hero. I won’t go in for experiments. I always try my best to keep up my recognition in the industry.

What inspired you to become a director?
Since my father is an exhibitor and distributor, we have close relations with the film industry. Since my childhood I had an inclination towards films. In other words, I was crazy about them. But I was not interested in joining the industry. My uncle’s hometown is Dommeru in West Godavari District. Director EVV also hails from the same place. After seeing the people of the village praising EVV, I felt like becoming a director. Due to financial problems, I had to stop my studies with intermediate. I reached Film Nagar of Hyderabad in 1993. I joined as an apprentice under EVV. That was when he was doing 'Abbayigaru'. From 'Amma Donga' I worked for Sagar in all his films. I have also worked for a few other directors. After nine years, I finally got a break with Aadi.

Could you recall any memorable incident in your life?
I still can't believe that I have become a director. Getting a call from Megastar Chiranjeevi and directing his film is another sweet and memorable incident in my life.

The young heroes in Tollywood feel that if they could act in any of your film they can become mass heroes. What do you say?
It is their affection. My films are script-based and not hero-oriented.

Since you are one of the top directors of Tollywood, how are you utilizing the offers coming your way?
My complete concentration is on the script. Next I think of the producer. I do it one after the other. I don't want to do anything in haste.

You faced some criticism after the release of Bunny that you are taking old stories and packaging them in a new way.
I am doing only commercial mass films. All my earlier movies are like that and hence such comments are natural.

Tell us about your future projects?

At present, I am doing a film with Venkatesh. I will tell you later about my other projects.

Filmography
* Krishna(2008)
* Yogi (2007)
* Lakshmi (2006)
* Bunny (2005)
* Samba (2004)
* Tagore (2003)
* Dil (2003)
* Chennekeshava Reddy (2002)
* Aadi (2002)

[+/-]

SNEHA ULLAL (ullasamga utsahamga) PHOTO GALLERY

[+/-]

MADHAVAN

R. Madhavan (born June 1, 1970 as Madhavan Ranganathan) is a Filmfare Award-winning Indian actor. Unlike other prominent actors in India, Madhavan began to act after marriage, at the age of twenty-nine, and his short career has seen performances in diverse roles. He has received several Filmfare Awards in various categories.

Madhavan's first major film appearance was in 2000's romantic film, Alaipayuthey, in which he played a husband going through the trauma of marriage. In the 2002 blockbuster Kannathil Muthamittal, he portrayed a father of an orphaned child alongside Simran. He then played the role of an action hero, for the first time in the successful project, Run (2003) and, the year after, won critical acclaim as a henchman in Mani Ratnam's film, Aayitha Ezhuthu, his role in which earning him a Indian National Film Award nomination. In 2007, Madhavan set up his own production company, Leukos Films, which will distribute several of his forthcoming films.

Madhavan, a Tamilian, has taken an activist role in supporting various political and social causes. He appeared in PETA advertising, campaigning against cruelty towards animals, and has promoted vegetarianism causes.

Early life and education

Madhavan was born in Jamshedpur, India, to a private-firm owner Ranganathan and bank worker Saroja. Devika Ranganathan, Madhavan's sister, is a software engineer settled in the U.S. In 1988, Madhavan was chosen to represent India as its cultural ambassador from his college to Canada after his graduation. At 22, he was awarded the Maharashtra Best Cadet, allowing him to make a trip with three others as NCC Cadets to England. Because of this honour, he received training with the Royal Army, the Navy and the Air Force, which he previously planned to join. However he was rejected from the opportunity, as he missed the age cut-off by six months. After he lost out on the place, he began taking courses in public speaking which eventually helped him venture into the film industry. He won the Indian Championship for Public Speaking and was subsequently selected to represent India at the Young Businessmen Conference in Tokyo, Japan in 1992.

Early career

In early 1997, Madhavan did a sandalwood talc advertisement for Santosh Sivan, who later recommended him to Mani Ratnam for a screen test for a role in Iruvar. Later in the same year, Mani Ratnam called Madhavan for the screen test, but left him out of the project citing that he thought his eyes looked too young for a senior role. As his film career failed to take off, Madhavan reverted to act in Hindi television serials. He appeared in minor roles in serials titled Saaya, Sea Hawks, Banegi Apni Baat, Tol Mol Ke Bol and Ghar Jamai.

In 1998, Madhavan appeared in his first film role as an Indian police officer in Fred Olen Ray's Inferno alongside Don Wilson. His first chance in Indian movies came in the form of Shanti Shanti Shanti, a Kannada film, in which he acted in the second lead role to Abbas, an established actor. However the film failed to make an impact, and went unnoticed.

Bollywood director, Vinod Pandey launched Madhavan as a Bollywood hero, with a project titled Lakheli, however the film was abandoned by the producers soon after production began and the film was cancelled.

Critical success

Alaipayuthey, Madhavan's second Indian film became a blockbuster upon release and earned positive reviews from critics. In Alaipayuthey, paired with Shalini Kumar, he portrayed to role of "Karthik", a husband experiencing difficulties with his marriage. Madhavan's performance was well-received by critics and the film became a cult hit, leaving way to several spoofs of his character. A critic, Balaji Balasubramaniam of BBreviews.com claimed that "Madhavan is promising in his debut feature and his character is designed to set hearts aflutter", praising Madhavan and his characterization.

After the success of his first Tamil film, the producers of his previous Kannada film, Shanti Shanti Shanti, dubbed the film into Tamil and released it as Relax, to capitulate on Madhavan's new found success.[8] Madhavan's second lead role was in Ennavale, a film ignored by critics and audience alike. Madhavan's choice to be a part of this film, was unappreciated and one critic claimed, "With Madhavan being hot property in Kodambakkam ever since Alaipayuthey, his second movie was highly anticipated. But unless he selects stories and scripts that are much better than Ennavale, his stay might be a short-lived one". Madhavan had more success starring opposite Reema Sen in Minnale, which was later remade into Hindi as Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein marking Madhavan's debut in Bollywood; he also played in Madras Talkies' Dumm Dumm Dumm with Jyothika Saravanan. Both films became successes and Madhavan became established as a bankable actor in South India.[13] Madhavan later starred in Parthale Paravasam, the hundredth venture of veteran director, K. Balachander. Madhavan, in the film, acted as a husband in troubling marriage, again, after Alaipayuthey. Despite being highly anticipated, the film flopped at the box-office, with critics labelling that Madhavan looked "rather bored" with the proceedings.

Following Parthale Paravasam, Madhavan starred opposite Simran Bagga in his third Mani Ratnam production, Kannathil Muthamittal. He portrayed the role of a father of an adopted child, who wishes to return to her native homeland amid a civil war. The film, became a trend-setting film in Tamil cinema and managed to six National Awards as well as over ten awards at various International Film Festivals around the world. Madhavan gained a particular praise for putting in a mature display. Madhavan's next large success came in Run, a film recognized for its screenplay, Madhavan appeared as an action hero for the maiden time in his career.

The success of Run, became Madhavan's final major hit for a while, several films of his were critically acclaimed but failed to perform commercially. Anbe Sivam, co-starring Kamal Haasan, was critically praised but failed to become a grosser. Several critics claimed that Madhavan's performance as a frustrated ad-maker, lived up to the title role of Kamal Haasan's. Kamal Haasan's home production, Nala Damayanthi and Vikraman's Priyamana Thozhi, failed to live up to their anticipated values but Madhavan's performance in the films were appreciated. A guest role followed in Lesa Lesa, and two more average films in Jay Jay and Aethiree followed. Madhavan's career as an actor, became even more distraught after his English film, Nothing But Life, also failed to become a grosser.

Aayitha Ezhuthu and the future

2004, despite starting poorly, was a very prolific year for Madhavan, who starred in the films Aethiree, Nothing But Life, and the critically acclaimed Aayitha Ezhuthu. After Aethiree failed, Madhavan banked upon Nothing But Life, an English film, to divert him back into a career of stardom. But it also failed, leaving Madhavan offerless. However, Mani Ratnam selected Madhavan to play a lead role in his forthcoming bilingual. The film was made as Aayitha Ezhuthu in Tamil and Yuva in Hindi, with only Esha Deol reprising her role in both versions. Apart from Deol, others in the multi-starrer were also actors who had been going through a rough patch. Surya Sivakumar, Siddharth Narayan, Meera Jasmine and Trisha Krishnan made up the rest of the cast. His character, Inba Sekhar, was a hitman living in the slums of Chennai, who eventually went on to help a politician gain power. However Inba Sekhar's wife, Sasi, desperately tried to claw him away from his profession only to be beaten, thrown out and then come back crawling again.

Madhavan has stated that the role he played, was the role he had experienced and enjoyed the most. He received praise from critics, claiming he outplayed Abhishek Bachchan's interpretation of the character in the other version, Yuva. Madhavan was short listed for the Indian National Film Award for the Best Supporting Actor and won the South Indian Filmfare Award for the Best Supporting Actor.
Priyasakhi followed in 2005, co-starring Sadha - with the pair playing an estranged husband and wife. The film received praise for the lead actors and became the first Tamil language to be dubbed into Zulu. Ramji Londonwaley, the remake of Nala Damayanthi was released in Bollywood and became an average grosser.

In 2006, Madhavan recorded three hits in Rang De Basanti, Thambi and Rendu. His appearance in vital cameo role, in Rang De Basanti, was appreciated by film critics, earning him his first major hit in Bollywood. Thambi, was shot for over a year and was badly delayed, however despite a poor opening, the film managed to make a remarkable comeback and prove to be a big hit in town and village centres. Madhavan's portrayal of the do-gooder, received mixed reviews from critics. In Rendu, Madhavan appeared in his first dual role in his career. The film became one of Madhavan's biggest successes.

Guru, Madhavan's fifth film under Mani Ratnam's production, portrayed him in the role of real life journalist, S. Gurumurthy. Guru, which was one of Bollywood's biggest hits of 2007, was a bio-pic of the life of business tycoon, Dhirubhai Ambani. After playing a guest role as himself in Delhi Heights, his first Tamil release of the year, Aarya received mixed reviews, however became a success at the box-office. Throughout the last quarter of 2007, Madhavan along with his co-stars of Evano Oruvan, toured the world promoting the film, which therefore became the first Tamil film to be screened abroad prior to release in India. Madhavan later bought the film, with his new production company, Leukos Films. Evano Oruvan released in December 2007 to raving reviews praising Madhavan's portrayal, but the film failed commercially.

Madhavan's first release of 2008, was in Seeman's Vaazhthukal with Bhavana, which opened averagely.

Madhavan has three films ready for release, with the earliest being, Leelai, also known as Adi Oka Idhi Le in its Telugu version, set for release in the first quarter of 2008, while his Hindi film, Mumbai Meri Jaan is also completed. The third film completed, is a Hindi-Bengali bilingual Sunglass, directed by Rituparno Ghosh. Madhavan has a film in the production stage, Endrendrum Punnagai alongside Shruti Haasan, directed by Nishikanth who had directed, Evano Oruvan. Several other films have been announced by Madhavan, including a bio-pic of painter, Raja Ravi Verma; a film on the 2006 Mumbai Bombings and an English film with Deepa Mehta as director.

Family

Ranganathan and Saroja, parents of Madhavan, disliked their son's foray into teledramas and adverts, however were forgiving after his selection in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey. Despite Madhavan's ambition of wanting to join the army, his parents insisted he went to management school and do a degree on electronics. After completing the degree, he went on to teach communication and public speaking at workshops around India. At the Maharashtra workshop, he encountered his wife, Sarita, whom he married in 1999.

Their first son, Vedant was born on August 21, 2006, which eventually lead to relocating towards to the boat-club area in Chennai from Kilpauk. Madhavan's parents continue to live with him as do his parents-in-law.

Relationships

Madhavan, despite coming into the film industry after marriage, has a huge following of female fans. However, he constantly confirms his love and passion for his wife, Sarita.

After having his first on-screen kiss in Guru with Vidya Balan, the pair have been romantically linked. Originally she was first picked for Madhavan's Run, only to be turned away for Meera Jasmine. After establishing herself as a leading actress, she starred opposite Madhavan in Guru. Other films such as Suryamukhi, Stella, Once More and Oru Naal Podhuma were announced with the pair of them in the lead roles only to cancelled or for either actor to be replaced. Neither have them have denied it, however Madhavan has claimed that the kiss will be his first and last on-screen.

Another actress, Bhavana Balachandran, is a self acclaimed fan of Madhavan's. Despite making a statement that she will refuse to act with the same actor twice to avoid romantic links, she has signed up two films with Madhavan. He is also known for his recommendations of other actresses to directors, referring Reema Sen and Sadha.

PETA and other interests

Madhavan, who is a vegetarian, endoreses for the brand, PETA. Since joining them after starring in his first film, he has appeared voluntarily in several advertisements and released an E-Card for the brand. In July 2006, Madhavan was voted the "cutest male vegetarian" by an online poll conducted by the NGO, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), while Kareena Kapoor won the female award respectively.

Despite winning the public-voted poll, Madhavan was then questioned at his home for keeping an African parrot as a pet. The pet was not confiscated, with Madhavan labelling as himself as an animal lover with two dogs and a parrot, which he claimed was like his "second son".

Mobile gaming

In July 2006, Paradox Studios Limited launched a new game compatible with mobile phones, with Madhavan as the lead character.

The company released two mobile game titles featuring Madhavan as their lead character. Madhavan attended

The first of the two games, Madhavan's MIG, featured the actor making a reprise of his Rang De Basanti pilot's role. In the other game titled Madhavan, the player had to help the actor get to the premiere of his latest movie evading the paparazzi.

Game show hosting

Madhavan was announced as the host of Sony Entertainment Television's Deal Ya No Deal, the Indian version of the American game show Deal Or No Deal, in October 2005.

However Madhavan quit as the lead anchor of the game show, Deal Ya No Deal in January 2006. Madhavan claimed he was "unhappy with the way the shoot schedules were handled by the production house". According to the actor, when he took on the show, he had "made it clear that he would continue with his South film assignments, and as the show was being filmed in Mumbai, he had found it hard to keep travelling throughout India from Chennai to film the ten days a month he had signed up for". The ever-changing look of the show meant Madhavan had to constantly rehearse. Madhavan also added that he was restricted by the producers to spend one day rehearsing technically, which left him with fatigue.

There were also some times, like when he shot for the show immediately after the funeral of his grandfather, when there was a celebrity special.[44] Mandira Bedi replaced Madhavan as the anchor in February for Series 2 of the game show. Since then she has also left the set-up for personal reasons. He has also been a guest judge, in the Indian television show, Fame Gurukul.

Filmography

1997 Inferno

1999 Shanti Shanti Shanti

2000 Alaipayuthey.....Dubbed into Telugu as Sakhi

2000 Ennavale Sneha.....Dubbed into Telugu as Ninnu Choosaka

2001 Minnale.....Dubbed into Telugu as Cheli

2001 Dumm Dumm Dumm.....Dubbed into Telugu as Dum Dum Dum

2001 Parthale Paravasam.....Dubbed into Telugu as Paravasam

2001 Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein

2002 Kannathil Muthamittal.....Dubbed into Telugu as Amrutha

2002 Run.....Dubbed into Telugu as Run

2002 Dil Vil Pyar Vyar

2003 Anbe Sivam.....Dubbed into Telugu as Satyame Sivam

2003 Nala Damayanthi

2003 Lesa Lesa

2003 Priyamana Thozhi

2003 Jay Jay

2004 Nothing But Life

2004 Aethiree.....Dubbed into Telugu as Bottle Mani

2004 Aayitha Ezhuthu.....Dubbed into Telugu as Yuva

2005 Priyasakhi.....Dubbed into Telugu as Priyasakhi

2005 Ramji Londonwaley

2006 Rang De Basanti

2006 Thambi

2006 Rendu.....Dubbed into Telugu as Rendu

2007 Guru.....Dubbed into Telugu as Gurukanth

2007 Delhi Heights

2007 Aarya

2007 Evano Oruvan

2008 Vaazhthugal

2008 Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan

2008 Sunglass

2008 Leelai - Post-Production.....In Telugu - Adi Oka Idhi Le

2008 Yavarum Nalam Neetu - Filming

2008 Endrendrum Punnagai - Filming

[+/-]

JUHI CHAWLA PHOTO GALLERY

[+/-]

P.SUSEELA - FAMOUS SONGS ( 2 )

1. IDI MALLELA VELAYANI...!

Movie: Sukhadukhalu.
Rachana: Devulapalli Krishna Sasthri.
Music: S.P.Kodandapani.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Idi mallela velayani... idi vennela masamani...
Tondarapadi oka koyila... munde kusindi... vindulu chesindi...||I||

Charanam:1
Kasire yendalu kalchunani... musire vanalu munchunani...
Ika kasire yendalu kalchunani... mari musire vanalu munchunani...
Yerugani koyila yegirindi... virigina rekkala origindi...
Nelaku origindi... ||I||
Charanam:2
Marigipoyedi manava hrudayam... karuna kaligedi challani daivam...
Vade lataku yedurai vachuvadani.. vasanthamasam...
Vasivadani kusuma vilasam... ||I||
Charanam:3
Dwaraniki taramanihaaram... harathi vennela karpuram...
Mosam dwesham leni seemalo.. mogasala niliche ne mandaram..||I||
Oo... oo... oo...

2. MALLEPANDIRI NEEDALONA JABILLI...!

Movie: Mayadari Malligadu.
Rachana: Aacharya Aathreya.
Music: K.V.Mahadevan.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Mallepandiri needalona jabilli.. manchamesi vunchinanu jabilli...
Ma annaku.. ma chandriki.. idi tolireyi.. nakidi varamoyi...
Kannugutti vellakoyi jabilli.. Tellavaraneeyakoyi ee reyi...

Charanam:1
Gadusu pillaku vayasu nede gurutukochindi...
Moratuvani manasu daniki pulakarinchindi...
Iddariki eenadu nuvve muddu nerpali...
Aa muddu chusi.. chukkale ninu vekkirinchali... ||Kannu||
Charanam:2
Pelli sambaramennaderugani illu nadi...
Pasuputade nochukoni bratuku nadi...
Ee pelli chesi nenu kuda muttaiduvainanu...
Ee punyame pai janmalo nanu illalini cheyali... ||Kannu||

3.AAKASA PANDIRILO NIKU NAKU PELLANTA...!

Movie: Sri Rajeswari Vilas Coffee Club.
Rachana: Devulapalli Krishna Sasthri.
Music: Pendyala Nageswara Rao.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Aakasa pandirilo.. niku naku pellanta...
Apsarale perantalu.. devatale purohitulanta...
Deevenalu istharanta... ||A||

Charanam:1
Taluku beluku nakshatralu talambralu testaranta...
Meruputeega toranalu merisi murisipoyenanta...
Manasulona muriseranta... ||A||
Charanam:2
Pillagali melagallu pellipata paderanta...
Rajahamsa janta cheri ratna harathicheranta...
Rasakeli jariperanta... ||A||
Charanam:3
Vannechinnela indradhanussupai vennela panupu veseranta...
Mabbulu talupulu museranta... aa.. aa.. aa..
Maguvalu tongi chuseranta.. manalanu geli cheseranta...||A||

4. BANGARU BOMMA RAVEMI...!

Movie: Raktha Sambandham.
Rachana: Anisetti.
Music: Ghantasala.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Bangaru bomma raveme.. panditlo pelli jarigene...
Kalyanasobha kanagane.. kanulara tanivi teerene...O...||B||

Charanam:1
Yenaleni nomu nochi.. neveerojukeduru chuchi...
Muripinchi manasu dochi.. madi muthyala muggulesi...
Kalaganna ghadiya ragane.. talavanchi bidiya padarade..O..||B||
Charanam:2
Andala hamsa nadaka.. ee ammayi pelli nadaka...
Oyamma siggupadake.. vechi vunnadu pellikoduke...
Noorellu panta pandene.. Gaarala sirulu cherigene..O.. ||B||
Charanam:3
Manasaina vadu varudu.. ne madinelu vade ghanudu...
Vesenu moodumullu.. ika kurisenu poolajallu...
Ee yeti kiruvurokataite.. meedatiki mugguravutare...
Olalala...hayi...aa...aa...oo...||B||

5. MALLE TEEGA VANTIDI.. MAGUVA JEEVITHAM...!

Movie: Meena.
Rachana: Aarudra.
Music: Ramesh Naidu.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Malleteega vantidi maguva jeevitham...
Challani pandiri vunte.. allukupoyenu.. allukupoyenu...||M||

Charanam:1
Tallitandrula muddumuripem.. chinnatanamlo kavali...
Illaliki pati anuragam.. yellakalam nilavali...
Talliki pillala aadarana.. pandu vayasulo kavali...
Aadavariki annivelala.. todu needa vundali... ||M||
Charanam:2
Nuduta kumkuma kalakalalade sudathe intiki sobha...
Pillapapala premato penche talle aarani jyothi...
Anuraagamto manasunu doche pathiye mamatala panta...
Janmanu ichi jathini nilipe jananiye jagathiki aadharam...||M||

6. VASTADU NA RAJU EE ROJU...!

Movie: Alluri Sitharamaraju.
Rachana:Dr.C.Narayana Reddy.
Music: Adi Naraayana Rao.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Vastadu na raju ee roju.. rane vastadu nelaraju ee roju...
Karthika punnami velalona.. kaliki vennela keratalapaina.. teli...||V||

Charanam:1
Vela tarakala nayanalato.. neelakaasam tilakinchenu...
Athani challani adugula savvadi veeche gaali vinipinchenu...
Aathani pavana padadhoolikai avani anuvanuvu kalavarinchenu...
Athani raakakai antharangame palasandramai paravasinchenu...
Pala sandramai paravasinchenu.... ||V||
Charanam:2
Vennelalenthaga virisina gani chandrudini vidipolevu...
Keratalenthaga pongina gani kadalini vidipolevu...
Kalasina aathmala anubandhalu ye janmaku vidipolevule...
Tanuvulu vereaina.. darulu vereaina.. aa bandhale nilichenule...
Aa bandhale nilichenule... ||V||

7. CHUKKALU PADE SUBHAMANTHRAM...!

Movie: Kalyana Mandapam.
Rachana: Devulapalli Krishna Sasthri.
Music: Adi Narayana Rao.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Chukkalu pade subhamanthram.. dikkulu ninde divyamanthram...
Yekkadano.. yepudo.. yevaro.. palikina vedamanthram...
Ikkadane.. na chevilo vudina manthram.. madhumanthram...||C||

Charanam:1
Rekkalapai aa guvvalajanta..aa..rekulalo aa puvvulajanta..aa..
Saguchune.. vuguchune.. madhura madhuramuga makkuvaga...
Chaduvukune ananda manthram... ||C||
Charanam:2
Kannulu okapari musukoni.. nevannadi marimari talachukuni...
Okkatene..nenokkatine.. ade panigane sada manasulo...
Alapinche priya manthram... ||C||
Charanam:3
Kovela daivam pilichedaka.. aavali odduna nilichedaka...
Nalone..lolone.. nathicharami.. nathicharami...
Adi na pranamanthram... ||C||

8.MANA SE KOVELAGA...!

Movie: Mathrudevatha.
Rachana: Dasaradhi.
Music: K.V.Mahadevan.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Manase kovelaga..mamathalu malleluga...
Ninne kolichedara.. nannennadu maruvakura.. Krishna... ||M||

Charanam:1
Ee anuragam.. ee anubandham.. mana iruvuri anandam...
Kalakalam madi nindali.. kalalanni pandali...
Mana kalalanni pandali... ||M||
Charanam:2
Yenno janmala punyamuga.. ninne toduga pondanu...
Prathi reyi punnamiga.. brathuku teeyaga gadipenu... ||M||
Charanam:3
Ne chupulalo chupuluga.. ne ashalalo ashaluga...
Oke dhyanamai..oke pranamai.. okariki okaram brathakali... ||M||

9. ANNAYYA SANNIDHI.. ADE NAKU PENNIDHI...!

Movie:Bangaru Gajulu.
Rachana:Dr.C.Narayana Reddy.
Music: T.Chalapathirao.
Ganam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Annayya sannidhi.. ade naku pennidhi...
Kanipinchani daivame.. aa kanulalona vunnadhi... ||A||

Charanam:1
Oke teega puvvulamai.. oke guti divvelamai...
Cheekatilo vekuvalo.. chirunavvula rekulalo...
Kannakadupu challaga.. kalasimelasi vundamu... ||A||
Charanam:2
Kalimi manaku karuvaina.. kalamentha yeduraina...
Ee bandham vidipodanna.. yennenni yugalaina...
Aapadalo anandamlo.. ne needaga vuntananna... ||A||

10. ANNA NE ANURAGAM...!

Movie:Aadapaduchu.
Rachana: Dasaradhi.
Music: T.Chalapathirao.
Gaanam: P.Suseela.

Pallavi:
Anna ne anuragam.. enno janmala punyaphalam.. O..anna...
Puttinarojuna me deevenale.. vennela kanna challadanam...||O||

Charanam:1
Mallela vanti me manasulalo.. chelliki chotunchali...
Yellakalamu ee teerugane.. chellini kapadali.. ee...||Puttina||
Charanam:2
Annalu meere na kannuluga.. nanne nadipinchali...
Talli tandri sarvamu meerai.. dayato deevinchali... ||Puttina||
Charanam:3
Illalai nenechatikegina.. chellini madilo nilapali...
Aadapaduchuku annivelala.. todu needaga nilavali...||P||

[+/-]

VIKRAM

Vikram (born on April 17, 1966, Paramakkudi, Ramnad district, TN as John Kennedy), is an Indian born actor, a Tamilian, Catholic who has starred in a number of top-grossing Tamil films and is currently one of the reigning heroes of Tamil Film Industry (aka Kollywood). His screen name is Vikram aka Chiyaan Vikram . He is also affectionately called as Kenny in close circles. With numerous blockbusters to his credit, Vikram has carefully niched a place for himself on the silver screen. Noted films that gave him the star status include Sethu, Dhill, Kasi, Dhool, Saamy, Gemini, Pithamagan and Anniyan.

After the success of Sethu, Tamil Nadu gave him the title or prefix honour of being addressed as "Chiyaan", named after his character in the film. Hence, the name "Chiyaan" Vikram. He won the National Film Awards of India for his performance as an undertaker in Pithamagan, 2003.

Sethu, which released in 1999, was Vikram's first blockbuster though he made his debut almost a decade earlier. The film grossed over Rs.50 million at the box office. He shared a good rapport with its director Bala.

Vikram's second blockbuster Dhill came in 2001. The film grossed over Rs.100 million at the box office. Its director Dharani was a school-time friend of Vikram.

Vikram's third blockbuster Gemini came the very next year in 2002. It grossed over Rs.200 million at the box office. By then, the trade began comparing him with long established superstar Rajnikanth.

Vikram's fourth blockbuster Dhool and fifth blockbuster Saamy both came in 2003. The film Saamy grossed over Rs.300 million at the box office. The film prompted director Shankar to notice his rising graph and booked him for his mega project Anniyan.

Vikram's latest blockbuster Anniyan released in 2005. The film played for 150 days in Kollywood and 240 days in Tollywood. It grossed over Rs.500 million at the box office.

He was also a part of Mani Ratnam's stage show, Netru, Indru, Naalai alongside many other co-stars.

Filmography

Year Film Co-Stars Language Role
2007 Kandasaamy Shriya Saran Tamil Kandasaamy
2007 Bheema Trisha Krishnan, Sherin Tamil
2005 Majaa Asin Thottumkal, Sindhu Tolani Tamil Mathi Govindan
2005 Anniyan Sadha, Yana Gupta Tamil Ramanujam Iyengar
2004 Arul Jyothika Saravanan, Chaya Singh Tamil Arulkumaran
2003 Pithamagan Surya Sivakumar, Sangeetha, Laila Mehdin, Simran Bagga Tamil Chitthan
2003 Saamy Trisha Krishnan Tamil Aarusaamy
2003 Kadhal Sadugudu Priyanka Trivedi Tamil Suresh
2003 Dhool Jyothika Saravanan, Reema Sen Tamil Aarumugam
2002 King Sneha Tamil Raja Shanmugam
2002 Samurai Anitha, Jayaseel, Shriya Reddy Tamil Thiagarajan
2002 Gemini Kiran Rathod Tamil Gemini
2002 Kasi Kavya Madhavan, Kaveri Tamil Kasi
2001 Dhill Laila Tamil Sakthivel

Awards

* He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance as an undertaker in Pithamagan, 2003.
* Vikram has won the Filmfare Best Actor Award South four times.

Trivia

* He is an MBA graduate from Loyola college.[citation needed]
* Vikram being prominent in Tamil and Telugu film industries had made his first appearance in Bollywood in 2005 in the film Aparichit, the dubbed version of Vikram's Tamil hit Anniyan. Anniyan was also dubbed in French as well, the first Tamil film to be done so.
* He did his high schooling at Montfort Anglo-Indian higher secondarySchool at Yercaud, Salem, where even Bollywood actress Rekha also studied in that school.
* Vikram's father is also a supporting actor, acting in many films. His father acted in Ghilli mega hit movie, as Trisha's father.

[+/-]

UPENDRA

Upendra (born 18 September 1967) is a Kannada cinema director, actor and script writer. Born in a lower middle classs family, Upendra started his career off with film director Kashinath as a writer and an assistant director. His first directional venture was 'Tharle Nanmaga'.

In the late 90's he broke into the scene with the extremely violent Om, which also starred actual Bangalore gangsters. He followed this up with A, in which he starred. Upendra, his next film, starred Raveena Tandon, a popular Bollywood actress.Films acted and directed by him "A" and "Upendra" can be said to be excellent.These two films explores human emotions in a new dimension. It portrays how humans change according to situation,self becomes above all at that time.Technically these movies are good by any standards.Upendra's script writing skills can be seen in narration and flow of these films. Narration of his movies are unusual in the film making context.

Career as a Director

Uppi scored an awesome success as a director with his maiden venture 'Tharle Nanmaga'. This film was Jaggesh's first movie as a lead actor. This cult hit is popular even today for its slap stick comedy and out-of the box narration. His second movie 'Sshhh' with Kumar Govindu in the lead was another box of success. This surprise suspense thriller also starred Kashinath and introduced Kumar Govindu as main stream hero. Interestingly it has small cameo by Uppi as a brashly youth in police costume.

Filmography

Director

* Tharle Nan Maga
* Sshhh
* Om
* Operation Antha
* A (1998)
* Swasthik(1999)
* Upendra

Actor

* Ananthana Avanthara
* Shhh
* Operation Antha
* A
* Upendra
* Preethse
* H2O
* Superstar
* Nagarahavu
* Naanu Naane
* Hollywood
* Kutumba
* Raktha Kanneru
* Omkara
* Gokarna
* Gowramma
* News
* Autoshankar
* Uppi Daada MBBS
* Tandege Takka Maga
* Aishwarya
* Parodi
* Masti
* Lavakusha
* Anatharu
* Bhimoos Bang Bang Kids

Other languages

* Sathyam (2007) Tamil
* Toss(2007) Telugu
* Kaveri (Tamil)
* Raa (Telugu)
* Sarpa
* Neethone Vuntanu (Telugu)
* H2O (Telugu)

[+/-]

S V KRISHNA REDDY

S.V.Krishna Reddy is a Tollywood Director , Writer, Musician,Playback Singer and Producer, Who has directed successful movies like Yamaleela, Shubhalagnam and Pellam Oorelite.

He is a native of Konkuduru, East Godavari. He finished his Masters Degree in Commerce. He was always interested in films. He used to watch a lot of movies. And, of course, he wanted to be a part of the film industry. So he tried for it. He started his film career with Pagadala Padava. Although he worked for it, the movie never got released. His film career had a 10-year gap after that. Then he did a small role in Kirathakudu. He did't feel comfortable doing small characters. Moreover, he was never much inclined towards acting. So, he quit acting. His friend Achi Reddy gave him the moral support when he wanted to turn director. He was very nervous in the beginning. He provided a great deal of support. He felt very comfortable in the role of a director. After the long gap and re-evaluation of himself and Achi Reddy, they started their own banner - Manisha Films. They released a dubbed movie Server Sundaramgari Abbayi. After two more dubbed movies, they decided to go for a direct movie. That's when Kobbari Bondam came out. 'S. V. Krishna Reddy provided the story, screenplay and music. After Kobbari Bondam, he ventured into direction with Rajendrudu Gajendrudu. S. V. Krishna Reddy did sing in Ugadi. He has touch with classical music. However he doesn't feel that he has that great a singer in him. So it turned out to be just a one time thing. He also learned classical dance. S. V. Krishna Reddy has directed 28 movies so far. Among them he personally likes Aahwaanam, since it discusses the 4000 year old tradition of marriage. He now is a TF for Life Sciences 1a at Harvard College.

Awards

Nandi Award and K.V.Reddy gold medal as the best director for year 2000

Filmography

Writer

* Bahumati (2007)
* Maayajaalam (2006)
* Hungama (2005)
* Letha Manasulu (2004)
* Pellamtho Panenti (2003)
* Pellam Oorelithe (2003) (adaptation)
* Jabili (2001) (screenplay)
* Budget Padmanabham (2001) (screen adaptation)
* Sakutumba Saparivara Sametamga (2000)
* Ugaadi (2000)
* Premaku Velayara (1999)
* Manasulo Maata (1999)
* Aahvanam (1998)
* Ooyala (1998) (Adopted from a Real Story)
* Yegire Paavurama 1997
* Judaai (1997) (screenplay)
* Vinodam (1996)
* Maavichiguru (1996) (story)
* Sampradayam (1996)
* Ghatotkachudu (1995) (story)
* Taqdeerwala (Hindi) (1995) (story)
* Number One (1994) (story)
* Shubhalagnam (1994) (story)
* Gunshot (1994) (story)
* Yamaleela (1994) (story)
* Mayalodu (1994) (story)
* Rajendrudru Gajendrudru (1993) (story)
* Kobbari Bondam (1991) (story)*

Director

* Bahumati (2007)
* Maayajaalam (2006)
* Hungama (2005)
* Letha Manasulu (2004)
* Pellamtho Panenti (2003)
* Pellam Oorelithe (2003)
* Jabili (2001)
* Budget Padmanabham (2001)
* Sakutumba Saparivara Sametamga (2000)
* Ugaadi (2000)
* Premaku Velayara (1999)
* Manasulo Maata (1999)
* Aahvanam (1998)
* Ooyala (1998)
* Yegire Paavurama 1997
* Vinodam (1996)
* Maavichiguru (1996)
* Sampradayam (1996)
* Ghatotkachudu (1995)
* Vajram (1995)
* Number One (1994)
* Shubhalagnam (1994)
* Top Hero (1994)
* Gunshot (1994)
* Yamaleela (1994)
* Mayalodu (1994)
* Rajendrudru Gajendrudru (1993)

Music Composer

* Bahumati (2007)
* Maayajaalam (2006)
* Hungama (2005)
* Letha Manasulu (2004)
* Pellamtho Panenti (2003)
* Jabili (2001)
* Budget Padmanabham (2001)
* Sakutumba Saparivara Sametamga (2000)
* Ugaadi (2000)
* Premaku Velayara (1999)
* Manasulo Maata (1999)
* Aahvanam (1998)
* Ooyala (1998)
* Yegire Paavurama 1997
* Vinodam (1996)
* Maavichiguru (1996)
* Sampradayam (1996)
* Ghatotkachudu (1995)
* Shubhalagnam (1994) )
* Gunshot (1994)
* Yamaleela (1994)
* Mayalodu (1994)
* Kobbari Bondam (1991)
* Actor
* Sambaram
* Abhishekam (2001)
* Ugaadi (2000)
* Kirathakudu

Playback Singer
* Ugaadi (2000)

[+/-]

SURYA

Saravanan Sivakumar popularly known as Surya (born on 23 July 1975), is an Indian actor in the Tamil film industry. He is the son of Tamil actor Sivakumar and is married to Jyothika, a popular Tamil actress. He is well-known for trying out off-beat roles in different films. Suriya is also the brand ambassador for large brands like Himani Navratna Oil, Emami Fair & Handsome, Pepsi, TVS and Sunfeast Biscuits.

Early life

Surya studied at PSBB and St. Bede's, Chennai. He completed his commerce graduation from Loyola College, Chennai. He was employed in a garment manufacturing company in Ambattur, Chennai. A notable point is Vijay, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Karthik Raja (both Ilayaraaja's sons), Jeevan, Vishnuvardhan and Surya were all class mates during their studies.[citation needed]Surya then ventured into the cinefield to become one of the top reigning stars of the Tamil film industry.

Personal life
His father is the Tamil actor Sivakumar. He is the eldest son in the family with one younger brother actor Karthi and younger sister Brindha. He married actress Jyothika on September 11, 2006.

Career

His debut film, Nerrukku Ner (1997) with Vijay was a big hit but all his succeeding films did not do well. His first reasonable success was in the movie Poovellam Kettuppar (1999). His next movie with Vijay, Friends was another big hit. But he did not get any big breaks and his career seemed to be stalled until director Bala approached him for a role in his next venture titled Nandha. This was one of Surya's best films. The film grossed Rs.50 lakhs at the box office.

Surya’s next venture was with Vikraman in the movie Unnai Ninathu and the movie was able to record good collections. This was followed by Mounam Pesiyadhe which also did decently well. Surya’s second blockbuster was Kaaka Kaaka, a movie about the life of a police officer. The film grossed almost Rs.100 million at the box office. Also Pithamagan alongside Vikram was a big hit, Surya was appreciated for being a very different character.

In the movie Perazhagan, Surya acted in two roles, one as a boxer and the other as a handicapped but a confident phone booth keeper. His role as the handicapped was praised by critics, and he received a Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance. His role in Aayitha Ezhuthu as a student leader was also favoured by the critics. His movie Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikkalam was dropped due to financial problems.

In 2005, Surya delivered more successful films in the form of Aaru and Ghajini - afterwards he set up a production company called Studio Green which distributed the movie in the Chennai district. Ghajini was one of the most sensational hits of 2005, with Surya playing a short term memory loss patient, for which he even tonsured his head. The film was his third blockbuster and grossed over Rs.200 million at the box office. By then, trade began comparing him with long established actor , Ajith.

Surya's recent release is N. Krishna's Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. He acted opposite his real-life partner Jyothika in the film. The movie released on September 8 2006. The movie was an average grosser.

Up next, Surya has signed up to an untitled A. R. Murugadoss film and a film with Gautham Menon, Vaaranam Aayiram directed by Gautham Menon.He is doing another movie called VEL opposite ASIN since their onscreen chemistry did work out well in his blockbuster GAJINI, fans are eager to see VEL hit the theatres soon. He also dubbed Abhishek Bachchan's role in the Tamil version of Guru. Surya is also brand ambassador for various products.

Filmography

Year Title Cast
2007 Vel Asin Thottumkal
2007 Vaaranam Aayiram Ramya,Genelia D'Souza
2007 Guru (Tamil Dub Voice Only) R. Madhavan, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan
2006 Sillunu Oru Kaadhal Jyothika Saravanan,Bhumika Chawla
2006 June R Jyothika Saravanan
2005 Aaru Trisha Krishnan
2005 Ghajini Asin Thottumkal,Nayantara
2005 Maayavi Jyothika Saravanan
2004 Aayitha Ezhuthu Esha Deol, Meera Jasmine, Trisha Krishnan, Madhavan, Siddharth
2004 Perazhagan Jyothika Saravanan
2003 Pithamagan Vikram, Laila, Simran Bagga
2003 Kaaka Kaaka Jyothika Saravanan, Jeevan
2002 Mounam Pesiyadhe Trisha Krishnan, Laila
2002 Shree Shruti
2002 Unnai Ninaithu Sneha, Laila
2001 Nandha Laila
2001 Friends Devayani, Vijay
2000 Uyirile Kalanthathu Jyothika Saravanan
1999 Poovellam Kettuppar Jyothika Saravanan
1999 Periyanna Meena, Vijaykanth
1998 Sandhippoma Preetha
1998 Kaadhale Nimmadhi Kavitha,
1997 Nerrukku Ner Simran, Vijay, Kausalya

Trivia

* Surya married actress Jyothika on September 11, 2006.
* Both Surya and Jyothika have been in love since 2003 after the super hit film Kaaka Kaaka.
* Surya's best hits include Kaaka Kaaka, Perazhagan, Pithamagan, Ghajini, Aayitha Ezhuthu, Friends and Nerrukku Ner.
* Surya has won the Filmfare Best Actor Award South on 2 occasions.
* His huge hit Ghajini is being remade in hindi, it stars Aamir Khan and Asin Thottumkal.