Rajini's daughter helps Lawrence

Rajini's daughter helps Lawrence Raghava Lawrence a few months ago drew the attention of Rajinikanth to his orphanage for handicapped children. Rajini also made it to the news when he offered to bear the expenses of the food for the inmates for life. Several cine stars have now come forward on aid of their colleague to maintain the home. According to sources, Soundarya Rajinikanth. She has donated Rs. 15,000 for the Raghava Charitable Trust on her birthday and said she would continue to do so every month.

Chiranjeevi’s AP tour begins next week

Hyderabad, Sept 28: Megastar Chiranjeevi will embark on a state-wide tour next week to take his newly-floated Praja Rajyam party closer to the people.

He will start the much-awaited tour from Srikakulam district, the northeastern tip of Andhra Pradesh. After covering the coastal districts, the star will visit Telangana region in the second phase. The third phase will take him to Rayalseema region.

‘I will cover 50 km every day interacting with the people and explaining to them the policies of Praja Rajyam,’ he told a news conference here Sunday.

Chiranjeevi, who floated his party Aug 26, the birth anniversary of Mother Teresa, will be launching a week-long flag festival, "Oroora Praja Rajyam" (Praja Rajyam in every town) — a massive mass contact programme – from Oct 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. During the festival, the party flags will be hoisted in every village, town and city.

The party will also launch its membership drive on the same day. ‘I will give first membership to physically challenged Balakrishna Naidu and I will take the second membership,’ Chiranjeevi said. He had already announced the physically challenged youth would be the first member of the party.

The Praja Rajyam founder said the party would also plant 10 million trees all over the state during the flag festival. He asked all his fans and supporters to take part wholeheartedly in the plantation drive to increase the green cover and save the environment.

‘Each person becoming the member of the party will have to plant a sapling,’ he said.

Megastar, who recently visited Sircilla town to meet families of weavers who ended their lives during last few years, expressed deep shock over the suicide by three weavers in the town.

He announced financial help of Rs 25,000 to the families of five weavers who committed suicide during last few days. He said the government should take immediate steps to help the crisis-ridden weavers community.

Chiranjeevi, who said he entered politics after being inspired by former president A.P.J Abdul Kalam, criticized him for his support to the India-US nuclear deal.

‘He is a scientist and a statesman and he should not get involved in a political issue. Perhaps he has not carefully read the documents of the nuclear deal. It has a far reaching implications for the country,’ he said.

Chiranjeevi, who Friday visited Polepalli in Mahabunagar district to meet those displaced by pharma Special Economic Zone (SEZ), advised Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy to visit Gujrat and see how the SEZs were being developed there without harming the interest of the farmers.

‘There should be no place for developing real estate in the SEZs. The land should be used only for the industrial activities,’ he said.

Teja surfaces back with his unique tricks

Teja was the film maker responsible for firing off a new trend of small budget but very high on the entertainment quotient films with his hugely successful debut film ‘Chitram‘ having Uday Kiran and Reema Sen in the lead roles
Over the years with hit films like ‘Nuvvu Nenu‘ Teja has build up a reputation of a film maker who can create trends with ease.

Again for his latest venture also, the film maker has done something very different. He has decided on featuring 36 new artists for his forthcoming movie titled as ‘Keka‘. Teja is also doing an experiment with the screenplay. He will be doing a reverse screenplay for ‘Keka‘ which will be releasing on October 1st.

It was heard that Illayaraja was first considered for composing the songs, but later on Chakri was decided as the music director.

Priyamani parallels with Balakrishna

Priyamani made her debut in to the Telugu Industry with the film ‘Evare Athagadu’ which also happens to be a first venture for Vallabh, son of KS Rama Rao. Directed by Bhanu Shankar, the movie was produced by KS Rama Rao.

The film did not reap the expected success for her, and consequently she went back to the Tamil Industry. After a gap, she started her second innings as heroine with ‘Pellaina Kothalo‘ in the direction of Madan. Followed by ‘Yama Donga‘ that got her the much needed recognition, offers started pouring in from Tollywood. Shewent on to work as heroine with Kalyan Ram in the film ‘Hare Ram‘.

Presently, she is working for a film opposite Balakrishna who plays the protagonist. The movie is made in the directorial venture of Mahadev, an associate of Rajamouli and is produced by Sivalenka Krishnaprasad on Vaishnavi Devi Arts banner.

Adding to this, she is sharing screen space in a film once again with Balakrishna playing the lead. This flick is made in the direction of N.Shankar which is being produced by Kalyan Ram on Nandamuri TarakaRama Rao arts banner.

Priyamani is working in two parallel films along with Balakrishna at the same time. Further, she is the only heroine to be credited for acting with all the present heroes of Nandamuri family.

Devisri Prasad and Charmi together!

There have been rumors that young music director Devi Sri Prasad and sexy actress Charmee are an item. Although both of them denied the rumors about their love affair, speculations continue. Now, the latest buzz is that Devi Sri Prasad is all set to make his acting debut in Charmee’s new film to be produced by Rajashekar who earlier made Yamagola Modalindi.

Devi has not confirmed this news but buzz is that he would be signing the movie, which has Charmee as main heroine. If he really does acting debut in this film, the rumors would be justified. It remains to be seen whether he says yes to this project or not. He is reportedly agreed to score music for this, though

Sanjana takes a modeling break !

Following an impressive role in Bujjigadu, SANJANA‘s career is shaping up better in Tollywood with interesting films like Samardhudu and Satyameva Jeyathe in the pipeline.

“Luckily, both the roles are as different as chalk and cheese,” says the pretty actress, who made her mark in Kannada films with Ganda Hendathi and Autograph Please. "I am equally excited about my interesting role in a bilingual film Police Police,” reveals the model-turned-actress, who claims to have a taken a break from endorsing products.

"At the moment my focus is only on films and modeling can surely wait," concludes the up and coming actress. Hope her big screen dreams turn fruitful.

Pokiri fame Jyothi Rana in a Key role

Close on the heels of Homam, another film Yagam starring MURALI and PRIYANKA in the lead is getting ready for release.

“Its all about idealistic youth cleansing the society of its sins,” informs director KRISHNA BRAHMA who has roped in JYOTHI RANA of Pokiri fame for a key role.

“I did receive good response for my negative role in Pokiri but I am essaying a different role in this message-centric film,” reveals Jyothi, who is doing an item song with comedian VENU MADHAV. Producer SHANKAR claimed that hero Murali is nephew of legendary Kannada actor RAJKUMAR and the maker is confident about scoring a hit.

Ram Gopal Varma’s Rakta Charitra

Ram Gopal Varma’s success streak continues. After delivering hits in Hindi recently with Sarkar Raj and Phoonk, he also tasted success in Telugu again. His latest production, Raksha, is collecting good revenues and declared a hit in the trade circles. Enjoying the success, he has announced another new film in Telugu. At a press meet held today (Sunday, September 28, 2008) at Poison Pub in Hyderabad, Ram Gopal Varma revealed about his new production. Titled, Rakta Charitra, his new production will have newcomers in the lead roles and to be directed by two young directors Dharma - Raksha together. It is to be produced on Zed 3 Pictures and One More Thought Entertainments banners.

Fictional faction with real incidents: RGV

“We have seen umpteen films on Rayalaseema factionism but we are filming this Rakta Charitra with realistic mode. It is realistic fictional film about real incidents and real characters. Catch the line – fiction with real characters and actual incidents,” informed RGV.

He refused to admit on record that the film is based on the real life character of deceased faction leader Paritala Ravi. “I can’t comment on the speculations but we made vast research on factionism and portraying it in realistic way like how I projected Mumbai mafia in Satya and non-governmental power in Sarkar,” he said.

He laughed when the media persons said that there were reports that he is going to meet Maddela Cheruvu Suri who reportedly involved in the murder of Partila Ravi.

Pawan Kalyan’s Puli for Sankranti release

he shooting for the film Puli is under progress in Hyderabad. Director S J Surya is expected to wrap it up by December so that it can be released by Sankranti in January 2009. A R Rehman is composing the music for the film. The London girl Nikisha Patel is making her debut in Telugu opposite Pawan Kalyan in Puli. She is also said to be playing the role of a cop along with Pawan Kalyan in the movie. She is said to be greatly impressed by the professionalism shown by the entire unit, specifically that of Pawan and Surya.

RGV & Jagapatibabu comes in ‘Gayam II‘

Distinguished director Ram Gopal Varma earlier made the sensational hit ‘Gayam‘ starring Jagapati Babu and Urmila Mantondkar in the lead roles. The film created a hype and a reputed image for the hero Jagapatibabu.

The latest hit ‘Homam‘ directed by JD Chakravarthy, a former associate and erstwhile pupil of RGV also attained laurels for the actor.

Latest buzz is, RGV is planning to make a sequel for ‘Gayam‘, which is said to be a joint venture of Varma‘s production house One More Thought and an unnamed corporate firm.

Praveen, who apprenticed under Puri Jagannath is making his directorial debut with this movie. Sources say that the film is going to be launched in the month of November.

We had tears in our eyes : Ram Charan Tej

"We had tears in our eyes," reveals Ram Charan Tej, recalling the poignant moment he shared with his father-actor Chiranjeevi after enacting a scene together for his upcoming film. The actor wistfully recalls that Chiru was reluctant to leave the set and was sitting quietly in a chair red-eyed. "I thought we could do a couple of films together but dad surprised us with his decision to join politics," he says as an afterthought.

Entrepreneurturned-actor

Interestingly, the son of Chiranjeevi initially aspired to be an entrepreneur but fate had other plans for him and made him an actor. "I never realised that a golden opportunity was lying at my door and I was scouting for it at other places. One day I broached the idea of taking up acting and dad just agreed," disclosed Charan who honed his acting and dancing skills in London. He debuted with Chirutha and though it got a big response, it was labelled as a demo of the rookie. "Actually that was what we intended to dish out and we were satisfied with the final outcome," reasons the actor, who admires director Puri Jagannath for showcasing his varied talents.

The father-son jodi

"I was always fascinated by the Amitabh-Abhishek jodi and I enjoyed watching them together.
Similarly, I dreamt of doing at least a few films with my dad but now I think it may not be possible," he rues. He had to pester his reluctant father for a special appearance in his next periodic film. "Finally, he agreed to do one scene and a song. Wrapping up that scene was the most touching moment of my life," says Tej.
He also brands Chiru as his best critic and watches the movies of the famed dancer to fine-tune his bop. "Undoubtedly, he is graceful," he opines.
Charan admits that he has matured with time and has learned to take the highs and lows of life in his stride.
He says, "I have realised that politics is a different ball game altogether. My father is sensitive and he cannot see anybody suffer.I feel that it is his empathy that differentiates him from regular politicians.”

On his muchawaited epic

"It‘s a reincarnation plot and the period is about 400 years ago. The film travels from past to present but the mainstay is an enchanting love story," reveals the actor, who claims that it was challenging to portray the demanding role. "At times we spend 3 to 4 hours for just one shot," reveals Charan who will unveil his new look in this periodic epic. Later, he will be joining hands with promising director Bhaskar, who is known for family entertainers, for another film. "We had a discussion and Bhaskar also felt the need to try a new genre," announces Ram, who seems to prefer variety.

On his personal life

"At times, I do feel I am missing out on regular life but I freak out on foreign locales and I also love shopping," informs the new-age star who surprisingly feels stressed when he is not on the sets. "Probably, work is my stressbuster. Acting has become a paid holiday for me," says the young man for whom family is sacrosanct and dedicates all his leisure time to spend quality time at home.

Ravi Teja to compete with Nagarjuna!

This December both Guru and Shishya are going to compete. Nagarjuna’s King is scheduled for release on December 19th. While Puri Jagannadh directed Ravi Teja starrer Neninte is also hitting the same time - December 18th. Although the release date is not yet officially confirmed, we have learnt that the film will hit the same time.

Nagarjuna has ‘December’ sentiment, hence film’s release date is not going to be changed. Looks like both these films would compete in December unless Neninte comes in January 2009.

Ravi Teja considers Nagarjuna as his guru as Ravi Teja worked as associate director for one of Nag’s films.

Baby Neha: Star of Raksha

While Ram Gopal Varma’s (RGV) Raksha, directed by Vamsi Akella, is making waves for its unusual subject, fans of the horror/ thriller genre are already anticipating a classic from the Indian master of the horror genre. Jagapathi Babu, Kalyani and Baby Neha star in this spine-chilling flick that portrays the still-thriving belief in black magic, even among educated and enlightened Indians. Raksha, produced by Z3 pictures and One More Though Entertainments, is presented by RGV.

Baby Neha Thota, who is acting in the Telugu version, has been lauded for her performance as the possessed victim. Born in Florida, U. S. A., this little girl’s first movie was Vikramarkudu. She later acted in Anasuya, Ramudu, Aadi Vishnu and RGV’s Sarkar.

At a recent interview to a popular website, she confessed that though she was scared in certain scenes and wept a lot after doing the scenes where she was suspended from wires with the bed shaking beneath her, the crew rallied around her with chocolates every time she had a difficult scene.

With no formal training for this role, she followed the director’s instructions and ‘just did it’ when the director said ‘action’. Coming across as a normal little girl, Baby Thota likes going to school(!), doing homework and rough-housing with her brother. Though she doesn’t know the name of her next project, she knows she been selected. In her own words, “My parents take care of that.”

Galatta.com looks forward to a mind-blowing performance from this young cherubic talented artiste.

Anushka with Prabhas

Long legged beauty and yoga instructor turned heroine Anushka who showed all her beauty in 'Baladoor' in now getting ready to act with Prabhas in his next film. This film is the remake of tamil super hit 'Billa' and Anushka will be doing the role of Nayanatara in telugu.

Anushka's two more movies are ready for release. One is 'Chintakayala Ravi' with Venkatesh and the second one is 'Souryam' with Gopichand. She already had two relases 'Don' and 'Baladoor' this year which didnt fare well at the box office. Anushka is right now the unbeaten queen on Tollywood.

This yet to be named film of Prabhas will be directed by Kantri fame Meher Ramesh and will be produced by Krishnam Raju on GopiKrishna Movies banner. Mani Sharma will score the music.

Murali Mohan elected MAA President

Hyderabad, Sept. 14: Megastar Chiranjeevi suffered the second blow when his panel lost the elections to the Movie Artiste Association (MAA). It is an open secret that of the two panels, one belonged to the Telugu Desam and was led by actor Murali Mohan while the other was backed by the Praja Rajyam leadership.

Murali Mohan was elected president of MAA over Vijaychander of the Chiranjeevi panel, unseating Chiranjeevi’s actor brother Nagender Babu. Out of the 400-odd votes cast, Murali Mohan got 244 and Vijay Chand, 116 votes. Ahuti Prasad from the Murali Mohan panel was elected general secretary with 240 votes, defeating Ayyappa P. Sharma of the Chiranjeevi panel.

Actors Srihari and Srikanth were elected as vice-presidents and Kota Srinivasa Rao as treasurer. Much to the embarrassment of Chiranjeevi, his panel did not even make it to the executive. Chiranjeevi’s producer brother-in-law Allu Aravind had recently lost the elections for the post of president of the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce to K.S. Rama Rao. Analysts interpret these developments as the result of a tug-of-war for supremacy between two castes. Industry sources said, Chiranjeevi’s rivals had grouped together to overcome his domination.

There was much excitement at the MAA office in Jubilee Hills on Sunday where silver screen stars gathered to vote in the elections. Chiranjeevi cast his vote early in the morning. Later Tollywood matinee idols Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh and Junior NTR turned up, much to the delight of fans

Chintakayala Ravi : Ficus bags for Abroad

Venkatesh is at his best, when he plays a family or romantic entertainer. He maintains simplicity and reaches the audience with his performance in such films. Venkatesh‘s upcoming film Chintakayala Ravi (software engineer) most of the film shot in USA with venu thottempudi,Anushka , Mamatha Mohandas and YOUNG TIGER NANDAMURI TARAKA RAMARAO (Special Apperenace) . Bollywood music director-duo Vishal-Shekhar of Om Shanti Om-fame scored the music for this film and directed by Yogi.

FICUS INC bagged the theatrical screening and DVD rights of the CHINTAKAYALA RAVI for the entire world excluding India and extends its sincere gratitude to Satish Ketineni, Nallamalupu Bujji and Ravishankar Yalamanchili.

Chintakayala ravi(Software Engineer) is all set to release in Octobet‘01 and if you want to host him in your city/country, please contact:

JD Chakravarthy Villain of Shankar‘s ROBO

JD Chakravarthy who is directing a film Homam with Jagapthi has signed prestigious film ROBO of director Shankar . Ayagaran films is making this prestigious Rs100 crores movie with Rajini Kanth and Aishwarya in the lead roles.

Rajini Kanth liked JD’s work and recommended him for the key villain role in ROBO to Shankar.

Shankar casted Suman as Villain for Sivaji and now it is the time for JD Chakravarhty. It must be a big offer for JD.

Geeta Arts inviting New script writers

Geeta Arts, which is expanding its film production activities, is looking beyond big-budgeted and starstudded movies. The production house which has recently delivered big hit with Jalsa and currently producing Ghazini in Hindi is inviting talented new writers for its proposed small budgeted movies.

Like UTV and other Bollywood production houses, Geeta Arts is coming up with small films.
In a press note issued, the renowned production company is seeking scripts with innovative
themes and writers with creative ideas.

Under Allu Sirish, Allu Aravind’s younger son, the production house is transforming into
true corporate entity. He has proved his mettle in creating all the buzz around Jalsa prior to
the release and it was his idea of campaigning worked big time for it.

Now, he is trying to implement new methods and encourage new talent. He invites your CV
(storydept@geethaarts.com). Short-listed scripts will be called for a one-on-one narration.

My photos have been misused : Sneha

Actress Sneha has alleged that a regional channel has used her photos and name to promote a chat show, which is in no way connected to her.

"For reasons best known to a Tamil satellite television channel, my name and photographs have been used for a chat show with which I have absolutely nothing to do at all. The motive seems mischievously sinister," Sneha told IANS.

Trouble arose Saturday when Raj TV distributed pamphlets about a forthcoming show entitled "Soodana Sneha" to reporters.

An image of the actress sans a caption or other indications of her participation set tongues wagging that she might be turning to television as well. The Mumbai-born actress of Telugu origins expressed shock.

"The channel had no business to do this to me. It is surely the handiwork of a few disgruntled elements who want to tarnish my name simply because I opted out of projects for personal reasons," said Sneha, who has acted in films like "Vasool Raja MBBS" and "April Madhathil".

The actress had recently walked out of ace director K.S. Ravi Kumar‘s forthcoming venture "Jaggubhai" starring actor-politician Sarath Kumar.

The female lead slated to be played by her was later offered to Hindi actress Tabu. Sneha has starred opposite top south Indian stars like Kamal Haasan, Vijay, Ajith Kumar, Surya and Vikram. She also did a cameo in the recent Rajnikant-starrer "Kuselan".

Mumaith Khan‘s Item song in Neninthe

The shoot of Neninthe, starring Ravi Teja and Siya in the direction Puri Jagan is under brisk progress.

So far, 40% of the talkie, two stunts and a song were done. A special song on Mumaith Khan will be canned from September 16. The flick is planned to release tentatively in the third week of December.

DVV Danayya produces the film on Universal media banner. It has music by Chakri. Stunts are by Ram Lakshman.

Young hero Vaibhav in trouble with MAA?

Director Kodanda Ramireddy’s son Vaibhav has landed in a trouble. Recently a film was launched him was as the lead hero and Sneha Ullal as the heroine. When the regular shooting began, he walked out of the film, sources informed us. The director Bhanu and new producer have tried to convince him but he reportedly said he won’t do the movie.

Now the producer has approached the Film Producer’s Council and MAA (Movie Artiste’s Association) to intervene in the case.

Mohan Babu and Ramya Krishna are also playing important roles in the movie.

It is learn that Vaibhav is not happy with the final script, so he backed out of the project.

Teja’s ‘Keka‘ on Gandhi Jayanthi

Firebrand Teja is back. After a gap of nearly two years, he comes out with another love story with all newcomers - Keka. “We have completed the entire shooting and ready to release the movie. We are planning to release it on October 2nd as the Dussera holiday season begins,” the film’s executive producer K Jagadeeshwar Reddy informed the media today (September 6, 2008).

Director and producer Teja explained the reason behind his sabbatical. “My last three, four movies bombed at the box-office and I myself felt my movies were being repetitive. So I took time off to analyze where I went wrong and how should I make another hit movie. I have realized that most of my recent movies are not up to the mark. Then I prepared this script, which is not entirely love story. The uniqueness of the movie is the narration is very novel,” Teja said.

He also said that the script needed an experienced and visionary cinematographer. “So we approached P.C.Sriram as no one can beat him in camera in India. He put the condition that each scene and dialogue should be translated in English and hand over it to him. That took lot of time and that was the reason for delay in the film’s outcome but I am happy that we finished the project with very satisfactory results,” he explained.

Teja said music, cinematography and screenplay would be the highlights in Keka.

Music director Chakri said he is thrilled to compose music for Teja. “He wanted music fresh - far from my regular style and also asked me not to compose like Teja’s earlier movies. You will get to hear complete new voices and new music in Keka,” Chakri informed.

Puli: Lone battle in Sankranthi season!

New schedule of Pawan Kalyan’s Puli is beginning this weekend. Director S J Surya told the media that his film would be readied by this year end and will definitely stand in Sankranthi 2009 competition.

Looks like this Sankranthi, only Puli will be the major release as no other heroes have any movies for release. Ravi Teja’s Neninte and Nagarjuna’s King are hitting the screens in December. So Pawan Kalyan’s Puli will take the Box-office by storm during Sankranthi period.

Rajnikant -Shankar’s Robot is now ‘Yantram‘

Rajnikant and Shankar’s magnum opus Robot has changed its title to Yantram. Now, the movie is all set to begin its regular shooting with two romantic duets on Rajnikant and Aishwarya Rai in the exotic locations of Peru.

Two songs will be canned there in the long schedule of one month. Shankar who is known for shooting songs in grand style is said to have chosen the Peru for its serene beauty and unexplored locales on Indian screen.

Yantram is shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. Shankar has also recruited special team the Telugu version.

Dussera for Mahesh, NTR, Prabhas!

What Mahesh Babu, NTR and Prabhas are doing now? Well, they have been waiting their next films to begin in a few days. While Mahesh Babu has been waiting for a year to work for his next movie, both NTR and Prabhas have wasted four months without any work. Now, all these three big heroes are going to the sets by this month end or early October. These stars have reportedly told their directors to be ready by Dussera.

Mahesh Babu’s movie

Trivikram has been postponing his shooting schedules for a long time. The latest news is that from September end, it will begin the regular shooting in Rajasthan. Parvati Melton and Tamanna are playing female lead while Manisharma has already composed two songs.

NTR and Vinayak’s next

After delivering modest hit with Kantri, NTR has launched his next in the direction of V V Vinayak. Although the movie had its formal pooja in summer, the regular shooting is yet to take place. From October 1st, it will go to the sets. The movie stars Ileana as the heroine. This yet to be titled movie is scheduled for summer 2009 release.

Prabhas’s Billa remake

Prabhas has finally okayed his next film after waiting for right script for nearly four months. Meher Ramesh is directing him for the remake of Billa. Anushka is being considered as the heroine. Regular shooting is expected to commence from Dussera.

Chiranjeevi launches Praja Rajyam, vows to change Andhra politics

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Tirupati, Aug 26 (IANS) Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi Tuesday launched his long-awaited political party (People's Rule) and vowed to bring a change in Andhra Pradesh's politics as he took the temple town of Tirupati by storm with a mega rally attended by some one million frenzied supporters.

"It will be a democratic and secular party. It will be a people's party, born from the hearts of the people. It will be a party for backward classes, farmers, workers, women and youth," he said amid wild cheering from a mainly male gathering drawn from all over Andhra Pradesh.

"The party will work for development, modernisation and industrial revolution. Its goal will be 'santosh' and 'ananda' (contentment and happiness) Andhra Pradesh," he said, speaking in Telugu.

"I know your problems, pains and sufferings and will always stand by you," he said, while taking the oath in the name of Lord Venkateshwara to dedicate his life to serve the people.

Broadly outlining the policies of his eagerly awaited party, he said that eliminating poverty, ensuring social equality, rooting out corruption, development of villages on par with urban areas, and providing health and education to all would top the agenda.

During the two-hour mega show, the 53-year-old actor said he favoured prohibition but added that his party would take a final decision only after detailed deliberations.

He termed as 'social' the problem of Maoist violence and promised to respect the sentiments for a separate statehood for the Telangana region.

"After spending 30 years in the glamorous field, I could have lived a life for myself. I have all the comforts in life but I decided to be in your midst by responding to your appeal," said Chiranjeevi, who announced his decision to join politics Aug 17.

"I am overwhelmed by your support all these years. Now it is time for me to pay back and be in your midst to share your sufferings," said Churu, as he is fondly called, amid thunderous applause.

Chiru, who declared that he had no rivals in politics, took a swipe at the ruling Congress for selling government land to industries and for acquiring cultivable land for Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

"We have no rivals. Problems are our rivals. We have no rivals because we have no fear and greed. We have entered the battlefield but our battle is against problems. Courage and honesty are our two weapons. We have no leader. All are soldiers. I am also one among you," he said.

My daughters are my worst critics : Venky

As you step into the well-designed drawing room of actor Venkatesh it‘s hard not to miss the portrait of the great thinker Ramana Maharshi. "That‘s an uncommon photo in a film actor‘s office!" we exclaim. Bang comes the retort, "Who else, other than him?" And by way of explanation he talks about his spiritual quest which began almost 17 years ago.

Spiritual pursuit

"It was a success yatra of one of my hit films. There was an overwhelming response and a huge crowd was pressing in. It ought to have been a moment of celebration, but I found myself unable to respond to them in any way," reveals Venky, who soon realised that his happiness lay elsewhere and with perseverance discovered his higher-self under the guidance of spiritual masters.

Family

The proud family man dedicates the weekend to his family to maintain a perfect worklife balance. "On Sundays I spend considerable time with my family. My daughters are my worst critics and so are my other family members," discloses the actor with a smile.

Films

Coming to films, he describes his next release Chintakalaya Ravi as a love story with a good dose of fun. When asked about its funny title he says, "When I heard the title I instantly liked it. I consciously wanted a light hearted romance after the action flick Tulasi."

The actor who mastered the art of blending self-pity and humour into his roles and succeeded to a great extent says, "It‘s a challenge to portray divergent emotions and I have won the appreciation of the audience for many such roles. I also heard that Akshay Kumar has succeeded with a similar kind of image in Bollywood. However, the audience loved me in fiery roles too, in Dharma Chakram and Laxmi as well."

About introducing new director Yogi with Chintakalaya Ravi he says, "I know him from the days of Abbaiyigaru and finally we felt that this big entertainer will be ideal for his break and he lived up to our expectations."

The seasoned actor deserves kudos for encouraging the onefilm wonder Krish as the duo will join hands for another film Krishnam Vande Jagatgurum. "I am not playing Lord Krishna since it‘s a regular social film but it will be a serious and sincere effort to provide novel entertainment. Again on the title I stuck to my view and others followed suit" informs the popular actor.

Aging gracefully

The pious man who conquered chaos in his life after embarking on a divine track is not against the money-minded young generation but feels that every individual has to take the spiritual call one day or the other for everlasting peace.

Doesn‘t he feel older as his nephew Rana is all set to turn actor. "Not at all. I would like to age gracefully by doing some matured roles with a brush of youthfulness. There are many talented young actors around but I urge them to be a bit adventurous in choosing scripts," he quips.

Now that his sibling is establishing an acting institute, does the seasoned actor consider acting innate or a trained skill? "It is bit of both. For some it comes naturally for others they need to work hard on it. But undergoing training will definitely help to understand the basics of acting. As for as my performance is concerned I rely on my memory bank and also keenly observe varied individuals," concludes the experienced actor. Are aspiring actors listening?

Happy Birth Day to Power Star Pawan

Pawan Kalyan was born in Chirala(1973, september 2), Andhra Pradesh, to Sri Venkat Rao and Smt Anjana Devi. Pawan Kalyan entered Telugu movie industry with "Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi" as Kalyan Babu. Though this film did not do well at the box office, Pawan Kalyan was noticed for his expertise in Martial Arts.

For showing his martial arts talent in movie Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi Andhra Pradesh‘s Ex-Chief minister Nara Chandra Babu Naidu entitled him the name ‘Pawan‘ by which be became popular in the Telugu film industry. Pawan‘s second movie Gokulamlo Sita failed at box-office but his next movie Suswagatham was fared well. He tasted his first success with Tholi Prema (1998), which set standards in the industry and became a paradigm for youth oriented films. The movie marked a milestone Pawan‘s career and he was recognised by the audiences. His next two flicks Thammudu and Badri were a blockbusters. Kushi (2001), broke box office records as it went on to gross 20 crores.

Pawan made his directional debut with Johnny, for which he travelled to Japan to get trained in martial art Akido. Renu Desai and himself cast as lead actors, the film was a disaster at the boxoffice. Gudumba Shankar (2001), for which Pawan contributed screenplay and other artistic skills was seen as a good family entertainer despite not living upto the box office expectations. Balu (2005) by Vyjayanthi Films didn‘t fare well either. His next movie Bangaram failed too. Annavaram (2006) fared better than his previous two.

Jalsa (2008), is the most widely released south Indian picture ever (approximately 1000 theatres worldwide). Jalsa is the first south Indian movie to be listed in the top ten of American based ‘Box Office Mojo‘. This site surveys all of the movies released in the world and provides their gross earnings. Jalsa stood 9th in its listings for the weekend of April 2-4th, 2008. Jalsa also completed 50 days in 282 centres and celebrated 100 days in 25 centers only.

Social Work
Pawan has started an organization called Common Man Protection Force(CMPF) in October 2007. He has contributed 1 crore INR towards the corpus fund, CMPF aims to solve the social problems, help the neglected sections of the society, in India. He makes sure that all this films have a message for the viewers, making them aware of the problems in the society and quest towards the solutions. He is a person who always questions his motives constantly.But till now no news or no service heard about the CMPF

Personal life
Pawan Kalyan was first married to Nandini, currently he is involved in a live-in relationship (so called Saha-Jeevanam by Pavan) with Renu Desai. Renu was the female lead in the films Badri, Johnny. The couple have a son named Akira Nandan, named after his favourite director Akira Kurosawa

Filmography

1996----Akkada Abbai Ikkada Ammayi
1997 ---Gokulamlo Seetha
1998--- Suswagatham
Tholi Prema
1999 ---Thammudu
2000-- Badri
2001 --Khushi
2003 --Johnny
2004 --Gudumba Shankar Shankar
Shankardada MBBS
2005-- Balu ABCDEFG
2006-- Bangaram
Annavaram Annavaram Asin Thottumkal
2007 -Shankardada Zindabad
2008 -Jalsa
2009-- Puli (under Making)