Southscope Magazine February 2012 Issue by Southscope and Ritz Magazine

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Rana Daggubati

Fe bruary 201 2 | So u t h sc op e

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Southscope’s new look appears to be a major blockbuster! The calls of appreciation about our fab new avatar are still pouring in. For all of us at Southscope, the January issue has been super special. Right after Southscope’s January 2012 issue was launched at Landmark, Chennai Citi Centre, I went on a trip of shops that retailed the magazine. From railway book stalls and little shops on the roadside to swish airconditioned stores, I tried to cover a broad cross-section. My !"#$"%&'()*+',+-.')//'01'2&'&3$/$"%'+*+4' since. Southscope was sold out in most 500,&.04+&'$"'.(+'!4&.'1+6'#)7&')"#'.(+' enthusiasm amongst shop keepers, many of whom have a special regard for the magazine is humbling, to say the least. It is naturally our endeavour to keep this energy soaring strong, with superb content and lovely presentation. In fact, to spice things up some more, 6+'()*+'5402%(.'$"')'"+6'8)*024'.0'.(+' magazine too. Read our pages and you will know just what I mean. From the designs to the content, everything about Southscope’s February issue spells SAUCY! We can’t wait for you to read it and send us your feedback. Until next issue, Cheers, Aruna R Krishnan Managing Editor

2 8 , Wa l l a c e g a r d e n 2 n d s t r e e t , ( o p p t o w o n t o n s & s u b w a y ) N u n g a m b a k k a m , C h e n n a i 3 4 . P h : 0 4 4 - 4 2 0 7 8 111 m a i l : k h w a a h i s h h a u t e s i l v e r @ g m a i l . c o m 4

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K H WA A H I S H D I A M O N D S N O W @ C E N AT O P H M A I N R D , T E Y N A M P E T , C H E N N A IF-ebr 6 0uar 0 0y 12 012 8 . P| H : 0ths 4 4cop - 4e3 0 0 9 151 1 S ou

K h w a a h i s h D i a m o n d s n o w a t C e n a t o p h M a i n R D , Te y n a m p e t , C h e n n a i . P h : 0 4 4 - 4 3 0 0 9 111

Aruna R Krishnan

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PREVIEW L&;18,4%7&1%7%M&-&7/(#/7&:1%7%M&#/7&J#G8$3&2)%&8,&-+;-),&$%-7N&O%:& :1%&+#;P.#;$&#$&%G%7):18$3&:1-:5,&1-44%$8$3&8$&:1%&,#/:1%7$&*+(& industry with our ‘eye for detail’

Shantakumar ‘I was always enamoured by story-telling’

Sharwanand !"#$%&#'&()&*+(,&(-.%&-,&(/01&(#$%)&-,&2$3%)/(&244#.1/(5

6-784778)!9&1-:%&4%#4+%&;1#&:7)&:#&<%&,(-7:&;8:1&(%5

Rana Daggubati K/44#Q1/.1/(&R$&S-74-$-83-+&

‘I know women love me, I just don’t know why’

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Ramesh Aravind !9&-(&4+-$$8$3&()&,%0#$.&8$$8$3,&8$&=-(8+5

Cobra Lal juggles several hats at the same time with this one

Shiva !9&.#$5:&;-:01&=-(8+&*+(,5

Saagar S-$$-.-&*+(&-/.8%$0%,&0#/+.&$#:&1-G%&-,@%.&'#7&(#7%

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H:-778$3&J-G8&=%T-&-$.&F%%@,1-&H%:1M&:18,&#$%&8,&,/7%&:#&<%& an entertainer

Aindrita Ray &!B1#&0-7%,&-<#/:&:1%&"#C&D&4#,8:8#$E5

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Kajal Aggarwal ‘I know the truth, my family knows the truth’

Suriya: ‘I wanted to try out something new’ 8

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

H17/:8&6--,-$&3+-(,&/4&%A0+/,8G%+)&'#7&H#/:1,0#4%&-$.&:-+@,& about everything about her that’s making news!

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

U#G%&,:#78%,&#G%7&:1%&)%-7,M&;1#5,&+##@8$3&6V=&-$.&;1#5,& "V=CCC&U%:5,&:-+@&-<#/:&-++&:18,&-$.&(#7%N&L+,#M&,:-7,&#4%$&/4& -$.&:%++&/,&-<#/:&:1%87&8.%-+&4-7:$%7&-$.&.-:%CCC&

Aarakshaka &X#7&:1%&*7,:&:8(%&8$&18,&DYP)%-7&*+(&0-7%%7M& R4%$.7-&;8++&<%&,%%$&4+-)8$3&-&0#4

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Billa-2 2G%7)&(-$&1-,&-&4-,:C&2G%7)&.#$&-&18,:#7)C& =1%7%5,&-&+#:&on offer from this Ajith-starrer

Adhinayakudu Nandamuri Balakrish$-&4+-),&:17%%&.8''%7%$:& 7#+%,&8$&:18,&#$%&Z&37-$.'-:1%7M&'-:1%7&-$.&,#$

W1%0@&#/:&;1-:&)#/7&'-G#/78:%&0#(%.)&.8-+#3/%,& ,#/$.&+8@%&;1%$&:7-$,+-:%.&8$:#&2$3+8,1N

What do the ‘stars’ say about the love-lives #'&#/7&'-G#/78:%&,:-7,E

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

Shop Online @ www.kanders.in While a whopping 300 movies have 5++"'&.42%%/$"%'.0'!"#'.(+$4'6)7'.0'.(+' theatres, February will have at least six !/3&'($..$"%'.(+'&$/*+4'&:4++"J'94),)&(' Raj’s Dhoni, the Atharva-Amala Paul starrer Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal, Siddarth’s Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi, Krishna starrer Kazhugu, Dhanush’s 3 and a few more movies are scheduled to release this month. While the makers of Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal are planning to release the !/3')&')'T)/+".$"+'.4+).'0"'U+542)47'VB<' the Siddarth-Amala Paul starrer Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi is expected to hit the screens around the same time in Tamil and in Telugu titled Love Failure. Prakash Raj’s bilingual titled Dhoni is about a child’s aspiration to make it big like the cricket icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni. It marks the debut of Bollywood actress Mugdha Godse in Kollywood. It seems to my ‘eye’ that the audiences can’t wait to ‘leap’ with excitement! What say you?

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Vijay and Ajith get the hottest villain!

Kollywood has had a ‘wicked’ streak... of hot villains from Bollywood! While (Milind) Sexy Soman has already won the hearts of the masses, Force (the remake of Tamil blockbuster movie Kaakha Kaakha) announced the arrival of Vidyut ‘hottie’ Jammwal as a macho baddie, whose Bollywood debut has wowed fans and critics )/$,+J'P$&'-+41043)":+'$"'.(+'!/3'()&'60"' him offers in Bollywood as well as in the Y)3$/'!/3'$"#2&.47J' Vidyut has completed working in Thala Ajith’s Billa-2 and has now signed on to play the negative role in Vijay’s upcoming !/3'Y(2--),$J'H00,&'/$,+'SD'@242%)#0&&Z' unique style of casting actors in negative 40/+&'$&'($&'/2:,7':()43['($&'-4+*$02&'!/3&' also had non-Tamil speaking actors as villains... language no bar!

Amala in Ajith’s next? With much-awaited releases lined up, it looks like Amala Paul could emerge as stiff competition to dethrone Tamannaah as the No. 1 actress in Kollywood. She is being considered by good banners for roles opposite bankable stars. But the actress needs ti ensure that she doesn’t annoy any section of the media, like she did recently at an event. You need the media to get to the top, sweetheart!

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Amala Paul’s Special Valentine Speaking of Amala Paul, watch out for the seductive actress this month. Her success %4)-('$"'.(+'A02.('W"#$)"'!/3'$"#2&.47' is going strong and steady. Though her #+52.'!/3'A$"#(2'A)3)*+/$'%)4"+4+#'5/2".' criticism, what followed was a string of &2::+&&12/'!/3&'$":/2#$"%'.(+'&3)&(X($.' Mynaa. Vettai proved that Amala had it in her to play trendy and glamorous roles as well. The sexy beauty will be playing similar roles in her upcoming movies Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal and Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi. Touted .0'5+'403)".$:'+".+4.)$"+4&<'50.('!/3&')4+' scheduled to hit the screens as a Valentine’s O)7'-4+&+".'.0'!/3'5211&J'A024:+&'&)7'.().' Amala will have substantial roles in these movies, which will get her more than just wolf whistles (wink/wink).

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

Vishnuvardhan and Ajith back together Vishnuvardhan and Ajith back together Speaking of Thala, the success of Vishnuvardhan’s Billa in 2007 was #+!"$.+/7'+"02%('.0'$3-4+&&'SE$.(<'6(0' has decided to work with the director )%)$"J'SE$.(Z&']^.('!/3'6)&'&2--0&+#'.0'5+' directed by Vishnuvardhan, but apparently it didn’t happen because of some creative differences. It so happened that T$&("2*)4#()"':02/#"Z.'-24&2+')'!/3'6$.(' Ajith after Mankatha because the director had to kick-start his Telugu movie Panjaa starring Pawan Kalyan in lead. After much

delay, the duo has come together again for .(+'!/3<'6($:('6$//'5+'-40#2:+#'57'S@' Ratnam of Sri Surya Movies. While Ajith ()&')/30&.'!"$&(+#'.(+'-).:(X2-'604,'0"' Billa-2, Vishnuvardhan is now working on .(+'&:4++"-/)7'01'.(+$4'"+_.'!/3'.0%+.(+4J' It is said that Thala does not approve of any scripts by just listening to one-liners, but this director could be an exception since they have already worked together for Billa. Another smash hit in the making? Let’s wait and see!

Rana’s walks out of Tamil debut On the topic of Vetrimaaran’s Vada =(+"")$<'.(+'!/3'6$//'()*+'AYD'$"'.(+'/+)#<' while Telugu heartthrob Rana Daggubati ()&'E2&.'6)/,+#'02.'01'.(+'!/3\'T)#)' Chennai was to mark Rana’s debut in Kollywood, but now, it looks like that is not

to be. Rana has cited ‘date hassles’ as his reason for opting out. Tch.. Tch... we will have to wait a while before we see him on Tamil shores.

Vetrimaaran walks through North Chennai

What is so unique and special about T+.4$3))4)"`'Y(+'!/33),+4'3$%(.':(00&+' simple plots as his story’s backdrop, but ensures that he does extensive research about the ambience in which he sets his story. Say for instance, his debut directorial Polladhavan, which showcased the lifestyle of an ordinary youngster in North Chennai. His award-winning movie Aadukalam ventured into the unexplored territories of Madurai. Moreover his introductory "0.+')502.'.(+'04$%$"'01')'a400&.+4'!%(.Z' distinctly showcased his amazing research on the theme. Now that Aadukalam has gained him incredible laurels and is ready to contend for more awards, the director is immersed in the territories of North =(+"")$'.0'4+&+)4:('($&'2-:03$"%'!/3' T)#)'=(+"")$J'W.'$&'&)$#'.().'.(+'!/3' focuses on the crime syndicate of North Chennai and Vetri is busy researching the lifestyle of gangsters and how the crime network operates. A high risk, but worth the shot, I guess?

Fee bru F br b rua u a rry y 20 2 001 1 2 | So South uth s co c ope pe

Neethaane En Ponvasantham delayed again

Vettai Mannan delayed too.. STR had commenced work on Vettai Mannan a few months ago, but had to stall the shooting as he had started working on >&.(+J'A00"')1.+4'.(+'!/3Z&'4+/+)&+<'.(+' actor decided to resume Vettai... in full swing. Rumours doing the rounds last month were that producer SS Chakravarthy of Nic Arts was disappointed that shooting was delayed again because of STR’s involvement in Love Anthem produced by Sony BMG. We hope the talented actor wraps up the shoot as quickly possible. P$&'!/3&')4+')'.4+).' to watch.

Gautham Vasudev Menon’s involvement in multiple projects has been alleged to be one of the reasons for the delay of ($&'!/3&Z'4+/+)&+&J'C(+"'(+'()#')/30&.' completed Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (VTV), the accomplished director changed his plans at the spur of moment and postponed its release because he had started working on the Telugu version 01'.(+'!/3'bI+'@))7)'=(+&)*+cJ';+104+' :03-/+.$"%'.($&'!/3<'(+'&.)4.+#'604,$"%' on his other project - Nadunisi Naaigal. Apparently, the Hindi version of VTV titled Ek Deewana Tha started rolling 30".(&'5+104+<')"#'.(+'!/33),+4'd2$:,/7' moved the shooting schedules across

Mumbai and Chennai. In all this action, he commenced his Tamil project Neethaane En Ponvasantham, starring Jiiva and Samantha in lead roles. Gautham had :033$..+#'.0'4+/+)&+'.(+'!/3'0"'U+542)47' 14 for Valentine’s Day. But now we hear 1403'&024:+&'.().'3)"7'-04.$0"&'01'.(+'!/3' are yet to be completed and the release will get postponed to the end of March. Some other sources claim that there are chances for a further delay as the movie maker is -/)""$"%'.0'&(00.'.(+'!/3'&$32/.)"+02&/7'$"' Telugu and Hindi with a different star cast, while Samantha plays the heroine in all the versions.

Hairy Deal STR may take more time to complete the project as he had to have different hairstyles for the )/523')"#'.(+'!/3J'G06<'.().'a$&Z')' big fat hairy deal, I’d say!

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu with SRK or Sallu?

Did Suriya recommend Karthi for Rajesh? If you trace back to the audio launch of Boss Engira Baskaran a year ago, you’ll recollect the drama on stage when cinematographer Sakthi Saravanan requested the suave Suriya to listen to Rajesh’s new script. Totally different from the director’s favourite comedy-drama genre, it was reported to be a sleek and stylish action thriller. One year later, Rajesh is calling out direction to our very own boy-next-door Karthi. While the director is still busy working on the script, it is believed that he will kick-start the project once he has completed shooting Oru Kal Oru Kannadi. Sources are pretty .$%(.X/$--+#')502.'.(+'!/3')"#'.(+'&.047<' so we are now left guessing about whether it would be a comedy entertainer or a new experiment by the director.

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It is really a season of remakes, I’d say! Gautham Vasudev Menon seems very keen on establishing his presence in Bollywood. It was earlier reported that .(+'!/33),+4'()#'-/)""+#'.0'4+3),+' Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu in Hindi with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead. Gautham ()#'&.).+#'.().'(+'602/#'4+30*+'.(+'!4&.' 15 minutes of the hero’s introduction .().'6)&'&-+:$!:)//7':4+).+#'.0'$"#2/%+' the audiences in Tamil Nadu. But now it looks like the two Superstar Khans )4+'&-+//502"#'57'.(+'54$//$)".'!/3$"%' of Ekk Deewana Tha, and are interested in working with the director. Gautham’s spokesperson says that the director is likely to remake Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu with either ‘Star’ Rukh Khan or Hunky Sallu. Now that’s what we call a dream run...

Yuvan Shankar Raja’s busy days for Billa-2 >1'.(+'#0e+"'04'&0'!/3&'.().'I2*)"'$&' committed to, Billa-2 tops his priority list and the music director is burning the midnight oil to complete the recording. Y(+')/523'6$//'()*+'!*+'.4):,&'$":/2#$"%' the theme music, and the title song has been created in a local style using drums – something that Thala fans will love. At the moment, Yuvan has completed working on three tracks and is almost done with the theme song. The producers of Billa-2 are planning to release the album by the end of February. With songs from Mankatha topping the charts in 2011, ardent fans of Ajith-Yuvan are naturally expecting the &2"<'300"')"#'&.)4&'1403'.($&'!/3J'

Actor Ragini Dwivedi better watch her word when she talks about other actors! Her recent take on co-stars Nidhi Subbaiah and Aindrita Ray posing in bikinis for the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) T20 tournament has landed her in trouble; her alleged uncharitable remarks have enraged both the actors. While Nidhi went to the extent of saying, ‘Who’s Ragini?’, Aindrita suggested Ragini should continue performing item numbers (her dance track Tuppa Beka Tuppa? from Kalla Malla Sulla was a hit in 2011). A shocked Ragini $33+#$).+/7':/)4$!+#'.0'.(+'3+#$)'.().' her comments on Nidhi and Aindrita were ‘misquoted’. But the damage had already been done. Apparently, Ragini, who was the brand ambassador for the CCL T20 Kannada team Karnataka Bulldozers in 2011, stayed away from it in 2012. Looks /$,+'.(+':).X!%(.'()&'0"/7'E2&.'5+%2"f

Nidhi and Aindrita take on Ragini

Darshan-Sudeep duo creates expectation U04'.(+'!4&.'.$3+'$"'.60'7+)4&<'):.$0"'(+40' Darshan and actor Sudeep shared the same dias at the audio release of Chingaari. It is quite obvious that the actors are not the best of friends and their camaraderie on stage surprised the audience. Both actors showered praises on each other and recalled .(+$4'#$1!:2/.'.$3+&'$"'&(065$eJ'Y(+'):.04&' ended speculations about their strained relationship by displaying warm bonhomie. The credit for bringing both actors together goes to choreographer-turned-director Harsha. Now, the new brotherhood has -403-.+#'g)"")#)'!/3'-40#2:+4&'.0' moot projects involving both Darshan and A2#++-J'S'50_'01!:+'($.<'6+'(0-+\

Vishnu’s bundles of joy Vishnu Manchu and his wife Viranica (Vini) were blessed with twin daughters on December 2, 2011 in the United States of America but Vishnu named them only a few weeks later. Ariaana Manchu and Viviana Manchu both have dimples like their dad and complexion like their mother! F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

Pooja goes topless Pooja Gandhi’s nose-diving career has taken a sudden u-turn with the actor performing a .0-/+&&'&:+"+'$"'(+4'"+_.'!/3'O)"#2-)/7)J' A scene involving the actor being beaten up in jail by the cop shows the actor’s bare 5):,\'Y(+'!/3'$&')':4$3+'.(4$//+4'5)&+#' on the real-life criminal gang from the Dandupalya locality in Bengaluru. Pooja has defended her actions contending that the 40/+'#+3)"#+#'&2:(')'-04.4)7)/J'I)6"fJ' “Have Shabana Azmi and Smitha Patil not done this before? What is wrong with it? A big issue is being made out my bold &:+"+<h')1!43&'900E)J'C(0')4+'.(0&+' brooding prudes?

Ramesh’s music release on mobile phone!

Yogaraj Bhat does not give up Ace director Yogaraj Bhat may be going through a rough patch following the mixed 4+&-0"&+'104'($&'!/3'9)4)3).(3)'6$.(' Puneet Rajkumar in the lead. But that has not deterred him from announcing his next -40E+:.'X'O4)3)J'A24-4$&$"%/7'104'.(+'!4&.' time, Yogaraj is not working with A-list actors. He has chosen emerging actor Yash and Malayalam actor Bhama as one of .(+'/+)#'-)$4&'$"'.(+'!/3J'P)*$"%')/6)7&' worked with top actors in the past, his decision to work with a minnow like Yash ()&'&24-4$&+#'.(+'g)"")#)'!/3'$"#2&.47J'

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Multilingual actor Ramesh Aravind is known for his creativity and innovation. This time, he has taken both these :03-0"+".&'.0')'"+6'/+*+/J'U04'.(+'!4&.' time in the history of Kannada movies, he ()&'4+/+)&+#'.(+'32&$:'01'($&'!/3'i'G)3' Anna Don - through a leading mobile service provider. This means the CDs of his !/3'6$//'"0.'5+')*)$/)5/+'$"'32&$:'&.04+&J' Fans wanting to listen to his movie’s songs will have to download the tracks on to their phones from the mobile service provider’s network! Ramesh has a point: youngsters spend more time on their mobile phones than any other gadget, and reaching to them easily is the best way forward for the music industry. Not a bad idea.

Y(+'@)(+&(';)52X924$'j)%)"")#('!/3' Businessman may have generated a mixed response from his fans, but the ace director has already announced a sequel. Y(+'!/3'4+:+$*+#')'%4+).'0-+"$"%'#24$"%' .(+'!4&.'6++,J'j)%)"")#('.0/#')'"+6&' channel that he is kicked by the response to Businessman and might start the sequel by the end of the year. However, we have not heard Mahesh Babu’s response to Jagannadh’s announcement, yet. Sir Osthara?

Businessman sequel coming?

What’s up with Hansika?

Hansika Motwani is reportedly not part 01'.(+'&.)4':)&.'01'TT'T$")7),Z&'"+_.'!/3' starring Ram Charan. Initially, it was rumoured that there were two female leads $"'.($&'2".$./+#'!/3['g)E)/'S%%)46)/'6)&'.0' play one of them and Hansika the other. If our sources are to be believed, Hansika is "0.'$"'T$")7),Z&'!/3')"7'304+<'6($/+'g)E)/' ()&'5++"':0"!43+#')&'.(+'1+3)/+'/+)#J' W"'.(+'3$#&.'01'.($&':0"12&$0"<'.(+'!/3Z&' producer DVV Dannaiah had to clarify that he had never approached Hansika to play the second lead, and that she was unnecessarily dragged into the issue.

Lisa Haydon in Ram Charan movie Lisa Haydon is thanking her stars. She will be seen dancing to music composer Mani Sharma’s peppy number, a track $".40#2:$"%'D)3'=()4)"'$"'($&'"+_.'!/3' Rachcha. The song is the opening sequence 01'.(+'!/3'#$4+:.+#'57'A)3-).('G)"#$J' A song opposite Ram Charan always generates a great response, and though there were many contenders, it fell into Lisa’s lap. Tamannaah plays Ram Charan’s love interest in this movie, which is close to completion. Will Lisa overshadow Tamannaah? Now that will give us more to look forward to.

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

More star power for Kochadaiyaan The Superstar’s hi-tech 3D venture titled Kochadaiyaan will have National Awardwinner Shobana in a prominent role. Y(+'!/3'6($:('$&'/$,+/7'.0'()*+'g).4$")' Kaif (who is yet to sign on the dotted line), Sneha and Aadhi will be directed by Soundarya Ashwin Rajinikanth. KS Ravikumar has written the story, screenplay and dialogue, and will be &2-+4*$&$"%'.(+'#$4+:.$0"J'Y(+'!/3'6$//' have the expertise of Oscar winner AR Rahman as well. Soundarya had Tweeted, kY(+'30&.')3)e$"%'&.)4.$"%l!4&.'#)7'

This row is bigger than !"#$%&'($)*#+,$ The biggest controversy to rip through the Tamil Film Industry, right now, is the one raging between the TFPC and the FEFSI, regarding wages to be paid to technicians. While producers are 124$02&'.().'.(+'&(00.&'01'+_$&.$"%'!/3&' )4+'5+$"%'#+/)7+#<'U?UAW'$&'d2$.+'!43'$"' arguing that they deserve a pay rise, and won’t settle for the old ages. Thus far, the stalemate continues, with both sides issuing one statement after another. Y($&'$&'0"+'5)../+'.().Z&'+*+"'!+4:+4'.()"' !/3$'0"+&J'

Rajini makes a request When Superstar Rajinikanth says something, more-often-than-not it is &$%"$!:)".J'D+:+"./7<'(+'3)#+')"')--+)/K' not to give any award in his name. While addressing the audience at the annual day celebrations of Ashram Group of Institutions, run by wife Latha in Chennai, the Superstar said, “I am making a sincere request: please do not name any award after me.” The Rajini Legend Awards were given to K Balachander, late Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh. Reacting to this, it was immediately decided to rename the awards as Balachander Legend Awards next year. True to the punch line – naan oru darave sonna, nooru darave sonna madiri (my saying it once, is like saying it a hundred times)!

of work. Spellbound, inspired and overwhelmed and grateful! ARR sir, you are amazing.” The shooting of the !/3'6)&'&2--0&+#'.0'()*+':033+":+#<' but is now postponed because the pre-production work is incomplete and casting is still in progress. In fact, Sarath Kumar is also considered for a role in this movie. Since KS Ravikumar and Superstar share a good rapport with Sarath Kumar, it is expected that the actor will accept the offer. Katrina Kaif has been asked to play the female lead, while Aadhi will perform an important character. It is believed that Soundarya was impressed with his awesome performance in Aravaan. 22

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Murugadoss’ Ramana in Hindi It is rumoured that AR Mugudoss is thinking of re-making the Vijayakanthstarrer Ramana in Hindi after completing work on Thuppakki, starring Vijay. He is hoping that Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwariya Rai-Bachchan will play the lead roles. It all depends on whether Aishwarya will get back to the silver screen, or choose to continue to play her new role of being a mother. For the moment, everything remains hush-hush.

Bollywood calling for Rajini’s daughters…

Vikram’s Thaandavam completes its Delhi Schedule Shankar and Vikram yet again?

After his latest release Nanban, Shankar 3)7'#$4+:.')'!/3'.().'6$//'&.)4'T$,4)3' in the lead. News was that Shankar had -/)""+#'.0'#$4+:.')'!/3<'6($:('602/#' have Rajini in the lead role. However, sources in Shankar’s camp have revealed that he has readied a story for Vikram.

Vikram’s Thaandavam, directed by AL Vijay (of Madrasapattinam fame), is &)$#'.0'()*+':03-/+.+#'$.&'!4&.'&:(+#2/+' in Delhi. The cast and crew shot at various locales in the capital in freezing temperatures. Remember the recent spell 01':0/#'6)*+'$"'.(+':)-$.)/`';4444fJJ' Sources say that some of the romantic -04.$0"&'01'.(+'!/3'()*+'5++"'&(0.'$"' Agra. Awaiting more news, as we speak.

Both his daughters - Aishwarya and Soundarya - are in a race to apparently release the Hindi version of their respective Y)3$/'!/3&J'C($/+'"+6&'01'A02"#)47)Z&' Kochadaiyaan featuring Rajinikanth being dubbed from Tamil to Hindi for a wider audience is already known, we now hear that Aishwarya’s 3 will also be dubbed in Hindi to be released along with its Tamil version. Everyone in the crew is :0"*$":+#'.().'.(+'!/3'()&'.(+'-0.+".$)/' to launch Dhanush in Bollywood. Says a source, “Everyone connected with the project felt that a Hindi version of 3 was the need of the hour, especially with Kolaveri di busting charts across the world. Only Dhanush was not in favour of this decision. He felt his Bollywood debut &(02/#'"0.'5+')'#255+#'Y)3$/'!/3J';2.'(+' was voted out by the rest of the 3 team.”

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Rahman says Kolaveri Di is sweet

Jayalalithaa and Kamal’s guru is no more

Dhanush’s desire Coming from a family of directors (father Kasthoori Raja and brother Selvaraghavan), Dhanush has emerged a successful actor, even winning the National Award. He has proven his skills in writing songs and crooning them too, thanks to Kolaveri Di. But guess what his aspirations are? He wants to establish himself as a successful director. He says, “Since my childhood, I have always 6)".+#'.0'#$4+:.'!/3&J'P0-+12//7'$.'6$//' 5+'12/!//+#'.($&'7+)4Jh''W.'$&'.0'5+'"0.+#' that Dhanush was in Mumbai recently, meeting Bollywood actors for his maiden !/3J'A024:+&':/0&+'.0'.(+'):.04'&)7'.().' he wants to try his hand at a different language and in a different place.

The music maestro has admitted that Kolaveri Di, written and crooned by O()"2&('104'.(+'2-:03$"%'!/3'm<'$&' ‘sweet’. In an interview, the Oscarwinner said, “Why this Kolaveri Di is a sweet song. It’s got a fresh new sound, its composer is a young guy... it’s a clutter-breaker. It became a hit because of the internet... the way it went viral.”

What’s next for Bindhu Madhavi? Bindu Madhavi, who started off with Veppam and is currently waiting for the release of Kazhugu with Krishna, is said to have signed her next project. It is believed that she will be starring opposite Vishnu of Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu-fame in her next movie. Bindu Madhavi, who was earlier dropped from Nakul’s Vallinam, will now be playing the female lead in

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A++"24)3)&)37Z&'!/3'G++4'9)4)*)$<'6($:(' is being produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin. The National Award-winning director reportedly said, “I’ve signed Bindu after auditioning quite a few faces for the role. Her expressive eyes and looks suit the character. Moreover, she makes a good pair for Vishnu. She will be playing a Christian %$4/'$"'.($&'!/3Jh'S3+"'.0'.().\

Meanwhile, the latest news is that Dhanush will soon be seen in AR Rahman’s music video, Vande Mataram, which is being produced and directed by Bharathbala. While on the subject of ARR, he was reportedly upset about the controversy surrounding the usage of the word ‘Hosanna’ in Ekk Deewana Tha.

Noted Bharatnatyam exponent and Guru of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, KJ Sarasa, died in Chennai following a brief illness. She was 79 and is survived by foster daughter Rajalakshmi, director Venkat Prabhu’s wife. Apart from Jayalalithaa, Sarasa had several ($%(X-40!/+'&.2#+".&<'$":/2#$"%'g)3)/' Haasan, Shobana, writer Sivasankari and dancer Urmila Satyanarayana. “She had :0".4$52.+#'$33+"&+/7'.0'.($&'!+/#<h'&)$#' Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who described Sarasa as her ‘guru’. Recalling her career spanning over 50 years, Jayalalithaa said Sarasa had trained 3)"7'#)":+4&<'5+&$#+&'5+$"%'a.(+'!4&.' woman ‘nattuvanar,’ a key composition in a Bharatantyam recital.

Sona’s allegation against producer A few months after she levelled a series of allegations against actor-producersinger SPB Charan, Sona has now said that producer T Siva of Amma Creations had cheated her by ‘fraudulently selling’ the dubbing rights of their co-production venture, Kanimozhi. Sona, who runs Uniq Production, said that she signed a pact with Siva, the owner of Amma Creations and a member of the Tamil Film Producers Council, on January 28, 2010 for purchasing the entire rights to the movie Kanimozhi. “I have 50 percent ownership rights along with Siva for other Indian languages as well. Siva cannot sell the rights without my written consent and 6$.(02.'&()4$"%'.(+'-40!.&'6$.('3+<h'&(+' said, and added that the producer however, had signed an agreement with a third party to sell the dubbing rights, without her permission. Sona made news a couple of months ago, after she levelled charges against Charan that he had misbehaved with her.

Sivaji, the Boss Nadigar Thilagam Film Appreciation Society, a forum to keep the memories of thespian Sivaji Ganesan alive, was inaugurated in Chennai recently. The society is headed by veteran actor and dramatist Y Gee Mahendran. In his address, Mahendran said, “We have launched this society to make sure that Nadigar Thilagam and his work continue to remain relevant in this day.” The society plans to screen :/)&&$:'!/3&'01'.(+'/+%+"#)47'):.04'0":+' in two months on a Sunday. The annual subscription is 750 rupees for a couple (not necessarily spouse) and 500 rupees for one person. Meanwhile, the launch function of the society also marked the golden jubilee of Sivaji’s landmark movie Paarthal Pasi Theerum. Directed by Bhimsingh, it is one 01'.(+'&2::+&&12/'9)'&+4$+&'!/3&J'Y(0&+' attended the function included Sivaji’s son Ramkumar, veteran actress Sowcar Janaki who drove down specially for the event and Aroor Das, who has penned the dialogues 104'3)"7'A$*)E$'!/3&J

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Vish-Trish %*-&&.$/)'#$ together

Nag plays Shirdi Sai Baba

Everyone knows that Trisha has been roped in to play the lead in the Vishal-starrer, Samaran. Get this: Vishal has been hoping to rope her in for his movies for a while now, but in vain. Apparently, there have always been ‘date issues’. Sources even say that she was offered G)7)".)4)Z&'40/+'$"'.(+'!/3' Sathyam earlier. “I liked the story of Samaran and immediately accepted to work with Vishal, says Trisha.

Nagarjuna is all set to play the role of Shirdi Sai Baba after successfully playing the roles of Annamayya and Bhakta Ramadasu. Director K Raghavendra Rao and music composer MM Keeravani come together once again with Nagarjuna for this !/3<'6($:('$&'5+$"%'-40#2:+#'57'S'@)(+&(' Reddy. Shooting is slated to commence in February. Handsome Nag really is fascinated by devotional characters!

It seems singer turned actress Vasundhara Das has been living-in with her fellow artiste Roberto for a while now. Indeed, there was dependable news that both of them said ‘I do’ and are now living in Mangalore. Vasundhara however denied these reports and added that her personal life if off the media record, insisting that she and Roberto are only close friends. Fair enough!

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Kannada dream-girl Divya Spandana might make another appearance in Tamil cinema soon; looks like director Vetrimaran might sign her on for his next project, Vada Chennai. She was after all, a part of his -4+*$02&'!/3<'90//)#()*)"<'6($:('.24"+#' to be a hit. Will this beauty light up the screen again? Wait and watch.

Asin denies hosting TV show Vasundhara’s Hush Hush Wedding?

Vada Chennai calling for Divya Spandana?

The media was abuzz with reports, claiming that Asin would host the television show Superstar Santa and &(+'$"'1):.'()#')/4+)#7'&(0.'104'$.&'!4&.' episode in Mumbai recently. However, her media manager has said there were no such plans and the actress is busy with her commitments in Bollywood. “Asin is appearing as the celebrity guest in the TV show Superstar Santa. She recently shot an episode of it. This has resulted in rumours that she would be hosting a TV show. She doesn’t have any plans to debut on the small screen,” said the spokesperson. The media manager added that the actor is currently busy with two Bollywood projects, Bol Bachchan and Housefull 2, and does not have time to host programmes on the small screen.

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Divided Thinking!

Priyamani on a high! It is a dream come-true for Priyamani, who has been aspiring to share screen-space with Mohan Lal. The National Awardwinning actress who has not had a good run in Tamil and Telugu will be seen with the ace Mollywood actor in his upcoming crime thriller Grandmaster. This girl deserves success, and while she is at it, also deserves a very good stylist.

One senses a clear divide between Prabhu Deva and Nayantara’s thought process. Nayan converted to Hinduism to marry Prabhu Deva and it was rumoured that she would quit cinema after their marriage... such devout terms in their relationship. But, things are quickly changing. In a sign that all may not be well with this couple, Nayan is planning her comeback and will soon be acting in a movie with Nagarjuna. G+6&'01'(+4'-/)"&'.0'4+X+".+4'!/3&'()&' &-4+)#'/$,+'6$/#!4+')30"%'-40#2:+4&')"#' lovely Nayan was last heard to have been considered for the lead role in Ajith’s next. We can’t wait to see her on screen again!

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Glitz, Glamour K'!%69-F !2$%"*32.-4*'5)+$)#6'&**$-'7)*'$+8-&9-0')%')' 9)$+3"')%':)+01)#;''<"-++)&'<&%&'<-+%#-'&+' )**23&)%&2+'7&%"'=>?'@2%&2+'A&3%$#-*4'?-%%)&' 7&%"'B#6)')+0'B1)9)'A)$9')00&+C'C9)1'%2'%"-' 1)C4*'D)E'+-7'922;F'/'G")+)+H)6)+'2D'=>?' #-3-&8-0'%"-'I#*%'32.6J'

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F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

‘I AM GETTING PAID TO ACT, NOT LISTEN TO GOSSIP’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F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Indeed, her career began with her childhood, as she sang, dubbed or acted in movies like Thevar Magan and Hey Ram, showing a promise of things to come. Her father is nothing short of a living legend in Indian cinema; her mother is a well-known actor of her time. With parents like Kamal Haasan and Sarika, it is small wonder that the daughter should make her way through Indian cinema with a splash, turning heads wherever she goes. Her talent is obvious,

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

her translucent beauty has set audiences raving, while her voice prompted one popular Tamil music composer to say that hers was the best voice he had ever worked with. Critics predict a great future in store for this sassy young diva.

Perhaps she has some inkling of this, but Shruti prefers to live in the moment, and make the most of her talents all at once. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the middle of a recording in Mumbai when I call her, and would much prefer, she admits, not to talk about it at the present moment. Other things however, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than willing to share, and the conversation runs easily from movies and music, to cell generation. I kid you not!

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Status Quo

“I’m doing 3 in Tamil, and Gabbar Singh in Telugu,” she says, with a very faint American twang in her voice, in answer to the South Indian projects she’s working on at the moment. And it’s easy to balance both industries, she &)7&J'kW'#0"Z.'4+)//7'!"#'$.'*+47'#$1!:2/.J' It’s almost like doing two movies in the same language – they’re that similar! I never split it up as Tamil or Telugu.” But surely things must be different when it comes to the north and south, I ask. “No, no,” she insists, “See, I’m a musician as well, and if you were to ask me about music, then I’d understand the differences – but even then, I don’t see much of a division. I think it’s something of a blessing, actually, to be working in both industries and I look at the positives.” She pauses and adds, “I guess it’s more to do with time management, and how you manage when you’re

working on more than one project, really.” Speaking of Bollywood projects – Luck, her debut in Hindi, despite having big names, was not a commercial success; )"#'(+4'&+:0"#'P$"#$'!/3<'O$/'Y0(' Baccha Hai Ji hardly set the box01!:+'0"'!4+J'Y(+'Y+/2%2'1)".)&7'!/3<' Anaganaga O Dheerudu wasn’t a roaring success either, despite being backed by Walt Disney. In an industry where the tables turn every Friday, is she insecure about the success of her movies? “Of :024&+<'+*+470"+'6)".&'.(+$4'!/3&'.0'5+' successful. I don’t think there’s anybody who thinks otherwise,” she chuckles and goes on to add, “But I don’t get stressed about such things because what lies within your hands is when you actually &(00.'.(+'!/3<'6(+"'702Z4+'0"'.(+' sets – that’s when you can actually do something about it, you know? Beyond

that, the outcome is not really in your hands, I think. You do your job and you just want it to work well,” she declares. And that, she knows, is directly tied with the movies she chooses to be part of. So how does she know which to tick, anyway? What are her criteria for &$%"$"%'.(+'#0..+#'/$"+`'kO+!"$.+/7'.(+' script and the character I’m playing. I think that’s crucial and important. Also, for me, the team that takes -)4.'$&'&$%"$!:)".J';+:)2&+<' you know, it might be a great idea, but the team may not be the right one to execute it,” she explains. She doesn’t, however, place the same emphasis on a director’s past record. “I believe that when somebody has a vision for their content, then the mood )"#'*$5+'01'.(+'6(0/+'!/3' changes automatically,” says Shruti.

3 For Success Success, however, seems to be very much a part of her career now. And, that’s also partly because of the song that has been on everyone’s mind these days. Did she expect Kolaveri... to go viral all over world? “No – I mean, I knew it would be a hit, but not to the level it’s got to, right now!” she smiles. Of course, the making of Kolaveri had as much to do with its success, as the song itself: the spontaneous feel, the impromptu lyrics and the team’s casual stance added to the universal appeal. “It’s a situational song, sung by the character O()"2&('-/)7+#J'94$04'.0'.(+'01!:$)/' release, someone had leaked the song online, so the 3 team just kind of put together this number – it’s very similar to the ‘making’ videos that everyone does, today. I happened to be there because I was supposed to sing another song for the &)3+'!/3J'W.'6)&"Z.'-/)""+#['.(+'.+)3'

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didn’t start out saying, ‘let’s release this song’ or anything,” Shruti reveals. Hasn’t Kolaveri, however, created )'#+!"$.+'&($1.'$"'.(+'6)7'&2:(' songs are viewed? And doesn’t such a shoot, no matter how spontaneous, take your attention away from

the song itself? “Not necessarily. There’s no set formula for such things. What works for one song may not work for another,” she insists, adding, “You may have the same concept for another song, or someone might come up with something completely different. That’s the thing – you can’t plan these things to a T. I don’t think the team of 3 planned to make Kolaveri such a big success – that was not the intention at all.”

Speaking of making a splash – what on earth happened to Endrendrum Punnagai, the movie with Madhavan which was supposed to be her debut? “That was ages ago,” she admits, “I haven’t even thought about it for a long time as I have already debuted in Tamil.” And 7am Arivu, in 6($:('&(+'!4&.'&.+--+#'$".0'Y)3$/'30*$+&' under the aegis of AR Murugadoss has more than made up for it. As Subha Srinivasan, her character was impressive, especially with the volume of acting she had to do. Febr F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou o u th thss cop co p e

Lost in Space

!/3&')"#'-).':03+&'.(+'4+-/7<'*+47'32:(' 47'32:(' to the point, “No.” After a pause, she elaborates, “See, my parents are both there for support when I need them. em. If I :(00&+'.0'#0')'!/3<'.(+"'$.Z&'%0$"%'.0'5+' %'.0'5+' 60–75 days of me on the sets. Nott them. So it’s best that I make that decision.” cisi sion sion.” What about the expectations ons being g the daughter of talented Doesn’t ed parents? Does esn’t that )302".'.0'.+44$!:'-4+&&24+`'kG0<'.(+4+Z&' 44$!:'-4+&&24+`'kG0<'. '.(+4+Z&' no pressure unrealistic ure to act. It’s such an unr nrealistic +_-+:.).$0"<h'&(+'&)7&<'!43/7<'kWZ3'*+47' -+:.).$0"<h'&(+'&)7&<'!43/7<'kWZ WZ3'*+47' blessed, essed, very happy to have been be born in this his family, but my parents ts having g been en acting since they were ere 5 or 6 years old, and seriously, seriously ly, that’s ’s 1!:2/.'104')"70"+'.0': ':03-+.+ .+' .+ #$1!:2/.'104')"70"+'.0':03-+.+' with. Why even try? I’m m trying ng to makee a name for myself. mysel yself. My way, my own journey ey aand so nces have been en very far, the audiences ving of that.” .” accepting and loving

“I received a great deal of positive feedback about the role,” says Shruti crisply. But wasn’t there some criticism about her western accent that rather took away the seriousness of her role? “See, ultimately, it’s director Murugadoss’ !/3['(+Z&'.(+'0"+'6(0'&+.&'$.'.(+'6)7'$.' is. He saw the scene and felt that it was done exactly right and this was the way he wanted it. And I blindly follow my directors. I completely leave my fate, and the fate of my character, in their hands.”

Of course, music is a very large part of her career as well: she’s been singing ever since her childhood, and has continued to lend her voice to songs as an adult. Harris Jeyaraj’s Vaaranam Aayiram she shot into prominence and her rendition of Adiye Kolludhe was on everyone’s lips for months after its release. She has sung for 7am Arivu as well. “Wonderful, it was an absolutely wonderful experience singing for him,” she enthuses, “He’s always been very kind to me – so it was a lovely

Let me sing that song experience.” Ah but then, there’s another, much more musical side to her, apart from singing. She’s a composer as well, and came up with the complete score for the movie Unnaipol Oruvan (2009), didn’t she? P06'#$1!:2/.'6)&'$.<' managing the worlds of composing, singing and acting? “Actually, singing is very different from composing,” she explains, “I shall be honest – it is not very #$1!:2/.'.0'3)")%+'&$"%$"%')"#' ):.$"%'i'52.'$.'$&'d2$.+'#$1!:2/.'.0' 3)")%+':03-0&$"%'104')'!/3')"#' acting. Very logically, singing takes

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

Look who’s Talking! maybe 2 hours in the studio. You do the 3).('i'$1'.(+4+')4+'!*+'&0"%&<'$.'3$%(.' take 10 hours for an album. So it’s a 24hour job, at a grand total. But making a movie takes, I don’t know, 300 hours? 4 or 5,000 hours? It involves a lot of teamwork, just as in any project – but the usage of time is longer for making )'!/3'04'$.&'32&$:<'6($/+'&$"%$"%<'"0.' so much. The composer in me is very much alive – but doing it full time for a movie? That’s another ball game. I don’t see myself composing any time right now.”

Pillars of Strength Being able to do so much, what does she !"#'30&.'&).$&17$"%`'A(42.$Z&')"&6+4' $&'#$4+:.J'kW'!"#'5+$"%')'-+41043+4' 12/!//$"%<'(06+*+4'W'#0'$.Jh'S&,'(+4'$1' her father plays a role in choosing her

Fair enough. But what of the controversies, gossip and linkups that rule the life of any popular actress? Shruti has already had her share of those. She’s hit the gossip headlines for her purported nose job, her alleged linkups 6$.('A$##()4.(')"#'O()"2&(f'kC(+"' rumours are false, how can they possibly affect us in any way? I have never felt the need to clarify in this regard, because .(+4+'$&'"0'5)&$&'104'.($&J'Y0'3+<'.(+'!/3' is paramount, what a magazine says is not something I would dwell on. I need to make a good movie and for that my relationship with my director and coactors is very important and this is what I have maintained. Everything is exactly as it should be, between Aishwarya and me,” says Shruti, matter-of-factly. But what of her purported nose job? She refutes this news, saying, “I had broken my nose a couple of times, once when I was a kid and another time when I was a teenager. Now my surgery was never cosmetic. I had trouble breathing because of these accidents, there was a deviated septum which needed correction and this

Present Perfect

is why I opted for surgery. I have never advocated false beauty. I don’t want to encourage young girls to undergo any form of cosmetic surgery under the notion that I have done something similar. Mine was purely a medical problem.” Unfazed she continues, “I understand that controversies are a part of the package, but it’s not something I take seriously. Because it comes and goes, and I’m getting paid to be an actor and singer, not to listen to gossip. Today, if you see an article in the internet or the magazines, 702':02/#':)//'3+'!*+'7+)4&'/).+4'104')"' $".+4*$+6J';2.'702':)""0.':)//'3+'!*+' years from now to act in 7am Arivu. See, a movie is forever – it’s for people to go back to, and watch at any point of time. Gossip, on the other hand, is ever changing – like a cell multiplying structure of its, own,” she laughs, suddenly, “I mean, cells die and grow back, right? I get that. And I get this too: what will be eternal and immortal is the work I do. And that’s what I want to pay attention to.”

Back to movies again – is she, by any chance, doing one with Allu Arjun? Not at the moment, she says, “But I would #+!"$.+/7'/$,+'.0'604,'6$.('($3<')"#')'/0.' of other people.” As of now, she seems to be concentrating pretty heavily on south Indian cinema. “Well, yes. The roles and characters I am getting here are more fruitful. It is a process for me too, so I can discover and learn my own boundaries. I go wherever and to whoever is offering me those challenges. And it so happened that the South was offering me such things. I do get Bollywood offers, but you know, having had this run – it’s not an ordinary thing, getting to debut in a movie like 7am Arivu. It’s such a wonderful character for any actress – debut or not. So I’m looking for good characters to play. To be a part of good projects. That’s the important thing for me.” Having come so far, it’s only natural to know what her parents’ reactions 6+4+<'6(+"'.(+7'!4&.'&)6'(+4'0"X&:4++"J' “Oh that – you’ll have to ask them,” she laughs, entirely mischievous. She was also part of a band, the Extramentals, wasn’t she? “The Extramentals disbanded long ago. When I came from America, I had a proper band with the right number of members. I don’t have a band structure at the moment. Even my music has changed shape and 1043J'W'&$"%'-/)75):,'$"'.(+'!/3&'W'):.<' and you know, that’s why I don’t separate anything, because ultimately everything works in tandem for me.”

So, all the talk of link-ups with actors like Dhanush and Siddharth is just water under the bridge? “Yes, it is,” she says, “Those things are not my priority – my work is my priority.” F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

‘IT WAS TREMENDOUS PRESSURE DIRECTING MANKATHA’ (-4*'C2+-'D#21'1);&+C'D$+M'62$%"D$9' "&%*'7&%"'.-2.9-'"-'&*'D#&-+0*'7&%"M'%2' *$33-**D$996'0&#-3%&+C')'1)H2#'*%)#'7&%"' -+2#12$*'1)**')..-)9J'L&+;$'/$.%)' )*;*'%"-'D2$#NI91N290'?-+;)%'A#)E"$' )E2$%'7")%'1);-*'"&1'%&3;JJJ

Life should feel different for Venkat kat atha. Prabhu after the success of Mankatha. ing in all He should be preening and revelling ived. But the accolades his movie has received. those who know him, know that nothing has changed. He is still the simplee and friendly guy he was before super success became his middle name. Only, he is busy &:4$-.$"%'($&'"+_.'!/3<'6$.('A24$7)'$"'.(+' $7)'$"'.(+' lead, produced by Studio Green.

Venkat is clear clea about how he wants to be remembered. remembere “I want to be a good people come in to see entertainer. When W 37'!/3&<'.(+7'&(02/#'%0'(03+'6$.(')' 37'!/3&<'.(+ &3$/+'0"'.(+$4'1):+&J'W'6)".'.0'3),+'!/3&' &3$/+'0"'.(+$4 for people to watch when they are low!” (+'%4$"&J'P$&'!/3&'&0'1)4<':+4.)$"/7'4+8+:.' (+'%4$"&J'P$&' this ideology and his happy-go-lucky characters with wit their witty one-liners have been eagerly lapped up by the audiences.

C(+"'.(+'&3)//'52#%+.'8$:,'=(+"")$'nNNNMR' "")$'nNNNMR' with a relatively unknown cast became a super hit, Venkat had the couragee to follow it up with Saroja, Goa and then Ajith’s 50th !/3<'@)",).()J'?):('!/3'.02:(+#')':(04#' (+#')':(04#' with the audiences and he has been known to have a distinct style of his own, which nticipation. viewers look forward to with anticipation. 3&<'$&'$"'"0' Y(+'d2$4,7<'12"'1):.04'$"'($&'!/3&<'$&'$"'"0' small measure, a big reason for his success. So how does it feel to be the man with the Midas touch? “I don’t know if you can call it that,” Venkat says modestly. “But when 37' !/3&' #0' 6+//<' $.' #0+&' 3),+' 3+' ()--7J' Everybody wants success and onee continues .0' 3),+' !/3&' 6$.(' .(+' (0-+' .().' ().' .(+7Z//' be successful. But the pressure to present )"0.(+4'($.'$":4+)&+&'6$.('+):('!/3'$"'+d2)/' 3'$"'+d2)/' measure too,” he shares.

Though he is busy planning his next move and has no time to think about the future, we egg him on to share his goals. Thoughtfully, he replies, “It is hard to Thoughtfully one’s success. I am still in the maintain one where I want to go. process of getting get I have a long way ahead.” But he does reveal two goals goa after much persuasion. work with more stars in Tamil “I want to wor )"#')/&0'+_-/04+'0.(+4'/)"%2)%+'!/3&'/$,+' )"#')/&0'+_-/0 Hindi. But I am not pursuing it Telugu and H right now. It will happen when it should.” For someone who has made it slowly and steadily up the th ladder and made his family it sure seems like proud in the bargain, b Venkat is all set to achieve this goal too!

He admits he felt the highest pressure essure directing Mankatha. “Being Ajith’s th’s 50th !/3'.(+4+'6+4+')'/0.'01'+_-+:.).$0"&'1403' 1)"&J'9/2&'$.'6)&'37'!4&.'!/3'6$.(')'3)E04' star. We were going to give him a negative streak and we were worried about whether it will go down well with the audiences. I guess I was lucky that it worked and the -25/$:'/0*+#'.(+'!/3<h'(+'&3$/+&J So how would he describe his genre 01'!/33),$"%`'k?):('!/3'W'#0'$&'01')' different genre. If you see, I have made a &-04.&'!/3<')'.(4$//+4<')'403X:03')"#')"' action adventure so far. It’s just that my !/3&'()*+'37'.02:(<'6($:('$&'/$%(.X(+)4.+#' and not very serious,” explains Venkat. So what genre is next? “See, when you ()*+')'5$%'52#%+.'!/3'6$.(')'3)E04'&.)4<'

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

action themes work best if you keep the economics of it in consideration, since they capture a mass audience. So my next 6$.('A24$7)'6$//'5+')"'):.$0"'8$:,')"#'WZ3' working on the script right now. I have yet to give a full narration to Suriya,” (+'4+*+)/&J'Y(+'!/3'6$//'()*+'D)*$'Y+E)' co-starring with Suriya, and will be made for the Telugu and Tamil markets. Yuvan Shankar Raja will compose the music. “When I work, I do a lot of improvisation on sets. It has become a habit now. I change the scene in the script, on location. Before I go in, I have something else in mind but later I add last minute dialogues because I am usually not content with what I have written,” he laughs.

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

‘NONE OF MY FILMS MADE AS MUCH MONEY AS ENGEYUM EPPODHUM’ W#-*"'D#21'%"-'*$33-**'2D'X+C-6$1' X..20"$1M')3%2#'!")#7)+)+0'3)++2%' *%2.'%)9;&+C')E2$%'%"-'-Y.-#&-+3-J L)0"&;)'L)H)1)+&'9&*%-+*'&+'392*-96

I am in love with – /220'3&+-1)

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

Sharwanand has enough reasons to smile, with good movies like Engeyum Eppodhum (Journey in Telugu) Prasthanam, Andhari Banduvaya, Gamyam, Vennela and Amma Cheppindi in his !/30%4)-(7J''C$.('"0'!/3'5):,%402"#' to prop him up, he entered the industry and has now carved a niche for himself

by looking for author-backed roles with different scripts. Sharwanand claims he is selective about his scripts and doesn’t mind waiting till the right one comes along. “I #$#"Z.'&$%"')'!/3'104'0"+X)"#X)X()/1'7+)4&' after Prasthanam. I liked the script of EE; I believed in it and it worked. The only thing that excites me is good work. I can’t sign on for what I don’t believe in,” he smiles as we ease into our conversation. I was prepared with a lineup of questions for the actor, but he surprised me by taking the lead. Prasthanam, directed by Devakatta, 6)&'.(+'0"/7'Y+/2%2'!/3':(0&+"'$"'.(+' Indian Panorama at IFFI, Goa in 2010. Sharwanand went to Goa where he could 3++.'#$11+4+".',$"#&'01'!/33),+4&J'kW.' was only cinema, cinema all around,” says the actor who is currently basking in the commercial success and critical acclaim of ($&'Y)3$/'!/3'?"%+723'?--0#(23'b??cJ' A delighted Sharwanand says, “None of 37'!/3&':0//+:.+#'.($&'32:('b30"+7').' .(+'50_X01!:+cJ'??'$&'.(+'5$%%+&.'($.'01' 37':)4++4'&0'1)4J'C(+"')'!/3'$&':4$.$:)//7X acclaimed and gets commercial success at .(+'50_X01!:+<'702'1++/'()--7J'W.Z&')':/+)"' !/3J'W.'&(06&'.().'-+0-/+')4+'0-+"'.0'"+6' kinds of cinema. Finally, the success of a !/3'#+-+"#&'0"'(06'6+//'6+'3),+')'!/3' and take it to the audience.” Continuing to talk about the success of EE and Sharwanand reasons, “You see, $.'$&')'-24+'#$4+:.04Z&'!/3'i'.().Z&')//J'P+' (Saravanan) is just amazing. When he ")44).+#'.(+'&:4$-.<'(+'6)&':0"!#+".J'W' loved the honesty and command he has as a director. It’s always great to work 6$.('&2:('!/33),+4&J'@242%)#0&&')"#' 20th Century Fox were producing the !/3<'&0'.(+'6(0/+'-):,)%+'6)&'%00#J'W.'$&' important to be part of good cinema rather .()"'#0$"%'!/3')1.+4'!/3')$3/+&&/7Jh In the course of doing EE, the actor tells me he also found a friend. “I got some good support from Murugadoss in Chennai. He’s somebody I know and can talk to. I don’t know anyone else. As a producer he was fantastic - gave all that was needed. It was good to be associated with 20th Century Fox. The publicity and promotion was amazing. On the whole it was a smooth journey.” kY0'&(00.')'40)#'!/3'$&'"0.')"'+)&7'E05<h' he continues, as I keep pace with his quick chatter, “One has to live on the road and it is challenging. It’s tough for the cinematographer and director. It was tough as an actor too as I was always travelling - either by bus, auto or by foot. Once you

5+/$+*+'$"'.(+'!/3<'702'+"E07'.(+'-40:+&&' even if it is tough.” S/.(02%('A()46)")"#Z&'Y+/2%2'!/3' Gamyam was remade in Tamil as Kadhalna Summa Illai some years back, he effectively crosses over to Tamil cinema with EE. “It feels nice to learn different cultures and explore different cinema,” says the actor, punctuating that he doesn’t !"#')"7'#$11+4+":+'5+.6++"'.(+'.60' industries barring the language. @0&.'01'.(+'!/3&'A()46)")"#'()&'#0"+' have been in the realm of meaningful cinema, dealing with serious and semiserious subjects. To that he retorts, “If I were in the same format, I wouldn’t be Sharwanand. I am just an actor trying to be part of good cinema because of directors like Krish (Gamyam), Devakatta (Vennela, Prasthanam) and Saravanan (EE) who believed in me when I was a nobody and %)*+'3+'&.40"%':()4):.+4&')"#'%00#'!/3&Jh' Why has he not done a love story yet? “My interest lies in showing people what they have not seen – new things/concepts. I will do a love story if I am kicked about it - if there’s something new, something exciting in the script.” Sharwanand cites the example of his latest 2".$./+#'!/3'.().'(+Z&':244+"./7'&(00.$"%' with ‘Allari’ Naresh and Shriya. “From the !4&.'&:+"+'.0'.(+'/)&.<'W'6)".'.0'3),+'.(+' audience laugh. I chose to do it this time. Naresh and I are back together (on screen) after three years (post Gamyam). It’s nice .0'&(00.'6$.('A(4$7)')&'6+//J'Y(+'!/3'()&' been shot in Vizag and at Ramoji Film City,” he says, adding that he is fortunate to not have an ‘image’ attached to him. As for his future projects, he reveals that he ()&"Z.'&$%"+#')"7'Y)3$/lY+/2%2'!/3')&'(+' is still listening to scripts. “I have liked a few but haven’t signed on the dotted line yet,” he smiles. Besides cinema, Sharwanand has several other passions. Beenz, the coffee shop (set in ethnic surroundings), was started by the actor along with his brother some time ago. “We wanted a ‘hang out’ spot so we started it. I didn’t realise it’ll be such a success. I have made so many friends because of Beenz. My brother takes care of it now; I just support it,” he tells us. While being a restaurauteur is a hobby, so is photography. “Anything creative always excites me. Even in cinema, it is the cinematography and editing. We go to many locations, so I want to buy a camera and capture the experiences.”

Acting, however, is top priority and the actor believes that ‘magic happens when the camera is turned on’. He goes on to add, “I really like exploring different characters that I am not. I may have done 0"/7')'1+6'!/3&<'52.'W')3'-402#'01')//'01' them...”

I love – 'Z-&+C')+')3%2#

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

‘I SURVIVE BECAUSE I STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT’ !"-'&*'2D%-+'0$EE-0')*'[32+%#28-#*64*' D)82$#&%-'3"&904'&+'%"-'P)++)0)'I91' &+0$*%#6M'E$%'32+%&+$-*'%2'#-1)&+'&+' *%#2+C'0-1)+0F'X8-#6'6-)#M'L)16)' );)'G&86)'!.)+0)+)'%#&-*'%2'.$%' 32+%#28-#*&-*'%2'#-*%M'E$%'%"-#-4*'+2' #-*.&%-M'*)6*'B#)8&+0'/270)

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

Divya Spandana debuted in Puneet D)E,23)4Z&'&+:0"#'!/3'S5($'$"'MNNmJ' Since then, she has acted in more than 25 Kannada movies and several Tamil and Telugu projects. She is one of the longest &24*$*$"%'):.04&'$"'g)"")#)'!/3&J';2.'"0.' a year goes by without her being dragged into a controversy.

If that controversy seemed damaging enough to her career, another producer announced that Divya would perform an item number in his project Crazy Loka, directed by Kavitha Lankesh. What is strange is that the producer did not consult Divya before making the announcement!

The actor, however, is honest in her declaration, “Nobody likes stress, but it $&')'-)4.'01'/$1+fI02'()*+'.0'#+)/'6$.('$.J' What is important for me though, is that I stand up for what is right. I am a survivor.” In the past, Divya had admitted that she has been at the receiving end for being honest in her observations. And 2011 was no different for Divya.

But the upbeat actor wants to forget the ugly episodes of 2011. “For me, 2011 was a good year. Sanju Weds Geetha and j0(""7f'#$#'6+//').'.(+';>J';0.('30*$+&' were appreciated by the critics and the audience. The biggest appreciation an actor can get for all the hard work $&'6(+"'.(+'!/3&'-+41043'6+//<h' she says.

With two hits to her name – Johnny @+4)'G))3f')"#'A)"E2'C+#&' Geetha (the latter, a blockbuster) – all eyes were on the actor once again. In Sanju Weds Geetha, she is paired opposite Srinagara Kitty, who is not among the A-list actors, and had to :)447'.(+'6(0/+'!/3' on her shoulders, a feat she attempted quite successfully with the movie running for more than 100 days. And just when you thought it was smooth sailing, Dandam Dashagunam (remake of Tamil hit Kaakha Kaakha) landed her in trouble again. Divya stayed away from the audio release 01'.(+'!/3'$"'@)4:('MNVV' following which producer A Ganesh lashed insults at her and sought an explanation. But apparently, the story reported in the papers was far from the truth. Ganesh had borrowed money from Divya to :03-/+.+'.(+'!/3')"#'()#'1)$/+#'.0'4+-)7' it in time. The actor Tweeted about the whole issue, and the fallout turned into a nightmare for Divya who even announced .().'&(+'602/#'d2$.'(+4'!/3':)4++4J

The actor is highly optimistic about 2012. The year has begun on a promising "0.+'6$.('(+4'!/3' Sidlingu opposite Yogi receiving a good opening in January. She has lined up several interesting projects, including the eagerlyawaited Kataari Veera Surasundarangi, )'1)".)&7'!/3' opposite Upendra being shot in 3-D format. “Shooting for Kataari Veera Surasundarangi is time-consuming and energy-sapping. Yet, I enjoyed working on .(+'!/3J'?*+47'#)7' is exciting... I have )"0.(+4'!/3'.$./+#'H2:,7' (opposite Yash) ready for release. I will complete

.(+'/0"%X-+"#$"%'!/3'F//)&&)J'W"'Y)3$/<'W' would like to work with Vetri sir; we are 7+.'.0'!")/$&+'.().<h'D)37)'4+*+)/&J Talking about Kataari Veera Surasundarangi, she says, “I was always +")3024+#'57'37.(0/0%$:)/'!/3&J'W'#$#' not think I would be a part of one. It is very challenging and I love it. It involves a lot of hard work - waking up at 4 am and getting ready by 9 was the toughest. The language, the drama, the costumes, working on the body language – it was a lot of fun,” she notes. C$.('&+*+4)/'!/3&'$"'-0&.i-40#2:.$0"')"#' 0"'.(+'8004<'(06'#0+&'O$*7)'E2%%/+'(+4' time with so many commitments? The answer is simple, “When you have several priorities, you somehow make the time.” Focusing on her dream roles, her 8-year career has been nothing short of ‘dramatic’. And to add to the headlines, Divya surprised everyone by joining the Congress party’s youth wing. “I do what I can in my time and capacity. As I don’t take up too many movies simultaneously, I make time to do some work for the constituency. W"'O+:+35+4<'W'%0.'.(+'40)#&'!_+#'$"'.(+' constituency. Now we have some good roads without potholes,” laughs Divya. There’s always an exciting twist to this actor’s tales; introducing her Portuguese boyfriend Raphael to her fans and friends in 2011 was one such occasion. Ask her if marriage is on the cards this year and she $&'d2$:,'.0'4+-/7<'kG0-+fh'A(+'-)2&+&' for a moment, and then adds, “Actually, I don’t know!” For now, the actor is battling rumours about her relationship. Rumours are rife as always, and this time it is about adopting an elephant for her boyfriend. “It is not true,” she says, sounding fed-up and then goes on to add, “My relationship 6$.('D)-()+/'$&'!"+J'9/+)&+#'#0"Z.'/+"#' ears to rumours being spread about me.” I pause for a moment and so does she. “In fact, Raphael is expanding his business to India, and I am helping him,” says Divya .0':0"!43'.().')//'$&'6+//\

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

‘I WANTED TO TRY OUT SOMETHING NEW’ 'O%'&*'+2%'-8-#60)6'%")%'2+-'2D'>)1&9'3&+-1)4*'E&CC-*%' *%)#*'"2*%*')'>?'*"27\'7)&%M'+2'"-#2'&+'P29967220' )*'E&C')*'!$#&6)'")*'X?XL'"2*%-0')'>?'*"27F'T&%"' %"-'*%)C-'*-%'D2#'%"-')3%2#'%2'D2#)6'&+%2'%-9-8&*&2+')*' %"-'"2*%'2D'%"-'1$3"N)7)&%-0']--+C)9$1'?-99)9))1' ^#$'P20&M'A)8&%"#)'!#&+&8)*)+'*+-);*'&+')'D-7' _$-*%&2+*'%")%')#-'2+'-8-#62+-4*'1&+0*F

What i love 'S@6'3-99'."2+-J'!-#&2$*96M'O'+-8-#' ")0'2+-'7"-+'O'7)*'&+'*3"229'2#' 3299-C-M'*2'O'%#-)*$#-'&%'-8-+'12#-J' >"-*-'0)6*M'O'3)+4%'*--1'%2'9&8-' 7&%"2$%'&%FV

W1'.(+4+Z&'0"+'.($"%'.().'#+!"+&'.($&'&.)4<' and makes him an universal favourite – it’s that he always makes time for you, one way or the other. We catch up all through the day at intervals, and he shares what’s uppermost on his mind at that moment: hosting Neengalum Vellalaam Oru Kodi, the Tamil version of the hugely successful game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, to 5+'.+/+:)&.'0"'T$E)7'YTJ'W.Z&'($&'!4&.'12//X 8+#%+#'104)7'$".0'.+/+*$&$0"<')"#'(+Z&'*+47' excited about it. “See, I wanted to try out something new – something other than what I’ve been doing all this while. And TV seemed to be the best medium,” he says. “Look at it this way: I reach 1.5 crore people through cinema, but I can reach nearly

6 crore people through TV. How’s that for statistics?” Then, he grows serious. “Actors like me have to survive on a hectic schedule. Sometimes, our whole lives are out of suitcases, or shunting from airport to airport. I feel like all my friends are just about 50 people, whom I meet on travel. I wanted to reach out to more people; meet and make more friends.” Isn’t TV, however, a marked step out of his comfort zone? “It is,” he agrees. “But the way I see it, this is an opportunity for me to gain a new identity, to meet more people and get to know them, face-to-face,” he declares. “I will grow as a person and be more spontaneous – which I’ve always wanted to be,” he says, frankly. “I want to meet the people in a way that will tell them who I really am, I guess.” As a precursor to the show, the actor even 8+6'.0'@235)$<'6(+4+'(+'3+.'S3$.)5(' Bachchan, the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati. “He’s such a phenomenon,” Suriya enthuses. “He’s so spontaneous, so comfortable with the whole show. I was introduced to him as a superstar down south by the TV crew and I immediately refuted it, because the real superstar is not me, it’s Rajni Sir,” he smiles. “I learnt so much from Amitabh Bachchan about how a show like this is hosted.”

When I call Suriya, one morning, he answers, his voice bleary with sleep. “God, I’ve overslept,” he says thickly. “Been shooting through the night, you see.” W')&,'($3'$1'6+':02/#'-0&&$5/7'!.'$"')"' interview during the day, and he rattles off his schedule. “Let’s see – I have the shoot 46

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

with Vijay TV in the morning. Then, I’m visiting the Chief Minister to donate funds for relief. After that, I’m meeting my fans )"#'.(+"'fh'($&'*0$:+'.4)$/&')6)7<')"#'6+' chuckle simultaneously.

The woman i love SO41'.#-%%6'*$#-'52'72+4%'C-%'1)0')%'1-'&D'O' *)6'%"&*'Q'E$%'&%4*'16'0)$C"%-#M'G&6)J'O'928-' "-#'12#-'%")+')+6%"&+C'&+'%"&*'72#90JV

And will he be as spontaneous as Shah Rukh, perhaps, who, it is said, gave away his watch on one of the shows, on the spur of the moment? “Hmm,” he thinks. “I guess that’s one thing I shall have to learn – to be spontaneous. Working as a host with a live audience is something new to me, so I’ll have fun with that. It will throw up unexpected situations, and handling that will be half the challenge. Like I said – I like breaking new grounds.” He doesn’t, however, believe he’ll be some sort of a ‘mobile GK guru’, with the answers to every questions he’s asking on the show. “Come on, I don’t have to know them all!” His gorgeous wife Jyotika has been especially supportive of his new venture, he says. “Jo is happy that I’m attempting something new,” he grins. “She also thinks I should just go ahead and do my thing.” S&'104'($&'YT'&:(+#2/+':0"8$:.$"%'6$.(' ($&'30*$+&<'(+Z&':0"!#+".'.().'.(+7'60"Z.' clash. “I’m doing KV Anand’s Maatraan, of course, and director Hari’s project.” He 60"Z.':0"!43'$1'$.'$&')'&+d2+/'.0'A$"%)3<' though. “I think I’ll wait until there’s a formal announcement.” The main concern, when I chatted with him was about taking a Pongal break. “The family’s in Coimbatore for the festival, and I’m itching to join them,” he says wistfully. “I’m just hoping I can.” He’s happy, he says, juggling both TV and movies. “I’m fortunate I’ve gotten this far. My family means everything to me, and they’ve been incredibly supportive. So far, the going has been good and I’m liking my !4&.'.)&.+'01'YTJ'WZ3'&24+'$.Z&'%0$"%'.0'%+.' better,” he grins.

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

‘I WAS ALWAYS ENAMOURED BY STORY-TELLING’

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

(&*'I#*%'I91'@2$+)'C$#$'7)*'7")%'62$'72$90'3)99')' #)#-'"&%\'O%'")..-+*'7"-+'.2*&%&8-'72#0N2DN12$%"' D2#')'I91'&*'*2'*%#2+C'%")%'H$*%'7"-+'&%'&*'2+'%"-'E#&+;' 2D'E-&+C'#-128-0'D#21'%"-'%"-)%#-*M'&%'.&3;*'$.'*%-)1' )+0'C2-*'2+'%2'E-321-')'*$33-**J'G&#-3%2#'!")+%);$1)#'*")#-*'"&*'%"2$C"%*'7&%"'A)8&%"#)'!#&+&8)*)+' )E2$%'@2$+)'C$#$')+0'12#-\J'

When Mouna guru released in theatres, not many people were interested in it. For one thing, previous releases were still attracting people; another star-movie had released simultaneously, as well. And yet – there was something about this movie, which boasted a taciturn hero, a pregnant policewoman who investigates a crime brilliantly, and a clutch of villains who bring you to the edge of your seat.

blogs exploded with this ‘new movie’ and of a director who is ‘unafraid to take risks’. Disappointed with other starvehicles, the crowds thronged to watch .($&'/$../+X,"06"'!/3')"#'&/06/7<'6(+"' almost on the brink of being removed from theatres, Mouna guru got a new lease of life: the number of shows 6)&'$":4+)&+#<')"#'.(+'!/3'$&'"06')' respectable hit.

=4$.$:&')"#'!/3'5211&')/$,+'6+".'%)%)' about it, and shared the news on social networking sites; Facebook, Twitter and

“I was this average guy who studied B.Sc Zoology, you know,” director Shantakumar grins. Currently he’s on a

sabbatical of sorts, having proven himself to both the classes and the masses, so to speak. “But visions of making movies had started in me as early as when I was in the 9th Standard,” he admits. “I was always enamoured by story-telling. And, that’s what cinema is, at its simplest level: telling stories in a way that gets people to take a journey with you.” Shantakumar claims Mansapauram, near Srivilliputhur as his hometown, but as he was born in Sivagiri, near Thenkasi, southern Tamil Nadu is pretty much his F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

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Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

home-ground. “I don’t have one place to stick to – I was uprooted and re-planted everywhere,” he says, matter-of-factly. kS"#'W'2&+#'.0'5+'.(+',$#'6(0'4)",+#'!4&.' in whichever school I went to. That’s until I became mad about movies, of course – and then studies went to the backburner.”

class movies at 40 or 50 bucks, and I was stunned,” he admits, rather naively. “I was devouring movie after movie, and fast! C(+"'W'!"$&(+#<'W'60"#+4+#<'C().'0"'+)4.(' was I thinking, trying to make my own !/3<'6(+"')//'.(+&+'3)&.+4&'()*+'#0"+'&0' much more?”

But here, he’s self-deprecating: he completed an Animation (3D) course post his graduation and decided that movies would be his mainstay. He went on to work in movies such as Dhil, Dhool and Gilli, with none other than the acclaimed mass director, Dharani. And then, he decided that it was time to direct his own. But then, something happened – a momentous event that made him pause.

Amazement about Kubrick and Scorsese, whom he reveres as his heroes, notwithstanding, Shantakumar persevered, although his screenplay didn’t win over producers. Perhaps it was because of the non-formula content? “Oh, Mouna guru is every bit a commercial movie just as the 4+&.<h'(+'%211)6&J'kW.'()&'!%(.&')"#'&0"%&' – it’s just that no one wears a folk costume and dances with them.”

“That was the time when all these pirated OTO&'5+%)"'.0'800#'.(+'3)4,+.J'S"#' suddenly, there were all these world

It does, however, possess a sharp screenplay that made viewers sit up, with its subtly nuanced characters and fantastic

negative characters. “Ah, I tore my hair out writing and re-writing my screenplay,” he %4$"&<'8$:,$"%'($&'/0"%'()$4')502.'i'6($:(<' he says, is an example of his state of mind. “In many ways, writing is what I really want to sink in. Directing means yelling ‘Silence!’ a lot. But writing – ah, now that’s something that’s your own world,” he enthuses. “It’s like jumping bodies, getting into the skin of every character you create and feeling what they feel. There’s nothing to equal it.” And there’s no greater example of it than his strongly etched female characters, especially Inspector Palaniammal, played by Uma Riyaz Khan, who received much acclaim for her portrayal. “Now that was a character I really worked on. And by the way, Palaniammal is the name of my 1st Standard teacher,” he chuckles.

“You know, that character was originally supposed to be a fat, under-achieving 3)/+'-0/$:+'01!:+4J'W'32//+#'0*+4'$.'$"'37' mind, and then had a brainwave: I’d make the cop a female! I researched about the policewomen I knew, asked friends about costume, and eventually put her in a khaki sari.” What about whispers that the character is an inspired version of Frances McDormand’s pregnant cop role, from U)4%0`'kC+//<'W'()*+"Z.'6).:(+#'.(+'!/3' yet, but my camera-man did mention that there was a character like that,” Shantakumar says, cautiously. “But mine is very different.”

Not all of it was hunky-dory, though. The romance track, for instance, though appealing, was thought by many to be irrelevant. “Not to mention that there was zero-chemistry between the actors,” Shantakumar says matter-of-factly. “But that was a compromise I had to make.” As for his next project, he’s on a high right now, and would like to keep things that way. “Still working on it. I’m looking at developing interesting characters – and when I have them, I’ll have my movie!”

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

‘I KNOW THE TRUTH, MY FAMILY KNOWS THE TRUTH’

The going has been great for Kajal S%%)46)/'$"'Y+/2%2')"#'Y)3$/'!/3&').' least in the last few years. She has got varied projects, played interesting roles and tasted success mostly. The lissome lass can rev up the oomph quotient and then come back to surprise you by getting into the skin of the character too. With this glam-act balance she’s inched her way up the charts of stardom. After being a name to reckon with in the south she tried it out on home turf in Hindi and Singham was a blockbuster. As you can .+//<'$.'$&'d2$.+'#$1!:2/.'.0' get Kajal to sit down for a chat. I must say, it was quite a chase, and just when I was about to give up, she surprised me with a quick but guarded chat.

Kajal’s latest Telugu release Businessman is faring well. “I am very happy. Everyone ()&'604,+#'()4#'0"'.(+'!/3Jh''A(+'&.)44+#' opposite Mahesh Babu and worked with 924$'j)%)"")#('104'.(+'!4&.'.$3+J'Y)/,$"%' )502.'.(+'!/3<'&(+'&)7&<'k@)(+&('6)&')'

-06+4X-):,+#'-+41043+4J'W.Z&'37'!4&.'!/3' with director Sreenu Vytla after his super successful Dookudu, and I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to this!” S&,'(+4'$1'E2%%/$"%'Y)3$/')"#'Y+/2%2'!/3&' is tough, and Kajal laughs, “It’s not too

good co-star. He’s wonderful and chilledout. Puri Sir is also on a similar wavelength as Mahesh Babu. He’s relaxed and easy going but won’t compromise on anything. He knows how to extract the performance he wants, in a nice way.” A(+'()&'&$%"+#')'Y+/2%2'!/3'6$.('j2"$04' NTR but does not want to divulge the details. “I will join the shoot in February until end-March. Tarak (NTR) is a

hard. I have done it from the beginning. I travel so much that I am used to it. I have 5++"'&+/+:.$*+')502.'37'!/3&')"#'W'()*+' landed more offers in the Telugu industry than Tamil. It’s not that I am prioritising. I like strong roles,” she adds. Kajal is now working on Maatraan with Suriya directed by KV Anand. “The audience will see me like never 5+104+'$"'.($&'!/3<h'&(+'-403$&+&J'g)E)/'()&'

When you are talking to a ‘star’ there are many things that you want .0')&,'.(+3'i'!/3&' they have done and the +_-+4$+":+&<'!/3&'$"'.(+' pipeline, relationships and of course, some juicy, personal tidbits. But, Kajal was all about business in this conversation as she took out just enough time to !//'2&'$"'0"'(+4'604,J' Can’t blame the girl, even if she is a bit wary of the press right now, can you?

'P)H)9'BCC)#7)9'+27'")*')'*&+C9-N.2&+%')C-+0)'Q'72#;' ")#0')+0'E-'D23$*-0M'0&*3&.9&+-0')+0'.#2D-**&2+)9J']2' 72+0-#'%"&*'3$#8)3-2$*'E-)$%6'&*')'%2.N+2%3"M'1$3"' *2$C"%N)D%-#')3%#-**M'*)6*'L)0"&;)'L)H)1)+&

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

The last year has been rather fruitful for her with one big hit in Telugu - Mr 9+41+:.'X')"#'(+4'!/3'$"' Hindi Singham doing well. She has quite a few /$"+#'2-'104'MNVM<'6$.('5$%'&.)4&'i'!/3&' with Suriya (Maatraan, currently under production), Junior NTR, Charan and Vijay (Thuppakki which she is shooting). She’s quite practical to admit, “I believe in destiny. In 2012 I have a lot of commitments to live up to, and that is a lot of hard work. It’s going to be a hectic year and I am hoping to take a break for a few days in June.”

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

worked with Karthi, Suriya’s brother in Naan Mahaan Alla. Ask her to compare the brothers and she says, “Both are extremely hardworking. While Suriya is an introvert, Karthi is chatty. But when it comes to work both put in the same amount of effort.” A few days of shoot is all that is left for Maatran and Kajal talks eagerly about the !/3J'kW.'$&'&()-$"%'2-'*+47'6+//J'Y(+'&.047' is extremely different. I am very happy that I have played roles with variations in 37'!/3&')"#'.().'37'#$4+:.04&'.42&.'37' capabilities. The experience of Maatran

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

is fantastic. KV Anand Sir is precise with what he wants. He is a fantastic DOP and director.” S.'.(+'&)3+'.$3+'g)E)/'()&')/&0'!"$&(+#' two schedules of Thuppakki with Vijay. The Tamil superstar is known to be a bit of an introvert, and predictably Kajal has not had much of an interaction with him. But, she says, “He is sweet. Being a superstar, he is disciplined, punctual and obedient.” But the one thing that Kajal is still kicked )502.'$&'.().'(+4'P$"#$'!/3'A$"%()3'6$.('

Ajay Devgn was a blockbuster. Kajal /$,+&'.0':)//'.($&'!/3'(+4'#+52.')"#'"0.' Kyun! Ho Gaya Na. “Come on, I was a school-going kid then. I hadn’t even entered movies in the proper sense of the term. How can you call that my debut?” Can’t deny a pretty girl her demands, can 702`'g)E)/'()&'&$%"+#')'P$"#$'!/3'6($:(' she doesn’t reveal much about, except that she starts shooting in February. Her sister Nisha Aggarwal has also &+.'100.'$"'!/3#03J'Y(+4+Z&'"0'&$5/$"%' rivalry here as Kajal is proud of her, “She is my little baby. She’s just growing up as an actor, but mark my words, she is talented and has a long way to go. There’s no competition between us. We don’t discuss work at home. We are just sisters!” The sexy Kajal has had her share of controversies including the recent one about allegedly posing topless for a magazine cover. But having been in the industry for a while, she has learnt to take

them all in her stride. “I ignore it. I know the truth, and my family knows the truth,” she says. She is one of those who focusses on work while shooting and prefers to spend her spare time with her parents, working or 6).:($"%'!/3&J'g)E)/'$&')'3)E04'30*$+' buff. “You know, I have been watching !/3&'&$":+'37':($/#(00#J'W'()*+'.0':).:(' 0"+'!/3')'#)7'04').'/+)&.'0"+'!/3'$"'.60' days,” she says, rushing off to her next shot.

F ebr uar y 2 012 | S ou ths cop e

He’s on a high, post the success of Nanban, where his act as Sevarkodi Senthil, a serious student with vibuthi smeared on his forehead, and constantly praying to pass his exams, brought him some lavish praise. There has been precious little time for romance in his life, but Jiiva, the man, has a great deal of love to offer – both on-screen and off.

Also, Anuya, in SMS. Those characters really gelled. I’ve heard that we looked cute together, as a pair. For me, however, I haven’t really thought about the cuteness factor with reference to myself. I think, my image right now is more of a friendly

person. Nothing romantic,” he grins. He confesses that for him, action entertainers work more, rather than completely romantic movies. Having said that, yes

I hunt him down for a chat, as he’s been very busy, playing the CCL, and he apologises profusely for not having been available. The talk turns to romance onscreen, and he’s the beguiling, friendly guy everyone genuinely likes. Straightaway, he declares that Ko’s ‘Ennamo Edho’, is among his favourite songs. “The way it was picturised and shot was something different,” Jiiva recollects.

‘NEE THANE EN PON VASANTHAM TICKS ALL THE RIGHT BOXES’

What about romances, per se? Is there any movie that focuses completely on romance? “Well, I should say that the movie I’m doing right now, Gautham (Vasudev) Menon’s Nee Thane En Pon Vasantham ticks all the right boxes. Also, Thithikkudhe which I did right at the beginning of my career. But that one had a lot of family drama and childhood romance going for it,” he muses, “I think Siva Manasula Shakthi (SMS) comes close to a complete 403)":+'8$:,Jh'?*+"'$1'($&':()4):.+4'#$#' #4$",'/$,+')'!&('#24$"%'30&.'01'$.`'kS(<' come on, it’s not about drinking,” he argues. “I mean, even Devdas drank a lot in his time, right? He was a proper drunk. But that’s not what his story is about. Every romance has its own way. And SMS was not your average romance either. Shiva had that witty thing going for him. It was more of an urban romance, I think.” Fair enough. And since we’re on the topic – I ask him which heroine he has had great chemistry with and Jiiva surprises me again, by not hmming and hawing his way about it, “I’ve heard people say that Nayantara really complemented me in Ee.

I love @6'7&D-J'!"-'&*'%"-'928-'2D'16'9&D-J'

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– he does have his romantic favourites: 500 Days of Summer, 50 First Dates, Love Actually and Crazy and Stupid Love. What about romantic movies closer home, then? “Well, obviously Mouna Raagam and Alaipayudhey are classics. Beyond that, come on, everybody is into commercial movies these days,” he says, “I think many people might have the patience to watch them on TV, but on-screen? That’s a different issue.” While on romantic movies, it would be incomplete without talking about his heroes and heroines. And Jiiva has his favourites. Among the previous generation, there’s no one to beat Kamal Haasan or Karthik, he

Fe b rua ry 2 01 2 | South s c ope

believes. “They were so cool!” he smiles. But in the present generation? “Hmmm, I don’t know,” he laughs, trying to think, “I really can’t think of anyone right away.” He admits that there is plenty of romance in his own life – enough to do an entire movie, perhaps, “Maybe that’s why romance on-screen doesn’t really resonate with me, you know?” he chuckles, “My own romance with my wife is so much more interesting than any movie!”

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