Karnataka News Archive: January 2006

Ghajini to be remade in Kannada
Tuesday, January 31, 2006 | MP

The superhit Tamil film, Ghajini which took the box office by storm is to be remade in Kannada. Superstar Upendra will play the lead role of the business tycoon played by Surya in the Tamil Ghajini. Actress Ramya & model Deepika Padukone will play the female lead. Manirathnam will produce the film. Ghajini which was dubbed in Telungu also turned out to be huge success.

Mitayee Mane
Monday, January 30, 2006 | MP

This is a children’s movie from veteran artiste Aarati who takes up the director’s role for the first time. Mitayee Mane is produced by Shore Birds Entertainment. The film which deals with child labour tells the story of a little girl who works as a domestic help in a city to earn a living and the various ill treatment she got to face from the family members where she is employed. Child actor Aditi puts up an excellent performance. Surabhi, Panchgani, Hanumantha Raju, Dharmendra Urs etc does good performance too. N S Prasad music and Santosh Raj’s camerawork are good.

Kumaraswamy to be sworn in as CM on Feb 3
Sunday, January 29, 2006 | MP

The Karnataka government will now have a JD(s) - BJP government headed by Mr H D Kumaraswamy who will be sworn in as the new chief minister on Feb 3rd. Kumaraswamy has been asked by the governer to prove his majority within 8 days of assuming office as CM. As per the new power sharing, JD(S) will get an additional 15 posts in the new Ministry apart from CM while BJP will get 18 posts including Dy CM, B S Yeddiyurappa. Dharam Singh who had resigned from his post will continue as CM till Feb 3.

Veeru
Sunday, January 29, 2006 | MP

The movie Veeru, directed by S Narayan introduces Master Pankaj, the director’s son as the hero of the film. The film is about the story a boy who is is forced to work in a rich family as a bonded labourer. The movie portrays the society’s cruel treatment towards child laboureres. Umahree who plays Veeru’s ill fated mother overacts in many of the scenes. Prakash Heggodu as the ruthless rich man puts up a brilliant performance. Also casts Asha Rani, Jayaram Gangatkar. Camerawork by P K H Das is okay.

Trust vote not taken; Gowda steps down
Saturday, January 28, 2006 | MP

Without the Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh seeking the vote of confidence, Karnataka Assembly was adjourned by the Speaker leaving the political crisis in the state to a standstill. However the Speaker has granted recognition to H.D. Kumaraswamy as the leader of the Janata Dal (Secular) Legislature Party. Now it’s left to the Governer to decide further on the ongoing political developments in the State. He can recommend the dismissal of the Dharam Singh-led Government on account that the Chief Minister had not tabled the motion of confidence or can direct the Speaker to convene a session of the legislature again to enable the Chief Minister to table another motion. Meanwhile Mr. Deve Gowda resigned as JD(S) President accepting moral responsibility for the failure of backing Dharam government.

Dharam to seek vote of confidence
Friday, January 27, 2006 | MP

Chief Minister N Dharam Singh will be seeking a vote of trust in the legislative the Assembly today which would decide the fate of the Dharam government as well as the JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda’s group. Meanwhile the rebel faction headed by Gowda’s son Kumaraswamy had made it clear that they would go ahead with defeating the confidence motion to be moved by the Chief Minister. But the Congress is trying its best for the survival of the Dharam government till the last moment.

Kumara Rama team takes off to Rajastan
Thursday, January 26, 2006 | MP

The upcoming movie, Gandugali Kumararama starring Shivarajkumar is going ahead with its scheduled shooting. This historical movie on the life of Kumara Rama has entered its 3rd phase of shooting and the entire team has headed for the rest of the film's shooting in Rajastan. The movie which has significant battle scenes will be shot in the cities of Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajastan. The movie is expected for release in June.

Mahamastakabhisheka effect on Mysore tourism
Wednesday, January 25, 2006 | MP

The ongoing Mahamastakabhisheka festival at Shravanabelagola has given a boost to the Mysore tourism industry as well. Over 15 lakh Jain pilgrims from many parts of the country including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh etc are expected to pour in to observe the Mahamastakabhisheka event. Majority of the pilgrims visiting the statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola is expected to make their visits to Mysore also to make their way to Bahubali at Gommatagiri near Hunsur. There has been a steady rise in the number of tourists this season and is likely to continue in the coming months. All hotels in and around Mysore are fully booked from February 8 to 19, coinciding with the anointment ceremony.

Gowda justifies son’s actions
Tuesday, January 24, 2006 | MP

With the ongoing political crisis in Karnataka heating up, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda in a dramatic move openely came in defence of his son’s actions of withdrawing support to the coalition government saying that his son H D Kumaraswamy was trying to save the party from those trying to destabilize it. This came after the father and the son having talks together in a meeting. However Gowda gave no comments on his son’s stand on joining with the BJP. Gowda is also to hold talks with Sonia Gandhi to discuss on the latest political developments in the state.

Shree
Monday, January 23, 2006 | MP

Shree directed by Prakash is an action packed film, quite different from his earlier films like Khusi and Rishi. The usage of the ancient Malaysian martial art 'Muay Thai' in the action scenes stands out for its uniqueness. The story is about the hero who saves the life of a girl, software professional involved with a bank robbery. Vijayaraghavendra and Jennifer Kotwal play the lead roles. Prakash tells the story with a simple storyline mixed with comedy, songs and sentiments. Rahul Dev, Ananthnag, Vinayaprasad, Komal, Shakila are also there in the cast.

Narayana Hrudayalaya sets up telemedicine facility in Mumbai
Sunday, January 22, 2006 | MP

The Bangalore based specialist medical institution Narayana Hrudayalaya hospital has launched telemedicine facility in three centers in Mumbai. The telemedicine link was set up in Santa Cruz airport, Air India office in Nariman Point and Air India office clinic in Mumbai. The advanced healthcare telemedicine facility would help deal with the medical emergencies especially during long flights where on-board sick passengers can be treated by doctors on ground. The facility was set up in association with Asia Heart Foundation and the hospital intends to extend this facility to all Indian airports and in-flights as well.

IIM-B set to go global by amending MoA
Saturday, January 21, 2006 | MP

The IIM-Bangalore has approved a plan to effect changes and amendments in its Memorandum of Association (MoA). This would help the IIM-B to go ahead with its initiatives to set up its campuses abroad. The IIM-B board is expected to present the amended memorandum at the meeting of IIM directors convened Feb 1 by Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh. IIM-B also plans to increase the intake of its students to 270 in 2006 from its present strength of 187.

Bryan Adams to perform in Bangalore on Feb 5
Friday, January 20, 2006 | MP

International rock star and 10 times Grammy award winner Bryan Adams will be performing live concert on February 5 at the Palace grounds in Bangalore. The singer will be performing along with a band the non-stop classic hits from his new album, `Anthology'. This is his third visit to India which is being titled as “Bryan Adams Third Time Lucky- Live in Concert” produced by DNA Networks with HSBC and The Taj Hotels. On his visit to India, Bryan is also to perform live concert in Mumbai on February 4. Bangalore concerts tickets are priced at Rs 1200 and Rs 800 will be available at selected outlets of Reliance Web World and Web Express and at all Planet M outlets.

BJP and JD(S) tie up to form alternative govt
Thursday, January 19, 2006 | MP

The coalition government headed by Chief Minister Dharam Singh is almost on the threshold with the BJP and JD(S) section led by H D Kumaraswamy staking claim to form an alternative coalition government in Karnataka. Kumaraswamy had met the Governor who is said to consider their claim. Reports say that the BJP and JD(s) have come up with a new deal where each party would share power on rotation. Meanwhile the Congress leaders are confident that they can prove the majority.

Ganda Hendathi
Wednesday, January 18, 2006 | MP

Ravi Srivatsa who directed 'Deadly Soma' is directing a new movie titled 'Ganda Hendathi'. Producer Shailendra Babu of Gowramma film is producing this film. The movie basically an entertainer is targetted for the family audience. Newcomer Thilak will play the main lead in the film. Vishal Hegde, Manju Bashini and Chanchali also cast in the film. H.C.Venu & Dhamu assist in the camerawork. Ramesh & Rajsekhar does the screenplay. Gurukiran composes the music.

My phone being tapped, claims Bangarappa
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 | MP

After H D Deve Gowda and other leaders, now it’s Samajwadi Party State President S Bangarappa who is claiming that the Congress party is tapping his phone too. Telephone tapping has become a business, and with modern technologies phone tapping has become much easier, alleges this former Karnataka Chief Minister. He said he would make the details known on this regard at an appropriate time.

Metro project will soon be reality, asserts Dharam
Monday, January 16, 2006 | MP

Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh has asserted that the Bangalore Metro rail project will soon become a reality. Mr. Singh said that the Government has Rs. 75 crore allocated for purchase of land and has ordered for acquisition of 27 acres of land for the Metro Rail project and the Center would consider the project for approval within a month’s time. He also said that the State government was working on improving the infrastructure of the city and had set a Bangalore traffic improvement project for Rs. 350 crores, which will be executed over a period of 5 years.

O Priyathama
Sunday, January 15, 2006 | MP

Debutant director Shivaprabhu tells a love story with his film O Priyathama. But the movie has nothing much to offer than the usual stuff. It’s about the story of a young girl who falls in love with a boy whom she accidentally meets and finally gets engaged to someone of her parent’s choice. Though dialogues are neat they are often repetitive. Ajay does his role well. Newcomer Sanjana is okay.Othewr casts are Geeta, Sharath Babu, Sudha Rani, Chitra Shenoy etc. Ganesh’s comic scenes are good. Camerawork is okay. Music by Valisha Sandeep is average. The song Avale nannavalu is fine.

Think-tank committee to promote tourism in State
Saturday, January 14, 2006 | MP

Karnataka tourism department has come forward with a proposal for a ‘think-tank committee’ to promote tourism in the State. The committee will consist of experts from travel industry and those in the tourism business etc. which would meet every three months to discuss on plans and strategies for improving tourism in the state. Tourism Minister also said that it would develop 9 more tourist circuits with the help of private partnerships to enhance tourism.

Security beefed up for Mahamasthakabhisheka
Friday, January 13, 2006 | MP

With the forthcoming Mahamasthakabhisheka celebrations security is being tightened at the pligrim town of Shravanabelagola for precautionary reasons. Security concerns have raised this time in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in the IISc, Bangalore. Police are keeping a check on the tourist vehicles entering the town and special security arrangements are being made for the guests and VVIPs attending the festival.

9 yr old directs Jackie in Kannada film
Thursday, January 12, 2006 | MP

Nine year old, Master Kishen is making wonders by directing a Kannada film with Bollywood’s high profile actor Jackie Shroff playing a major role. The film titled 'Care of Foot Path' will cast Jackie as Karnataka Chief Minister in the film. This little lad had already created history by entering the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest director in the world. It seems Jackie on hearing about Kishen agreed to take up the role and came forward to support the kid for the 2 day shooting in Mumbai.

Center nips IIM-B’s Singapore hopes
Thursday, January 12, 2006 | MP

The Indian Institutes of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B) proposal for starting up an overseas campus in Singapore was turned down by the Center government with the Human Resource Development Ministry saying that the IIMs should fulfill the domestic demands in India before opening up branches abroad. The Ministry stated that the B schools open its centers within the country first. Meanwhile IIM-B had already begun the admission process in Singapore and sources said the IIM-B board will be meeting to discuss on the issue with the Ministry.

Coconuts in high demand at Shravenabelagola
Wednesday, January 11, 2006 | MP

With the Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations nearing, coconuts are in high demand at this pilgrim town. The festival which will last for a month would witness devotees offering large number coconuts to the mutt. This traditional practice of offering coconuts is considered as a symbol of bringing in prosperity and happiness. With the celebrations lasting over a month, the number of coconuts offerings this year is expected to far exceed the previous years.

International Tourism mart in Mysore
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 | MP

Karnataka Government is preparing for an international tourism mart in Mysore which is expected to be attended by more than 400 delegates from across the globe. The event was first planned to be held in Bangalore, but the State government has decided to shift the venue to Mysore aiming to promote the city taking into account of its tourism potential. Mysore is already a favourite tourist destination and is popular among the domestic and international tourists. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is conducting the event.

Mandya
Sunday, January 8, 2006 | MP

Mandya directed by Om Prakash Rao is an action packed movie where the hero Dharsan beats up all the villains. Dharsan’s stunt sequences are well taken. The power packed dialogues are a major highlight of the movie. Rakshita does too much of exposing than acting. Gurukiran’s music is okay. Radhika, Sadhu Kokil, Satyajit etc casts in the film. Mandya is the remake of the Telungu Movie ‘Sambha’. The movie turns out to be an entertainer with a mix of comedy, romance and action. It’s infact a great treat for the Dharshan fans who can enjoy every bit of their favourite star.

Karnataka defeats Delhi in Ranji Trophy
Saturday, January 7, 2006 | MP

Karnataka who played the final day match in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match in Bangalore, defeated Delhi in an astonishing 167 runs win. With a target of 306 in the second innings, the visitors could take only 138 runs in in 60.4 overs. Spinner Anil Kumble and Sunil JOshi took 3 wickets each while N C Aiyappa took 2 for 20. If the Karnataka team performs well at the league match with Gujarat then the team has good chances for making it to the semi finals.

Mysore college staff makes bio-fuel engine
Friday, January 6, 2006 | MP

The Mechanical Engineering Department at the Vidya Vikas Institute of Engineering and Technology (VVIET) in Mysore has come up with a bio fuel engine that would run on a mixture of ethanol and mahua oil. The findings showed that the engine performed better than the diesel engine with a break thermal efficiency 10 p.c. better than diesel. A team of faculty of the college who conducted the research claimed that the diesel was no longer needed to run any diesel engine. However the high viscosity in the agriculture-based oils was a concern for the performance which if brought down could be used as an alternative for fuel engines.

‘Haseena’ to be dubbed in foreign languages
Thursday, January 5, 2006 | MP

Girish Kasaravalli’s ‘Haseena’ is all geared up to go beyond the limits of Indian audience. This much acclaimed movie is to be dubbed in foreign languages like French, Russian, German, Persian and English. Haseena had won several recognitions in the national and state levels. This movie which tells the story of a woman's fight for social justice had also won the Best Film award under family welfare category. The film also earned many praise from the international film community.

Amrithdhare opened at two theatres in Mumbai
Thursday, January 5, 2006 | AA

Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar's "Amrithdhare" which has Bachchan in a guest appearance opened at two theatres (Fun Republic and Arora) in Mumbai. For Bachchan, it is again a first as it is the only South Indian film where he has made an appearance.

IISc attack: Plot conspirator arrested
Wednesday, January 4, 2006 | MP

A major advancement to the IISc attack case has been made with the Bangalore Police arresting a person allegedly reported to be the mastermind behind the IISc shootout carried out on December 28th. The accused is said to be the South India chief of LeT terrorist group and has been working out his operations in India in the guise of a businessman. Based on his information, more people have been arrested in connection with the case.

Veerappan trails becoming tourist spots
Tuesday, January 3, 2006 | MP

The Chamrajnagar forest area, which was once ruled by the forest brigade Veerappan is soon becoming a popular tourist spot. Known by the name ‘Mystery trails’ the forest division has started a project for trekkers which offers 6 adventurous trails in the wilderness for trekking. The trials can be availed at a reasonable fee of Rs 430. The Karnataka government has also launched a website namely www.mysterytrails.com which offers more details on the trails and schedules. The trails are sure to draw a lot of tourists and thereby promote the ecotourism in these regions and also help the local tribal communities earn a living.

Laskar linked to IISc attacks
Monday, January 2, 2006 | MP

It is understood that the Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Toiba(LeT) activists group are involved in the IISc attack at Bangalore which led to the killing of Prof M C Puri and injuring many others. Police have taken in custody seven people in the city in connection with the attack and all of these detainees are said to belong to the LeT group. More security agencies from the Center have joined the Bangalore police to investigate further on the incident.

Panduranga Vithala
Sunday, January 1, 2006 | MP

Panduranga Vithala directed by Dinesh Babu is a complete entertainer filled with romance, comedy and action. The story is about a runaway villager who disguises and gets married to two different ladies and rest of the story is how he struggles to persuade his wives. Songs are colourful and well choreographed. Ravichandran plays the lead role along with Prema, Rambha, Shruti etc. The movie also casts Avinash and Tara. Camera by Dinesh Babu while Ravichandran has composed the music.

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