A song ‘Monalisa Monalisa, premada feelidu ...’ was canned on a specially erected set at Abbainaidu studio for the film Monalisa recently. While choreographer Pradeep composed the dance sequence, cameraman Krishnakumar picturised the song in which hero Dhyaan and Sadaa danced to the tunes of Valisha- Sandeep’s music. Starring Dhyaan, Sadaa, Ramakrishna, Umasri, Bhavya and Rangaayana Raghu, the film, produced by Dushyanth K Santhoshkumar, has action by KD Venkatesh, story, screenplay and direction by Indrajith. This unit leaves for Thailand for further shooting.
Muthu in Kannada
Friday, February 27, 2004
Rajnikant’s successful Tamil film Muthu is being remade in Kannada with actor, producer, music director and director Ravichandran in the lead role. Rambha is the heroine. For the first time, producer K Manju, director Om Prakash Rao and hero Ravichandran are working together. The muhurat of the film was held recently at Venkata Ramanaswamy temple, Bangalore. I wanted to do this film a couple of years ago. I hope it would be more entertaining and become more successful than the original, said Ravichandran at the muhurat. Alongwith Ravichandran and Rambha, the film stars Sasikumar, Anu Prabhakar, Daamini, Anandaraj, Sumitra, Tennis Krishna, Avinash and Mandeeproy. It has screenplay and direction by Om Prakash Rao, cinematography by Seetharam, music by Rajesh Ramanath and dialogues by Ravi Srivatsa.
Kanasu launched
Friday, February 27, 2004
Kanasu launched Recently producer Ananda Kulkarni launched his first film Kanasu in Bangalore. Being made under the banner of Friends International Creations, it has Sunil Mokhasi as the director and hero of the film. Also in the cast are newfind Sanjana, Sobhraj, Durga Shetty, Rajesh Dolly, Jyothi, Padmini Nanda, Ashok Hegde, Muniraj, Sowmyalatha and Venu. The second shooting schedule will commence soon. The film has story and screenplay by Sushil Mokhasi, screenplay by Ashokkumar, music by Samir Kulkarni, choreography by Chandramayur and Silver Seena, cinematography by Eluikote Chandru, dialogues by Kafi Raghavendra and lyrics by Kalyan and Nagendra Prasad.
Shakeela enters Kannada films
Friday, February 27, 2004
Shakeela, the sex bomb of Kerala as she is called by many film fans, makes her entry in Kannada films as a lecturer in Monalisa. While youngsters spend sleepless nights after seeing her films, other producers are worried about releasing their films, when Shakeela’s film is due for release. Having acted in many ‘glamorous’ roles earlier, she has changed her image by acting in a comic role in the successful Telugu film Jayam and thus becaming popular in such roles. Now she has about 15 films on hand, including Telugu and Tamil. While speaking to the press in Bangalore, (her first Kannada film 16 to 60 yet to be released), she answered a few queries. To Don’t you feel guilty acting in such ‘sexy’ roles?, she retorted, Wasn’t Zeenat Aman acting in such roles? What about Silk Smitha? It is now my turn. But I have stopped doing such roles for the last two and half years. I also did glamorous roles in some films. Yet some producers crossed the limit and shot more sexy scenes with other girls and attached them to my face. This gave me a bad name. Eventually to make a living, I took up that kind of roles. Now I have stopped doing such roles. I cannot be the old Shakeela any more. In Kannada, there is friendly atmosphere and scope for doing comedienne roles, she concluded.
Accused confesses threat from Lala
Friday, February 27, 2004
BANGALORE : A co-accused in the multi-crore stamp paper cases Wazeer Salik, during his confession before a magistrate on Thursday, stated that his life was under threat in the central prison here. Salik who is the first among the accused to make a confession statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code said that he had even received a threat on February 23. Salik has alleged that the prime accused in the case Abdul Kareem Telgi issued threats through persons in the jail to prevent him from making a confession. Salik has told the magistrate that the environment in the prison is very unsafe. His family had also received threats he stated. During his over 160 minute confession before the third additional magistrate the 53-year-old Salik also narrated details of his recruitment into the racket, the nature of his activities and his attempts to withdraw from the racket. The stamp paper scam co-accused however did not name any new persons or authorities or detail interactions with them, said sources. Salik, who is one of the oldest persons arrested for their role in the racket, also told the magistrate that he had - prior to the exposure of the racket - written to Bangalore city police authorities informing them about the racket. After providing some details of his early life, Salik said he had been initiated into the stamp business by another accused Badruddin for an initial salary of Rs 2,000 per month. Salik, in his confession, said he had several meetings with Abdul Kareem Telgi who was his boss during the course of the business. Salik has said he performed the duties of a manager and that he was instrumental in opening offices for the fake stamp paper business under the name of Sai Services at Bangalore and also in places like Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Mangalore and Hyderabad (along with another accused Sadashiva). Once offices were set up his role involved keeping track of the orders for fake stamps placed through executives, through fax or the telephone, the dissemination of the fake papers to the parties and revenue collection. According to Salik there were a few raids on some of the establishments doing the fake business. When he wanted to opt out of the trade Telgi told him that cases would be foisted against Salik through police contacts if he quit, Salik has stated. Instead of opting out, he was asked to work at other Telgi interests like a hotel, a theatre, building complexes or a hospital, according to Salik. The co-accused also narrated how he handed over a challan for forged embossed documents worth Rs 44 lakh to an official from a lab at Peenya at a hotel opposite the Reserve Bank of India on Nrupathunga Road . While Wazeer Salik completed his confession statement on Thursday, his son Muzammil is expected to make his confession on Friday. As many as 11 other accused in the stamp paper cases are awaiting permission to make confessions.
For SSLC students three exams in a year
Thursday, February 26, 2004
BANGALORE : From June onwards, the SSLC academic year will be split into three terms, with 90-minute examinations at the end of each term. Announcing this on Wednesday, primary and secondary education minister B.K. Chandrashekhar said the new system will replace the present system of one set of year-end final examinations. Till now, we have been following a 19th century examination model, which exerts severe pressure on students. We will change that, he said. The tri-yearly examination papers will be marked through a three-tier grading system. There will be no ranks or classes. There will only be A,B or C grades, he added. The study material is also expected to be changed. A lot of it (present text material) is irrelevant. Students are asked to memorise how many regions are there in Iraq , but they are unaware of the water availability position in Bijapur, which is more important. Besides, yoga, music and theatre will be introduced in all primary schools. Over 15,000 teachers have been trained. The fine arts departments of four universities, and theatre troupes, will assist the courses.
Only 67 engineering colleges accept CET umbrella
Thursday, February 26, 2004
BANGALORE : With the government’s Wednesday deadline asking colleges to explain their stand on accepting the state Common Entrance Test (CET) expiring, only 67 of the 117 engineering colleges have agreed to come in its ambit. Ten engineering colleges have written to the government, saying they would be associated with the consortium of medical, engineering and dental colleges (Comed). These engineering colleges have agreed to the state CET and give 25 per cent seats each to non-Karnataka and Karnataka candidates respectively in the management quota of 50 per cent seats,’’ officials said. Interestingly, most of these engineering colleges are new and affiliated to the new engineering colleges’ forum. None of the established colleges like RVCE or PES barring BMS have so far agreed to the state CET. Only one medical college Vaidehi Medical College has agreed to the government’s CET with a condition that management quota of 50 per cent be filled by non-Karnataka candidates. A few dental colleges have also come forward for the state’s CET but with conditions that they be allowed to fill all vacant seats. Dental colleges are expected to hold discussions with higher education minister G. Parameshwara on the issue before making a formal announcement on Thursday. We don’t mind going with the state CET but we want to be given full freedom to fill vacant seats. This is the precondition, and if the government agrees to it we will go by the state CET,’’ Karnataka Private Dental Colleges’ Association president L.K. Raju said. After the government claimed that all engineering colleges had agreed for the state CET, it had asked medical and dental colleges to intimate the government on what they propose to do by February 25. Though a few engineering colleges affiliated to COMED have decided to go by the state CET, medical colleges have iterated that they would conduct a parallel entrance test to fill its quota of seats. We’ll go ahead with the Comed entrance test,’’ Comed chairman R.L. Jalappa said.
Top doctors will attend Nimhans meet
Thursday, February 26, 2004
BANGALORE : The 22nd annual conference of the south zone chapter and Karnataka state chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India, one of the largest association of medical professionals, will be held in Bangalore on Friday. The conference with the theme controversies, complications and current practices’’ will be held at the newly-built convention centre at the Nimhans campus. A workshop on evidence based hernia surgery is being organised at the A.V. Hospital as part of the conference. A continuing medical education programme in memory of the late Dr T.S. Jairam will be held on Friday wherein Dr Randolf Steinhagan from the USA will address the doctors. The scientific session during the conference will have three main orations and four symposia. More than 100 papers, covering the on various surgical specialities will be presented by the specialists. A trade exhibition is also being held as part of the conference with more than 35 stalls from instrument manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. The conference will be inaugurated by eminent scientist C.N.R. Rao.
Many more fall in Singh's net
Thursday, February 26, 2004
BANGALORE : Many more cases of cheating are coming to light following the recent report on notorious conman A K Singh's arrest on Monday. A businessman from R T Nagar has complained to the police that he too had been cheated by Singh in January. Hifz-ur-Rehman has stated that he had advertised to sell his mobile phone worth Rs 18,000. Singh contacted him and agreed to pay the amount via ‘Internet banking’. Though Rehman was informed that the transaction had been completed, the amount had not been credited to his account even after five days. Rehman lodged the complaint after he came to know of Singh’s notoriety through a report in this newspaper recently. Businessman Syed Ameen Ahmed, another of Singh’s victims who was cheated in December 2003, lodged a complaint with the Cubbon Park police on Tuesday. Ahmed had advertised to sell a laptop. Singh contacted him and a sum of Rs 28,500 was agreed upon. Singh tried the same trick and succeeded. Police said Singh talked his victims into transacting through Internet banking, by transferring money from one multinational bank to another. However, transfer of money from one bank to another is not allowed for security reasons. Man attempts suicide: An Indian Air Force personnel attempted suicide by slitting his throat, in his house in Kuvempu Nagar in Gangammanagudi police station limits on Monday. Police said that Chandramouli (27), a native of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, had been working as a lashkar (clerical staff) in an office at the Air Force Station, Jalahalli West. On Monday, Chandramouli, a bachelor, slit his throat but was spotted by neighbours who shifted him to a private hospital. He is said to be out of danger. Though police suspect Chandramouli was dejected in life, they are yet to ascertain the exact reason. Bicycle thieves arrested: The City Market police arrested Sanaulla (20) and Syed Nadeem (19) of Channapatna and recovered 10 stolen bicycles worth Rs 10,000. Police said the duo stole bicycles from parking lots in the area and later sold them. Houses burgled: Burglars broke into a house in Hennur and looted cash and gold jewellery worth over Rs 1 lakh on Tuesday. Shekhar Reddy, the owner of the house, has lodged a complaint with the Hennur police. In another incident, burglars stole valuables worth over Rs 75,000 from a house in Sharavati Layout in Adugodi police station limits. Police said Niranjan Naik and his wife were away when the burglars broke in. Chain snatched: An unidentified person accosted a housewife and snatched her gold chain worth Rs 20,000, when she was taking a walk in the Subramanyanagar police station limits on Tuesday. The victim, Prema, has complained that the incident took place near her house in BDA Layout. CFC cylinders seized: Acting on information that cylinders containing CFC gases are being smuggled through the land border in West Bengal for unauthorised sale in Karnataka, the officers of Customs Preventive, Bangalore , intercepted the suspected truck inside the Karnataka border on Tuesday. The truck was carrying 140 cylinders containing mono chloro di flouro methane, an ozone-depleting substance. Import or export of this substance without specific licence is banned under the Customs Act. Investigations are on, said an official release from the Office of the Commissioner of Customs, Bangalore . Rowdy killed: Kencha, alias Guru (23), a rowdy-sheeter, was found with stab wounds on his body and his head smashed with a boulder near Nanjamma Agrahara near TR Mills in KG Nagar police limits on Wednesday night. Police said Kencha was acquitted in a murder case six months back. Police suspect rivalry behind the murder.
Medical college alumni pay back alma mater
Thursday, February 26, 2004
BANGALORE : Thousands of celebrated doctors have emerged from its portals, keeping the Indian flag high all round the globe. And now, it’s time for them to pay back to their alma mater the Bangalore Medical College . The alumni association of BMC, which will celebrate 50 years in 2005, has lined up a prestigious project to donate an electronic library and a state of the art lecture/seminar hall with tele-teaching and tele-conferencing facilities. BMC is one of the premier medical colleges in the state and the second oldest government medical college. A group of medical professionals Dr M. Shivaram, Dr Mekhri, Dr Ramaswamy and others joined hands to start a medical college before handing it over to the Mysore government in 1955. It is perhaps the only example of private entrepreneurs handing over a fully established medical college to the government for the larger benefit of aspiring medical students. Starting with undergraduate courses, the college gradually developed and began to offer PG medical education in almost all specialities. Like any institution, the BMC also has had its ups and downs but that it is celebrating 50 years is itself a matter of celebration. Though there is still a year for the event, the foundation stone for the building will be laid by chief minister S.M. Krishna on February 27,’’ association vice-president and Rajiv Gandhi university of health sciences registrar K.M. Sreenivasa Gowda said. The association is right now concentrating on establishing a data base of all the alumni, he said. The alumni can contact the college or call 26701529/26704342.
Ford to compete with Fiat, Maruti
Thursday, February 26, 2004
BANGALORE : Ford is readying to launch a new hatchback this year, in the upper 'B' segment, where Fiat's Palio and Maruti's Wagon R are positioned. The price point is being worked out. The American motor company is working on a sedan too, to be positioned alongside Chevrolet Optra and Toyota Corolla. The sedan is expected to be out next year. Both the products will be manufactured in India , in keeping with its strategy for the country. Ford India vice-president (marketing & sales) Vinay Piparsania, however, did not want to reveal more about these developments. "The only thing I can say is that Ford will bring out a new product every year," he said. Ford's mid-sized sedan, Ikon, and luxury car, Mondeo, seem to be reaching a saturation point and the company is keen to shrug off the brand stagnation. Ikon, however, is still perceived to be the best looking car in that category, winning the JD Power Appeal award for the year 2003. As far as the new hatchback is concerned, Ford will surely have a worry or two, as to what sort of impact can it have on the market. Opel's Sail, for instance, has not quite taken the market by storm as yet, and this could act as a source of concern for Ford. It is in the upper 'C' segment category that Ford stands a better chance of doing well. That segment has been exploding of late, with Optra putting in a wonderful show, showcasing the tremendous potential of that category.
If India shines can Karnataka be left behind?
Thursday, February 26, 2004
BANGALORE : If India is shining, why should Karnataka be far behind? In an attempt to make Karnataka shine bright, the state BJP unit has constituted a committee, headed by retired chief secretary A Ravindra, to prepare a vision document for the state. "The committee will address issues relating to basic infrastructure, civic amenities and facilities. It will be prepared in the coming weeks and placed before public," state BJP president Ananth Kumar told reporters here on Wednesday. BJP MLC V S Acharya is the deputy chairman of the committee, which has others such as Jagadish Shettar, D H Shankaramurthy, M R Tanga, S Suresh Kumar, B G Banakar and socialist Mumtaz Alik Khan, as members.
Venture funding in India seen above $1 bln
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
BANGALORE (Reuters) - Venture capital (VC) investment in India rose 31 percent to $774 million in 2003 and is set to top $1 billion this year as the country's economic upswing throws up new investment opportunities, a top industry official said on Tuesday. "With the kind of growth rates India is showing, there's a lot of excitement in the market and many VCs are on the hunt to make large investments," Saurabh Srivastava, chairman of the Indian Venture Capital Association, told Reuters. Software firms and those running call centres and back-office services over high-speed telecoms grabbed the lion's share of venture capital funding last year. But VCs are now increasingly investing late stage funding in banking, pharmaceutical, retail and telecom businesses, where many mid-sized, growth-hungry Indian companies are courting private investors to help them bulk up and attack new markets. India's economy, Asia's third-largest, is expected to grow eight percent in the year to March 2004, the best in nearly 15 years, aided by a farm sector rebound and services growth stoked by the country's thriving 300 million-strong middle class. India has forecast eight percent growth for next year too. Among the top markets for VC funding outside Japan, India slipped to the fourth position in Asia from second place last year, according to data from the local industry group. South Korea, which attracted more than $3.0 billion, led the rankings, followed by Australia and China. Attracted by the growth potential, officials from about 40 heavyweight venture firms -- including Sequoia Capital, US Venture Partners and JP Morgan Partners -- have visited India in the past four months, scouring for deals. Venture capital firms invested in 42 companies in India in 2003, down from 79 in the previous year. "VCs are looking at India from an investment point of view and as an outsourcing destination for their portfolio firms, many of whom already have technology centres here," Srivastava said. This year, investors are expected to pump money into the emerging biotech industry and start-ups designing software and chips for digital consumer markets. Private funding is also finding its way into larger companies, including state-run manufacturing firms, in an economy where privatisation and reforms have opened up opportunities. In the first two months of 2004 alone, Indian firms raised about $320 million in a few large transactions, industry officials said. Bulk drug maker Matrix Laboratories, now moving into contract manufacturing of finished drugs and whose shares multiplied in value by eight times in 2003, raised $133 million last month from Singapore's Temasek Holdings and New Bridge Capital. Recordable compact disc maker Moser Baer India said last month it plans to raise about $149 million from private equity investor Warburg Pincus for its expansion plans. With $750 million invested, Warburg Pincus is one of the key VC players in India, along with home-grown ICICI Venture Funds, having invested $500 million, and General Atlantic Partners.
Karnataka, Maharashtra get drought assistance
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) The Indian government Friday announced assistance of Rs. 2.5 billion and Rs. 332 million respectively for Karnataka and Maharashtra to tackle drought in the states. The announcement was made after Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani chaired a meeting of a committee that sanctions assistance from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF). The assistance is for the February-June period, an official statement said. The assistance for Karnataka includes Rs. 200 million for supplementary nutrition in the form of foodgrains. Besides, 413,000 tonnes of foodgrains will be given for distribution as part of the food for work programme. Earlier, the state had been sanctioned Rs. 1.16 billion and 330,000 tonnes of foodgrains, the statement said. The assistance to Maharashtra is a one-time measure to provide employment in 71 drought-affected sub-districts in the state, it said. The state had been granted Rs. 442 million and 400,000 tonnes of foodgrains earlier.
Karnataka Assembly dissolved
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Karnataka Assembly was dissolved by Governor T N Chaturvedi today following the recommendation of the state council of ministers last week, official sources said. After prolonged deliberations within the Congress, Chief Minister S M Krishna had recommended dissolution of the state assembly to the Governor after a council of ministers meeting here on February 16. The dissolution, coming eight months ahead of the expiry of the term of the 11th assembly, paves way for simultaneous state polls with the Lok Sabha elections. Krishna had admitted that the decision to seek early polls was prompted by the NDA Government's move to advance Lok Sabha polls. But he had also maintained that it was the confidence of his party to return to power that made them to plump for simultaneous elections. The present assembly is the fifth one to have a premature end in the state's legislature history.
Gulbarga bandh peaceful, action sought against DC
Saturday, February 21, 2004
GULBARGA: The bandh call given by various students organisations and political parties against the lathi-charge on students who were demonstrating peacefully in Jewargi recently passed off peacefully on Thursday amid heavy police bandobust. Normal life was affected as NEKRTC suspended its city, sub-suburban and long route services till late afternoon. However, private vehicles were allowed to ply. Shops and business establishments in the main super market and on the main roads were closed while the bandh did not have any effect on the outskirts. Most schools recorded thin attendance with autos not turning up to ferry children and City buses staying off the roads. People coming to the City in buses had a harrowing experience as police stopped buses on the outskirts and made them wait for hours before they were taken to the bus stand with police protection. Several organisations including the All India Students Federation (AISF), Veerashaiva Students Federation and Yuva Janata Dal (S) participated in the bandh. The bandh was called to protest against the brutal lathicharge on high school students, including girls, by police allegedly on the orders of the Deputy Commissioner in Jewargi on Feb.10 when the two ministers Mallikarjuna Kharge and Dharam Singh came to attend a function there. The organisations have demanded the suspension of Deputy Commissioner Anjum Perwez and action against SP Dr.Ramchandra Rao, Jewargi inspcector Vijay Anchi and others. During the procession taken out from Gunj, students shouted slogans against the two ministers, police and the Deputy Commissioner. Veerashaiva Vidyarthi Federation president Mallikarjun Garur and district Yuva Janata Dal-S president Deve Gowda Tellur threatened to intensify the agitation if action was not taken against the DC and SP.
Man attempts suicide before CM's house
Saturday, February 21, 2004
BANGALORE: High drama prevailed in front of Chief Minister S M Krishna's official residence in the city on Thursday morning after a youth from the CM's home constituency attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison. Prakash, (30), a resident of Mandya district demanded that the CM contest the ensuing Assembly elections from Maddur and not from any other constituency. When he failed to get an assurance from the CM, he drank apple juice laced with poison, which he had carried along with him. Prakash had arrived at Anugraha before the CM left for Magadi to attend a public function. During his short meeting with the CM, Prakash urged him to contest elections from Maddur, to which Krishna just said ``okay'' and sent him out. Not satisfied with the reply, Prakash came out raising slogans in favour of Krishna and consumed the drink. Policemen on security duty rushed him immediately to a private hospital where he was treated. He is out of danger. High Grounds Police have registered a case. It may be recalled that there were reports about Krishna contesting Assembly elections from Sathanur, which is now represented by Urban Development Minister D K Shivakumar. However, it is still not clear whether CM will contest from Maddur or any other constituency.
Bangalore code-writers top in taking lives, breaking marriages
Saturday, February 21, 2004
BANGALORE: India's Silicon Plateau, home to over 1.5 lakh code-writers, may have created a niche on the global map with its high quality, English-speaking workforce. But the race to the top has also got a flip side to it. Bangalore tops in having the highest suicide rates and divorce rates among software professionals in the country. The reason: mental stress and physical strain due to workload. A survey conducted by B J Prashantham, director of Vellore-based Christian Counselling Centre, among the software professionals of the city comes out with some alarming statistics. Of the 2,000 suicide cases reported in the city last year, 70 percent were by software professionals and call centre employees. And all of them were below 35 years of age. Even more dangerous was the suicidal tendency among these IT professionals. Of the 70 per cent who committed suicide, each of them had made at least 10 attempts before taking their lives. ``The unprecedented levels of opportunity and money have resulted in neglecting the importance of personal life,'' says Prashantham, who has been counselling Microsoft professionals in the US for the past few years. If the code-writers were not committing suicides, they were busy going through divorce proceedings. Sample this: In a single unit of 100 employees, nine divorce cases were filed over the last three months. Prashantham, who is in the field of counselling for the past three decades, says that unless proper care is taken, it will have a long-term impact. ``The suicidal rate and divorce cases will increase by 20 percent in the next 10 years,'' he warns. ``Stress among the software professionals and its impact on their health and quality of life are a source of significant concern and need to be continually reviewed and addressed by all concerned,'' says Prashantham. He says that organisations should now opt for regular counselling at their centres to protect their employees. ``This menace is not only affecting the employee but the employer too,'' points out Prashantham. ``We live in a world that is changing rapidly. With this change, come difficulties in adjustment to new lifestyles. This is evident in the way we raise our children, study, work and relate to each other in our home and outside,'' he says. ``Bangalore is a city where the speed of change is most rapid and the time has come to address these issues that are affecting individuals, families and communities of the city,'' Prashantham adds.
Karnataka Cabinet recommends dissolution of assembly
Monday, February 16, 2004
Bangalore, Feb 16 Karnataka Cabinet today decided to recommend dissolution of the assembly. PTI
Toll collection on Nelamangala-Tumkur Road incurs public wrath
Monday, February 16, 2004
TUMKUR: The four-lane stretch between Nelamangala and Tumkur has been evoking widespread protests ever since members of the public have been asked to pay a price for using it. The protestors have targeted the fee collection agency, Jas Toll Road Co Ltd. Both its toll plaza locations situated near Tumkur and Nelamangala have become targets of public ire. As per the Jas Toll Road Co Ltd users' fees chart, jeep/motor car/passenger van (Rs 18), light goods vehicles (Rs 31), bus (Rs 61) and truck (Rs 61)_ which passes through both the fee collection points_ are required to pay the specified fee for the entire (34 km) stretch between Nelamangala and Tumkur. Vehicles passing through just one fee-collection point need to pay half of the specified fee. Two-wheelers, autorickshaws and vehicles like tractors used for agriculture-related activities have been exempted from the fee. Apart from these, defence vehicles, VIP vehicles, police vehicles, ambulances, fire tenders, funeral vans, Post and Telegraph Department vehicles, Central and State Government vehicles are also exempted. The public, especially those who live 10-25 km away from Tumkur, have demanded passes as they use the road many times during the day. A local representative says that since these users are far and few their demand is fair enough. However, he adds that concession should be for personal vehicles and not commercial ones. But according to Jass Toll Road Co Ltd sources, tolling had begun as per the provisions of concession agreement and gazette notification published and issued by the President and there is no provision for monthly or daily passes or any concession for the local people. In fact, the National Highway Act, amended in 1995, had paved the way for the Central Government declaring the road sector as an industry, allow it to be used by private firms and foreigners to invest. By entering into an agreement with such road companies, authorisation is thereby given to them to levy fees for the development and maintenance of the road. Protests against the Jass Toll Road Company Ltd amounts to illegal activity since it has entered into a tripartite agreement with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the State Government to collect toll for 18 years term on conditions of management and maintenance of the four-lane highway. The company has expressed its concern over the State Government's non-cooperation for enforcing the toll as per the gazette notification. It said the Government 's attitude would have a dampening effect on private sector investments in road sector as well as National Highway Development Programme of NHAI. It also warned that if NHAI fails to ensure the returns by way of toll to the private investors, it will lose the confidence of the entrepreneurs, bankers and financial institutions. It suggested that the State Government and NHAI take immediate action for the enforcing the contract and find means to bring relief to the users.
Udasi joins BJP with followers
Monday, February 16, 2004
HUBLI: One more Akhila Karnataka Progressive Janata Dal leader from North Karnataka has joined the BJP along with his supporters in Hubli here on Sunday. C M Udasi, former minister, officially joined the BJP in the presence of State BJP president Ananth Kumar and other leaders. Udasi, who hails from Haveri district, served as PWD minister during the Janata Dal Government in the State. He moved to the APIJD after the JD split. According a grand welcome to Udasi, Ananth Kumar, BJP state president said new entrants from other parties were now joining the BJP. Leaders M.B.Kalal, B.N.Akkiholi, Mohamed Izak, Shivanand Sajjan, Shankargouda and Mohan Olekar also joined the party.
Ambreesh open on contesting polls from Congress
Monday, February 16, 2004
MYSORE: Parliament member and Veteran actor Ambreesh said that the party high command will decide on fielding him from a Mandya Lok sabha constitunecy or assembly constituncy. ` I am open on both on contesting polls and would contest from any of the constituncies suggested by party high command ', he said. Ambreesh representing Mandya lok sabha constitunecy clarified that he would only contest from Congress party. Speaking to press persons here on Saturday, he further clarified that he would only contest polls from Congress party. When asked rumours of joining BJP or Janata Party , Ambreesh said that he will not join BJP, Janata Dal (S), AIPJD, Janata party or JD(U). Asked about he not seeking ticket from the KPCC, Ambreesh said that he was not an aspirant . But, I would like to be a candidate from the party. The party high command asigned to pick the candidates will decide on feilding him from Loksabha or Vidhana soudha constitunecy. He also denied reports that he would not contest ensuing Parliament election and clarified that he had not yet decided on constesting parilament or assembly election from Srirangapatna or Pandavapura. It is upto to the party high command to decide on the issue, he reiterated.
Karnataka Cabinet meets on Monday
Monday, February 16, 2004
PTI BANGALORE : Amidst continuing speculations about early Assembly elections to synchronise with the Lok Sabha polls, the Karnataka Cabinet is meeting here Monday even as Chief Minister S M Krishna maintained suspense over the issue. Adding a new dimension, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President B Janardhan Poojary today said a section of the party MLAs have told the leadership not to "hurry through" the dissolution of the Assembly. Speaking to reporters here, Poojary, who had earlier said the decision was expected by February 12, said such MLAs were concerned that developmental works in their constituencies should be expedited before going for simultaneous elections. Keeping the cards close to his chest, Krishna reiterated in Mysore that "only time will tell" when the dissolution of the Assembly would take place. He said the five-year term of the present assembly would end by the middle of October this year and it is only the time that could decide whether the assembly would be dissolved ahead of its term. The ruling Congress Legislature Party has already passed a resolution leaving the final decision to the party high command but it had come out in favour of simultaneous polls
Mysore to develop IT, BT and tourism
Monday, February 16, 2004
PTI MYSORE: Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on Monday said the government planned to develop the IT, BT and tourism sectors in Mysore. Speaking to reporters here, he also said the project report on the long-pending Mysore airport would be ready by Dasara in September and October this year. He said Dasara would be celebrated in all its grandeur this year also with a view to preserving the rich heritage and wealth of Mysore. Krishna was here to launch work on the Bangalore-Mysore four-lane expressway from Mysore to Maddur under the second phase. He said the expressway would greatly facilitate the development in all directions. Work relating to the expressway from Mysore to Maddur would be completed in 15 months. Work on the other side - from Bangalore to Maddur - would be completed in another 16 months, he said.
No rains, so no water: Krishna
Monday, February 16, 2004
Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna today said that Tamilnadu could not be given water from the Cauvery river as there were no rains. 'When the vessel is empty, how can water be given', he said referring to the water position in the Cauvery river. Talking to reporters after arriving at Lawspet here this morning, Krishna said as there was not enough water in the Cauvery river, Tamilnadu could not be given water and added that a meeting of the Cauvery River Water Authority had not been convened as it (the Authority) was aware of Karnataka's position. Further, he said the quantum of water in Krishnarajasagar dam was enough to serve the drinking water needs of Bangalore and Mandya. On the Veerappan issue, the Karnataka Chief Minister said that the STFs of the two States (Tamilnadu and Karnataka) were making coordinated efforts. He also expressed confidence that the brigand could be caught soon. Regarding the forthcoming Parliamentary elections, Krishna said that the Congress would secure victory in the Southern States. The party had forged a strong alliance in Tamilnadu, which he remarked would secure stupendous wins. As far as Andhra Pradesh was concerned, he said that the Congress had found a new strength and was expected to do well. In Kerala, an amicable solution had been found to the inner-party wrangling, he said and hoped that the Congress would fare well at the hustings. Krishna, who had initiated several developmental schemes in Karnataka, said he was looking into the issue of holding simultaneous Assembly elections in the State. Earlier on his arrival by a private aircraft, the Karnataka Chief Minister was received among others by his Pondicherry counterpart N Rangasamy, PCC president V Narayanasamy, Ministers Namachivayam and Elumalai. Later, Krishna along with his family members left for Thirunallar.
Class VI student hangs self in classroom
Friday, February 6, 2004
BANGALORE: In a tragic incident, a 12-year-old schoolboy committed suicide by hanging in his classroom, reportedly after he was chided by his parents for performing poorly in examinations. It was at Ujwal school under Kadugodi police limits in Bangalore Rural on Wednesday morning. The boy is Anil Kumar, a sixth std student. Police said he is the son of D. N. Rajanna, a farmer from Doddadunnasandra. According to the police, Anil had fared badly in Mathematics and Science examinations held recently. His father, reportedly, had scolded him seeing his marks and had asked him to concentrate on studies. On Wednesday, Anil stayed back in his classroom while the rest of the children went out during morning break. The police said he had brought a rope from his house. He slipped it through a hook meant for hanging a drum during PT sessions and hanged himself. The police said the incident came to light when classes resumed. The incident has shocked the school management and students. Anil’s younger brother too, studies in the same school.
Lotteries of Bhutan, six states banned in Karnataka
Friday, February 6, 2004
BANGALORE: The State government has banned the sale of lottery tickets of six states and a neighbouring country for failing to furnish complete documents and details in Form II complying with the Rule 20 of Karnataka State Lottery Rules, 1999. The ban is effected from Thursday and the lotteries include that of various States of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Manipur and Bhutan. The order issued by N Prabhakar, under secretary to Government, F.D. (Administation and Advance), has specified that the prohibition is on all types of lotteries organised, conducted or promoted by these country/states. The ban will continue till complete draw-wise information from the date of publication of the Rules in Form II is provided to the Director of Small Savings and State Lottery, the order said.
Congress leader sacked for cabaret dance
Thursday, February 5, 2004
Bangalore, A Congress leader in Karnataka has been sacked from the party for organising a cabaret dance at a meeting of party activists. Mandya district Congress president L.R. Shivarame Gowda has been dismissed, according to Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Janardhan Poojary. Enraged over the shocking incident that was "in bad taste and against the principles of the party culture," Poojary said Gowda was removed from the post following a direction from New Delhi. Gowda, a prominent party leader and former legislators from Nagamangala constituency, organised a cultural show at Devalapura for the Congress cadre, where skimpily clad women performed a cabaret dance Monday afternoon. Incidentally, Textiles Minister H.M. Revanna and scores of party leaders from the district were present on the dais along with Gowda, watching the tantalizing dances without a murmur. Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, who hails from the same district, was upset over Gowda's action, Poojary stated in a statement. Krishna was elected to the state assembly from Maddur constituency in Mandya district, about 100 km from Bangalore. Asked if the party had sought an explanation from Gowda before sacking him, Poojary retorted: "Where is the need? What more evidence is required when there were several eye witnesses to the incident?" According to reports reaching the state capital, the cultural program was organised, ostensibly to pass time, as the scheduled party workers' meeting was delayed and the 20,000-odd gathering was becoming restive. "As the show unfolded, a couple of skimpily-clad women took to the stage and performed a cabaret-style dance to the tunes of film songs in Kannada language," a party worker reported. It is learnt that Gowda was inspired to hold such an event after he learnt about similar shows being enacted in Tamil Nadu. Admitting that the incident was an embarrassment to the ruling party at a time when elections are around, Women and Child Welfare Minister C. Motamma said: "Exploitation of women by the party at a public function in Nagamangala in a vulgar form is a serious issue to be ignored. It is against ethical norms and party discipline because we hold women in high esteem." Meanwhile, the women's wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a noisy demonstration here Wednesday demanding the dismissal of minister Revanna who was present when the cabaret was staged. Indo-Asian News Service
Dr URA returns State award
Monday, February 2, 2004
Dr URA returns State award Dr U R Ananthamurthy who got the best storywriter has announced his decision to return the State award. Kavitha Lankesh of ‘Bimba’ and actor, producer and director of Devara Makkalu has also decided to return the award given to them. Dr.U.R.Ananthamurthy who has been awarded for the best story for Mouni by Karnataka Govt for bests of 2002- 03 has decided to return the award because he had written the short story 36 years back and if at all the committee has to give an award it should be awarded to the film in totality but not to his short story. So I reject this award says the Gnanapeeth award winner. Singer B.Jayasri (grand daughter of veteran Gubbi Veeranna) is not ethically right in being in the committee, which declared the film Sainika as socially relevant film when she has acted in it. Similarly H N Maruthi who is cousin to K.C.N.Gowda who got the Dr Rajkumar award is also cited as improper. http://www.indiavilas.com/photogal/mnews.asp?l=k&g=Dr%20URA%20returns%20State%20award
Bidalare
Monday, February 2, 2004
Twenty five years later once again a film on Bidalare is produced by well-known producer Manikchand who has joined hands with Prabhu Shankar. The earlier film Naa Ninna Bidalare starring Ananathnag and Laxmi was all about the supernatural power of Raghavendra Swamy against an evil power. Bidalare is about Karibasavayya of Ukkadagatri. Like Raghavendra swamy the saint in this holy place is also known as Ajjayya. The belief is that all problems will be solved if they visit this place on full moon or new moon day. Director Ramana has collected all information about Ukkadagatri and Ajjayya before he prepared the story and script which tells about the beliefs on Ukkadagatri. Anil Kalyan plays the lead role along with Keerthi Chawla of Telugu filmdom. She has done four Telugu films and starred in Aaadi a hit Telugu film. In the film the hero works for a television channel and comes to Ukkadagatri where he meets the heroine at the Ukkadagatri festival and the romance starts from there. Indra, a debutant scores the music. Film is expected to release by mid of February 2004. http://www.indiavilas.com/photogal/mnews.asp?l=k&g=Bidalare%20%20a%20film%20on%20Ukkadagatri
Airtel ties up with SVR movies
Monday, February 2, 2004
Airtel ties up with SVR movies Airtel, is getting into a symbiotic partnership where the movie "Love" and Airtel will come together in a promotional activity marking the convergence of telecommunications and entertainment. The promotion will happen across the state before, during and after the launch of the movie. Interactivity will replace passive presence in tie-ups with films for the first time, with contests, suggestions and the like being sought from Airtel's customers through its numerous channels. The promotion is significant keeping in mind that film-based marketing is in vogue today in Bollywood and Tollywood but has not taken off in an organised manner in the Kannada Film Industry. For both SVR movies and Airtel, this is a great opportunity because they are two great brands in their respective Industries. And the coming together of both is big news for the Kannada film industry and marketing communication planners and this is therefore looked upon as a landmark partnership. In Indian cinema, tie ups with films have been at a nascent stage till date, and associations between brands and films have largely been in the form of visibility on screen or for music releases, ring tone downloads and the like. This is therefore a memorable and pioneering first for Airtel, which has led from the forefront in the arena of communications in Karnataka in taking this entire experience to the people of Karnataka. Cross promotion of film and brand is taking off slowly but surely, with initiatives such as these from leading brands. In-film marketing has evolved to a stage where a symbiotic marketing push of this type has been made possible. The campaign is largely due to the vast potential and rapid expansion of the mobile base in upcountry Karnataka. Such a combined visibility exercise will surely communicate that Airtel 'loves' its upcountry customers too! The trend is expected to grow in the state with the returns promising to be worth the effort! Love is made in three languages, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. The Kannda version's shooting has started and the Telugu launch muhurtam is over and Tamil launch is pending. Apart from the lead characters - Audithya and Rakshita, most other characters in the movie will be popular regional actors. Thus making the film original in the respective language. The movie is to be shot in exotic locations like Dubai, Egypt and Cairo apart from locales in India. http://timescity.com/timescity/ScreenManager?CiI=5&CiN=Bangalore&CaI=5&BCaI=3&CoI=3&CaN=Movies&BCaN=Movies&ToiPg=5/live/movies/airtel.html
Shashi Kumar juggling two careers
Monday, February 2, 2004
Shashi Kumar juggling two careers Shashi Kumar who has danced his way into the hearts of many people and has his own strong fan following is unable to decide which career he has to give more importance to!!! Its difficult to manage two jobs at a time but film stars are known for this and they try keep their feet on both the grounds i.e., act as well as serve people as politicians!!! The trend these days is that more and more actors are becoming MPs, MLAs and politicians. Anant Nag was both a minister and an film actor at one time but now that he is not a minister, he has ample time and is fully immersed into acting. Another actor-politician is Ambarish who has managed to act in films like Diggajaru and Vande Matharam. Even though Mukyamanthri Chandru is not as busy as Mukyamanthri S M Krishna he nevertheless is active in both politics as well as films. But Actor-MP Shashi Kumar who was recently seen in films like Yarege Saluthe Sambala, Halushakkare,Yajamanac seems to have no time for his "other" profession-politics and is accused of neglecting it. For the time being there are no elections but if he continues to neglect his duties as a politician, he might not win the next elections. Besides the parliament session and budget sessions are to begin soon and he will have to go to Delhi, so is it wise to accept new films now? Shashi Kumar, it seems is said to be in a dilemma about what he wants to do!!! A lot of his well wishers have been askng him to seek some kind of suggestions and advice from other actor-politicians like Anantag and Ambarish, but Shashi Kumar seems to be listening to anyone is hell bent on finishing his films by the time the sessions begin. To top it all, he is also getting many offers, well, all we can say is that some people wait for opportunities and they won't get it, some people get opportunities but they don't have time!!!! http://movies.indiainfo.com/kannada/boxoffice/index.html
Chakri's marriage rocks
Monday, February 2, 2004
Very recently music director Chakri was in news for his bad tunes in the film VEERA KANNADIGA. This film stars Puneet Rajkumar. Now Chakri is in news again and this time the issue is dowry. Sources say that Chakri's wife has lodged a complaint at the Kareemnagar Police station that he has demanded a humongous sum of money as dowry from her. Earlier Chakri was given Rs. 20 Lakhs from the bride's side. But Chakri not being happy with this started demanding more money from her even after the wedding. Gossip mill has also churned the news that of late Chakri is getting too close with singer Kausalya. Chakri's wife is obviously not happy with the turn of events. Regarding this issue Chakri is ready to pay Rs. 25 lakhs to his wife, but he is not ready to break his so called friendship with singer Kausalya. http://movies.indiainfo.com
DEVDAS to be made in Kannada
Monday, February 2, 2004
DEVDAS was made thrice in Hindi. The story also was filmed in several other languages. Now its Sandalwood's turn. Very soon we shall seem DEVDAS's avatar in Kannada. RAKHTHA KANEERU's producer Muniratna will be producing this venture. Upendra will be playing Devdas's role. He started playing the role of tragic hero in RAKHTHA KANEERU and will be continuing this trend in DEVDAS. Sadhu Kokila will be directing the film. As of now nobody knows who will play the role of Paro in Kannada. Why DEVDAS? Muniratna says that his father's life is an inspiration for him to remake this film in Kannada. He says that is father's life has been similar to Devdas's life. http://movies.indiainfo.com Earlier we saw amazing performances by Sudeep in SWATHIMUTHU, Darshan Tugudeepa in NAMMA PREETHIYA RAMU and Upendra in RAKTHA KANEERU. It is a welcome trend that of late Kannada heroes are opting for challenging roles. The sad part here is that these challenging roles are available only in remake films. Munirathna is planning to take this film on sets very soon. The photo session of this film has already begun. Will producer Munirathna continue his success story which began with RAKHTA KANEERU in DEVDAS? Will DEVDAS catapult Upendra to numero uno position again? Only time will tell.
Super Aliya
Monday, February 2, 2004
Cast: Kashinath, Madhuri, Panchami, Sudhir, Sathyabhama Director: Rajendrakumar Arya Kashinath, known for his films like Anubhava, Avale Nanna Hendthi, Sura Sundaranga, has acted in a double role in this film for the first time in his career. It has the same old story-hero in a double role, some comic scenes, fightings, running around tress and nothing more. Ganesh (Kashinath) is an autodriver. His sister Lakshmi (Vijayalakshmi)’s returns ho his house as her mother-in-law (Sathyabhama) demands dowry. He tries his best to give dowry and send her back to her in-laws’ house. But he does not succeed. Meanwhile, Vijay (Kashinath), son of a businessman, returns from America after his father’s death. But manager Manappa (Sudhir) and accountant Seenappa (Kunigal Nagabhushan) try to kill him for property. But he escapes with minor injuries. Ganesh’s mother and sister take care of him thinking that he is Ganesh. When Ganesh comes back, he is horrified to see Vijay at his place. Vijay tells his story to Ganesh and they both decide to exchange their places. Ganesh teaches a lesson to Manappa and Seenappa while Vijay gives him the money to be paid as dowry and Lakshmi to her husband’s house. Kashinath’s acting is as usual but Director Rajendrakumar Arya has not fully utilised his talents. Madhuri and Panchami, who have made names in teleserials like Gauthami and Kaveri, fail to impress. Costumes are weird and songs are routine. Dialogues by Kunigal Nagabhushan are not as expected. The director seems to have lost his grip over the story and the movie goes haywire.
