KFFC office stormed,film body accused of being pro non-kannada
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Bangalore,Nov 26 : A group of Kannada film producers, directors, artistes and activists today stormed the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) office, accusing the film body of being 'pro non-Kannada films'. They also hung up a nameboard, calling it the 'Kannada film chamber of commerce' during the protest, which came a day after Kannada film icon Rajkumar led a demonstration, seeking a three-week moratorium on release of non-Kannada films. Noted Kannada film director Rajendrasingh Babu and film producers association president Basanthkumar Patil and Kannada Rakshana Vedike activists stormed the building, but adequate police security ensured that no untoward incident took place. Accusing KFCC President Gangaraju of being 'helpful' in release of non-Kannada films, they shouted slogans against him. Gangaraju also staged a dharna as the protesters had heated exchanges with him. Rajkumar had led the protest at the western gate of Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, yesterday, which saw ugly incidents with slippers thrown at Chief Minister N Dharam Singh when he addressed the protesters. Stray incidents of violence were also reported. PTI
Shivajinagar, Nov 26 - Chief minister N. Dharam Singh on Thursday said he has written to the Centre seeking Metropolitan City status for Bangalore for better coordination among civic agencies. Speaking after inaugurating several developmental works and laying foundation stone for new projects, Singh said the city has BCC, BWSSB, BDA and several other agencies which need perfect coordination. I have written to the Union government to accord ‘Metropolitan City’ status for Bangalore on par with New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. There is a dire need for infrastructure development in the city and coordination is essential for any project to succeed,’’ Singh said. Dwelling on the pathetic state of roads in the state, Singh informed that the highway roads which have 20 mm thickness are being damaged due to the movement of heavily loaded vehicles. Hence, the law has to be amended to regulate movement of HTVs. The CM also had a piece of advice for the elected representatives and the BCC commissioner. According to him, the key to augment revenue is to improve city’s infrastructure which requires hard work and commitment. The corporators should inspect the wards early in the morning to ensure the progress of projects. The commissioner, on his part, should see to that the projects are implemented within the deadline,’’ Singh added.
o approval yet for Congress ministers’ list
Friday, November 26, 2004
Bangalore, Nov 26 - The Congress list of ministerial candidates is yet to be approved by the party high command, party sources said. According to sources, the Congress list of candidates, which was submitted to the high command by Chief Minister N Dharam Singh has not been approved. This is one of the reasons for the delay in the Cabinet expansion. Interestingly, the name of former minister D K Shivakumar, does not figure in the list of candidates submitted by Mr Singh, sources said. The party high command, it is learnt has decided to select candidates on its own. Sources said that Congress President Sonia Gandhi may invite Mr Singh for a discussion on the expansion process soon. The chief minister is likely to leave for Delhi in a day or two, sources added. Sources also said that the expansion process will take place only after the newly appointed AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Mr A K Antony visits Karnataka. Though there was speculation about Mr Antony’s visit to Karnataka on Wednesday, sources now say that he may visit the State only next week.
Tata Tele to invest Rs 400cr in K'taka
Friday, November 26, 2004
Gulbarga: Tata Teleservices Limited has invested Rs 1,000 crore in Karnataka and the amount was expected to cross Rs 1,400 crore by March next, company Chief Operating Officer for Andhra and Karnataka Prabhat Pani said today. Talking to newspersons after launching Tata Indicom services for Gulbarga and Bijapur districts here, he said that with the launch, almost all key towns and highways have been covered with world-class customer service. Pani said Tata Teleservices offered integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the Tata Indicom brand. Currently operating in eight circles, the company had a customer base of over 2.5 million. It was all set to launch operations in 12 more circles -- Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh East and West, and West Bengal. He said the Karnataka circle currently offered Tata Indicom services in 105 major towns. These services include fixed wireless, CDMA mobile, internet and data services like ISDN, DSL, VPNs and data center services. Within a short span of time, the company's Karnataka circle had a cumulative customer base of over 2.5 lakh.
MS to launch training programme in Karnataka
Friday, November 26, 2004
Microsoft Corporation India Monday signed an agreement with the Karnataka government for launching its partners-in-learning programme in the state. The programme encompasses Microsoft's flagship India education initiative 'Project Shiksha' as well as two other initiatives, Fresh Start and School Agreement. With a view to impart training and access on the latest computer technologies to students and schoolteachers, Microsoft aims to reach out to about 400,000 students and 20,000 teachers in government-run schools from Classes 3 to 12 in the five-year MoU period. The agreement entails the setting up and running of three Microsoft IT academy centres in Bangalore, Gulbarga and Dharwad for teacher training. Further, it entails the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive teacher training programme, creation of a localised IT curriculum for students, rolling out of teacher student scholarship programmes and setting up of a teachers portal. Microsoft's commitment with Karnataka is aimed at promoting IT literacy across the state and extending IT reach to the grassroots. The agreement will play a vital role in achieving the objective. Microsoft India chairman Ravi Venkatesan and Karnataka Education Secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar signed the memorandum of understanding. Microsoft India managing director Rajiv Kaul were present on the occasion.
Unruly scenes at rally by Karnataka movie industry
Friday, November 26, 2004
Bangalore: The protest by the Karnataka film industry against release of non-Kannada films in the state took an ugly turn on Thursday when slippers were hurled at Chief Minister Dharam Singh while he was addressing a demonstration by the movie industry at Bangalore led by thespian Rajkumar. The protestors, demanding a three-week embargo on the release of non-Kannada films, earlier submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and was holding a sit-in at the western gate of the high-security Vidhana Soudha, the state Secretariat. Shortly after Rajkumar ended his speech, Singh appeared on the scene and as he began to speak, some slippers were thrown at him by some protestors shouting anti-government slogans. The slippers fell short of him. Talking to reporters later, Singh made light of the incident, saying: "We have seen such things." After the protest that saw all sectors of the entire Kannada film industry in action, stray violent incidents were also reported with unidentified persons stoning four cars near the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce office and an ATM counter. The protest has paralysed film production activities in the state with shooting, dubbing and editing works coming to a standstill. The festering crisis in the film industry deepened after some theatres defied a three-week ban under a "gentleman’s agreement" reached between the Kannada film industry and exhibitors recently. Addressing the gathering, Rajkumar said: "We are not against other languages but our language should survive."
Ispat Industries interested in setting up plant in Karnataka
Friday, November 26, 2004
New Delhi, Nov 25 : Leading private steel producer Ispat Industries has expressed interest in setting up a Rs 6,000 crore integrated steel plant in Karnataka. Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries P G R Sindhia today told reporters here that he had had a second round of meeting with the company officials here. Observing that the proposed project with a capacity to produce two to three million tonnes of steel is expected to generate employment for about 5,000 people, he said the state government suggested Raichur or Hasan for the proposed project which would have land connectivity and port facilities. Sindhia, who is here in connection with the inauguration of the Karnataka Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair, said he also had had a detailed meeting with Commerce Minister Kamal Nath. During the meeting, he had urged Nath to consider Karnataka's exports potential from software industry to enable the state to get benefit from the ASIDE (Assistance for State Integrated Development from Exports). He said the state government also made a strong plea for establishing an office of a Development Commissioner for Exports in Bangalore in view of Karnataka's export potential. Sindhia said the Karnataka pavilion here would be refurbished at a cost of Rs six crore. PTI
Karnataka seeks inclusion of software exports in Aside
Friday, November 19, 2004
PTI BANGALORE: Karnataka on Wednesday sought inclusion of software exports in the Aside scheme of the Commerce Ministry for promotion of infrastructure for export-oriented industries, and also clearance for the metro and commuter rail projects. Chief Minister N Dharam Singh said two per cent of the value of software exports from Karnataka could be made available under Aside or a similar scheme for providing infrastructure for export-oriented IT industry. The Centre must support states like Karnataka in their endeavour to provide and maintain world class infrastructure in recognised IT hubs to "prevent erosion of its software base to competitions like China", he said. Singh was speaking at a meeting of Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia with Chief Ministers of southern States and Union Territory of Pondicherry for the mid-term appraisal of the Tenth Plan. Noting that Bangalore's surface transport had reached a saturation point, he asked Ahluwalia to help the state in getting approval from the Planning Commission as well as from the Ministries of Railways and Urban Development for metro project, envisaged at a cost of Rs 4,899 crore. He also sought necessary approvals for commuter rail project that would provide connectivity on the north-south and east-west axis of existing surface lines.
Karnataka, Punjab win
Friday, November 19, 2004
Ludhiana, Nov 18 (UNI) Karnataka and hosts Punjab began their campaign with facile victories on the opening day of the 27th Senior National Throwball Championship which began here today. Karnataka carried too many guns against Jammu and Kashmir, whom they routed by 15-2, 15-1. Punjab had to struggle to overcome plucky Orissa by 15-13, 15-13. In another match, Uttaranchal defeated Orissa by 2-1. Punjab women also displayed their prowess as they defeated Bihar by 15-9, 15-11. According to senior vice-president of Throwball Association of India A K Sharma, during the nationals, an Indian team will be selected to compete in an International Throwball Tournament in Singapore in January next year. Teams from 23 states and union territories have staked their claims for the top honours. Earlier, Mr S S Bedi, Chief Commissioner, Customs and Central Excise, Chandigarh, inaugurated the Senior Nationals.
Karnataka HC issues notice to state govt
Friday, November 19, 2004
Karnataka, India > Bangalore, Nov 18 : The Karnataka High Court today issued notice to the state Government on a writ petition seeking a direction to the authorities to take immediate steps for the appointment of Public Prosecutor in fast track courts. In a public interest writ petition, K N Subba Reddy, an advocate and former MLA submitted that fast track courts had been established throughout the country for expediting disposal of cases. However, in the state these courts are unable to dispose of cases as the state government has failed to appoint Public Prosecutor for the courts, he stated. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice S R Nayak and Justice Nagamohan Das adjourned further hearing of the petition. PTI
JD(S) appoints working president, ad hoc team for Karnataka
Friday, November 19, 2004
Bangalore, Nov 18 : Janata Dal(S), the Congress' ruling coalition partner in Karnataka, today appointed a team of ad hoc office bearers and former Prime Minister H D Devegowda's son H D Kumaraswamy as the Working President of the party's state unit. Gowda, who is also the president of the party, said a coordination committee of JD(S) and Congress would be set up to maintain cordial relations within the coalition government. Gowda made it clear that the appointment of new office bearers and the party's initiative to take up membership drive did not signal "a threat to the coalition government" nor was it an indicator of its preparations for early elections. Kumaraswamy after taking over as Working President, urged Chief Minister N Dharam Singh to complete the ministry expansion exercise at an early date and honour other agreements reached between the parties while forming the coalition government. Gowda recently appointed N Thippanna, who belongs to the Lingayat community as the state unit president, amid resentment among a section of partymen, replacing Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who hails from Kuruba community. PTI
National meet on Ayurveda with focus on joint disorders to be held at Mysore
Friday, November 19, 2004
Mysore Mysore will host a two-day national conference on the 'ayurveda perspectives of joint disorders,' titled as 'Samvedana' to be organised from November 20 to 21, 2004 at the Kalamandira. The conference will be inaugurated by Karnataka deputy chief minister, Siddaramaiah. Sixty clinical papers will be presented by research scholars in the event which is expected to attract 800 delegates. An exhibition highlighting various joint disorders and the plants that are useful in treating them will be also held. Dr. BS Nataraj, director, Indian Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy, government of Karnataka said that conference was being held to provide a platform to pool knowledge available in Ayurveda to treat joint disorders. The conference is being organised jointly by the Government Ayurveda Medical College and the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy. Dr. Nataraj stated that extensive research was been undertaken to validate Ayurveda concepts of diagnosis. Newer therapies were being tested. The management of joint disorders in Ayurveda assumed significance in the light of modern science. The drugs, formulations and therapy of ayurveda could have an edge over the modern medical system in combating these crippling conditions, he said. Joint disorders in ayurveda are spread over several conditions such Amavata, Sandhivata, Vatarakta, Kroshtuasheersha. There are other conditions like Katishoola, Manyastambha and Vishwachi which can be considered. The ayurveda approach to the treatment of these diseases is different from that of modern medical science. However, the ayurvedic vaidhyas have successfully utilised modern technology in diagnosing these conditions, he said. The joint secretary of AYUSH, Tara Dutt will release the souvenir at the inaugural function which will be attended at Mysore by the MP VH Vijayashankar, HS Shankarlinge Gowda and the Suttur Mutt pontiff Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami. Several leading ayurveda scholars including VVS Rama Shastry, Shailesh Nadkarni, P Yadiah, JLN Shastry, Prasanna N Rao, and MRSeetharam are expected to address different diseases of the joints. http://www.pharmabiz.com
Police protection for 'Veer-Zaara' in Bangalore
Thursday, November 18, 2004
The eagerly awaited Hindi film 'Veer-Zaara' was released in Bangalore (Mysore circuit) on Monday, three days behind schedule, due to threats of protests and disruptions by a Kannada film lobby, despite Supreme Court orders. The film was released without involving distributors, and the film prints were supplied directly by Yash Raj Films in Mumbai. Tickets were issued only for balcony and semi-balcony classes and the film was screened for two shows, evening and night in the city’s Cauvery theatre, under heavy police protection. The front benches were kept empty for security reasons. This is the second instance wherein exhibitors in Bangalore have defied the moratorium and released new non-Kannada films.
Kannada film industry calls off protest:
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Bangalore, Nov 10 : The proposed protest by Kannada film industry, to be led by thespian Rajkumar, on November 12 in front of theatres scheduled to screen two new Hindi films defying the three-week moratorium, has been called off. The decision to drop the agitation comes in the wake of an assurance by a 20-member delegation of theatre-owners during a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today agreeing to abide by the "self-imposed" three-week moratorium on release of non-Kannada films, President of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) H D Gangaraju told PTI. Hindi films 'Veer Zaara' and 'Naach' were scheduled to be released on November 12 in defiance of the moratorium, which was agreed to at a meeting of Kannada film producers, directors and exhibitors convened by the government recently. The High Court last week stated that the exhibitors need not follow the three-week moratorium on the other language films after the state government washed its hands off saying it had nothing to do with the self-imposed moratorium. In view of today's assurance, the Kannada film industry's protest in the form of a human chain, has been withdrawn, Gangaraju said. This is the second time in the last one month that the Kannada film industry is calling off its agitation plans over a moratorium on release of non-Kannada films after the state government intervened to resolve the issue.
Kannada film talks postponed; Non-Kannada films to release next week
Tuesday, November 9, 2004
BANGALORE: The 9 November meeting between Karnataka CM Dharam Singh and the representatives of the Film Federation of India (FFI) has been postponed since the former is busy with cabinet expansion work. A fresh date will be announced later. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Indian film industry which had threatened embargos against Kannada filmdom is, for the moment, satisfied with the Supreme Court (SC) and the Karnataka High Court (HC) verdicts against the moratorium and have decided not to participate in the FFI meeting with the CM. The Hindi film producers have decided to directly release Veer Zara and Naach on coming Friday - 12 November, since the local distributors are a part of an out-of-court settlement of a three week moratorium with the Kannada Film fraternity. Aitraaz, Manthan (Tamil), the Sudeep starrer Kannada film Nalia are some of the other Indian films slated for release on the same day. The Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) has in the meantime urged the state Government to release the Rs.50 million sanctioned for subsidy to Kannada Films, saying that over 60 Kannada films are due for subsidy since 2002. The films entitled for the subsidy have to be short-listed as yet. Since the moratorium has no legal standing as is evidenced by the SC and the HC verdicts, the KFCC also plans to work out an informal pact with the FFI to help the Kannada film industry and are yet hopeful of implementation of the moratorium. The KFCC also feels that though the JAC has decided not to take part in a meeting with the CM over the moratorium, they are still bound abide by any decision taken by the FFI which is the apex body.
Tarun's new avatar
Sunday, November 7, 2004
Tarun's new avatar Teen sensation Tarun, known for his lover boy image, is excited. In his next release, "Sakhial", he will appear in a new avatar. "We have added action and stunts to my 'lover boy role'", says Tarun. He is obviously bored with the stereotype. This reminds one of Tamil hero Dhanush who attempted a similar change in "Sullan", but with little success.
Richa bags second Kannada film
Sunday, November 7, 2004
Bangalore, Nov 3 : Mumbai-based model-cum-actress Richa Pallod, who is making waves in southern Indian cinema, has bagged her second Kannada film, "Jootaata". Richa recently finished working in her first Kannada film "Chappaale", in which she is paired with successful young hero Sunil. "Jootaata", to be directed by N.S. Shankar, is the remake of Hindi hit "Hungaama" directed by Priyadarshan. "Jootaata" has Mumbai-based Dhyan in the lead. Dhyan has already featured in two Kannada hits, "Nanna Preethiya Hudugi" and "Monalisa". It is Richa's 13th film and she has proved herself in Telugu films like "Nuvve Kaavaali".
'Aaptha Mithra' sets all-time record
Sunday, November 7, 2004
'Aaptha Mithra' sets all-time record: [Cinema, South India]: Bangalore, Oct 30 : The charisma of Soundarya and Vishnuvardhan has proved more than a match for the big budgets of producers this fortnight. 1. "Aaptha Mithra": The film has completed nine weeks and created waves in almost all parts of the state in which it has been released. The expected collections from Bangalore city alone are Rs.20 million - an all-time record. The film is a big draw in the Mysore-Mandya-Hassan-Kodagu distribution area, with crowds increasing in the theatres with each passing day. The sixth week's collections have surpassed the second week's in many centres. In Bangalore city, the collections have already crossed those of all previous hit films of Vishnuvardhan. Soundarya, who met a tragic end after finishing the shooting of the film, is a major attraction. 2. "Kalasi Palya": The film was released Oct 15 after a publicity blitz - the hallmark of the Ramu Enterprises, which has produced the film. It has grossed over Rs.500,000 in the first week in the Bangalore distribution circuit. This is a record for a Darshan-starring film. The collections have been equally impressive in the second week, with the Dussehra holidays attracting huge audiences to the theatres. 3. "Mourya": The film was affected in the beginning by the pre-festival lull and the first day's collections did not match the charismatic image of hero Puneet Raj Kumar. But the film picked up after Vijayadashami and has become a big hit with the audience. Younger audiences are flocking to the theatres now. The fight sequences of the film are a major talking point among the viewers. 4. "Onkaara": The film's initial popularity was because of the hype created in the media before its release and also the star appeal of Upendra. The film, however, has not done very well since then. Still, it cannot be dismissed as a flop. 5. "Saahukaara": The film has everything that should have made it a big hit: a big-star cast, a proven film's remake and rich production values. But, according to trade circles, it can only cover its costs. It has not achieved the expected level of success mainly because there are too many big-budget films running now. --Indo-Asian News Service
Toys, furniture on display at ‘Maya’
Friday, November 5, 2004
Toys, furniture on display at ‘Maya’ Friday November 5 2004 08:33 IST BANGALORE: Maya Organic, a programme of Karnataka-based development organisation Maya, will conduct an exhibition-cum-sale at its factory showroom in J.P. Nagar this weekend. The programme works with informal sectors of Karnataka, particularly with garments, lacquer ware, wood and metal furniture manufacturing sectors. It not only provides training but also provides a marketing base for the workers. Maya acts as the front-end for all the workers under its programme. They are updated about current market requirements and manufacture goods accordingly. The showroom exhibits wooden educational toys, bookshelves, beds, dining sets and garments. Although visitors can purchase the wares on display, the exhibition is targeted at distributors who wish to place large-scale orders. Maya Organic focuses on forming worker-owned collective enterprises by bringing together individual workers under a common roof. Workers share their knowledge and techniques with the rest of the group, thus honing each other’s skills. They are also encouraged to save part of their earnings to invest in the enterprise. Workers will earn dividends based on their investment. The programme provides protection for its workers as a non-worker cannot invest in the enterprise and claim dividends. Maya Organic is working with toy-making for artisans in Channapatna, embroidery artistes in Ramanagaram, Mysore Road and Bannerghatta Road and tailors in the slums of Bangalore.
Stop harassing us: Sex workers
Friday, November 5, 2004
Stop harassing us: Sex workers Friday November 5 2004 11:06 IST BANGALORE: Sex workers in the city are up in arms against the police for harassing and exploiting them in ‘‘all possible ways’’. At a press conference organised by the Karnataka State Commission for Women and NGOs championing their cause, some of them lashed out against the city police for harassing and depriving them of their rights. ‘‘They abuse us, they have sex with us, they snatch our money and they themselves register false cases against us,’’ they told reporters. ‘‘We are not treated as human beings and rightful citizens. We are deprived of the right to lodge complaints and instead false cases are foisted against us,’’ they added. According to the women, police force them to part with their earnings to meet the daily ‘‘roll call’’ and do not let them lead a decent life even if they reform by engaging in other jobs. Coming down heavily on the city police for ‘‘exploiting and blackmailing’’ them, the sex workers said policemen attached to Ashoknagar, City Market, Kalasipalyam, Upparpet, Jayanagar, J.P. Nagar and Indiranagar police stations as among the most cruel. ‘‘We have received complaints that many policemen abuse sex workers in filthy language and take pictures and video clippings to blackmail them. They have even gone to the extent of showing erotic movies in police stations,’’ Shakun of Vimochana said. With the support of the State Women’s Commission and the NGOs, the women engaged in sex work have demanded the DGP to take action against these policemen.
Secondary cities set to take on Bangalore
Friday, November 5, 2004
Secondary cities set to take on Bangalore Friday November 5 2004 10:56 IST BANGALORE: With the Information Technology (IT) business pie getting bigger (growing by 30 percent to 40 percent per year), and the entire nation gearing up to give a tough fight to Karnataka, nee Bangalore, to snatch a major portion of it, the State Government is on a warpath to promote its secondary cities. According to IT and BT secretary Shankaralinge Gowda, ‘‘We’re encouraging IT companies, mainly from Bangalore, to expand to Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli and Belgaum where the pressure on infrastructure is far less.’’ What is on offer? ‘‘Low-cost developed land, low attrition rate if it’s for a BPO, high bandwidth and the completion of the four-lane highway between Mysore and Bangalore by 2005,’’ Gowda said. Incidentally, Mysore is one of the few cities in the world which is getting fully WiFi-enabled. Moreover, according to the Software Technology Parks of India office here, Karnataka can boast of being the first and only state to have fibre-linked connectivity with all the STPI facilities in the secondary cities, namely Hubli, Mangalore, Manipal, Bangalore and Mysore. Hubli and Mangalore have two incubation centres where a small to medium sized company can start operations in plug n’ play process. With Mysore (Infosys and L&T having presence and home-grown Software Paradigm absorbing 3,000 people in 3 years) and Mangalore (Infosys campus) already hot in the race, it is North Karnataka that is gaining ground. Strategically, north Karnataka has the advantage of becoming sub-centre for Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Talking to this website, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Information Technology sub-committee chairman Santosh S. Huralikoppi says, ‘‘Hubli and Belgaum can replicate the Bhubaneshwar and Kochi model of infrastructure development and catch up with the tier-one cities in just two years. ’’ He feels that if Mangalore with Rs 800-900 crore output, Mysore with Rs 180 crore turnover along with Hubli and Belgaum can add to Bangalore’s Rs 18,000 crore IT export business and reach the Rs 30,000 crore mark, Karnataka can still rule the IT industry in this part of the world. Incidentally, Belgaum has an over Rs 500-crore export business in the traditional sector, which he feels could excite the IT industry. Tata Indicom is present in Hubli in a small way. It is obvious, therefore, that the government is upbeat about marketing north Karnataka since Keonics has already made ready-for-operation over one lakh square feet space in Hubli Information Technology Park and the Karnataka Industrial Development Board developing several industrial areas. Air route too, has got a lease of life with Air Deccan operating here.
Film crisis: All await November 9 meet
Friday, November 5, 2004
Film crisis: All await November 9 meet Friday November 5 2004 09:17 IST BANGALORE: Despite the Karnataka High Court ruling on Wednesday that exhibitors need not follow the three-week moratorium on other-language films, Gandhinagar 'wallahs' do not want to take chances till November 9. That's when the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) - the apex body of the Kannada film industry - will hold talks with the Film Federation of India, the South India Film Chambers of Commerce, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu film chambers. According to some doubting Thomases though, the proposed meet, KFCC's best bet, may not even take place. ``Where is the necessity for such a meet when both the Supreme Court and High Court have made it clear that exhibitors need not follow the moratorium on non-Kannada films,'' asks a distributor. Even after the ruling, most exhibitors and distributors in the City preferred to express their views off the record. After all the vandalism against some cinema halls in the City, it's a no-brainer as to what is keeping them reticent. Meanwhile, Film Exhibitors' Federation chairman Odugoudru said the exhibitors were not in a great hurry to release non-Kannada films. ``The High Court judgment makes no difference to us since the Supreme Court had already stayed the moratorium on other-language films. Yet, we will wait till November 9 to chalk out our future course of action,'' he said. On the other hand, the ever hopeful KFCC president H.D. Gangaraj reiterated that something positive could come out of the meet. ``I expect that the proposed meet will solve all the problems. Let us hope for the best,'' Gangaraj said. Speaking over phone from Mumbai, FFI secretary Spran Sen made it clear that four to five members would attend the Nov-9 meet. ``Though I am not supposed to make any comment on the High Court judgment, we feel that simultaneous release of other-language films in Karnataka is the best option to fight against the piracy menace.'' If this is Sen's stance, the South India Film Chamber of Commerce honorary secretary L.Suresh said they were yet to decide on the meet itself: ``We are meeting on Friday in Chennai to decide whether to participate in the meet or not.''
'Raa raa sarasaku', on everyone's lips
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Bangalore, Oct 30 : Songs from the Kannada hit "Aaptha Mithra", especially the number "Raa raa sarasaku raa", have topped music charts this week and are being hummed by everyone. 1. "Aaptha Mithra": The film's songs are being lapped up by even the family audience. The song "Raa raa sarasaku raa" has become something akin to a Karnataka anthem! Other songs like "Pata pata gali pata" and "Kana kana sharade" are also on everyone's lips. Music director Guru Kiran and the Aswini Audio Company have hit the jackpot with this film. 2."Kalasi Palya": This Darshan-Rakshitha-starrer has done very well at the box office in the first two weeks and the film's success is propelling cassette sales. Producer Ramu has started his own audio company to distribute the audio! The song "Suntara gaali", for which the tune has been lifted from Tamil film song "Manmatha Raja", is creating waves. 3. "Mourya": Though the film is doing well, the audio sales are not up to the market expectations. Sale of the audio cassette of the film before its release was primarily because of the charisma of hero Puneet Raj Kumar and the proven record of director S. Narayan and music director Guru Kiran. The film's audio sales may increase over the coming weeks if the film picks up at the box office. 4. "Jyeshta": There are high expectations on this film because of the success of films like "Aaptha Mithra" and "Sahukaara" in which super star Vishnuvardhan played the lead. Music director S.A. Raj Kumar who has already made a name in the Kannada film industry with two big hits like "Chandra Chakori" and "Ramakrishna" has given the music. The film's audio, released during the Dussehra season, is doing brisk business and the songs have good lyrics by Kalyan. "Ninneya Nenapugale Naaleya Bharavaseyu" and "Kalaas" numbers are on top of the charts. 5. "Omkaara": Though the film's audio units had a brisk sale in the beginning stages, the quality of the audio is below market expectations. The after release sales of the audio have dipped mainly because the film did not match the hype it had created. The film's lead actor Upendra and the film's music director Guru Kiran had earlier delivered well as a combination. But the audio would have struck gold if the film was well appreciated by the people in the theatres. --Indo-Asian News Service
Film crisis: CM to meet FFI team on Nov 9
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Bangalore, Oct 30 - The much-awaited meeting between Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh and members of the Film Federation of India is expected to take place on November 9. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president H D Gangaraj said the CM had agreed to meet FFI on November 9. "I hope all the problems would be solved during the meeting. I will intimate FFI, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, AP and TN film chambers about the meeting," Gangaraj said. Meanwhile, members of Kannada Film Producers’ Association (who had resigned earlier) attended the KFCC executive committee meeting on Friday.
Burglar falls from building, dies
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
BANGALORE: A burglar who had attempted to break into a house in Neelasandra, fell to his death from a three-storey building as he tried to escape when residents raised the alarm. The deceased is Jayaram Naik (35), a native of Bhadravati. Police identified him only after they found a copy of a summons from the IX ACMM court in his shirt pocket. He was summoned to court in an earlier case of theft. Naik had apparently climbed onto a house in South Cross Street in Neelasandra around 2 a.m. on Monday. However, alert residents heard sounds on the roof and raised an alarm, shouting ‘thief thief’. Police said Naik tried to slip away and jumped from one building terrace to another.However, as he was trying to jump off the three-storey building belonging to one Sardar Sharief, he fell into the passage between the houses. He was badly injured in the head as he landed on the cement flooring in the narrow aisle where two wheelers were parked. He was rushed to Bowring Hospital where he died. Sharief has lodged a complaint with the Ashoknagar Police. Investigations are on. Naik was involved in a couple of thefts in Ashoknagar during 1997 and 1998. He was also involved in cases in Arsikere, Madiwala and Wilson Garden. Naik’s modus operandi was to break open locks and steal valuables from houses. He used to exit by climbing over the terraces of buildings. Police said that his family in Bhadravati had shifted and a team has been sent in search of them.
`Three State STF teams involved in Operation Cocoon'
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Bangalore, Nov 02 - Eight police teams, including three from Karnataka, were involved in Operation Cocoon, said Jyothi Prakash Mirji, Commandant, Special Task Force (STF), Karnataka, on Monday. Talking to presspersons after being felicitated by Rotary Bangalore Peenya, Mr. Mirji said, "There were three teams at the time of the encounter with the forest brigand Veerappan. This is what is shown in the first information report filed at B-1 station in Dharmapuri." He said the FIR would not contain details of the operation. To another question, Mr. Mirji said the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police, S N Borkar, was immediately informed about the death of Veerappan. "I was in the forest and it took some time to pass the message to Mr. Borkar. I cannot go into the details and mention the exact time of conveying the message," he said. Earlier, receiving the "Vocational Excellence Award," Mr. Mirji said the STF of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had become a laughing stock for not catching Veerappan. He said Veerappan exploited villagers' ignorance of technology. They also believed that the STF would not catch Veerappan. The brigand had instilled fear in their minds. The STF had to carry out mass contact programme for building the confidence of the villagers, he said. He complimented the members of the operation, who, he said, had worked as labourers, milkmen, and in other low-income jobs to get information about Veerappan's movements. He also mentioned the role of his predecessors who had reduced the number of members of Veerappan's gang. The former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court S Rajendra Babu, who was also felicitated, said in a lighter vein that Veerappan remained a controversy "even when he was alive and also when dead." He complimented the STF for killing Veerappan.
Rs. 390-cr. hi-tech city for IT, biotechnology firms
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Bangalore, Nov 02 - A hi-tech city would come up near Sarjapur Road here exclusively for information technology and biotechnology companies at a cost of Rs. 390 crores, the Chief Minister, N Dharam Singh, announced here on Monday. Speaking to presspersons after the inauguration of IT.Com, a mega event to promote business in information technology and biotechnology, Mr. Singh said work on the project, taken up by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), would begin by November 15. The hi-tech city would be spread over 1,070 acres, he said. Inaugurating the mega event, Mr. Singh said the BDA was incorporating the IT Corridor Plan in its new Comprehensive Development Plan. The Government would introduce an electronic hardware policy shortly, he added. On the issue of lack of infrastructure raised by the IT companies in the State, Mr. Singh admitted that more needed to be done for improving roads and public transport in the city. However, he said, "by and large, the Government has been successful in addressing these problems." "The rapid growth of Bangalore has raised many infrastructure issues, which are being addressed by the Government and civic authorities. We have reviewed the shortcomings and steps will be taken to correct them. Work on important roads on the IT corridor area such as Bannerghatta Road, Airport-Varthur Road and Sarjapur Road will be completed on a priority basis," he said. Mr. Singh extended an invitation to IT and business process outsourcing companies to set up their units in Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, Belgaum and Gulbarga, which had excellent human resource and quality infrastructure. The ``Student Internet World'' event this year had been decentralised and was inaugurated in 27 districts today. Exports of IT software from the State increased by 48 per cent in terms of rupee and 58 per cent in terms of dollars in 2003-2004. The State's share of IT exports in the country was 36 per cent, he said. The midday meal scheme, introduced by the S M Krishna Government, had been extended to all aided schools in the State for students up to the seventh standard, Mr. Singh said. Marsha Thomson, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Government of Victoria in Australia, Krishna Mikkilineni, Managing Director of Honeywell Technology Solutions Lab, B V Naidu, Director of Software Technology Parks of India, and Shankarlinge Gowda, Secretary, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, were present.
Work on State highways to begin soon
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Hassan, Nov 02 - A Rs. 70-crore proposal for the development of 8,900 km of State highways has been sent to Finance Department for approval, the Minister for Public Works and Energy, H D Revanna, has said. He told here yesterday that he had held a discussion recently with the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, who holds the Finance portfolio, on the matter and, in all probability, the work would start soon. Regarding the development of National Highways, he said work on the conversion of the Bangalore-Hosur and the Bangalore-Nelamangala sections to eight lanes and the Nelamangala-Hassan section to four lanes would begin in the first week of April. To a query on the alleged substandard work on the road between Bidar and Srirangapatna, he said he would order an inquiry if there was a specific complaint in this regard. --
State govt staff to launch indefinite strike from Nov 17
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Kolar, Nov 01 - State government employees will launch an indefinite strike from November 17 as the government has failed to set right the differences in the salaries of the State and Union Government employees, State Government Employees' Association President K Sippegowda said. The government should provide facilities to its employees by setting up a pay commission once in five years. But no step had been taken even after six years. Repeated requests in this regard had fallen on deaf ears. And the association had been forced to launch an indefinite strike, he said. If the government does the needful within November 17, then the proposed move would be dropped. But the strike would be continued if the government fails to respond, he added. Mr Sippegowda said the Union government employees were getting more salary and benefits than their counterparts in the State. There are a number of disparities, he said observing that the State government employees had been deprived of facilities. Employees who had put in more than 15 years of service should be given promotion. Instead, the government was going to cut number of employees, he said seeking the continuation of earlier rules. He also alleged that the Finance Department was trying to cut many facilities in the interim schemes.
Number of award winners will only increase: Dharam Singh
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Bangalore, Nov 02 - The Chief Minister, N Dharam Singh, on Monday gave away Rajyotsava awards to 109 people at a glittering ceremony that was not dimmed by criticism from many quarters on the "three instalments" of the list of award winners announced at the last moment. After gamely standing for the 180 minutes it took to honour all the award winners, Mr. Dharam Singh insisted that the list was neither long nor was it the intention of the Government to slight the selection committee headed by the Revenue Minister. M P Prakash. In fact, he made it amply clear that next year the numbers would only swell. "This is the Government's response to the wishes of the people, and a celebration of the people from diverse fields who have brought glory to Karnataka," Mr. Singh said. Just as quick was his response to the plea of litterateur Gurulinga Kapase who spoke on behalf of the award winners and asked that the Government make every effort to earn the classical language status for Kannada. Mr. Singh also assured Dr. Kapase that the implementation of the D M Nanjundappa committee's recommendations on regional imbalances was very close to his heart. "The Government has already set up the Bidar Veterinary University and the Women's University is also a reality. Even drip irrigation has come to north Karnataka and we are determined to do all we can," he said. The Industries Minister, P G R Sindhia, who presided over the function and spoke in the same vein defending the growing list of award winners, said they were all ambassadors of Karnataka in their respective fields, and it was a matter of pride to single them out for this honour. "Look at the dais; they are all people from different communities, cultures, religions and professions and achievers at the global level who also represent the diversity of our culture," he said. Mr. Sindhia described Mr. Singh as "the luckiest Chief Minister," for his coming to power had not only brought rain to Karnataka after three years of drought, but also the Veerappan menace, hanging over the State for nearly two decades, had been removed. He was also a man who brought luck to everything he touched: the north Karnataka region was getting not one but two circuit Benches of the High Court, and the credit of running a coalition Government with a partner that had always been the Congress' rival was also his. Mr. Sindhia could not resist a mild dig at Mr. Singh for having chosen him over Mr. Prakash to preside over the function. "Mr. Prakash is the one who revels in such functions and, after all, he did head the selection committee," he said. Dr. Kapase, who attributed the long list of award winners to Mr. Singh's good mood since he was said to be responsible for the good rainfall and the end of Veerappan, said the numbers should not matter. Apart from seeking classical language status for Kannada and the implementation of the Nanjundappa committee's recommendations, Dr. Kapase reminded Mr. Singh that the yearlong celebration of Kuvempu's centenary was ending in December. "Before that, please keep the promise made by your predecessor to start Kuvempu Kannada-medium primary schools to promote and restore Kannada to its rightful place in these times of globalisation," he urged.
I love Dakshina Kannada, says top model Sheetal Mallar
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
MANGALORE: She was the ``Femina Look of the Year 1994''; made it to the Elite supermodel finals the same year; the face of top brands including Maybelline, McDowells, LG Electronics, Gold Flake, Grasim Suitings and the latest Tata Indigo Marina... Also, a native of Padubidri! That's ramp queen and ace model Sheetal Mallar who was in the City to attend the Billava Women's Meet. Born and brought up in Mumbai, Sheetal says she used to visit her house at Padubidri in Dakshina Kannada every year. ``I love this region. We used to spend our summer holidays here. Then modelling happened and life became very hectic. Now I do not come here as often as I want to. But we have our ancestral house in Padubidri and a flat in Udupi. After this visit, I am determined to come here more often!'' says she. Sheetal, who criss-crosses the globe for her modelling gigs, met her life-partner during one of her visits to London. ``Mose is an Italian and is into tennis. I met him in London and we went around for two years before getting married. It's pretty much a regular marriage. It's been three years since our marriage, and I keep shuttling between India and Italy.'' Unlike many of her peers who morph into anorexics for that exquisitely emaciated look, Sheetal claims she ``binges on sweets'' to the extent that she could be called ``a foodie''. ``I love South Indian food. Italian is also good. I have a huge appetite. After all, you live just once. Models generally watch what they eat, but I do not know of any model who starves himself or herself. In fact, there are some who are voracious eaters but never turn fatty. Actually, our lifestyle is pretty tiring, hence we tend to lose weight automatically.'' About hopping over to Bollywood, she is a little too wary. ``There have been innumerable offers but I am not sure whether I want to take the plunge. There is no freedom as one tends to get tied down in Bollywood. I have done a number in 'Kahin Bhi, Kabhi Bhi' which might be out by this year-end. It's just a cameo in the film which stars Diya Mirza and Dino Morea. Lets see!'' Contrary to the general notion that Indian models often fail to make it big in the international fashion scene, Sheetal airs a different opinion. ``The West is crazy about Indian beauty. But the aspiring models, who lead a sheltered and protected life here, find the international market rather aggressive. It all boils down to `survival of the fittest' there. It's very difficult to stick on unless you've an agency to back you. Moreover, language can be quite a hurdle, especially in countries like France and Italy.''
Accord classical language status to Kannada: Moily
Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Accord classical language status to Kannada: Moily Bangalore, Nov 01 - Former Chief Minister M Veerappa Moily on Sunday urged the Centre to accord the status of classical language to Kannada, which is one of the oldest languages in the country. Speaking at the inauguration of a showroom by Sapna Book House in Bangalore, Mr Moily said Kannada language is over 2,000 years old, and it has all the features required to be declared a classical language. Stating that the state government needs to seriously take up this demand with the Centre, he called upon the latter to consider this demand on cultural grounds. The Centre should view this demand purely on cultural grounds and not as a political issue, he added. Mr Moily hailed Sapna Book House for its contribution to the growth of Kannada literature. Noted Litterateur Prof L S Seshagiri Rao stressed the need for a new publication policy to promote Kannada language in the State. The government should come forward to extend financial aids to publication houses that promote Kannada literature, he added.
