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February 2004
Baby made to inherit dad's crores
Friday, February 27, 2004
ERODE: Talk about being born rich. Here's using the latest in modern medicine to create a baby – one almost made in order to inherit a fortune. Blastocyst baby Thamathaputhran's birth on February 23 to 74-year-old Subramaniam was to ensure exactly that. "He's a big landlord and wanted his own blood to inherit his property," says Dr Sadasivam, chairman, Maruti Medical Centre and Hospital, where the baby was born. Subramaniam is reportedly worth several crores. How did a couple from the backwaters come upon the idea of blastocyst culture? Subramaniam and wife Pappathi, 63, had tried out a variety of treatments. Says Subramaniam: "Our family was pooling some money and I was asked to give Rs 70 lakh. When offered Rs 10 lakh, they asked whether I would carry my money to the grave. They wouldn't have raised such a question if we had a son or daughter. It hurt us very much. It's then that we decided to get a child by hook or by crook."
BJP chief calls on Jaya
Friday, February 27, 2004
CHENNAI: For the first time after the BJP and AIADMK reached a poll accord to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday called on AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa at her residence. The meeting lasted for over 30 minutes. Both of them were understood to have discussed the campaign strategy. Under the accord reached between the parties, BJP would contest six Lok Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu, leaving 33 seats to the AIADMK. BJP had also been allotted the lone seat from the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
Mahamaham begins in Kumbakonam
Friday, February 27, 2004
Kumbakonam, Feb. 26. (PTI): The 10-day long "Mahamaham", sometimes known as South India's Kumbh mela, began here this morning with temple flags being hoisted after poojas were performed. Thousands of devotees and several mutt heads, including Kanchi seer Sri Jayendra Saraswati had a holy dip in the Mahamaham tank at 9 a.m. this morning. Devotees have been allowed to take holy dip in the Mahamaham tank, renovated recently, from today. Earlier, before the temple flag hoisting, poojas were performed, including to Lord Ganesa in which Jayendra also participated.
Gold Rings For Babies On B’day Bash, But Jaya Denies Tickets To Most
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Chennai, Feb. 24 (NNN): While Tamilnadu Chief Minister Jayaram Jayalalithaa marks her 56th birthday on Tuesday with lavish programmes across the state, her outfit the AIADMK denied tickets to nine members in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Barring two members of the dissolved 13th Lok Sabha, the party denied tickets to all others. Two lucky ones, T T V Dinakaran from Periyakulam and S Murugesan from Tenkasi are the only members of the dissolved Lok Sabha to be given tickets. The list of candidates was announced by party supremo Jayalalithaa herself. R Saroja, leader of the AIADMK parliamentary party, party treasurer Dindigul N Srinivasan, P H Pandiyan, K Malaisamy and T M Selvaganapathy, leading AIADMK MPs in the dissolved house, were among those who were denied tickets. Except for O S Maniam, one of the AIADMK's organising secretaries, other office bearers were also not fielded by the party. Meanwhile, as part of the celebrations, it was announced that every girl child born in state will be given a gold ring. Temples across the state performed ceremonies in Jaya's name, giving out money and gifts to the poor. And that is not all. Karate exponent, sculptor and painter, Shihan Hussaini, has painted 56 portraits of Jayalalithaa with his own blood. The Chief Minister has ordered free medical treatment to the painter. However, the chief minister has also repealed a few unpopular measures. And some say, the move has only one objective—to bring in the voters. When Jayalalithaa issued a government order enforcing a ban on animal sacrifices in temples, it was an unpopular move with the large Thevar and Dalit communities. Now with elections round the bend, the chief minister has realized its time to appease the Gods and his people. As a result the Tamilnadu Animals and Birds Sacrifices Act of 1950 stands abolished. "First of all I don't think it has anything to do with the elections, because madam would've done this anyway. She probably wanted to get feedback from the people," said Philip Thomas, Joint Secretary, AIADMK Legal Wing. And there is more to follow. Jayalalithaa has always endorsed her alliance partner BJP's Hindutva ideology and bringing in the anti-conversion law was part of it. But contesting 33 seats—the highest number to be contested by a single party in Tamil Nadu since 1971—the AIADMK can't afford to alienate large vote-banks. And as a result of being an alliance partner, the BJP is also forced to sing the same tune. "Any act should not affect ordinary people. We welcome the move," said Pon Radhakirshnan, Minister of State, Transport. However, most seem to see through the chief minister's sudden move of benevolence. "There is no doubt that the abolition of the act is just for gaining votes," said Thirumavalavan, Dalit Partners of India. But be it the benevolent re-induction of the 999 dismissed employees, a tax-free budget or easy-loan schemes for farmers, Jayalalithaa has ensured some good news travels to the people before she kicks off her election campaign on March one.
Fan sketches in blood to honour Jayalalitha
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
BOMBAY (Reuters) - Using his blood as paint, an artist sketched more than 50 portraits of one of the country's most fiesty woman politicians to mark her birthday on Tuesday. Shihan Hussaini took 20 days to complete the paintings of Jayaram Jayalalitha, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, in celebration of her 56th birthday. "I wanted to immortalise her," Hussaini, 39, told Reuters by telephone from Madras. The series of reddish-brown sketches, exhibited in a leading art gallery in Madras, portray the actress-turned-politician as smiling, pensive, grim, and wrapped in a sari. Jayalalitha is now serving her third term as chief minister. She was forced from office in September 2001 when a court quashed her appointment over graft convictions, but returned to power five months later after an appeal court overturned the ruling. "Jayalalitha is one of the most courageous ladies of the country," said Hussaini, who runs a martial arts school in Madras. "She inspires me." Up to 80 millilitres of Hussaini's blood was drawn by a nurse almost every day over 20 days. He then added anti-clotting agent and exposed it to sunlight to get different shades of brown.
Film technicians wages hiked
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Chennai, Feb 21: Under a new wage agreement, technicians of 22 crafts affiliated to Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) would get a hike in wages ranging between 25 per cent and 50 per cent with immediate effect. The new agreement, valid for three years from today and signed with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCC), covered technicians involved in the production of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and English films, SIFCC president K Devivaraprasad and FEFSI president S Vijayan told a joint press meet here after signing the agreement. The details of the 22 crafts covered under the agreement would be printed and distributed to chamber members and its affiliates, they said, pointing out that technicians involved in Hindi films were the highest beneficiaries. These were followed by those involved in the production of Tamil and Telugu movies with a minimum rise in wages being those attached to Malayalam and Kannada films, they added. Besides providing suitable compensation for those meeting with accidents, the agreement provides for one-and-a-half times the salary for those shooting of films that are produced in two languages and a different rate of wages for those working on Sundays and holidays. While making it clear that under no circumstance or pretext could the production of a film be stopped, the leaders said under the agreement, a joint consultative committee (JCC) comprising SIFCC and FEFSI members would be set up to resolve disputes. The JCC's decision would be binding on everyone, they said. The agreement had been made in full and final settlement of all demands raised on behalf of the workmen of all crafts unions affiliated to FEFSI, they said, adding that issues not covered by the agreement would be mutually discussed and decided by SIFCC and FEFSI. To a question, they said the wage revision would be applicable to all affiliated chambers of the southern states. Devivaraprasad said the chamber had presented a memorandum to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa seeking, among other things, a reduction in entertainment tax, permission to managements of old theatres to convert them into multiplex theatres and providing a five-year tax holiday, and the option to exhibitors to either opt for compound or regular tax. The other demands in the memorandum included withdrawal of the alleged steep increase in outdoor shooting charges and maintenance of status quo. (chennaionline)
DMK manifesto pro-women
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Virudhunagar, Feb 21: The DMK would strive for passing the women's reservation bill, which will ensure 33 per cent reservation for them in Parliament and state Assemblies. Releasing the manifesto of the party for the coming Lok Sabha polls, DMK chief M Karunanidhi said it was the DMK regime which ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the local bodies in Tamil Nadu. The party wanted the same percentage of reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, he said. Free education for the children of destitute women, based on income, a separate health scheme for women and priority for them in employment were the other demands the party would insist on, if elected, he said. It would also initiate steps for dialogue with authorities for resolving the long-standing demands of the weavers, including removal of excise duty levied for power looms, the manifesto said. The party would demand extension of the popular preventive healthcare schemes and withdrawal of textbooks produced by NCERT which contain derogatory 'myths' about minorities and Dravidians, the manifesto said. (Agencies)
Kovai students fast for Tamil's status
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Coimbatore, Feb 21: As many as 200 students of various colleges in and around the city today observed a fast, demanding that Tamil be declared as a classic language. The students, a majority of them girls and from the Tamil College, sitting under a specially erected pandal near the city bus stand here, urged the Central and state governments to take immediate measures in this regard. The fast, which began at 10 a.m., ended around 5 p.m., police said. (Agencies)
DMK manifesto pro-women
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Virudhunagar, Feb 21: The DMK would strive for passing the women's reservation bill, which will ensure 33 per cent reservation for them in Parliament and state Assemblies. Releasing the manifesto of the party for the coming Lok Sabha polls, DMK chief M Karunanidhi said it was the DMK regime which ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the local bodies in Tamil Nadu. The party wanted the same percentage of reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, he said. Free education for the children of destitute women, based on income, a separate health scheme for women and priority for them in employment were the other demands the party would insist on, if elected, he said. It would also initiate steps for dialogue with authorities for resolving the long-standing demands of the weavers, including removal of excise duty levied for power looms, the manifesto said. The party would demand extension of the popular preventive healthcare schemes and withdrawal of textbooks produced by NCERT which contain derogatory 'myths' about minorities and Dravidians, the manifesto said. (Agencies)
Hoax bomb threat
Saturday, February 21, 2004
CHENNAI: Following a bomb threat in Khivraj Complex on Anna Salai in the city on Friday, over 1,000 people rushed out of the building onto the roads. The threat which turned out to be a hoax, was made by an anonymous caller to the security personnel of the building at about 1.30 p.m. Upon receiving the news, police officials accompanied by fire tenders, the bomb detention squad and an ambulance rushed to the spot and cordoned off the building. A sniffer dog was pressed into service and the entire complex was searched. Police declared the building safe after a thorough search which lasted for over an hour.
Vindhiya
Saturday, February 21, 2004
She had come to Dharmapuri and spoke to the Press. I played the role of a classical dancer in the film Sangamam. In Vayasu Pasanga, I play a glamorous role. Im playing different roles in each film of mine. I want the cine industry to know that I can play any role. Right now. Im acting with Pandiyarajan in the film Settai, Kanninila, Cleopatra, a Malayalam film Ikra and the Tamil remake of a Hindi film, named Kaadhal Pannum Vayasu. Settai is going to be released next month. This is a comedy film. I play the role of a village girl. The film will surely earn me good name like Sangamam did. Q- Are you interested in acting with Rajini? A- Who wouldnt want to act with him? Q- When will you get married? A- I havent thought about it. Q- Will you have an arranged marriage or will you go for love marriage? A- I dont know yet. Even if he likes me, I will have to like him. Only then will I get married to him. I dont have any plans of getting married now. Q- What is your favorite film? A- Sangamam is. But, all the films that I had acted in are my favorites. Q- What is your message to youngsters? A- Young people should enjoy their lives, but, without exceeding the limits. Q- We heard that you had moved away from your parents after a fight with them. Is it true? A- I dont want to talk about it.
Tele-opthalmology facility in Chennai Railway hospital
Saturday, February 21, 2004
CHENNAI: For the first time in the Railways, a tele-ophthalmology facility was on Thursday established between the Railway Hospital and private Sankara Nethralaya, a renowned eye care centre, both in the city. The facility is expected to ensure expert medical care to railway employees suffering from ophthalmic problems, railway officials said on Thursday. Last week, telemedicine facility linking the Railway Hospital here and Railway Hospital at Golden Rock in Tiruchirappali District was inaugurated by Railway Minister Nitish Kumar. Immediately after the inauguration, two ophthalmic cases were discussed between doctors of the Railway Hospital and Dr S S Badrinath and Dr Rajiv Raman of Sankara Nethralaya. Simultaneously, Doctors at the Golden Rock hospital also viewed immages and participated in the discussions. Speaking on the occassion, SR General Manager V Anand said that with the laying of substantial fibre optic network, the Railways could now utilise it for providing expert medical care to its employees posted in remote areas through telemedicine.
'Murky' dealings by some police officials
Saturday, February 21, 2004
CHENNAI: Alleging 'murky' dealings by some top officials of Tamil Nadu police with persons involved in the 'Telgi scam', an advocate on Friday sought a direction from Madras High Court for a CBI inquiry into the alleged concealment of evidence by the police and largescale printing and circulation of fake judicial stamp paper. In his petition filed in the court, the city advocate S Subramaniam Balaji said he was filing the petition to throw light on "murky dealings of some top police officials of Tamil Nadu and their active concealment of vital evidence and deliberate delay in apprehending the main accused in the Telgi scam". The petitioner claimed that at the end of 2001 itself the state commercial taxes department had noticed fake stamps were in circulation and sent a report to the police. The 'Q' branch of the police after a preliminary investigation gave specific details of the accused involved and pertaining to printing, circulating and storage of the fake stamp paper. After a complaint was registered on January 10, 2002 , one Nizamuddin, an accomplice of Telgi and a conduit through whom the fake stamp papers found their way into Tamil Nadu, was arrested later in April, the petitioner contended. However, he had secured bail after allegedly "paying a price" to some police officials who allegedly handed back to Nizamuddin fake stamp paper seized from him, the petitioner claimed
Drought relief team asked to give "true picture"
Saturday, February 21, 2004
PTI CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today requested the Central drought relief team to present a 'true picture' of the drought conditions in the state to the Centre so that the state could get a reasonable relief package. Apprising the team of the drought situation, when the team headed by Dinesh Rai, Managing director, National Co-operative Development Council called on her at the secretariat, Jayalalithaa said the state received deficit rainfall during 2000, 2001 and 2002 and it faced a unpredented drought in 2002. Last year also, 20 districts reported deficit rainfall and due to continous failure of monsoon in the previous years, the ground water level had gone down steeply, she told the team. Due to Karnataka not releasing water in Cauvery, crops could be raised only in 8.51 lakh hectares against the normal 14 lakh hectares, she said adding that 13.88 lakh coconut trees were fully damaged and another 22.44 lakh trees partly damaged. The total loss of production in agriculture and horticulture was about Rs 3785.25 crore and 1969 lakh mandays were lost, she claimed. The state had sought Rs.1584 crore from National Calamity Fund besides 10.8 lakh tonnes of rice, she said. The team assured the chief Minister that the members, who would split themselves into three groups and visit the drought hit areas, would submit their report as quickly as possible.
Jaya’s news channel proposal cleared
Saturday, February 21, 2004
In the new found bonhomie between the BJP-led NDA government and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, the Centre has cleared the AIADMK supremo’s long pending proposal for a 24-hour news channel. It was at the intervention of Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani that the green light was given to Jaya TV last week to beam its news round the clock. This is being viewed as Ms Jayalalithaa’s birthday gift as Jaya TV is keen to kick off the 24-hour news channel on February 24. Jaya TV has been pursuing beaming news in the run-up to the general election. It assumes significance in the light of the no-holds barred competition with Sun TV which is the main rival of Jaya TV and espouses the cause of the DMK. The issue of permitting Jaya TV permission to beam news round the clock has been hanging fire for more than two years because of certain allegations about the regional networks’s managing director T.T.V. Dinakaran, who was also a former AIADMK MP. The Home Ministry had desired that Mr Dinakaran should resign from his post in the regional TV network as there were allegations of FERA violations against him. As this was complied with, the Centre felt there was no need to drag the matter further and Mr Advani gave the requisite green light. Thereafter, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting wasted no time in giving the go ahead to Jaya TV. Ms Jayalalithaa had not only spoken about the proposal over the telephone to Mr Advani, but also to Union Finance Minister Jaswant Singh as FERA violations come within the purview of the latter.
E-post service introduced in Ooty
Friday, February 20, 2004
UDHAGAMANDALAM: Udhagamandalam Head Post Office has been identified as e-post centre for the benefit of the public. E-post is a service under which printed or even handwritten messages, handed over across the country, are scanned and transmitted as e-mail through internet. At the destination centres, these messages are printed, enveloped and delivered through postmen just like other letters. According to a press note issued by N Krishnamoorthy, Senior Superintendent of Posts, Nilgiris, here today, e-post service is not limited to the e-post centre alone. It could be availed of from any post office. Irrespective of whether a customer is in a town or in a remote village, he/she can send and receive e-post messages as messages received at e-post centre for areas beyond their delivery jurisdiction are printed and sent to the post offices concerned for delivery. People can send messages from their home if they have internet facility. A sum of Rs 10 is charged per page for the e-post service. Messages can be sent in any language. Further, if the messages have picture or graphics, they can be handed over in a floppy. For further details, the public may approach the nearest post offices or log on to ‘indiapost.nic.in’.
Computer sale goes up in Erode due to tax concession
Friday, February 20, 2004
ERODE: The recent tax concession given by the Centre and State governments has increased the computer sales in the district by 10 to 15 percent, according to computer sales and service firms here. Erode District IT Association vice-president C Balakrishnan said as the concession has reduced the prices by Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 depending upon the cost of the computers, the middle class families have started purchasing them. However, there is no increase in the sales of accessories like printers, papers ribbon and ink, he added. Withdrawal of customs duty on laptop has reduced its price from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 35,000. So, just like cell phones, the mobile computing machines will also become popular in the coming days, Team Computer Systems owner R Senthilkumar said. He hoped that the educational institutions can replace their old machines with the new ones now for the benefit of the students. While some traders said that the entire tax benefit has not reached the people due to old stocks, Erode IT Association past president KP Mutharasu said many consumers have made inquiries and the sale is picking up considerably. According to Bravo Systems director R Siva, computer sales firms usually reduce their stocks at the time of budget. Now, as the tax concession is given with immediate effect, the firms will definitely get some sops from the main distributors. They will also get required help from the manufacturers to push the old stock. Ultimately, the consumers will be benefited. All India Society for Electronics and Computer Technology district co-ordinator J Danasekar said the concession will help many to set up computer centres and extend their service at a reduced cost in the near future. However, many firms lamented that whatever may be the sales, the profit is reducing year after year due to hectic competition in the field.
Pirated VCD’s pose serious problems, indefinite closure of 260 theatres in three districts
Friday, February 20, 2004
COIMBATORE: About 260 cinema theatres in the districts of Coimbatore, Erode and Nilgris will be closed down indefinitely from March 15. The decision to close theatres was taken at the general body meeting of the Coimbatore, Erode & Nilgris District Exhibitors Association here on Thursday morning. Association president M Subramaniam told newspersons that the meeting sought immediate intervention of the government in resolving the pirated VCD crisis that was ruining the industry. ‘‘Earlier good films used to run 250 days. Nowadays an average film only runs only for 50 days. The Kamal Hassan-starrer, Virumandi, which has got rave reviews, is out of theatres in three weeks. The collection has come down by 60 to 70 percent in all centres, he said. Stating that pirated VCDs were ruining the industry, he said the state government had not taken any effort to solve this problem, as VCDs were available in the market on the day of the film-release itself. Admitting the possibility of copyright violation in the theatre itself, association treasurer Rajamannar said exhibitors were not in a situation to monitor the functioning of all theatres. Only the state government could resolve the crisis, the exhibitors said. ‘‘We have passed a resolution demanding that persons in possession of unauthorised VCDs should be booked under Goondas Act,’’ said Subramaniam. Another resolution demanded the abolition of compounding tax wherein theatre owners in municipal and rural areas had to pay a fixed amount. Theatre owners said they were ready to pay tax based on ticket collection. Similarly they wanted the government to reduce collection tax from 25 percent to 10 percent for every 1 rupee of the ticket. ‘‘For six years we have been requesting this,’’ said P Palaniappan, joint secretary. Meanwhile, about 88 theatres had been closed down and another 100 would be closed in another three months time, the exhibitors said adding that they were not turning against the government but were resorting to indefinite closure. The last time theatres were closed for a week was about 30 years ago when exhibitors protested a steep increase in show tax.
High Court refuses to restrain Dhanush
Friday, February 20, 2004
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition from a film production company seeking a direction to actor Dhanush to give callsheets on priority basis for completing the movie Dreams. Dismissing a petition from film company Akshaya Films, Justice R Balasubramaniam held that as the company had not stuck to the payment schedule drawn up mutually between the company and Dhanush, his director-father Kasturiraja and their company R.K.Productions, the actor could not be compelled to give dates on priority for completion of the filming of Dreams. As per their original accord, R.K. Productions had agreed to make the movie with Kasturiraja as the director and Dhanush as the lead actor, for a consideration of Rs 1.35 crore. This was later revised to Rs 1.75 crore and the two had also agreed upon a schedule of payment. The judge noted that a perusal of the schedule of payments made so far revealed that the actor had given the dates for the shooting schedule only after receiving every instalment of payment. Though as per the schedule, the petitioner company should have paid up Rs 80 lakh, it had paid only Rs 73 lakh. Moreover, Dhanush, who had given dates for shooting schedules for other films till December this year, had given an assurance to the court that he would ensure that the petitioner’s movie would be completed by October this year. Under these circumstances, the petitioner did not have the right to seek a direction to compel the actor, the court held.
Jaya hurt when partymen threw ‘flower pots’ at her
Friday, February 20, 2004
CHENNAI: Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa on Thursday said she sustained injuries on her shoulder and hands when the over enthusiastic party cadres threw bouquets and flower pots at her when she left Mogappair after attending a function on Wednesday. Apparently even as she was collecting bouquets from her admirers from insider her car, others who could not get near her started dumping into the car whatever they had brought to greet her with. Appealing to the cadres to desist from doing so in the future, Jayalalithaa, in a statement, said that the mud and water from the flower pots thrown at her had spoiled her dress as also the interior of her car. Pointing out that she was facing threats from terrorists and the Liberation Tigers of Tamik Eelam, the CM advised the cadres to avoid presenting her bouquets and flower pots. ‘‘What would happen if the terrorists and members of LTTE used such opportunity after disguising themselves as party workers and threw flower pots, hiding bombs in them?’’, she wanted to know. It was following a warning by the Intelligence Bureau that the Centre had provided her ‘Z’ special category security cover and deployed NSG commandos. In such a context, throwing of flower pots posed a grave danger to her security. Instead of spending money to buy bouquets and flower pots and shawls, party workers could as well donate to party funds. She also asked the cadres not to put up huge cutouts for her. Instead they could go in for small posters, flags and festoons. It may be noted that Jayalalithaa is scheduled to begin her whirlwind election campaign on March 1 with a public meeting at the Eldams Road junction in Teynampet. In Kancheepuram, she would release the candidate’s list. She would conclude her campaign at Tiruchendur on April 14 after touring all the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.
Free power scheme an 'election gimmick'
Friday, February 20, 2004
PTI CHENNAI: The PMK on Thursday described as an "election gimmick" the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's annoucement of restoration of free power scheme to farmers. PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss, in a statement, said the AIADMK government was not at all concerned about the farmers. The government dealt with an 'iron hand' when the farmers agitated for restoration of the scheme only last year, he said adding the 'election fever and the fear of defeat' had made the government to restore the scheme. He said there was no mention about the restoration of the scheme in the state budget presented to the state assembly on February 11. Ramadoss said the government, during the by-election to the Andipatti assembly constituency in 2002, had assured the farmers that the scheme would not rpt not be discontinued. But the scheme was discontinued after the bypoll was over, he said. The restoration was only to gain political mileage during the lok sabha polls and farmers would not be attracted by the election stunt of the AIADMK government, he said.
Pathan owes his success to MRF Pace Foundation
Friday, February 20, 2004
Chennai, Feb 20 (IANS) India's new pace bowling sensation Irfan Pathan owes his sudden rise to the Chennai-based MRF Pace Foundation, a world renowned finishing school where many foreign bowlers also train. Pathan, 19, said he credited his development as a player to the guidance he received from the foundation. "When I first came here in 2000-01, I was still raw, but after spending time at the foundation, I learnt quite a lot, especially about fitness and my bowling action," Pathan, 19, said at a function where he and other well-known pace bowlers were felicitated by the foundation. Baroda's Pathan is just back from a successful tour of Australia and is an automatic choice for the upcoming series in Pakistan. MRF Pace Foundation also felicitated its two other famous wards - Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, who retired last year. Zaheer, who played only the first Test and missed the rest of the Australian tour because of a groin problem, is working at regaining fitness for the tour of Pakistan. He, however, refused to say if he would tour Pakistan. "I have been working hard on my fitness. For the past couple of days, I have been bowling at the foundation nets from a short run up," he said. "I will continue with this routine for the next 10 days. But only when I bowl from my usual long run up and flat out, will I be able to say anything about my fitness," said Zaheer. Srinath made known his intention of giving something back to the foundation that he said played a major role in his lasting 10 years at the international level. Former India pace bowler T.A. Sekhar, who is now a directors of the academy, disclosed that Srinath's offer was under consideration. "We are still in the process of discussions, trying to figure out how Srinath could be fitted into our scheme of things," said Sekhar. Former Australian pacer Dennis Lillee, who has been a visiting coach at the academy for several years, said India performed well in the four Test series by holding Australia to a 1-1 draw but failed to sustain in this in the one-day series, losing to Australia 0-2 in the best-of-the-three finals. "After drawing the Test series, the Indian players thought they had done the job and were mentally down thereafter," he said. Lillee, however, predicted that India would be the "next cricketing superpower" as he saw definite signs emanating from the team. Looking ahead to India's tour to Pakistan, Lillee said it would be a closely fought series he expected the Indians to perform well.
Vaiko to work for party, not to contest LS polls
Friday, February 20, 2004
With his partymen seated beside him looking unhappy, MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who is not contesting for a MP seat in this election, today said he proposed to strengthen the party at the grassroots-level and had taken the decision not to contest in order to work for the party. Talking to reporters at his residence at Anna Nagar in Chennai before leaving for court, Vaiko, however, said he would undertake campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections and then work towards popularising the party in every village in the State. 'Being an MP would take seven months to accomplish that task. Now, I can concentrate on building up the party', he said. He admitted to have shocked his party leaders by not consulting them while taking a decision not to contest the polls. 'I had taken the decision after thinking it over for about two months while in prison. On 17 January, I came to the conclusion to not contest and wrote it down in my diary', he said. On not informing others of the decision, he cited his health condition and lack of time as the reasons. Even senior leaders of the party were told about the decision only yesterday while they were proceeding to attend the public meeting in the city, he said. ' In fact, the name of the candidate to contest in his place (Sivakasi) - Chippiparai Ravichandran, was made known through my son just minutes before the announcement at the public meeting', he said. 'I received two types of phone calls from my party cadre since the announcement, one hailing it and the other expressing disappointment. I am sure they would all be pacified in the days to come. Ours is a disciplined party', he said. He was categorical in ruling out any change in the decision to stay away from contesting. 'There will not be any change in the decision. Ravichandran will be the candidate'. Asked if the DMK chief M Karunanidhi would change his mind as he had done in the case of moving the bail plea in the POTA case against him, Vaiko shot back, 'that (issue) is fully different from this one. This is a party decision. In asking me to move bail, the DMK leader had some justification, but that is not the case where this decision is concerned '. Asked what would be the reaction of the DMK, Vaiko said, 'the DMK would accept it as a decision of another party'. On Kannappan not being fielded this time, Vaiko said it was a result of not having the Coimbatore Parliamentary constituency allotted by the DPA. He, however, said they were not unhappy with the seat allotment in the DPA. He said he would canvass for votes for Ravichandran in the Sivakasi constituency. 'Defeating the AIADMK- BJP alliance in this elections is the goal', he said adding that the MDMK had strong convictions on that matter. He assured that his party would rally behind all the DPA allies. Asked if the POTA case filed against the MDMK leaders would result in loss of support of the people, Vaiko said though the party had been accused of an act of terrorism, people surely know that its cadres never indulged in violence of any kind. He also pooh-poohed the POTA case saying that it would become irrelevant. Asked about the State government pursuing the case, he said 'I will win the case. It is nothing'. He also announced constitution of his party's high- level committee consisting of 12 members including himself. Party leaders Gingee Ramachandran, M Kannappan and presidium chairman L Ganesan were present during the press meet.
Telgi's stamp in TN
Friday, February 20, 2004
The Telgi stamp paper scam, which has put the police of 19 States on tenterhooks after a Special Investigating Team appointed by a court began unravelling the case layer by layer, might soon lead to some heads rolling in Tamilnadu, too, as the sleuths are said to be closing in on a former MLA, besides bringing a police officer under the scanner. Ever since the SIT was formed, several police officers, bureaucrats and politicians have landed in the police net, despite Abdul Karin Telgi, the kingpin in the widespread racket that produced and circulated fake stamp papers and stamps, not spilling the beans completely so far. However, it looked that Telgi's tentacles have not touched Tamilnadu, as much as it had held many other States like Maharashtra under its vice grip. But now it might all change, say some sources indicating an imminent arrest of a former MLA, whose premises was raided sometime back in connection with an investigation into a fake lottery printing racket. A senior police officer in the State has also come under scrutiny for alleged involvement in the scam, which has already landed many other top police officers in jail. Though only two MLAs, one from Maharashtra and another from Andhra Pradesh, have so far been arrested, former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Chhugan Bhujbal is in a soup for appointing a particular police officer. The investigations into the scam are carried out under the supervision of a former ADGP Sukhwinder Singh Puri and Telgi has recently said that he would reveal the names of some big sharks behind his operations.
Krishna Leela
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Kamalhassan is a happy man after tasting success with Virumaandi. He was on a month long holiday in US, Canada and Europe and will be back in Chennai on February 20th. He plans to start work on his next film titled Krishna Leela, a full-length comedy. Krishna Leela will be directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, the man who has directed Kamal’s laugh riots like Pushpak and Michael Madan Kamarajan. Two new girls will be the heroines and the movie will also feature veterans like Rohini, Vinodhini and nine others. The story of Krishna Leela revolves around Krishna Das played by Kamal and the women in his life. Added to this a battalion of comedians like Goundamani, Vadivelu, Senthil, Vivek and ‘Chitti’ Babu will be there in the supporting cast. The film will be a start to finish project and will probably release by July. One thing that Krishna Leela promises is that It will be the mother of all comedies!
Supreme Court notice to Sun TV
Monday, February 16, 2004
The Supreme Court Friday asked Tamil Nadu's Sun TV channel to answer allegations that it had doctored video footage of the arrest of DMK president M. Karunanidhi in 2001. The Madras High Court had exonerated Sun TV owner M. Kalanithi Maran of the charge and the Tamil Nadu government appealed against this in a special leave petition filed in the Supreme Court. A bench consisting of judges N. Santosh Hegde and B.P. Singh issued the notice to Maran on the Tamil Nadu government's appeal. Maran is the eldest son of former central minister Murasoli Maran, who died last year after a protracted illness. The elder Maran was Karunanidhi's nephew. In a petition filed in the Supreme Court, the Tamil Nadu government said it had filed a complaint before a Chennai magistrate alleging Sun TV had doctored the footage of Karunanidhi's arrest June 2001 by inserting voices and misrepresenting the sequence of events. This was done to create hatred in the minds of the people towards the police and the state government, the petition said. The repeated telecast of the footage led to violence in the Tamil Nadu in which several state road transport buses were damaged, it added. The police had issued summons to Maran asking him to produce the original videocassettes but this had been overturned by the high court on July 28, 2003, the petition said.
Autograph
Monday, February 16, 2004
Cheran's Autograph is all set for release this Valentine's Day. Written, produced and directed by Cheran himself, who also plays the lead role in the movie, Autograph traces the life of man in various stages. Cheran is said to have reduced his body weight to match the varied looks in this period film. Gopika from the Malayalam filmdom pairs opposite Cheran. Sneha plays an important role. She comes as Cheran's friend. Music director Bharadwaj, whose tunes in Cheran's earlier film Pandavar Bhoomi were a hit has not only composed tunes for Autograph, but also rendered his voice for a song Gnabagam Varudhae in the movie. The duo of lyricist Snehan and Bharadwaj combine to relive the memories of Avaravar Vazhkayil song of Pandavar Bhoomi. Cheran appears in seven different costumes in the movie and all credit should be given to Ramesh Gents Hair Stylist, Chennai. Most of the film was shot in Kerala. Krishnakumar also plays an important role in the film. Speaking about her role, actress Sneha says, 'it is one of my best roles and I have enough confidence that my fans will appreciate my performance'.
Kushboo turns producer
Monday, February 16, 2004
Actress Kushboo, who dominated Kollywood a few years ago and acted with most of the popular actors, has shifted focus to the small screen. Apart from playing the lead role in a megaserial Kungumam on Sun TV, she has been successfully hosting a game show Jackpot on Jaya TV. Now she is all set to don a different role on the small screen. Apart from playing the lead role in a forthcoming serial Kalki on Jaya TV, Kushboo is also producing the same. She also penned the story. Kushboo who shot to fame with a fine performance in Varusham 16 opposite Karthick became a sought-after actress following the success of Chinnathambi. In her film career, she acted opposite stars like Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, Prabhu, Vijayakanth, Sathyaraj, Sarath Kumar and others. Kushboo, a busy actress on the small screen today, is producing a mega-serial Kalki for Jaya TV. She plays the role of a rich businesswoman. Also in the cast are Abhishek, Vivek, Y Vijaya, Mano, M S Viswanathan, Gandhimathi and ARS. Story is by Kushboo, screenplay and dialogues by Subha Venkat, cinematography by T Madasamy, music by Imman, lyrics by Pa Vijay and direction by Siva.
Bachchan at it again
Monday, February 16, 2004
After Thendral, cinematographer-turned-director Thangar Bachchan is all set to wield the megaphone for the film Onpathu Rupaai Nottu, with its plot based on a novel penned by the director himself few years ago. Sathyaraj plays the lead role in the movie which also has Prakash Raj and Ramya Krishnan in the cast. Asked about the film, Thangar Bachchan says, 'the movie will dwell on Tamil culture and tradition. All my earlier movies Azhagi, Solla Marantha Kathai and Thendral too were based on popular novels and received well by the masses'. 'I hope my Onpathu Rupaai Nottu too will be appreciated by the film-buffs. The central theme of the movie, which revolves around the period 1953-2000, is, however great a man might be, if he takes a decision in haste, he will have to face the repercussions'. Thangar Bachchan has worked as a cinematographer for over 35 films including Azhagi, Solla Marantha Kathai and Thendral. For Onpathu Rupaai Nottu, Suresh Rohin, who had worked in a few Hollywood movies, would be cranking the camera. Advanced camera equipment, including Moviecam, are to be used for the film. The shooting will commence next month and will be held in Chennai, Ambur, Krishnagiri and in Karnataka. The movie is being produced by M Baskar, who had produced movies like Bairavi, Soolam, Theerpugal Thiruthapadalam and Chakravarthy. Vidyasagar would be scoring the music, while editing would be handled by Sathish and Harsha. The movie is expected to be released on Independence Day.
Arjun in dual role
Monday, February 16, 2004
Actor Arjun, whose recent films received only lukewarm response in theatres, is currently acting in Jay Surya, an action-packed thriller. After Karna, he will again be playing a dual role in this film which has two heroines - Laila and Thiruda Thirudi-fame Chaya Singh. Though it was said that Sneha would play the lead role, it has now been offered to Laila. Manoj Kumar, who earlier directed Arjun for Vaanavil, is producing and directing the film. He has also penned the story, screenplay and dialogue. The movie has Prakashraj, Srividhya, Vadivel,Vinodh and Uday Prakash in the cast. Karthik Raja does the camera work. The film has been mainly shot in Hyderabad, Vizag, Rajamundhry and interior villages of Tamilnadu and a few scenes in Delhi and Agra.
Catch your favourite star thru Num TV
Monday, February 16, 2004
Tamil films have a great fan-following abroad. To cash in on the popularity enjoyed by the artistes in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Canada, Num TV.com, the web-casting portal offering live content from Indian satellite channels, will be hosting a web conferencing programme titled Global Star Direct, where in millions of users from across the globe will be able to videochat with celebrities through the portal's internet infrastructure. Speaking at the launch of Global Star Direct, Udeep, head, Num TV.com, said, 'with our expertise in audio/video compression techniques and web-streaming technologies, we, in association with Tamil Cinemax Company, have launched this web-conferencing programme, wherein millions of users from across the globe will be able to videochat'. 'The video-conferencing with various users who dial in would be shown live across the world through www.numtv.com's existing infrastructure worldwide. The programme as of now would be available free of cost for all the users of the portal, he said and added 'the technology will not only prove a boon to the film industry in promoting their upcoming movies worldwide but also will help other industries in connecting people face-to-face from different parts of the world'. Launching the facility, actor Sarath Kumar said this was another medium to provide publicity. 'It is a visual media providing scope for putting up trailers and clippings. It's IT world today and I am confident that such attempts will succeed'. Actor Curran, who is organising Global Star Direct in collaboration with Num TV, said various innovations would be tried out in course of the programme. Earlier, actress Kushboo appeared for a videochat and the site received more than 1.5 million hits. Num TV is a business unit of Pentamedia Graphics Limited. Its bouquet of 11 TV channels spans Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Punjabi, and English, offers film, radio, stage and print content. With over 500,000 users accessing NUM TV, the portal offers extreme flexibility to users by making the content available at the local time in the user's country. It also has a provision of '15 days' archived content allowing users to view programmes at their convenience.
Congmen create a stir over poster
Monday, February 16, 2004
A poster found pasted on a hoarding near the busy Kodambakkam bridge here raised the hackles of Congressmen who rushed to the scene to voice their protest, last evening. Signed as 'Indian', the poster said a native from Italy and an Eelam Tamil supporter would not be permitted to rule the country. Coming up as it is just a day after the visit of AICC president, Sonia Gandhi, the poster ruffled the feathers of Congressmen who blocked vehicles for about 15 minutes on the stretch before one of them tore it off. Policemen soon appeared on the scene and sought to restore traffic movement and pacify the protestors, who left soon after.
Can't afford to let Cong win: Jaitley
Monday, February 16, 2004
Charging Congress governments which ruled for over four decades with being the cause for all the ills in the country, Union Law Minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said that having the Congress once again in power would be disastrous. Speaking at a public meeting organised by the Tamilnadu unit of the BJP in Chennai yesterday, the Minister termed the Congress rule as a period of 'feel of pain', and said, 'I have my doubts as to why the Congress had not done anything for the people. Maybe, it felt that majority of the people who vote are poor and hence decided to maintain poverty'. He said the only stable alliance partner for the Congress was Laloo Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar. ' Everyone in the country knows what is happening in Bihar'. RJD is the natural ally of the Congress in that sense. The Chief Minister in Bihar cannot read without a piece of paper. If the same people (Congress and RJD) are allowed to come to the Centre, you will have a Prime Minister who cannot read or talk without the help of a paper', he said. Jaitley challenged the Congress to name its Prime Ministerial candidate. 'The people have the right to know who is going to handle the Kashmir issue, diplomacy and economy. Above all, they would like to know whose thumb will be on the nuclear button', he said. Listing out Vajpayee government's achievements in the last six years, Jaitley said the greatest achievement was Vajpayee's skill in filling every Indian with pride and also giving the country a standing among the comity of nations. 'Now, the two debates raging in the United States and the United Kingdom are over Iraq and the economic growth of India', he said. For the first time in the country, people were not talking about anti-incumbency factor thought it was election time. Instead, the entire country was talking about the feel-good factor, the Minister said. He also took a dig at Congress president Sonia Gandhi by saying: 'She's (Sonia) probably the one who is not feeling good about the progress made so far.'
Rajiv assassination: Swamy accuses Sonia of 'cover-up'
Monday, February 16, 2004
Janata Party president Dr Subramanian Swamy today charged the Congress president Sonia Gandhi with joining the DMK alliance because she had something to cover up in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. Talking to reporters here, Swamy said, 'Sonia had joined it (the DMK alliance) at the behest of her mother and family friend to create a LTTE-friendly lobby in Tamilnadu.' In this regard, the Janata Party leader said that 'in the wireless intercept of a conversation between LTTE's Pottu Amman and Sivarasan after the assassination there was a mysterious reference to 'people in high places in Delhi' who would protect LTTE from being caught in the assassination perfidy. Now it has become clear that Sonia Gandhi is one of those in high places.' Also, he remarked that 'the nation in general and Tamilnadu in particular is shocked at the capitulation of Sonia Gandhi at the Anna Arivalayam when she said to the media that the Jain Commission had in its 'final report' exonerated the DMK in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.' Stating that Sonia Gandhi had betrayed Tamilnadu's Kannagi tradition, Swamy said the Tamil people should wipe out the DMK-led alliance in the forthcoming Parliamentary elections. To facilitate this, the AIADMK must ensure that the anti-LTTE focus is not blurred by the periodic indiscretions of their electoral partner, the BJP, he added. Further, he said that the BJP-led Union government had been weak during the last five years in dealing with the LTTE. There have been many lapses in this regard that need to be rectified by the BJP before the election campaign gets underway, he remarked. The Janata Party would contest the elections on the promise of 'An Agenda for National Renaissance', he said and added that the party would field candidates to win enough seats in Parliament to be a factor in government formation.
Adi Thadi
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Adi Thadi is a film, which was completed in a record 30 days time. Sathyaraj and Napolean are coming together for the third time. While talking about his role Sathyarj said It’s a happy go lucky middle-aged guy role which is always my favorite. Napolean is my brother in the film. We have acted as real brothers. Sathyaraj comes as Thirupathi, a notorious character who has high influence in political and bureaucratic circle. After Thozhar Pandian I am acting with Sathyaraj once again. Normally people say if two heroes act together the director will have a tough task. In our case there was absolutely no ego problem and by the time the film got over both our families became close said Napolean. Shivraj, an associate of S.A.Chandrashekar for 15 films debuts as director. He also pens the story, screenplay and dialogues. I wrote the story keeping Sathyaraj sir in mind. No one other than him can do this role. In fact I turned down the offer from a big producer who wanted to produce this film with some other hero he suggested claimed the director. Though the film has been titled Adi Thadi (lot of fights), it’s out and out a humorous commercial film which will definitely reach the masses declares Shiva. Sathyaraj was all praise for Deva. Deva’s music has come out extremely well. It’s easier to compose music for the youth. But Deva has strained a lot and created good youthful music (the story demanded) for older heroes like us. The supporting cast includes Abbas, Sukanya, Meera Krishna, Devan, Nizhalgal Ravi, Jaya Ravi, T.P.Gajendran, Chithra Lakshman, Rajkapoor, Vaiyapuri etc. R.Selva cranks the camera. Deva scores music. The film produced by M.Gnanasundari will be released next month.
Dancer
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Now KR is back with his new film, titled Dancer, its hero being Kutty who has only one leg. KR who was the chief guest at a function met Kutty who was dancing on stage with just one leg. I immediately decided to cast him as the hero of my next film. says KR. KR has produced 15 feature films in various languages, directed 12 films, including one in Malayalam, financed 42 feature films and distributed more than 200 films including My dear Kuttichathan, a 3-D film which created a record at the box-office. The loss of one leg is attributed to an accident, which was not treated properly while some say that it happened over a fight in school. Kutty started practicing dance at home. Due to his brother Solomon who has worked as assistant dance master with Prabhu Deva and others, Kutty got the chance to perform on stage at various functions, at school and college functions and even at an election meeting. He is already popular in his own way. We trained him for one year in horse riding, different styles of fights, riding a motorbike, and different styles of dancing too. He has no artificial attachment to his leg but he dances as fast as Prabhu Deva and with perfect balance, revealed KR who is directing this film while his son Yogesh turns producer. Praveen Mani is the music director. Cinematographer is Robert of the Robert-Rajasekhar duo. The editors are Satish-Harsha, while Shanmugham Angamuthu will design the sets. In the film Kanika (Five Star fame) is a student at a dance school run by Robert. Robert insults Kanika. She sees Kutty with just one leg dancing on the streets. She takes him under her wings, trains him, and makes him take part in a dance competition in which Robert too takes part. "Dancer might bring Mayuri to mind since Sudha Chandran, who lost her legs, played the lead role in the semi-autobiographical film. But she had artificial limbs attached. But here, Kutty has no artificial attachments, and dances and fights like any other hero. The only similarity, like Mayuri, my film also conveys the message that physical handicap should not be considered a hurdle to success. Says KR about the film.
Ennavo Pudichirukku
Sunday, February 15, 2004
S Siriskandharaja, an NRI businessman from Norway has ventured into a Tamil film Ennavo Pudichirukku. Sudheep who did a creditable job in Kaadhal Kondain is the hero of this film. While talking about the film Sudheep says, " After Kaadhal Kondain I got many offers. I was waiting for a meaty role, which I finally got in this film. Its a challenging role for me". Sindhoori who played the second heroine in Boys is doing the female lead. Love makes everyone crazy. Here the boy in love breaks the ties with his brother who brought him up sacrificing his own life. Whether the hero succeeds in his love and unites with his brother forms the rest of the story. "This is my second film. It’s a love story with a difference" claims the director Meenakshi Sundaram. His earlier film Look is ready for release. Bharani , also an NRI from Canada is introduced as the second hero. "The films highlight is a motorbike race which is being shot at the racing tracks of Irunkattukottai with huge cost" explains the producer. He also added " I am fond of Tamil films. Everytime I come to Chennai I used to visit my filmy friends and sit for story session. I was waiting for the right kind of a story. I liked Meenakshi Sundaram’s story and the next day shooting was on," said the producer who is also acting as the hero’s brother. The supporting casts are Paandu, Bhuvaneshwari, Vittal etc. Subhash Jawahar debuts as the music director. The film’s songs have been shot at picturesque locales of Pondicherry, Moonaru, Chalakudi and Chennai. It is produced in S.S.S Goodlook Films banner. Story, screenplay and direction by Meenakshi Sundaram, Camera by Sai Natraj and is co produced by Lo. Dhamodharan.
No mother or sister role - Swarnamalya
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Swarnamalya, the chubby faced TV anchor and actress on small screen is now returned to Chennai. She had left for USA after her marriage but now she is back to acting. She has made a come back with Vijaykant’s Engal Anna, which was released on Pongal. To compensate for the loss of chubby cheeks she has now an hourglass figure and has stated that sexy revealing outfits are no more taboo. Her hubby and she are living together as friends and each other does not take charge of other's life and so matrimony is a not an hindrance. " No mother or sister role coz I am only 22" says Swarnamalya with a giggle. Maybe she might rewrite history!
Jayaram teams up with Pandiarajan
Sunday, February 15, 2004
After Julie Ganapathy, Jayaram next Tamil film will be again be a full length comedy film. Pillayarpattiyum Kanthuvattiyum directed by Govindarajan will have comic hero Pandiarajan as co hero. Other details are being worked out. The shooting will commence in mid February.
Gilli
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Fresh after the success of Thirumalai, Vijay has teamed up with Dhool director Dharani for Surya Movies A.M.Ratnam's Gilli, a remake of the Telugu super hit movie Okkadu. Vijay has Trisha for company. Gilli is sharp edged at both ends and so is the hero revealed the director. Vijay, a Kabbadi player is a reserved person who works towards a set goal. Prakashraj who heads a caste outfit falls in love with Trisha. Her brothers who object to this are brutally killed by Prakashraj. Trisha's father packs her off to USA but en route she is stopped by Prakashraj. Vijay on a kabbadi tournament in that town chances to see Trisha being abducted. He rescues her and takes her away to Chennai. Here he makes her stay in his house without the knowledge of his father who is the Assistant commissioner of Police. Coincidentally the home minister is the brother of Prakashraj and he asks Vijay's father to find the girl. Vijay's father's investigations lead him to his son. All hell breaks loose and Vijay with Trisha take shelter in the Marina Lighthouse. Dharani said that there is a perfect blend of romance, action and sentiment in Gilli. The highlight of the movie is the set created by art director Maniraj, of Mylapore and Triplicane area on the shores of Mahabalipuram which alone cost about Rs.one crore. Most of Vijay's portions are happening here, We felt it would be very difficult to shoot with Vijay in Mylapore and Triplicane area. Hence we went for a set and a month long shooting got over here. Gilli is the most expensive project of Vijay's films says Ratnam. Dharani said, Gilli would do better than Dhool because the story is more powerful and has been improvised with more twists and turns to suit the Tamil audience. The rest of the film is shot in Madurai, Thenkasi, Vizag, and Hyderabad. Talking about his role Vijay said, Gilli's role amazes me. It's a new experience for me. All the characters in the movie are down to earth. Incidents that take place in everyday life, at home, on the street, interlaced with romance, comedy and sentiments are beautifully portrayed by Dharani sir. Prakash Raj, Aashish Vidyarthi, Damu, Nagendra Prasad and Baby Jennifer are the supporting cast. Vidhyasagar scores music and the Cinematographer is Gopinath. The movie is expected to hit the theatres in April.
Gilli
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Fresh after the success of Thirumalai, Vijay has teamed up with Dhool director Dharani for Surya Movies A.M.Ratnam's Gilli, a remake of the Telugu super hit movie Okkadu. Vijay has Trisha for company. Gilli is sharp edged at both ends and so is the hero revealed the director. Vijay, a Kabbadi player is a reserved person who works towards a set goal. Prakashraj who heads a caste outfit falls in love with Trisha. Her brothers who object to this are brutally killed by Prakashraj. Trisha's father packs her off to USA but en route she is stopped by Prakashraj. Vijay on a kabbadi tournament in that town chances to see Trisha being abducted. He rescues her and takes her away to Chennai. Here he makes her stay in his house without the knowledge of his father who is the Assistant commissioner of Police. Coincidentally the home minister is the brother of Prakashraj and he asks Vijay's father to find the girl. Vijay's father's investigations lead him to his son. All hell breaks loose and Vijay with Trisha take shelter in the Marina Lighthouse. Dharani said that there is a perfect blend of romance, action and sentiment in Gilli. The highlight of the movie is the set created by art director Maniraj, of Mylapore and Triplicane area on the shores of Mahabalipuram which alone cost about Rs.one crore. Most of Vijay's portions are happening here, We felt it would be very difficult to shoot with Vijay in Mylapore and Triplicane area. Hence we went for a set and a month long shooting got over here. Gilli is the most expensive project of Vijay's films says Ratnam. Dharani said, Gilli would do better than Dhool because the story is more powerful and has been improvised with more twists and turns to suit the Tamil audience. The rest of the film is shot in Madurai, Thenkasi, Vizag, and Hyderabad. Talking about his role Vijay said, Gilli's role amazes me. It's a new experience for me. All the characters in the movie are down to earth. Incidents that take place in everyday life, at home, on the street, interlaced with romance, comedy and sentiments are beautifully portrayed by Dharani sir. Prakash Raj, Aashish Vidyarthi, Damu, Nagendra Prasad and Baby Jennifer are the supporting cast. Vidhyasagar scores music and the Cinematographer is Gopinath. The movie is expected to hit the theatres in April.
Vijaykant has launched new project Gajendra
Sunday, February 15, 2004
With Engal Anna doing well at the box office, Vijaykant has launched his new project Gajendra. For the first time Suresh Krishna directs a Vijaykant starrer. The film is produced by V.A.Durai of Ever Green Movie International, who earlier gave Pithamagan. Deva scores music, while Liyagath Ali Khan who gave raging dialogues for many of Vijaykant’s earlier movies, makes a comeback.
.3 lakh new connections in TN by June
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Chennai, Feb 10 (UNI) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced a slew of new schemes to compete with private telecom operators and said that 1.3 lakh new connections will be given in Tamil Nadu (TN) region by June next. BSNL TN region Chief General Manager K Mahadevan, at a press conference today, said the schemes included international roaming on CellOne, new tariff for mobile WLL customers, loyalty scheme rental waiver for disconnection period. With the mobile phone service reaching saturation point after exhausting the 3.3 lakh capacity, 1.3 lakh new lines would be installed by June, he informed. Orders for equipment worth Rs 130 crore from vendor Motorola had been placed for installation by May or June, he said. Mr Mahadevan said from the current 334 base stations and 79 on the highways, BSNL was also increasing the number of its mobile phone base stations in TN to 745. He said the international roaming facility was introduced from Feburary one with calls made by in-roamers charged at Rs 75 per minute on a 60 second pulse. For post-paid out-bound roamers, a fixed monthly rental of Rs 99 would be charged, he said, adding international call charges would be as per the network selected by the BSNL post-paid subscribers with a surcharge rate of 15 per cent on such amount. Mr Mahadevan said the SMS international service would be available at Rs 20 per outgoing message for a maximum of 160 characters while an incoming message would be free. But for CellOne customers, SMS calls would be charged at Rs three per message and Rs five for the prepaid customers. BSNL would be offering a new tariff plan to the existing and new mobile WLL customers from March one for which the rental charges would be Rs 120 for exchange system up to 29,999 lines, Rs 180 for exchange system between 30,000 and 99,999 lines and Rs 250 for exchange system of one lakh lines and above. The subscribers under this plan, would be eligible for 50 free calls per month, while the call charges would be Rs one per call for the first 300 metered call units.
TN Oppn parties to boycott budget presentation
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Chennai, Feb 10 (UNI) The Opposition parties in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today decided to boycott the presentation of the State budget for the year 2004-05 in the House tomorrow. Announcing this, Congress Legislature Party leader S R Balasubramaniam told newspersons that the boycott was to protest the Government's refusal to allow discussion on the budget for at least ten days. At the Business Advisory Committee meeting, they had suggested that though a vote-on-account was agreable, the Government could allow debate for about one week or ten days, but their plea was turned down, he said. As the notification for the coming Lok Sabha elections was yet to be made, the Government could allow a debate on the budget, he said. Leaders of other Opposition parties, including the DMK, PMK, CPI and CPI(M), were also present. After presenting the budget and a vote-on-account, the Assembly is likely to be adjourned sine die on February 13, in view of the coming general elections. The entire Opposition, barring the Bharatiya Janata Party, today boycotted Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address. They were protesting Ms Jayalalithaa's absence for the two days, especially yesterday when the floor leaders took part in the debate.
Jaya reinstates sacked govt. employees; announces DA hike
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Chennai, Feb 10 (UNI) In a relief to distraught Tamil Nadu Government employees, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced in the State Assembly that all the 999 staff who were dismissed for taking part in an indefinite strike last year would be reinstated. Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, she said the punishment would now be scaled down to four-year cut in their annual increment. Stating that she had no hatred or ill-will towards anybody, Ms Jayalalithaa said she wanted to ''show mercy to the employees who were instigated and misled by the Opposition parties.'' As many as 87 employees, including 57 Secretariat Staff, who were demoted would be restored to their original posts and instead suffer a loss of annual increment for two years. About 4,500 employees, who were awarded a punishment of three-year cut in annual increment, would now suffer the loss only for a year. Ms Jayalalithaa also announced a three per cent hike in the dearness allowance for government employees and teachers, which would incur an additional expenditure of Rs 201 crore per annum.
Black flags hoisted in churches
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
MADURAI: As a mark of their protests against the demolition of the catholic-run multi service centre in Tirunagar recently, black flags were hoisted in Catholic churches in the city on Sunday. ‘Amala Annai Sabai’ attached to the Amalorbhavam church along Tirunagar - Thanakankulam Road in Tirunagar was demolished by the district administration a few days ago on charges of encroachment. Buildings were demolished in the presence of Madurai South Tahsildhar Rajaram, Revenue Inspector Krishnan and Village Administrative Officer Chandramohan. Christians protested against this by staging demonstrations recently and announced that they would hoist black flags in their places of worship. On Sunday, black flags fluttered atop several churches, including St Mary’s Church, and in Virudhunagar and Theni.
Black flags hoisted in churches
Monday, February 9, 2004
MADURAI: As a mark of their protests against the demolition of the catholic-run multi service centre in Tirunagar recently, black flags were hoisted in Catholic churches in the city on Sunday. ‘Amala Annai Sabai’ attached to the Amalorbhavam church along Tirunagar - Thanakankulam Road in Tirunagar was demolished by the district administration a few days ago on charges of encroachment. Buildings were demolished in the presence of Madurai South Tahsildhar Rajaram, Revenue Inspector Krishnan and Village Administrative Officer Chandramohan. Christians protested against this by staging demonstrations recently and announced that they would hoist black flags in their places of worship. On Sunday, black flags fluttered atop several churches, including St Mary’s Church, and in Virudhunagar and Theni.
Rs 60 crore needed for Hosur IT park
Monday, February 9, 2004
HOSUR: People in Hosur are hopeful that Chief Minister J Jayalalitha will sanction funds to set up an Information Technology (IT) Park in their town when she inaugurates the new district of Krishnagiri, carved out of Dharmapuri, on February 9. The Chief Minister has already announced that she will transform Tamil Nadu into an ‘IT Gateway’ of Asia by 2006. At present, almost all the IT parks in the state are concentrated in and around Chennai. The only IT Park outside Chennai is the Texity Software Park in Coimbatore. Now, the Tamil Nadu Government has identified Hosur as the next IT township of the state. Hosur has already earned a place in the global industrial map as the hub of India’s automobile industry. Top players of the industry, including TVS, Ashok Leyland, Hindustan Motors, Taneja Aeronautics Ltd (TAL) and others have their factories here. Besides, Hosur is situated very close to Bangalore city. In fact, Hosur is on the outskirts of Bangalore. Thus due to its proximity to Bangalore, the government has identified Hosur as the next IT town. IT majors like Wipro and Infosys have their headquarters in Bangalore which is just a 10-minute drive from Hosur. Besides, several IT companies involved in medical transcriptions are located in Bangalore IT corridor. Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT), a state government enterprise, is currently preparing a feasibility report on setting up an IT park on a par with international standards, in Hosur. Since the Bangalore IT corridor is increasingly overcrowded, IT companies would find Hosur an attractive and relatively economical option. From Hosur, it is just a 45-minute drive to the International Airport in Bangalore. This is an additional advantage. According to official sources, the cost of setting up the IT Park is estimated to be around Rs 60 crore. The proposal of the IT Park in Hosur has revived the hopes of unemployed graduates in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri district. About 20,000 youths will get direct and indirect job opportunity when this IT park becomes a reality, said Parvathi Mohanbabu, a renowned IT consultant. She says the 4-way NH between Hosur and Bangalore will further strengthen the industrial bond between the two cities. However, this dream will become a reality only if adequate funds are sanctioned by Chief Minister Jayalalitha.
Stalin meets Vaiko
Monday, February 9, 2004
PTICHENNAI: DMK Deputy General Secretary M K Stalin on Sunday called on MDMK Chief Vaiko at the latter's residence. Vaiko was released from Vellore Prison on Saturday after being in jail under POTA since July 2002. CPI (M) leader N Varadarajan and CPI leader R Nallakannau also met Vaiko, an MDMK release said.
Vaiko to address public meeting on Feb 19
Monday, February 9, 2004
PTI CHENNAI: MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, who was released on bail on Saturday, will address a public meeting here on Feb 19, the first since his release from prison after being detained under POTA. Vaiko told reporters here on Sunday that the party's general council would meet here to elect new office bearers on Feb 14. The new office bearers would participate at the public meeting organised by the South Chennai unit of the party, he said. Party volunteers would donate for the election fund at the meeting, he added. He said the party's parliamentary board would meet here on Feb 11 and 12 to select the party's nominees for Lok Sabha polls. MDMK had been allotted four seats to contest the coming polls, by the DMK-led Democratic Progressive alliance. Vaiko, had been detained under POTA for speaking in favour of banned Sri Lankan militant outfit, LTTE, at a public meeting in Thirumangalam, near Madurai , in July 2002.
"Misuse" of POTA to be part of MDMK's poll campaign: Vaiko
Monday, February 9, 2004
Chennai, Feb 7 (PTI) Virtually kicking off his party's election campaign on release from Vellore prison where he was detained under POTA since July 2002, MDMK Chief Vaiko said the alleged misuse of the anti-terror law and political vendetta indulged in by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa would be part of his party's campaign in the next Lok Sabha polls.Emerging from the high-security prison, about 140 km from here, to deafening cheers and bursting of crackers by hundreds of party workers, he told reporters outside the prison, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's recent remarks at Kanyakumari that the state had made impressive strides under the AIADMK Government, was "an atrocious lie". Vaiko said he had great respect for Vajpayee but took exception to the remark. Vaiko had completed all formalities yesterday for his release on bail, granted to him by designated Judge L Rajendran on February 3. Earlier, the Madras High Court had granted bail to eight of his partymen who were arrested along with him in July, 2002. All of them had been arrested under POTA for allegedly speaking in favour of banned LTTE at a public meeting in Thirumangalam in Madurai district in June, 2003. PTI
"Misuse" of POTA to be part of MDMK's poll campaign: Vaiko
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Chennai, Feb 7 (PTI) Virtually kicking off his party's election campaign on release from Vellore prison where he was detained under POTA since July 2002, MDMK Chief Vaiko said the alleged misuse of the anti-terror law and political vendetta indulged in by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa would be part of his party's campaign in the next Lok Sabha polls.Emerging from the high-security prison, about 140 km from here, to deafening cheers and bursting of crackers by hundreds of party workers, he told reporters outside the prison, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's recent remarks at Kanyakumari that the state had made impressive strides under the AIADMK Government, was "an atrocious lie". Vaiko said he had great respect for Vajpayee but took exception to the remark. Vaiko had completed all formalities yesterday for his release on bail, granted to him by designated Judge L Rajendran on February 3. Earlier, the Madras High Court had granted bail to eight of his partymen who were arrested along with him in July, 2002. All of them had been arrested under POTA for allegedly speaking in favour of banned LTTE at a public meeting in Thirumangalam in Madurai district in June, 2003. PTI
Youth can rid society of corruption: Kalam
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Chennai, Feb 6: The responsibility of making a corruption-free society rests with the younger generation of the country, according to the President, A P J Abdul Kalam. When would India become corruption-free? asked a student of a private engineering institution here. The President paused for a moment and wondered whether it would be possible. However, he went on to add that only the younger generation, their parents and the teachers who mould them at homes and in their schools as righteous citizens, could make it happen. He said corruption occurs when the leaders of the nation deviate from righteousness. Responding to a series of questions from students of the Dr M G R Educational Research Institute during his interaction, Kalam wanted them to do courses on entrepreneurship and make themselves useful to the nation. He said that India could certainly become a developed nation, provided it concentrated on cost effectiveness, quality and timely delivery of products and services in the emerging globalised scenario. The President said that India was among the five advanced countries in space technology and hoped that the ambitious moon orbital mission would take place between 2005-07. He said India had the capacity to build any kind of rockets and spacecraft, including spacecraft with a payload of 20 kg for moon missions. Justifying the moon mission, he said that the planet''s abundant helium resources needed to be explored and exploited for the country''s needs. Kalam also called for developing cost-effective technologies for harnessing solar energy and creating solar power plants of 500 to 1000 MW. Technologies should also be developed to use solar power for desalination to solve the water shortage in many parts of the country. He made students take a pledge that they would excel in their studies, teach at least 10 persons to read and write, plant 10 saplings and also that they would not support divisions in the name of caste, religion and language. (Our Correspondent)
Kalam dedicates OP block in PHC to public
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Chennai, Feb 6: President A P J Abdul Kalam today dedicated a newly constructed 'M C Subrahmanyam' outpatient block of a Public Health Centre (PHC) here to the public. The President also met special children (physically and mentally disabled), who are being trained by the centre run by the PHC and Welfare Society, and interacted with them for a short while. Kalam was also introduced to some senior doctors of the centre. The President drove straight from the Meenambakkam airport to the 120-bed multi-speciality centre, located in the highly congested West Mambalam area. The PHC, which celebrated its golden jubilee in October last, was started by the late M C Subrahmanyam in a thatched hut in 1953 to provide medical services to the local residents. Capital expenditure towards land, buildings, infrastructure, machines and equipment was entirely met by donations from philanthropic individuals, businessmen and other private organisations like the Lions Club and Rotary Club. (Our Correspondent)
Eye hospital to perform 10,000 free surgeries
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Chennai, Feb 7 (IANS) A premier eye care hospital here, the Sankara Nethralaya, will perform 1,000 free cataract surgeries for the poor in Tamil Nadu under a scheme called "Seeing is Believing". The campaign, launched this week, is supported by the Standard Chartered Grindlays Bank. It will be in place in rural Tamil Nadu till the summer of this year. The campaign is part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the bank. "More than 80 percent of blindness is curable," Chris Low, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank India, said here. "Seeing is Believing" aims to restore eyesight to 28,000 people globally, he said. The bank has already raised $1.44 million globally, including $200,000 in India from employees and customers, in a bid to restore eye sight of as many as 7,500 people. There are more than 12 million blind people in India, he said.
Mudumalai sanctuary to be closed
Saturday, February 7, 2004
The government has decided to close the Mudumalai sanctuary in Nilgiris due to sever drought in the region. Mudumalai is a big tourist attraction in Nilgiris, but due to drought no animals are seen in the region except for elephants. The government has taken steps for preventing fire in the region. The sanctuary will be closed on February 9 and will be re-opened on April 15.
MDMK leader Vaiko released from Vellore prison
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Chennai, Feb 7 (PTI) MDMK leader Vaiko was today released from the Vellore prison, where he had been incarcerated for over 18 months under POTA, after obtaining bail.Vaiko was arrested under the anti-terror law in July, 2002 along with eight party members for allegedly speaking in favour of banned LTTE at a public meeting at Tirumangalam in Madurai a month earlier. Vaiko is the first MP in the country to be detained under POTA. Vaiko, General Secretary of the MDMK, was in prison for 578 days. Eight of his party colleagues were released on bail by the Madras High Court on January 12 this year. PTI
College student runs over telecom staff
Friday, February 6, 2004
CHENNAI: A couple of hours before sunrise on Thursday, a college student speeding down Anna Salai in a Santro ran over two young men working for Touchtel, a private telecom company. One of the Touchtel staffers, Karthikeyan, aged 27, was an engineer; the other man, Velu alias Narayanaswamy, 29, was his subordinate. Both died in hospital. Anna Square Traffic Investigation Police, who are investigating the case, said Karthikeyan and Narayanaswamy were supervising the laying of cables near the Anna Salai-Thiru Vi Ka Salai junction around 4.30 a.m., when the college student, Rishab, hit them. Rishab, the police said, was on his way to Chennai Central station to pick up a relative. He is 20 years old, a final year BBA student of a city college and lives in T Nagar. His father is a businessman. When Rishab reached the Anna Salai-Thiru Vi Ka Salai junction, he started overtaking a lorry from the left side — the area where the Touchtel men were working. He didn’t see them. Rishab was driving so fast that he lost control of his car after hitting Karthikeyan and Narayanaswamy. He crashed into another lorry just ahead; the car came to a stop only after climbing on to the pavement in front of Anand Theatre. Around the same time, a team of policemen were patrolling the area in a van. They rushed to the spot and took Karthikeyan and Narayanaswamy to a private hospital. Karthikeyan died there. Narayanaswamy died sometime later at the Government General Hospital. Both had suffered severe head injuries. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic, South Zone) Mahesh Aggarwal said the mishap took place because Rishab tried to overtake the lorry from the left side. A case of rash and negligent driving under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against Rishab. Aggarwal also said the telecom company was in the right. They had taken permission to lay cables during the night in February and were doing their work after putting up ‘reflector’ cones. About the laxity on the part of many drivers in following the lane system during the night, the Anna Square Traffic Investigation Police said that the rules are relaxed in the early hours of the morning. Regarding corrective measures following this incident, Aggarwal said that the Chennai City Traffic Police (CCTP) would soon be coming out with standard procedures for companies engaged in such work. This would be in addition to the monthly permission that the companies were expected to seek from the CCTP, he added. It may be recalled that a similar accident had occurred near Villivakkam in Tirumangalam Traffic Investigation Limits where three persons, who were doing some repair work, were crushed under the wheels of a lorry parked in the middle of the 100-Feet Road, when it was hit by another lorry. The first lorry did not have any warning signs.
Rajini fans burn effigy of Ramadoss
Friday, February 6, 2004
HOSUR: An effigy of PMK founder S Ramadoss was burnt by the members of Rajnikant Fans Association in Kaveripattinam on Thursday protesting against the ‘‘unsavoury remarks’’ made by Ramadoss against actor Rajinikant. About 250 members of Dharmapuri District Rajnikant Rasigar Narpani Mandram gathered near Mariamman temple in Kaveripattinam. The fans, led by the Mandram’s district secretary Mahendran, took out a procession through the main streets in Kaveriapttinam. They raised slogans against S Ramadoss for his disagreeable statements against the actor. The fans staged a demonstration near the bus stand for about one hour. Later, they burnt the effigy of S Ramadoss in front of the bus stand. Before police could arrive the spot, the agitators dispersed.
Chennai-Mahabalipuram IT Expressway gets CM's nod
Friday, February 6, 2004
CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has given her consent for laying the innovative Rs 127.41 crore 47 km-long Information Technology Expressway (IT Expressway) linking Madhya Kailash temple area at Adyar with Mahabalipuram. The work would be completed by the end of this year. The road with two-metre wide median and six-lane carriage way, to be developed with world class quality and facilities, would become a bay area to woo domestic and international IT companies so as to make Tamil Nadu the IT capital of India, an official press release said. A new body known as IT Expressway Limited (ITEL), created by the Tamil Nadu Road Development Corporation Limited, would monitor the operation and maintenance of the road to international standards. The road-laying work would be taken up in two phases _ the 22 km-stretch from Madhya Kailash to Siruseri in the first phase and the 25 km-long Siruseri-Mahabalipuram sector in the second phase. Pavements and rain water harvesting facilities would be put up for the entire stretch and separate service ducts for laying electric and telephone cables, optic fibre cables and all cables for public use would be made available. This would avoid digging or cutting the road across for undertaking repairs. There would also be a 5.5-metre wide service road for MRTS passengers, the release said adding that street lights, sign boards and road markings would be of international standards. Already, IT majors like Infosys, Polaris, Sify, TCS and Covansys, in addition to more than half-a-dozen engineering colleges, including the Sathyabhama Deemed University, Hindustan College of Engineering and SSN College of Engineering, dot either side of this road. In addition, there are two ELCOT-promoted IT parks, and a SIPCOT-promoted park at Siruseri (off the Old Mahabalipuram road). Besides, the ELCOT is planning one more IT park and the state government is creating a knowledge industry park and a science city on this stretch. More importantly, the government has long-term proposal of creating an administrative township as well as a knowledge industry township on the Old Mahabalipuram road. The upgradation of the ``IT Expressway'' will not only take care of the existing needs, but also the future requirements.
DMK, AIADMK clash in Assembly over POTA
Friday, February 6, 2004
CHENNAI: The DMK and the AIADMK members clashed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly over the support extended by them to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in Parliament. While Health Minister N Thalavai Sundaram blamed the DMK for adopting ``double standards'' in supporting the Act in Parliament and later opposing it outside, DMK's deputy floor leader Durai Murugan countered that it was the AIADMK which was adopting ``multi-standards'' on the subject. ``We supported POTA as it was primarily to contain cross-border terrorism. When the Act was misused in Tamil Nadu against political opponents, we opposed it and even came out of the ruling NDA as the Central Government refused to repeal the Act,'' Durai Murugan said adding that while the DMK supported the Act in view of the necessity as it was in the NDA then. But what was the need for the AIADMK to follow suit when it was not at all in the NDA at that time, he wondered and asked ``Why did you go out of the way and support POTA.''
Top priority to road projects: Jaya
Friday, February 6, 2004
THENI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday said that her Government was giving utmost priority to roads which had remained a vital link for Tamil Nadu’s economic growth and development. That was the reason why the Government had, despite a financial crunch, sanctioned Rs 2,518 crore till date for laying new roads and undertaking pending road works, she said. The Chief Minister was speaking after dedicating 1,076 development works to the tune of Rs 47.38 crore, besides laying the foundation for a slew of projects at a cost of Rs 75.11 crore at a government function in K Mayiladumparai union coming under Andipatti Assembly constituency. As part of the road development works, she said, roads have been renovated at a cost of Rs 86 lakh under the Chief Minister’s Special Road Repair scheme in Andipatti constituency and for the segments in Theni district, a sum of Rs 3.48 crore has been spent. To promote tourism and develop pilgrim centres, roads will be laid at a cost of Rs 3.97 crore benefiting over 2 lakh people in a cluster of villages here. In addition, the Kodaikanal-Kochi road and the one leading to Kumbakarai falls will be relaid, she added. Stressing the importance of women’s empowerment, she said the self-help group theory that was conceptualised in her previous regime in 1992 had grown like a banyan tree today, infusing self-confidence, courage and enthusiasm among womenfolk. Presently, 25 lakh women SHGs function in the State and their savings come to about Rs 400 crore. Jayalalithaa appealed to the women in Andipatti to take up vanilla cultivation, which would go a long way in transforming Andipatti into Arasipatti. She said, ‘‘You too can become queens, earn Rs 52 lakh per annum if you take up vanilla cultivation in just one acre’’. Expressing her fondness for the constituency, she said amidst a thundering applause, ‘‘Wherever I go, my thoughts revolve around you’’. That is the reason for may third visit to Theni district, she said. Jayalalithaa said that whenever scientists, academicians and officials discussed with her the implementation of new schemes, she always insisted on launching it in Andipatti. Anna University’s vanilla cultivation scheme had been started here on a trial basis, she added. She said the Government was executing several drinking water schemes for the benefit of the people. The Rs 73-crore Andipatti-Sedapatti combined drinking water supply scheme, which would benefit 3 lakh people in Madurai and Theni districts, is nearing completion. Social Welfare Minister Valarmathi, PWD Minister O Panneerselvam and Theni District Collector Atul Anand spoke. Later, Jayalalithaa distributed welfare assistance to the tune of Rs 4.5 crore to 9,051 beneficiaries.
Tamil action flick to be remade internationally
Friday, February 6, 2004
Chennai, Feb 6 (IANS) Tamil action flick "Kaakha Kaakha" will be remade for international audiences in English by the same director following a request from an expatriate Indian film collaborator. Collaborator Mohan Narayanan asked the producer of "Kaakha Kaakha", Kalaipuli Thanu, to arrange a cross over to Hollywood for the hit that released last year. Director Gautham Menon's film about a super cop, played by actor Surya, was shown to American producers in November. Four producers liked the film, and its makers have set up a firm called The Malibu in the West Coast that will make the English version, "Guarding On". The film may star a Russian cop battling Chechen rebels or an American policeman. "We have not yet decided," Menon told the media here. "It may be an American cop in Russia." A Telugu version of the film is also going to be released soon. Audiences are now looking forward to "Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikaalam" from the same director. "Guarding On" is unlikely to see the light of day before 2005. Nevertheless, directing a film for Hollywood will be an interesting experience for Menon.
Paddy crops hit in TN
Friday, February 6, 2004
Nagercoil, Feb 06 - Five thousand acres of paddy crop in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu are withering due to lack of water for proper irrigation. Storage levels at Pechiparai, Perinchani and Chittar dams are at precarious levels. Despite releasing 275 cusecs of water to Pechiparai from Kodaya dam, paddy crop in 100 acres of land at the tail end of the Thovalai channel has withered, official sources said.
Ramadoss seeks Sonia’s help in Pondy
Friday, February 6, 2004
Villupuram, Feb 05 - PMK leader S Ramadoss has knocked on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s doors to win local Congressmen’s support for his party’s campaign at the Pondicherry Lok Sabha constituency. He told reporters on Thursday at his farmhouse in Thailapuram near Tindivanam that Sonia Gandhi had all the qualifications to become the prime minister and that her foreign origin was not an issue. ‘‘I wrote to her recently seeking her support and intervention for the Lok Sabha seat in Pondicherry,’’ he said. The PMK’s appeal to Sonia comes amid discontent among local Congressmen over the allocation of the Pondicherry seat to the party. Pondicherry is a Congress (I) stronghold. It is bad enough that the DMK-led front did not allot the seat in Pondicherry to the Congress (I).Congressmen there are especially annoyed that the seat should go to the PMK, which lost all the 10 Assembly seats it contested in 2001. Ramadoss commented on the Centre’s move to increase the income ceiling to determine the ‘creamy layer’ among Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at today’s press meet, saying there should be no such limit. Reporters of the Tamil daily ‘Dinamalar’ were not allowed in the press meet, allegedly because the daily has been ‘‘twisting’’ facts about the PMK. Ramadoss said the PMK today filed a defamation suit against the daily in the Madras High Court.
Sonia visit on 11 or 12 Feb
Friday, February 6, 2004
Congress president Sonia Gandhi whose meeting with the DMK chief M Karunanidhi had been put off several times is now expected to happen either on 11 or 12 February. The meeting is expected to formally cement the ties between the two that have lurched from one controversy to another so far. The AICC had asked the TNCC to set the date for Sonia's arrival, and the latter has suggested the two dates to the party high command, a senior Congress leader today said. The meeting between the two leaders had been put off for a while now as both Congress and the DMK, after a nascent show of bonhomie, were busy trying to sort out cussed differences over seat-sharing in Tamilnadu and Pondicherry. After signing the agreement on 2 February, leaders of both the parties seem to have decided to move on irrespective of the contentious issues between them in Pondicherry. The visit of Sonia Gandhi is expected to help rejuvenate the TNCC which is unhappy over the way the seat-sharing talks proceeded. She is also expected to finish the long-pending engagement of unveiling the statue of late Congress Chief Minister K Kamaraj at the Kamaraj Arangam it has been pending since the merger of the TMC with the Congress. In the meantime, the lone Pondicherry seat, which is still proving to be a contentious point between the two parties, is being sorted out in Delhi where Congress leaders Narayanasamy and Chief Minister Rangasamy are camping for an audience with Sonia Gandhi. The AICC, which is eager to not let the agreement with the DMK to break-down over Pondy, has told the TNCC to not club issues in the Union territory with Tamilnadu. 'AICC is separating the Tamilnadu and Pondicherry seat-sharing agreements. The one for Tamilnadu has been signed by TNCC chief G K Vasan and the one for Pondicherry is left to the PCC there. Even the disagreement over the Nagercoil seat being given to CPI(M) is dissipating. It will disappear completely once Sonia Gandhi's visits the State', a senior Congress leader told News Today. Meanwhile, the 31-member TNCC coordination committee held its first meeting yesterday since signing the pact with the DMK. The meeting gave formal approval to the agreement signed with the DMK, a member of the committee said. TNCC is now working on drawing up a 'region-specific' election manifesto for Tamilnadu to act as a supplement to the national manifesto of the Congress. The State unit here is now looking forward to setting up of a screening committee to select candidates for fighting elections in the 10 constituencies.
Vaiko sick, bail delayed
Thursday, February 5, 2004
Chennai, Feb 5 (UNI) MDMK General Secretary Vaiko suffered a black out for the second successive day today and fell ill even as his counsels were busy with completing formalities to secure his release on bail. ''Mr Vaiko's release today was ruled out. If everything went well, he would be able to come out of the prison tomorrow evening,'' MDMK spokesman Nanmaran, who is one of the counsels for Mr Vaiko, told UNI. Mr Vaiko had suffered a blackout yesterday at Vellore prison and jail authorities had advises against his going to the court at Poonamallee, about 150 km away. But the MDMK leader appeared at the court, stating that he had not missed a single hearing. This morning, when the lawyers were filing the memorandum of undertaking before the POTA court at suburban Poonamallee, Mr Vaiko, brought to the court from Vellore central prison, again fainted. After taking lunch, brought from the prison, Mr Vaiko started vomiting. When he vomited for a third time, a local doctor was rushed for examination, Mr Nanmaran said. The doctor diagnosed high blood pressure and advised rest, following which POTA judge L Rajendran cancelled the afternoon proceedings and adjourned the case to tomorrow. After taking rest for some time in the court premises, Mr Vaiko left for Vellore in the evening, he added.
Thirmavalavan´s resignation accepted
Thursday, February 5, 2004
The resignation of DPI leader from Tamil Nadu assembly membership was accepted by the assembly speaker Mr.K.Kalimuthu on Wednesday. Mr.Thirumavalavan resigned from the assembly membership on Tuesday after condemning the treatment meted out by DMK to Dalit parties
State INL upset on shabby treatment by DMK
Thursday, February 5, 2004
The Tamil Nadu unit of Indian National League on Tuesday said it was upset on the way DMK has treated the party. The INL President met Mr.M.Karunanidhi personally and requested him for allotting seat to the party in coming Lok Sabha elections. Mr.M.Karunanidhi instead allotted seat to IUML. The general council of INL would meet soon to decide on is stand in the Lok Sabha elections.
High Court relaxes Vaiko's bail conditions
Thursday, February 5, 2004
CHENNAI: MDMK leader Vaiko can leave the Chennai city limits during the pendency of the trial before the special court in Poonamallee with prior intimation to the investigating officer (IO) in the case, the Madras High Court has said. In an interim order on an appeal from Vaiko challenging the stringent bail conditions laid down by the Poonamallee POTA court while granting bail on Tuesday, a division Bench comprising Justice V S Sirpurkar and Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla said on Wednesday that Vaiko had to intimate to the IO his programme schedule before leaving the city and should not interfere with the day-to-day progress of the trial. It was not necessary for Vaiko to report to the in-charge magistrate on holidays. It would be sufficient if he intimates the IO of his presence in Chennai, the Bench added. The Bench also removed the special court’s direction of filing an affidavit as a condition precedent to producing the sureties. It would be sufficient for Vaiko to give an undertaking, instead of an affidavit, with regard to other conditions, the Bench said. Earlier, Vaiko’s senior counsel K Chandru argued that the special court’s direction to file an affidavit amounted to abuse of process of law. The conditions were unnecessary restrictions and unreasonable. The court had failed to note that every citizen was guaranteed personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and the same could be curtailed only by the procedure established by law and that the procedure should not be arbitrary, unfair and unjust.
Rajni fans to ensure PMK's defeat
Thursday, February 5, 2004
As if the formidable AIADMK-BJP combine was not enough, the Pattali Makkal Katchi will be up against another influential group of people in Tamil Nadu - fans of superstar Rajnikanth. The latter have been itching for revenge ever since PMK supporters reportedly ransacked some theatres in Virudhunagar, Villupuram and Ariyalur where Rajnikanth's film Baba was being screened some months back leading to heavy loss to distributors. The violence followed some adverse comments against Rajnikanth by PMK leader Dr Ramadoss reportedly when the film was released. Some fans feel this is the right time to teach a lesson to the PMK. They have vowed to work for the defeat of its candidates in the coming Lok Sabha elections. They have already begun the groundwork, M N Soundarapandian, an office bearer of the Tiruchi Rajnikanth Fans' association, said. Posters claiming 'Padayappa's (a film starring Rajnikanth) padai (army) is ready to prepare paadai (thatched stretcher for bodies) for PMK' have appeared in different parts of Tiruchi, Pudukottai and surrounding areas. Some posters have also criticised Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham president M Karunanidhi for allying with the PMK and allocating six seats to the party. The fans are, however, willing to pardon Ramadoss if he apologises for his 'adverse comments'.
TN seeks Rs 1,584 cr Central assistance
Thursday, February 5, 2004
Chennai, Feb 04 - The Tamil Nadu government has sought Central assistance of Rs 1,584 crore from the National Calamity Contingency Fund to tackle the situation arising out of the "unprecedented drought", in the wake of the failure of the south-west and north-east monsoons for two consecutive years. Disclosing this, Tamil Nadu Governor P S Ramamohan Rao, in his customary address to the state Assembly today, said that the failure of the monsoons in 2002 and 2003 had created "an unprecedented drought". "Both south-west and north-east monsoons in 2003 were below the forecast, though a little better than the previous year," he said. A detailed memorandum had been submitted to the Centre, with a request to sanction Rs 1,584 crore from the National Calamity Contingency Fund and 10.8 lakh tonnes of rice for the food-for-work programme. "The government is hopeful of substantial support from the Centre for various drought relief measures," he said. Describing Karnataka's stand on the Cauvery issue as an "unhealthy precedent", he said the Tamil Nadu government would not relent in its efforts to take necessary action to enable the state realise its legitimate share. The Governor said that Tamil Nadu had also sought Rs 700 crore from the National Calamity Contingency Fund to tackle the acute drinking water shortage in Chennai and the government proposed to establish desalination plants as the only durable solution for the city's chronic water shortage. He said the Rs 730 crore new Veeranam project, bringing water to the city from the Veeranam lake located 300 km away, would be completed by May 2004. Stating that the problem of huge unpaid liabilities inherited from the previous government, amounting to Rs 4,000 crore, had been resolved, in what could be termed as a "miracle turnaround", the Governor said the state government was looking forward to greater resource transfers to the state from the Central tax collections. The state government, in its plea to the 12th Finance Commission, had asked for stepping up the share of states in the Central tax pool, from the present level of 29.5 per cent to 50 per cent and also to reward states like Tamil Nadu for their efficiency and good governance. The Governor said the concept of the Knowledge Industrial Township (KIT) had been finalised and would come up at suburban Sholinganallur. Work would also commence shortly on the six-lane IT Expressway from Madhya Kailash in the city to Mamallapuram
Governor pats Jaya for Tamil Nadu's economic growth
Thursday, February 5, 2004
CHENNAI: Governor P S Ramamohan Rao on Wednesday patted Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for making an ''amazing and unparalleled turnaround'' within a short span of time by pulling out Tamil Nadu which had inherited legacy of poor growth prospects and a crippled fiscal situation in the past. He also announced that the government would achieve the plan outlay of Rs 7000 crore for 2003-04 and approach the Union Planning Commission for the approval of an enhanced development plan outlay of Rs 8001 crore for 2004-05. Rao, who was addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly quipped: 'The year 2003 marks a spectacular turn-around. By successfully integrating reform priorities with development imperatives and above all keeping the interests of the poor uppermost, TN has indeed emerged as the State, which will forge ahead towards its cherished Numero Uno position.'' ''The credit for this amazing and unparalleled turnaround in such a short span of time goes to the Chief Minister,'' he said and claimed that the State's turnaround was nothing short of a miracle. When the AIADMK regime assumed office in May 2001, the state was facing an extremely difficult fiscal situation which forced the government to scale down the plan outlay to Rs.5,200 crore in 2001-02. ''The future looked bleak, given the extend and gravity of the fiscal crisis.'' Since then a bold economic reforms programme implemented with resolve and courage by Jayalalithaa had enabled the government to increase the plan size to Rs 7,000 crore in 2003-04 and draw up an impressive 10th plan with an outlay of Rs.40,000 crore. A comprehensive social safety net had been put in place and strengthened despite the fiscal stress. Public utilities like TNEB and STUs had been restored to financial viability. The problem of huge unpaid liabilities from the previous government amounting to Rs.4,000 crore had been resolved. Rao added that due to Jayalalithaa's efforts ''the State has successfully warded off the danger of a debilitating fiscal crisis and at the same time taken up planned development''. This complex adjustment process in TN had a human face, keeping the interests of the poor foremost in mind. The World Bank, which had moved away from the state earlier, had now evinced keen interest in assisting the state government in putting through its economic reforms programme. It was anticipated that funding support from the World Bank for this programme would be available over several years. ''The WB has recognised that TN is a forerunner in providing a comprehensive social safety net, which is the brainchild of Jayalalithaa,'' he said. He said about 6000 habitations in the rural areas would receive potable water by March 2004 under the Rs 572.16 crore rural water supply projects. Nearly 10,000 hand pumps were also being converted into mini-power pumps during 2003-04 at a cost of Rs.60 crore. On the Rs.401.84-crore 'Education for All' scheme to upgrade the quality of educational infrastructure, he said due to this the drop-out rate among elementary schools students had come down from 16 percent in 2001-2002 to 12 percent in 2002-2003.
Madras HC clears decks for MDMK chief Vaiko's release on bail
Wednesday, February 4, 2004
Chennai,Feb 4 (PTI) The Madras High Court today softened some of the tough conditions set by a POTA court for freeing on bail MDMK Chief Vaiko, held under the anti-terrorism act, setting the stage for his release after one and a half years in jail.In its interim order on a petition filed by Vaiko seeking to set aside certain conditions of the trial court, , a division bench comprising Justice V S Sirpurkar and Justice F M Ebrahim Kalifullah permitted him to leave the city after intimating his whereabouts to investigating officer (IO). In one of the bail conditions, Designated POTA Judge L Rajendran had restrained Vaiko from leaving the city limits and suburban Poonamallee where the high security POTA court is located. The High Court allowed Vaiko to give merely a written undertaking about his agreeing to comply with bail conditions as against the POTA court stipulation that the MDMK Chief files a sworn affidavit for the purpose. PTI
Engal Anna
Tuesday, February 3, 2004
Vijayakanth seems to have got it right this time. Engal Anna, the remake of Malayalam blockbuster Chronic Bachelor, a laugh-riot all through will certainly provide some relief to the actor. The likes of Vadivelu, Pandiarajan and Prabhu Deva team up with Vijayakanth to provide a humourous entertainer for the film-buffs. Produced by Vijayakanth himself under the banner of Andal Azhagar Cine Combines, the film would appeal very much to die-hard fans of Vijayakanth. Vijayakanth loses his father, when he is very young. His father (Lal) and Rajiv were bitter enemies. But when they decide to come together with the marriage of Vijayakanth and Indraja (Rajiv's daughter), their relative Thyagu plays a game by revealing other side of Lal that he has another wife with a son (younger Lal) and daughter (younger Swarnamalya). Then a plot created by Thyagu kills Rajiv and Lal are blamed for this. Lal gets arrested and eventually dies. Convinced that his father had killed Vijayakanth sets out in search of his younger brother and sister, while Indraja decided to marry Thyagu's son. Later, Vijayakanth realises the truth. Thanks to his uncle Manivannan, he comes to know that his father had no hand in Rajiv's death and resolves to remain a bachelor all through his life. He lives along with his assistant Vadivel, who too has decided to remain a bachelor. Vijayakanth sponsors for his sister's studies (not revealing his identity). In the meantime Namitha and four of her friends come to stay at the house next to his house, where Swarnamalya stays. And he too has a few guests in his house, like Pandiarajan and Prabhu Deva (Manivannan's son). The movie from here has interesting events which results in love between Prabhu Deva and Swarnamalya. In the end Vijayakanth finds out the truth from Thyagu and Anandraj and holds the hands of Namitha. The movie has right mix of action, romance and humour that will please his fans. Vijayakanth deserves special mention for leaving his presence in a humourous movie (not his forte normally). However, he does not disappoint action-lovers as he jumps and kicks a few in the movie. Tollywood girl Namitha makes her debut in Tamil and looks fresh on the screen. Vadivel deserves credit for his spontaneous wit and humour. His comedy with Pandiarajan and Prabhu Deva deserve greater appreciation. Anandha Kuttan has cranked the camera while Deva has composed the music. Director Siddique has succeeded in presenting a Malayalam theme much to the liking of Tamil audience with humour all through. A must for Vijayakanth fans.
Congres-DMK sign accord on seat-sharing
Monday, February 2, 2004
Chennai, Feb 2 (PTI) Crossing several hurdles, the Congress and DMK today finally concluded their seat-sharing exercise successfully, when an accord for a total of ten seats for the national party was signed by Congress General Secretary Kamal Nath and DMK President M Karunanidhi.After a nearly two-hour meeting, Kamal Nath said the party signed the agreement when the remaining three seats, for which there were claims and counter-claims, were allotted. The three constituencies allotted today are Salem, Periakulam and Tirunelveli. The party had already been allotted seven -- Myladuthurai, Sivaganga, Gopichettipalayam, Nilgiris, Palani, Rasipuram, and Dindigul. Speaking to reporters separately, Kamal Nath and Karunanidhi expressed their 'satisfaction' and 'happiness' over the successful conclusion of the electoral pact. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi spoke to Karunanidhi from New Delhi to congratulate him for having reached a satisfactory agreement, Kamal Nath said. The contentious Pondicherry seat, which had already been allotted to PMK, would be discussed later and a satisfactory solution found, he said. PTI
PM cements ties with AIADMK, effusive about Jaya's leadership
Monday, February 2, 2004
Kanyakumari, Feb 2 (PTI) Cementing the new alliance with AIADMK ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today shared a public platform with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for the first time in five years and lauded her effusively saying BJP valued friendship with her.A day after Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had a dinner meeting with Jayalalithaa in Chennai to fine tune the BJP-AIADMK tie-up, Vajpayee and the Chief Minister made a joint appearance at the bhoomipujan of four-laning of Kanyakumari-Kashmir highway project here in what turned out to be virtual launch of NDA's election campaign in the South. On a day when political rivals Congress and DMK clinched their seat-adjustment accord in Tamil Nadu, Vajpayee said "we value our partnership with Jayalalithaa. Under her leadership, Tamil Nadu has made massive strides in socio-economic development". The Prime Minister said he was happy that Jayalalithaa readily agreed to join this special occasion. She has "worked hard for the development of Tamil Nadu", he added. He commended Jayalalithaa government for its cooperation in implementing the highway project. She, in her turn, thanked Vajpayee for coming over to lay the foundation of the project and urged him to take measures for development of 1,900-km of national highway in the state by including it in Prime Minister's Road Development project. Vajpayee said "we are focussing not just on physical connectivity through road, rail and telecommunication. We are working for heart connectivity and we are succeeding from Kashmir to Kanyakumari." PTI
Puthukottayilirundhu Saravanan
Monday, February 2, 2004
Cast: Dhanush, Aparna, KarunasDirector: S S Stanley After three successful hits, Dhanush is the latest super hero in Tamil and this fourth film comes with a lot of expectations from the industry. While the lanky Dhanush does everything expected of him--fast dances, brilliant fights, and excellent dialogue delivery, the director lets him down with a sill story. It all begins at Puthukottai in Tamil Nadu where Saravanan (Dhanush), a youth from a middle class family goes to Singapore through an agent in a labour contract. There, he joins a group of Indian labourers and does odd jobs. His only aim is to earn good money and clear off all his father’s debts. But things go wrong soon and his dreams are shattered when he becomes a pawn in the hands of an underworld gang. He loses his passport in a scuffle with a local Chinese thug. The accidental death of the Chinese guy lands Saravanan with the Singapore police and they start chasing him. He meets a rich businessman who is in difficulty with some local gangsters. He han |
