Vaiko opposes service tax on ATM transactions Tuesday, February 28, 2006 | Nayan
Reacting to the budget, MDMK chief Vaiko in a statement at Chennai said savings bank account holders should not be levied the service tax proposed for withdrawal of money through ATMs as it would "adversely affect" the common man. MDMK, a constituent of the United Progressive Alliance,welcomed the hike in allocation for the social and rural sectors in the Union budget but opposed the proposal to bring ATM transactions under the service tax net. Vaiko, whose party is extending outside support to the Manmohan Singh government, said the interest rate for short term crop loans should have been further reduced from the proposed seven per cent.
Nayantara gone Bangkok to shoot 'Kalvanin Kadhali' Monday, February 27, 2006 | Nayan
Nayantara... The hot name in Tamil cinema. Nayantara had gone bangkok to shoot for 'Kalvanin Kadhali', she earned a lot of sympathy. The unit had gone there before her and the actress, after her schedule in a Telugu film, had followed them. But when she reached the Bangkok airport there was no one to receive her. Added to that, the queries of the airport officials who wanted details of her place and duration of stay, all of which she didn't have the answers to, left her in tears. A few phone calls later, she did manage to reach the unit. Reportedly, co-star S J Surya was not very sympathetic to her situation. But finally everything was sorted out, the shooting for the song going on as per schedule.
Rajnikanth would act in four more movies Monday, February 27, 2006 | Nayan
"Superstar Rajnikanth would be acting in four more films after 'Shivaji'", director Murugadas said. Rajnikanth, after seeing 'Gajini', had complimented Murugadas on his work. Calling him home, the hero had talked to him for two hours. He'd expressed his desire to act in a film of Murugadas', and asked him to prepare a script for him. "I will be doing just three or four films after 'Shivaji'," the Superstar had told him then.
Cell campaign for Vijay, Trisha's "Aathi" Monday, February 27, 2006 | Nayan
Reliance India Mobile has announced its association with Vijay and Trisha starring 'Aathi', a Vijay entertainer. Under the popular 'Showtime' property, the mega movie promotion platform, Aathi is aimed at enthralling RIM subscribers as a special Pongal package. Aathi Lead star cast:Vijay and Trisha Director: Ramana Music: Vidyasagar Producer : S A Chandrasekhar
Hero role for Dance master Harish Kumar Monday, February 27, 2006 | Nayan
Dance master Harikumar is following in the footsteps of Prabhu Deva, Raju Sundaram and Lawrence. He plays the lead role in the film 'Thoothukudi'. Harikumar has choreographed dances for more than a 100 films in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, and had the likes of Mammotty, Mohanlal, Dilip, Kunchacke Boban, Nagarjun, Prabhas, Udakiran, Jagapathibabu, Vijayakanth, Prasanna, Shaam, Dhanush and Arun Kumar dancing to his steps. Thoothukudi cast: Kartika, Sweta, Navin Balaji,Radhakrishnan, Raghuvarama and Inayathulla. Music: Praveen Mani cinematography:Jeevan Editing: Saisuresh Stunts:Action Prakash Sets: P L Deva. Scripting and directing: Sanjay Ram
Traditional gaiety marks Maha Sivaratri at TN temples Monday, February 27, 2006 | Nayan
Devotees thronged temples to offer obeisance as religious fervour and traditional gaiety marked Maha Sivaratri celebrations across Tamilnadu. Faithfuls took holy dip in rivers and ponds at sunrise before making a beeline to tastefully decorated and illuminated Lord Siva temples to offer prayers. Hymns in praise of Lord Siva were sung with fervour as women observed day-long fast for well being of their husbands and son. Serpentine queues were seen at several temples in Chennai.
TB cases has shown a download trend: Ramadoss Monday, February 27, 2006 | Nayan
The annual increase of tuberculosis cases in India has shown a downward trend in the last three years, according to Union Health Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, after inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the TB Research Centre (TRC) and dedicating to the nation a HIV vaccine trial centre at the TRC complex at Chennai. Three years ago, there were about 20 lakh new cases of tuberculosis annually, which has come down to 18 lakh, he added. Stating that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had appreciated the steps taken by the country to control TB, he attributed the drop in cases to the revised national TB control programme.
Profile: Wish you happy birthday Ms.Jayalalithaa Friday, February 24, 2006 | Nayan
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Constituency: Andipatti, Theni District Date of Birth : 24-02-1948 Place: Mysore Education: Matriculation Marital Status: Unmarried Occupation: Agriculture > Political Career: Member of Parliament to the Rajya Sabha from 1984. Retained the seat until she was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in January 1989 from Bodinayakkanur. She became the first Woman Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Won in both Bargur and Kangeyam constituencies during the General Elections to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly held in 1991. Subsequently, she resigned the Kangeyam Assembly seat. She was elected from Andipatti Assembly constituency in February 2002. Chief Minister from 24-06-1991 to 12-05-1996, from 14-05-2001 to 21-09-2001and from 02-03-2002 > Awards and Special Degrees: Honoured with the Award "Kalaimamani" by the Tamil Nadu Government in 1972. The University of Madras on 19th December 1991 has honoured her by conferring the Degree of Doctor of Literature(D.Litt). TN Dr MGR Medical University conferred the degree of Doctor of Science in 1992. Madurai Kamaraj University conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters in 1993. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University conferred the degree of Doctor of Science in June 2003. Bharathidasan University conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on 2nd Sep, 2003.Honoured with the Golden Star of Honour and Dignity Award by the International Human Rights Defense Committee, Ukraine.Honoured with the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition and Life-time achievement Award by the Rotary International. Present Address: "Veda Nilayam", 81/36 Poes Garden, Chennai - 600 086.
Actor Sharat Kumar touched 100 film mark Friday, February 24, 2006 | Nayan
Sharat Kumar... A newspaper man, a producer, a villain, a hero, a politician... He has touched his 100th film mark with the launch of 'Thalaimagan'It's been 23 years of services to the film industry in various capacities - as a producer, distributor and an actor. And then came his political foray. But Sharat Kumar, MP (DMK) and the secretary of the 'Nadigar Sangam' wears all these various hats with a quiet comfort. Sharat Kumar has touched 100 markwith 'Thalaimagan', produced by his wife Radhika.
Finalisation of Tamilnadu voters list might be delayed: EC Friday, February 24, 2006 | Nayan
Voters list in Tamil Nadu for the coming Assembly polls might be delayed, past the original February 27 deadline, Election Commissioner Gopalsamy said at Chennai. Though 80 per cent of the verification was over, the entire data had to be computerised and this required time, finanalisation of voters list might be delayed by one or two days,he told. Agreeing that there were problems in distributing Electoral Photo Identity Cards, he said the EC wanted to cover at least 90 per cent of voters. We want to ensure that voters who produce EPIC cards are allowed to vote. But if there is a delay we can ask them to produce some other ID. Tamil Nadu, which has about 65,000 Electronic Voting Machines, would require 15000 more EVMs, which would be secured from Karnataka, Gopalswamy said.
HC quashed the proceedings against Actress Sridevi Wednesday, February 22, 2006 | Nayan
The Madras High Court has quashed the proceedings on a civil suit filed by V Ramakrishna Goud against actress Sridevi claiming that she was his wife.Allowing a petition by the actress against a family court order directing her to appear before it, Justice observed that the man, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, was in the habit of filing false cases against film or political personalities.The judge also slapped Goud with costs of Rs 1 lakh and directed him to pay the amount to the Tamil Nadu Legal Services within three months.
Tamilnadu Elections: Congress final list announcement soon Wednesday, February 22, 2006 | Nayan
The Tamilnadu Congress will take a decision on the number of seats and constituencies to be contested for the coming elections to the Assembly on February 25.CWC member and party in-charge of the state, M Veerappa Moily and AICC secretary Shantaram Naik would meet the TNCC president, Central Ministers, MPs and other senior leaders from the state in Chennai and take stock of the situation, Moily told reporters at Chennai.After making an assessment, they would go to Delhi and come back again on February 25 with a final decision, hold a meeting and then submit the list to DPA leader and DMK president M Karunanidhi, he said. To a question on the number of seats the party wanted, Moily said "the Congress will have a respectable space in the DPA." On participating in the government, Moily said the main and foremost agenda of Congress was to win the polls.
Superstar Rajnikant goes to France Wednesday, February 22, 2006 | Nayan
Tamil superstar Rajnikant is all set to be part of a French film - or at least his Kung-fu skills. French film-maker Alain Chabat wanted a small filler for a fight sequence in his comedy 'Rent a Wife' which is slated for this year release. Alain eye fell on a martial arts sequence in Rajnikant's Tamil film 'Muthu' (1995) and he immediately decided to use it.
Asian College of Journalism to come up in Chennai Wednesday, February 22, 2006 | Nayan
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today laid the foundation stone for the proposed new building for the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), to come up in Chennai where scores of IT industry offices are housed. The South Asia Foundation had given one million US dollars for the construction of the new building for ACJ, which was floated by Media Development Foundation (MDF) in 2000. MDF president S Sasikumar and present on the occasion.
Arthi Agarwal... This 22 year old dabbled in 'Tamil' where she did two films. The name was once the most wanted in telugu film industry. Arthi Agarwal shot to fame with her debut film in Telugu, Nuvvu Naku Nacchavu opposite Venkatesh. My.telugu.com has already given the news about Actress Arthi injured her head in her home. After some gap Arthi suddenly faded away. With not many opportunities in and couple of personal problems (her alleged love affair with hero Tarun. Born and brought up in New Jersey, Arthi's entrance into the films happened accidentally when she attended a stage show in Philadelphia. With aspirations to become a heroine she landed in Mumbai and took up acting classes in Mumbai during her vacation at the age of 15. She made her debut in 2001-released Pagalpaan that stars Karan Nath and directed by Joy Augusteen. Luck deserted her in Bollywood. She immediately switched to Tollywood where she reaped in gold. As her debut film, Nuvvu Naku Nacchavu turned out to be blockbuster, offers poured in. Soon she went on to act with the top heroes including megastar Chiranjeevi (Indra), Nagarjuna (Nenunnanu), Balakrishna (Palanati Brahmanaidu),Mahesh Babu (Bobby), NTR (Allari Ramudu), Prabhas (Adavi Ramudu), Uday Kiran (Nee Sneham) and Ravi Teja (Veede) had also paired with her. She is currently working with comedian Sunil in Andalaramudu. Arthi’s younger sister Adithi has also joined in films. Adithi acted in Allu Arjun's Gangotri.
P.Chidambaram's son may appoint as TNYC president? Monday, February 20, 2006 | Nayan
Tension prevailed at the Taminadu Congress Committee headquarters at Chennai with a group protesting the move to appoint Karthick Chidambaram, son of Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, as president of the state Youth Congress. Some party workers shouted slogans against the move which was resented by others, triggering tension at Satyamurthy Bhavan. Both the groups almost came to blows but senior leaders, including Tamilnadu Congress Committee leader D Sudarsanam, intervened and averted a clash. Later, some volunteers met State Congress chief M Krishnasamy and requested him that Karthick be not appointed as the state Youth Congress chief.
Tension in Chennai Saturday, February 18, 2006 | Nayan
Tension prevailed in Ariyamangalam at Chennai after BJP workers blocked the Thanjavur road to protest against the reported ransacking of the Depot of a Pandal Contractor in a bid to vacate him from the site. Police said the contractor, who had his shop near a mosque, had a cordial relationship with the mosque management and used to get annual contracts for putting up pandals for mosque festivals. About 200 Muslim youths barged into his depot around noon, removed all the Pandal materials threw them out on the road. As news about the ransacking of the shop spread, the Chennai local BJP councillor rushed to the spot with party workers and blocked road traffic, demanding action against those who ransacked the depot, leading to tension.
Padmashree Shobana on Vijay TV's 'Singaram Thotta Manithargal' Saturday, February 18, 2006 | Nayan
Padmashree Shobana... Born into a family of dancers. She commited to the arts, Sobhana is he niece of he legendary classical dancers Travancore Sisters Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini. Actress and dancer Shobana speakes her herat out to Vijay TV on February 19, tomorrow at 7.30 pm in "Singaram Thotta Manithargal' She started training in Bharatanatyam at a very early age. Recently, the actress was selected for the prestigious 'Padmashree' award. She has acted in more than 225 films including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. She has won the national award for best actress twice.
Roja and Bombay fame Arvind Swamy's wife Gayathri has filed a petition seeking divorce from him. Gayathri is working as a lecturer in Stella Maris College, Chennai.What turned sour in their marital life is yet to be known. Arvind Swamy had rocked the nation with his performance in Roja. He started his acting career with the film Dalapathi.He had fluttered woman of all ages.Arvind Swamy married Gayathri in 1994. They have two daughters, Adhira who is nine and Rudhra is five. The couple were staying separately from the past few months. Both the children are with Swamy. Arvind Swamy hasbeen asked to file his opinion by the 21st of this month.
Tamil movie awards function on Feburary 23 Tuesday, February 14, 2006 | Nayan
Expressing happiness over the announcement of awards for Tamil movies released in 2003 and 2004,the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce requested Ms.Jayalalithaa to also release the subsidy for 114 films released between 2000 and 2004.In a letter to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, SIFCC president K C N Chandrashekar, said Tamil film producers, whose films were recommended for subsidy, were eagerly waiting to receive the amount to meet their commitments. He hoped the Chief Minister would consider the request and issue the cheques to the producers concerned during the distribution of state awards on February 23.
Jayalalithaa moves court against AP Tuesday, February 14, 2006 | Nayan
TN Government moved the Supreme Court seeking its direction to prevent AP Government from constructing a dam across river Palar.The dam is being constructed at Kuppam in Andhra Pradesh bordering Tamil Nadu on the river Palar which orginates from Karnataka. Earlier, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had written a letter to AP CM Y S Rajashekara Reddy requesting him to stop construction of the dam as it would adversely affect the farmers in North Arcot District of Tamil Nadu and cause drinking water crisis there. Tamil Nadu Government filed a civil suit in the Supreme Court after Reddy replied to Jayalalithaa saying whatever Andhra Pradesh was doing was well within its constitutional rights.
Job openings at Kancheepuram for MNC's Tuesday, February 14, 2006 | Nayan
With several multi-national companies setting up units near Kanchipuram, hundreds of youths, mostly girls, educated up to higher-secondary level are getting well-paid jobs in the district. As part of their rural obligation, companies situated along the Grand West Trunk Road near Kancheepuram, are appointing fresh school leavers as trainees with salaries starting at Rs.5,000 per month, official sources said. Corporates like Hyundai and Ford Motors call for trainees stipulating that candidates should be freshers from schools or colleges and not over 18 years of age. After a written test in mathematics fundamentals, the shortlisted candidates are interviewed in vernacular language and appointed the same day.
PM to attend for Justice Basheer Ahamed Sayeed College for women celebrations Saturday, February 11, 2006 | Nayan
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of the Justice Basheer Ahamed Sayeed College for women at Chennai.College Chairman Moosa Raza said the valedictory function would be held either next month or in April.As part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the college, the foundation stone of which was laid by the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on January 22, 1955, the college had applied to the University Grants Commission for autonomous status.The college planned to introduce innovative programmes in cutting edge technologies like nano technology, plasma physics and genetics.
Film maker Bhaskar Bhattacharya dead Saturday, February 11, 2006 | Nayan
Prominent film maker Bhaskar Bhattacharya drowned in the sea at a beach, about 20 kms from Chennai, Friday. Bhattacharya, who was here in connection with the shooting of a documentary on a Shiva temple, was staying in one of the rest houses on the beach.The temple was in controversy following the Centre's reported move to take it over which was resisted by the local people.The director is survived by wife Rohini and nine-year-old son Bhuba.The cremation will take place today in New Delhi.The acclaimed documentary film maker worked with top international broadcasters, including BBC and National Geographic Channel.
Rs.50 lakh Golden door made at Palani Temple Saturday, February 11, 2006 | Nayan
The Gold plated door had been made at a cost of Rs 50 lakh at the forecourt entrance of the famous hill shrine of Lord Muruga at Palani in neighbouring Dindigul District. The money had been donated by a devotee. This was unveiled on friday after special a pooja. The door replaces the silver-plated door and was made by a stapathis Rajagopal and Muthukumaraswamy of Madurai.Devotees would be permitted to pass through this golden entrance from friday, temple officials said. Temple Executive Officer Sundaram and the trustees attended the function.
Film star cricket match: Kollywood wins Arogya Cup Monday, February 6, 2006 | Nayan
Actor Ramana proved his skill in wielding the willow by scoring a brilliant century in a fun-filled 30-over-a-side friendly cricket match between Tamil and Telugu film stars at Chennai. The stars gathered at the famous M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, for a day-night clash for the Arogya Cup. Right from the word go, Ramana hit the ball hard, after actor Abbas, captain of the Kollywood side, won the toss and chose to bat. > Ramana's opening partner was Shaam. The Kollywood team included actors Vishal, Shaam, Simbhu, Srikanth, Arya, Jeeva, Vikranth, Ramesh, Arunkumar and Ramana (wicket keeper). The team from the Telugu filmdom included captain and wicket keeper Tarun Ayappa, Tarakarathna, Madalla Ravi, G.V. Sudhakar, Ragu, Vishnu, Srikanth, O. Kalyan, Rajesh and Ravishanker.
Global Education fair from February 12 at Chennai Monday, February 6, 2006 | Nayan
A global education fair will be held at the EOA Model Centre for Global Education, Rosy Towers, Nungambakkam High Road,Chennai on February 12. The Education Overseas Academy will counsel students for admissions to universities in U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Rome and Greece. Students will be assessed by experts and guided to choose the right country, university and programme and also briefed on admission procedures, documentation and visa formalities during the fair. The fair will also make available information on training for pre-requisite examinations including TOEFL, GRE, IELTS, GMAT and SAT. > For more information call, 28203111, 28203112.
TN Elections: Kalimuthu re-elected chairman of AIADMK party presidium Sunday, February 5, 2006 | Nayan
AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa appealed to party activists to work for its victory in the coming Assembly polls without bothering about electoral alliances. Addressing the executive and general council of the party, Ms. Jayalalithaa made it clear that the AIADMK was not averse to electoral tie-ups. Talks were still on with some parties and the prospects for finalising such ties were bright, she said. The executive and the general council also authorised Ms. Jayalalithaa to finalise the party's strategy including forging electoral ties for the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry due in May. Former Assembly Speaker K. Kalimuthu was re-elected as the chairman of the presidium of the AIADMK after a gap of five years. Ms. Jayalalithaa proposed his name for the post, following the resignation of C. Ponnaiyan.
Homage: Late chief Minister C.N.Annadurai 37th death anniversary Saturday, February 4, 2006 | Nayan
Chief Minister Ms. Jayalalithaa, along with her Cabinet colleagues and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam cadres, paying homage to the late Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai on his 37th death anniversary.Community feasts were organised at 27 temples in the State to mark the occasion. As many as 20 Ministers including Public Works Minister O. Paneerselvam, Law Minister Jayakumar, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.C. Ramasamy and Finance Minister C. Ponnaiyan took part in the feasts offered at 26 temples in Chennai. Food Minister Pollachi V. Jayaraman participated in the programme held at Koniyamman temple in Coimbatore. Mr. Karunanidhi, accompanied, among others, by DMK general secretary K. Anbazhagan, treasurer Arcot N. Veerasamy, and Union Ministers T.R. Baalu, Dayanidhi Maran, K. Venkatapathy, A. Raja and Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan, paid homage at the samadhi and offered floral tributes. The DMK volunteers also took out a silent procession from Chepauk to the samadhi. Mr. Vaiko, along with party functionaries, paid homage. A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the late leader.
PM will arrive at Tiruchi Saturday, February 4, 2006 | Nayan
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will arrive at Tiruchi on Saturday and travel to Neyveli to take part in the golden jubilee celebrations of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation at 12.35 p.m. After this, he will fly to Salem to lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Salem-Chengapalli stretch of National Highway 47 at 4 p.m. He will then fly to Dindigul to lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Krishnagiri-Thoppur ghat section and the Salem Samayanallur sections of the National Highway 7 at Chinnalapatti, near Gandhigram University at 6.30 p.m. After returning to Tiruchi, the Prime Minister will fly back to New Delhi at night.
Popular comedian Senthil joins AIADMK Thursday, February 2, 2006 | Nayan
Popular Tamil comedian Senthil joined the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazham in the presence of the party general secretary Jayalalithaa. Senthil, who came to the party headquarters here along with actor Radha Ravi, MLA, was given the party primary membership card by Ms. Jayalalithaa.Politics and cinema are almost inextricably linked in Tamil Nadu, with scores of Tamil actors associating themselves with one political party or the other. Actor Vijayakant recently launched his own political outfit and actor Kartik, who had earlier planned to start a party, joined the All-India Forward Bloc as its state president.
Egmore Wesley Church, Chennai turns 100 Thursday, February 2, 2006 | Nayan
Egmore Wesley Church, Chennai concluded its year-long centenary celebration with a special thanksgiving service. Mellow music flowed from the pipe organ amidst freshly painted and spruced up interiors, with red roses adorning the wall brackets and altar. The massive chandelier added to the aura, which befitted the commencement of the next century in the church's calendar. To bring the curtain down on the celebration, the youth of Egmore Wesley staged a musical play titled "The Grand Trunk Express to Heaven" scripted by Jean Isaacs at Raja Annamalai Mandram recently. The preacher, Rev. Dr. Sam Kamaleson, set the mood with the song 'No one ever cared for me like Jesus,' while the senior most member and eminent doctor, A.S. Thambiah, offered the dedication prayer. Te new Wesleyan Methodist Church in Egmore was inaugurated at the turn of the last century. The minister, Rev. Oswald Cochran, and 92 year old musician padre Rev. John Millns are two people who stand out in memory of the old timers in the congregation.
Avail discount on Tirupati darshan tickets Wednesday, February 1, 2006 | Nayan
Those booking tickets for Tirupati darshan at the new office of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation at T. Nagar, Chennai can avail a five per cent discount. P.V. Sesha Reddy, divisional manager, APTDC, Hyderabad said the offer is valid for anyone who comes directly to the office at 31/14, Burkit Road, T. Nagar, Chennai - 600017. VIP tickets and also tickets for early morning darsan are available. For details, call: 55439987/55417303/ 9840580577/ 25381213.
Tamilnadu Elections: Meeting on electoral rolls revision Wednesday, February 1, 2006 | Nayan
Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta said that reports would be sought from the Collectors of the tsunami-hit districts on the inclusion of names of electors residing in temporary shelters. After meeting with representatives of political parties at the Secretariat here, Mr. Gupta told reporters that there was apprehension over the deletion of names in the tsunami-affected areas. Some parties wanted to know if officials had included the names of the tsunami victims at their temporary addresses. Some others expressed the view that care should be taken to ensure that their names did not figure at both their temporary and permanent addresses.
