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Italy Emerges as Top Study Destination for Indian Students
Italy continues to strengthen its position as one of the most attractive study-abroad destinations, offering a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural heritage, and student-friendly living. In recent years, the country has seen a notable rise in interest from Indian students, drawn by its globally recognised universities, affordable tuition fees, and vibrant lifestyle.
As highlighted by Mayank Maheshwari, Co-Founder and COO of University Living, Italy stands out for combining history, cultural richness, and strong academic foundations. The country is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, including the University of Bologna, established in 1088. Italy also gave birth to the Bologna Process, which set benchmarks for higher education quality and degree recognition across Europe—benefiting Indian students seeking global acceptance of their qualifications.
Today, Italian universities offer a broad spectrum of programs in art, architecture, engineering, business, science, and design. More than 600 courses are now taught in English, making Italy increasingly accessible to international students. According to University Living’s European Student Landscape report, Italy has nearly 2.2 million higher education students, including over 100,000 international students. India is among the top contributors, with more than 6,100 Indian students currently enrolled.
Several Italian universities consistently rank high globally. Institutions such as Politecnico di Milano are renowned for excellence in engineering, architecture, and design. Sapienza University of Rome is recognised for its strong academic reputation and diverse disciplines, while the University of Padua is widely respected for research in medicine, science, and humanities. Politecnico di Torino is another leading choice for engineering and technical studies. Other notable institutions, including the University of Milan, the University of Pisa, and the University of Naples Federico II, also attract students across multiple disciplines.
Italy has also introduced updated visa policies to better manage and support international student mobility. Beginning January 2025, international students will need to attend appointments at Italian consulates and provide biometric data, including fingerprints, as part of the visa process. While this may slightly increase application costs, Italy continues to allow international graduates to remain in the country for up to 12 months after completing their studies for academic or professional training opportunities.
Living expenses in Italy vary by city. Major hubs like Rome and Milan are more expensive, with monthly accommodation costs typically ranging from €700 to €1,200, and overall student expenses averaging around €1,050 per month. In contrast, cities such as Pisa, Padua, and Naples offer more affordable options, with total monthly living costs between €600 and €900.
Students can choose from various accommodation options, including homestays, on-campus housing, private rentals, and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). While university housing is generally affordable, availability can be limited in major cities. Private rentals offer greater independence but may be costly, whereas PBSAs are popular for their modern amenities and all-inclusive pricing, though demand remains high.
Beyond education, Italy is actively working to attract global talent and innovation. Recent reforms aim to streamline visa processes for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, particularly start-up founders and those involved in research and innovation. These measures reinforce Italy’s ambition to remain competitive among European destinations and strengthen its appeal as a hub for academic excellence and global talent.
EU Unveils First-Ever Comprehensive Visa Strategy
The European Commission has unveiled its first-ever long-term EU Visa Strategy, aimed at modernising visa policies, strengthening security, and enhancing Europe’s global competitiveness. The move comes at a time of rising global mobility, geopolitical tensions, and regional instability, prompting the EU to adopt a more structured and future-ready approach to managing travel and migration.
Security forms the foundation of the new strategy. The Commission plans to introduce a revised framework in 2026 to reassess visa exemptions granted to partner countries. A stronger Visa Suspension Mechanism will be implemented to prevent misuse of visa-free travel. The EU also intends to apply targeted visa restrictions for countries that fail to cooperate on migration and return policies, along with harmonised sanctions to tackle travel document fraud more effectively.
At the same time, the strategy focuses on boosting economic growth and simplifying travel processes. From late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will automate pre-departure checks for visa-free travellers, enhancing both efficiency and security. The EU also plans to fully digitalise visa procedures, allowing applicants to complete the entire process online. Business travel will be facilitated through verified company lists for faster visa approvals, and trusted travellers may benefit from longer-validity multiple-entry visas.
To further modernise border management, EU IT systems will become interoperable by 2028, enabling authorities to access multiple databases through a single search. This integration will improve information-sharing, reduce fraud risks, and ensure smoother travel experiences for legitimate visitors. The strategy also includes plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence tools into visa systems to strengthen efficiency and risk assessment capabilities.
In addition, the Commission has issued recommendations to attract highly skilled professionals, researchers, students, and start-up founders. The focus is on simplifying and accelerating long-stay visa procedures, digitising applications, reducing documentation requirements, and enabling smoother transitions from study or research to employment or entrepreneurship within the EU.
Key next steps include the rollout of ETIAS in 2026, full digitalisation of visa procedures, a review of multiple-entry visa policies, targeted restrictive measures for countries undermining EU security, the development of a common list of accepted third-country travel documents, and a comprehensive study on the role of external service providers in visa processing. Overall, the new visa strategy represents a major shift toward a more secure, efficient, and innovation-driven travel and migration framework for the European Union.
Chiru Shares Blissful Moment From Naming Ceremony
Tollywood’s beloved couple Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela have been blessed with twins—a baby boy and a baby girl—born on January 31. With their arrival, the family has grown to five, as the couple already share their first daughter, Klin Kaara.
In keeping with family traditions, a grand yet intimate naming ceremony was held to introduce the newborns. The baby boy has been named Shiva Ram Konidela, while the baby girl has been named Anveera Devi—names that symbolize humility, strength, and a purposeful future.
A heartwarming glimpse from the ceremony was shared by megastar Chiranjeevi. The photo captured a beautiful family moment, with Ram Charan holding Klin Kaara on his lap and Upasana by his side, both beaming with happiness during the rituals. Chiranjeevi was seen cradling one of the twins, while Upasana’s mother, Sobhana Kamineni, lovingly carried the other.
The ceremony reflected the Konidela family’s strong cultural roots, warmth, and togetherness, making it a truly memorable occasion.
అనిల్ రావిపూడి నెక్స్ట్ మూవీపై రూమర్లకు ఫుల్ స్టాప్!
సక్సెస్ఫుల్ డైరెక్టర్ Anil Ravipudi నెక్స్ట్ ప్రాజెక్ట్పై సోషల్ మీడియాలో గత కొన్ని రోజులుగా పెద్ద ఎత్తున చర్చ జరుగుతోంది. ఇప్పటికే తనకంటూ ప్రత్యేక గుర్తింపు సంపాదించుకున్న ఆయన, ప్రేక్షకులకు కావాల్సిన పక్కా ఎంటర్టైన్మెంట్ అందిస్తూ వరుస విజయాలతో దూసుకుపోతున్నారు. డెబ్యూ మూవీ Pataas తో సూపర్ హిట్ అందుకున్న అనిల్, ఆ తర్వాత కూడా బ్యాక్ టు బ్యాక్ హిట్స్ సొంతం చేసుకున్నారు.
గతేడాది విక్టరీ వెంకటేష్తో కలిసి చేసిన Sankranthiki Vasthunnam భారీ విజయాన్ని అందుకుంది. తాజాగా మెగాస్టార్ **Chiranjeevi**తో కలిసి చేసిన Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu కూడా బ్లాక్బస్టర్గా నిలిచి రూ.300 కోట్లకు పైగా వసూళ్లు రాబట్టింది. థియేటర్లలోనే కాకుండా ఓటీటీలో కూడా ఈ సినిమా దూసుకుపోతోంది.
ఈ సక్సెస్ తర్వాత అనిల్ రావిపూడి తదుపరి సినిమా ఏది? అనే ప్రశ్న ఇండస్ట్రీలో ఆసక్తిని రేకెత్తిస్తోంది. ఈ నేపథ్యంలో ఆయన మరోసారి వెంకటేష్తోనే సినిమా చేయబోతున్నారనే వార్తలు సోషల్ మీడియాలో వైరల్ అయ్యాయి. హీరోయిన్లు, టైటిల్, మ్యూజిక్ డైరెక్టర్ ఇలా అన్నీ ఫిక్స్ అయ్యాయంటూ ప్రచారం జరిగింది.
ఇప్పటికే ఈ రూమర్లపై స్పందించిన అనిల్, తాజాగా Couple Friendly ప్రీ రిలీజ్ ఈవెంట్లో మరోసారి ఆసక్తికరంగా స్పందించారు. ఈ కార్యక్రమంలో హీరో Santosh Sobhan నెక్స్ట్ మూవీపై అప్డేట్ ఇవ్వాలని అడగగా, అనిల్ నవ్వుతూ స్పందించారు.
“నిజం చెబుతున్నా… హానెస్ట్గా చెబుతున్నా… స్క్రిప్ట్పై ఒట్టు వేసి చెబుతున్నా… నా దగ్గర కంటే కొందరు ట్విట్టర్ జర్నలిస్టుల దగ్గరే నా కథ ఉంది. నేను కూడా చూస్తున్నాను. మీ ఫోన్ ఓపెన్ చేసి వారిలో ఎవరికి ఫోన్ చేసినా పూర్తి డిటైల్స్ చెబుతారు” అంటూ సరదాగా వ్యాఖ్యానించారు.
ఈ వ్యాఖ్యలతో ఈవెంట్లో నవ్వులు పూశాయి. ఇటీవల తాను ఇంకా కాగితం మీద కలం కూడా పెట్టలేదని, కానీ సోషల్ మీడియాలో అప్పుడే కథ, క్యాస్టింగ్, టైటిల్ అన్నీ ఫిక్స్ అయిపోయాయని పోస్ట్ చేసిన ఆయన… “ఈ ఫ్లో చూస్తుంటే యాక్షన్, కట్ కూడా వాళ్లే చెప్పేస్తారేమో” అంటూ హాస్యంగా స్పందించారు.
శివాజీ వ్యాఖ్యల ప్రభావం?.. ఈవెంట్లలో చీరల ట్రెండ్ పెరిగిందా?
నటుడు Shivaji ఇటీవల చేసిన వ్యాఖ్యలు టాలీవుడ్లో చర్చనీయాంశంగా మారిన విషయం తెలిసిందే. ఆయన వ్యాఖ్యల తర్వాత ఇండస్ట్రీలో కొంత మార్పు కనిపిస్తోందా? హీరోయిన్ల వేషధారణలో మార్పులు వచ్చాయా? అన్న ప్రశ్నలకు ప్రస్తుతం ‘అవును’ అనే సమాధానం వినిపిస్తోంది.
‘దండోరా’ సినిమా ప్రీ రిలీజ్ ఈవెంట్లో శివాజీ మాట్లాడుతూ హీరోయిన్ల డ్రెస్ సెన్స్పై వ్యాఖ్యలు చేశారు. మహిళల అందం వారు ధరిస్తున్న సంపూర్ణ దుస్తుల్లోనే ఉంటుందని, గ్లామర్కు ఒక హద్దు ఉండాలని అభిప్రాయపడ్డారు. గత నటి Savitri, **Soundarya**లను ఉదాహరణగా చెప్పి, ప్రస్తుత తరం నుంచి **Rashmika Mandanna**ను ప్రస్తావించారు. అయితే ఆయన చేసిన కొన్ని పదప్రయోగాలు తీవ్ర విమర్శలకు దారి తీశాయి.
ఈ వ్యాఖ్యలపై Anasuya Bharadwaj, Naga Babu, Prakash Raj, Ram Gopal Varma తదితరులు స్పందించారు. విషయం తెలంగాణ మహిళా కమిషన్ దాకా వెళ్లి పెద్ద దుమారం రేపింది.
ఈ పరిణామాల అనంతరం, ఇటీవల జరుగుతున్న సినిమా ఈవెంట్లలో అనేక మంది హీరోయిన్లు చీరల్లో కనిపించడం గమనార్హం. ఇదే విషయాన్ని తాజాగా సీనియర్ నటుడు Naresh ప్రస్తావించారు.
Hey Bhagawan ట్రైలర్ విడుదల కార్యక్రమంలో మాట్లాడిన నరేష్, ఇటీవలి పరిణామాల తర్వాత సినిమా వేడుకల్లో మహిళలు అధికంగా చీరలు ధరిస్తున్నారని వ్యాఖ్యానించారు. సుహాస్, శివానీ నాగారం జంటగా నటించిన ఈ చిత్రానికి గోపీ దర్శకత్వం వహించారు. ఈ నెల 20న సినిమా విడుదల కానుంది.
వాలెంటైన్ వీక్లో భాగమైన ‘హగ్ డే’ సందర్భంగా టీమ్లోని పురుషులను ఆలింగనం చేసుకున్న నరేష్, హీరోయిన్ శివానీ నాగారం మరియు యాంకర్ స్రవంతిని అభినందిస్తూ వారి వేషధారణను ప్రస్తావించారు. “మీరు చీరలు ధరించి లక్సణంగా ఉన్నారు” అంటూ వ్యాఖ్యానించారు.
మొత్తానికి, శివాజీ వ్యాఖ్యలు అప్పట్లో తీవ్ర వివాదానికి దారి తీసినా, ఆ తర్వాత ఇండస్ట్రీలో వేషధారణ విషయంలో కొంత చర్చ మొదలైందని నరేష్ వ్యాఖ్యల ద్వారా స్పష్టమవుతోంది. అయితే ఈ మార్పులు తాత్కాలికమా? లేక శాశ్వతమా? అన్నది కాలమే నిర్ణయించాలి.
రవితేజ రెమ్యూనరేషన్లో మార్పు.. షేర్ మోడల్ వైపు అడుగులు?
టాలీవుడ్ సీనియర్ హీరో, మాస్ మహారాజా Ravi Teja కెరీర్ ప్రస్తుతం కీలక దశలో ఉందనే టాక్ ఇండస్ట్రీ వర్గాల్లో వినిపిస్తోంది. వరుస ఫ్లాపుల నేపథ్యంలో ఇకపై భారీ బడ్జెట్ సినిమాలకు దూరంగా ఉండాలని, జాగ్రత్తగా ప్రాజెక్టులు ఎంపిక చేసుకోవాలని ఆయన నిర్ణయించుకున్నట్లు సోషల్ మీడియాలో ప్రచారం జరుగుతోంది.
ప్రస్తుతం రవితేజ రెమ్యూనరేషన్ రూ.20–25 కోట్ల మధ్యలో ఉందని వినికిడి. దీంతో సినిమా మొత్తం బడ్జెట్ సులభంగా రూ.40–50 కోట్లకు చేరుతోందని చెబుతున్నారు. ప్రమోషన్లు, ఇతర ఖర్చులు కలిస్తే వ్యయం మరింత పెరిగి, ప్రాజెక్ట్ మొత్తం రూ.100 కోట్లకు చేరే పరిస్థితి వస్తే నిర్మాతలకు ఆర్థిక ఒత్తిడి తప్పదనే అంచనాలు ఉన్నాయి.
ఈ నేపథ్యంలో కొత్త సినిమాల విషయంలో నిర్మాతలు కూడా ఆచితూచి వ్యవహరిస్తున్నారని సమాచారం. మెగాస్టార్ Chiranjeevi ‘విశ్వంభర’ తర్వాత దర్శకుడు Vassishta రవితేజతో ఒక ప్రాజెక్ట్ ప్లాన్ చేసినప్పటికీ, బడ్జెట్ పరిమితుల కారణంగా అది ముందుకు సాగడం లేదని తెలుస్తోంది. కథపై ఆసక్తి ఉన్నప్పటికీ భారీ వ్యయంపై నిర్మాతలు సందేహం వ్యక్తం చేస్తున్నట్లు సమాచారం.
ఇక ఓటీటీ ప్లాట్ఫామ్ల ప్రభావం కూడా సినీ రంగంపై పడుతోందని చెప్పాలి. గతంలో డిజిటల్ రైట్స్ ద్వారా పెద్ద మొత్తంలో రికవరీ సాధ్యమయ్యేది. కానీ ఇప్పుడు అలాంటి భారీ డీల్స్ తగ్గిపోవడంతో థియేటర్ కలెక్షన్లపైనే ఆధారపడాల్సిన పరిస్థితి ఏర్పడింది. సినిమా ఫ్లాప్ అయితే నష్టాలు అధికమయ్యే ప్రమాదం ఉండడంతో నిర్మాతలు భారీ బడ్జెట్ల విషయంలో వెనకడుగు వేస్తున్నారు.
ఈ పరిస్థితుల్లో రవితేజ తన పారితోషిక విధానంలో మార్పులు చేస్తున్నారనే వార్తలు వినిపిస్తున్నాయి. ఫిక్స్డ్ రెమ్యూనరేషన్ తగ్గించి, సినిమా లాభాల్లో వాటా తీసుకునే ‘షేర్ మోడల్’ వైపు మొగ్గు చూపుతున్నట్లు టాక్. ఇలా చేస్తే నిర్మాతలపై భారం తగ్గడంతో పాటు, సినిమా హిట్ అయితే ఇద్దరికీ లాభం అనే ఆలోచనతో ఈ నిర్ణయం తీసుకున్నారని చెబుతున్నారు.
ఈ నిర్ణయానికి నెటిజన్ల నుంచి మద్దతు లభిస్తోంది. కేవలం రవితేజ మాత్రమే కాదు, మరికొందరు హీరోలు కూడా ఇదే మార్గం వైపు చూస్తున్నారనే ప్రచారం ఉంది. సరైన కథ, బలమైన కంటెంట్, కంట్రోల్డ్ బడ్జెట్ ఉంటే మాస్ మహారాజా మళ్లీ బ్లాక్బస్టర్ ఇస్తారని అభిమానులు నమ్మకంగా చెబుతున్నారు.
Don 3 in Limbo After Ranveer Exit, Hrithik Denies Rumours
The much-anticipated sequel Don 3 has once again landed in uncertainty amid fresh developments. For a long time, Ranveer Singh was widely reported to be headlining the project, making it one of the biggest upcoming sequels in Bollywood. However, recent reports suggest that the film’s trajectory has changed significantly.
According to industry buzz, a dispute has emerged between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment following the actor’s reported exit from the project. While the production house is said to have incurred losses of nearly ₹40 crore due to delays linked to his departure, sources close to the actor claim that unprofessional handling from the banner led to complications and setbacks.
Amid these developments, speculation grew that Hrithik Roshan might step in as a replacement. Reports even suggested that he had been finalized for the lead role. However, Hrithik has now categorically denied these claims. In a clarification to a leading publication, he stated that he was never approached for Don 3 at any point, dismissing the rumors outright.
Originally announced in August 2023, the film was expected to have gone on floors by now. With Hrithik’s clarification, the project appears to be back at square one, surrounded by speculation and uncertainty.
At present, conflicting narratives continue to circulate, and an official statement from the makers regarding the future of Don 3 is still awaited.
Venkatesh’s Schedule Puts Drishyam 3 Telugu Remake in Doubt
It is widely acknowledged that Drishyam remains one of the most iconic Malayalam films of the last decade, redefining the family thriller genre with its gripping narrative and emotional depth. The franchise has delivered two successful installments so far, and the third and final part is now gearing up for a summer release in Malayalam.
Director Jeethu Joseph and superstar Mohanlal are aiming to script history with this concluding chapter of the intense thriller saga. However, the Telugu remake now finds itself in a complicated situation due to the packed schedule of Venkatesh Daggubati.
Following the massive success of the Malayalam films, the story was remade in Telugu with Venkatesh in the lead, and both parts received strong appreciation and positive word of mouth. Producer D. Suresh Babu and Venkatesh have always expressed admiration for the franchise and its layered storytelling.
The challenge now lies in timing. With the Malayalam third installment heading for theatrical release — and likely an OTT premiere soon after — the Telugu version may have very limited time to adapt and execute the remake effectively. Meanwhile, Venkatesh is currently busy with Adarsha Kutumbam under the direction of Trivikram Srinivas, targeting a post-summer release. Soon after, he is expected to begin his much-anticipated project with Anil Ravipudi.
Given these commitments, it appears that Venkatesh has little room in his schedule to immediately take up Drishyam 3 in Telugu. Adding to the complexity is the fact that once the Malayalam version releases, major twists and narrative turns will become widely known, potentially reducing the suspense factor for Telugu audiences.
At the same time, walking away from the third part is not an easy option. The final chapter is expected to bring emotional closure and complete the arc of the franchise in a powerful way. With scheduling pressures and timing concerns at play, it remains to be seen when — and how — the Telugu version of Drishyam 3 will eventually materialize.
Revanth Reddy Reaffirms Promise of NTR Statue in Ameerpet
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is currently in New Delhi on a political visit, where he met senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss contemporary political developments.
Addressing the media later in the national capital, Revanth Reddy made several notable remarks, particularly about legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao (Sr NTR).
Revanth Reddy stated that NTR’s legacy transcends political boundaries and belongs to all Telugu people, not any single party or family. He expressed strong support for conferring the Bharat Ratna on NTR, calling it a recognition the iconic leader truly deserves.
In a significant announcement, Revanth Reddy reiterated his earlier promise to install a statue of NTR at the busy Ameerpet junction in Hyderabad. He confirmed that he remains committed to fulfilling this assurance. Notably, he had first made this promise during the Jubilee Hills election campaign.
The Chief Minister also recalled that it was the Congress-led government that facilitated the installation of NTR’s statue in Parliament in 2013, describing it as a testament to the party’s respect for the legendary leader’s contribution to Telugu pride and Indian politics.
With these remarks, Revanth Reddy positioned NTR as a shared cultural icon while reaffirming his government’s commitment to honoring his legacy.
Lokesh Defends 99 Paise Land Policy to Attract IT Giants to Andhra
The Andhra Pradesh government has adopted an aggressive and investment-friendly approach to attract companies to the state. IT Minister Nara Lokesh recently revealed a strategy under which leading firms are being offered land in Visakhapatnam and other key hubs at a nominal price of 99 paise per acre to encourage them to establish operations in the state.
The move, however, has drawn criticism from the YSR Congress Party (YCP), with its leaders questioning the rationale behind allocating land to private companies at such subsidized rates.
Responding to these concerns in the Legislative Council, Lokesh defended the policy, stating that it is the government’s responsibility to build a strong IT ecosystem in Visakhapatnam. He argued that decisive steps are necessary to make the city competitive as an investment destination. Lokesh also questioned why the previous YCP government did not develop a robust IT framework in Vizag during its five-year tenure.
Highlighting recent developments, he noted that within the past 18 months, companies such as TCS, Cognizant, and Google have shown interest in expanding into Andhra Pradesh. According to him, these efforts are aimed at creating infrastructure and generating employment opportunities from the ground up.
Lokesh further cited the example of Hyderabad, recalling how Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had earlier attracted institutions like ISB, Microsoft, and Infosys by offering land incentives. He pointed out that those initiatives laid the foundation for Hyderabad’s emergence as a global capability center (GCC) hub.
The current government maintains that a similar model is being implemented in Visakhapatnam and other regions, including Amaravati, to position Andhra Pradesh as a competitive destination for IT and infrastructure investments. Supporters argue that renewed interest from major companies after a slowdown between 2019 and 2024 reflects the impact of these proactive measures.
MSG Creates All-Time OTT Record with 200 Million Streaming Minutes
Megastar Chiranjeevi’s Sankranthi blockbuster Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, directed by Anil Ravipudi, continues its record-breaking run even after a dominant theatrical performance. Co-starring Venkatesh, the film had already emerged as an all-time regional industry hit, and it is now creating waves in the OTT space as well.
The film has registered the biggest-ever opening for a Telugu movie on ZEE5, setting a new benchmark on the platform. The response from OTT audiences has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising its high entertainment quotient and repeat-watch value.
Within just 24 hours of its digital premiere, the film clocked an astounding 200 million+ streaming minutes — a rare achievement for any regional film and a testament to its massive popularity and universal appeal.
What makes this milestone even more impressive is that many films that perform exceptionally well in theatres do not always replicate the same momentum on OTT. However, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has broken that trend, much like most films that carry Anil Ravipudi’s trademark entertainment style.
Powered by Chiranjeevi’s unmatched mass appeal and a wholesome, family-friendly narrative, the film is now rewriting digital records with the same dominance it displayed at the box office.
Akshaye Khanna’s ₹15 Crore Fee and Wig Condition Surprise Tollywood
Actor Akshaye Khanna has been receiving widespread appreciation for his performance in his recent film, with many calling it impactful and memorable. Following the positive response, several Telugu production houses reportedly approached him for key roles in their upcoming projects.
However, discussions did not progress as expected. According to industry sources, Akshaye Khanna is said to have quoted a remuneration of ₹15 crore. Along with the fee, he reportedly placed a strict condition — that he would appear on screen only while wearing a wig. This demand is said to have surprised many producers.
Interestingly, this is not the first time such a condition has come up. During earlier discussions for Drishyam 3, the actor was reportedly particular about wearing a wig, despite continuity concerns from Drishyam 2. Due to the mismatch, the makers are said to have reconsidered moving forward with him.
Sources suggest that Akshaye Khanna considers the wig his lucky charm and prefers not to appear without it. While his acting talent continues to command immense respect, these conditions have now become a significant talking point within the Telugu film industry.
A.R. Rahman Makes a Strong Comeback in Telugu Cinema
For decades, A.R. Rahman has been one of India’s most celebrated composers, dominating Tamil and Hindi cinema while earning national honours and even Academy Awards. Yet, his direct involvement in Telugu cinema has been limited. While many of his dubbed songs became popular among Telugu audiences, original Telugu projects under his composition have been comparatively few.
Industry observers point to multiple reasons. Some feel Rahman preferred selective collaborations, while others note that Telugu filmmakers and the composer did not always find the right creative alignment. As a result, major Tollywood projects rarely featured him, with Rahman continuing to focus on ventures elsewhere and scaling new professional heights.
The scenario, however, appears to be changing. With Telugu cinema expanding nationally and globally, budget constraints are no longer a concern. Producers increasingly recognize the commercial value of strong music, including its streaming and promotional impact. The song “Chikiri…” from Peddi demonstrated how a single hit track could significantly boost pre-release buzz.
Filmmakers are now approaching Rahman again, but his approach remains consistent: remuneration alone does not decide his projects. He chooses ventures based on story strength, creative chemistry, and meaningful collaborations. Rahman also holds a strong position regarding the music rights; audio rights sold under his name can reportedly fetch over ₹15 crore, even without a major star cast. This makes collaborations highly lucrative, not only for him but also for brand-conscious filmmakers. After all, who wouldn’t want to work with A.R. Rahman?
Ram Charan and Upasana Name Their Twins Shivram & Anveera Devi
Actor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela have revealed the names of their newborn twins, a boy and a girl, following a traditional naamkaran ceremony at their Hyderabad residence. Born on January 31, the twins were named Shivram and Anveera Devi during the ceremony held on February 11.
The couple are already parents to their daughter, Klin Kaara Konidela, who was born on June 20, 2023. Ram Charan and Upasana, married since June 2012, celebrated the ceremony in a traditional manner with pooja rituals, attended by close family and friends.
Superstar Chiranjeevi, the proud grandfather, had announced the birth of the twins on social media a day after they were born. According to Variety India, the names were carefully chosen after consultations with family elders. Ram Charan explained that the naming was deeply personal and spiritual.
The name Shivram combines Lord Shiva and Lord Rama, while also honoring Ram Charan’s grandfather, Shiv Shankar Vara Prasad. Their daughter’s name, Anveera Devi, blends “Veera,” symbolizing bravery, with “An,” meaning limitless, while “Devi” reflects feminine strength. Ram Charan described the names as expressions of the couple’s aspirations for strength, love, and courage.
The couple revealed that the twins were delivered in the same room where Kaara was born, and their birth date and time were chosen in consultation with an astrologer. Upasana remained active with work until the final days of her pregnancy, not taking maternity leave prior to delivery.
Fans and well-wishers have warmly received the announcement, flooding social media with congratulatory messages for the growing Konidela family.
