Watch Actress Jayasudha Joins TDP
IS: Republican candidates question Obama claim
Republican aspirants for presidential nomination competed with each other in the debate on Thursday night to prove one point that they all agreed on — that the U.S. was facing a severe existential threat from Islamist jihad. President Barack Obama had on January 12 said the IS was “not an existential threat’ to the U.S. but the Republican candidates rejected the argument. Frontrunners Donald Trump and Ted Cruz attacked each other with ferocity unseen until now, ahead of the Iowa caucuses on February 1 with which the candidate selection process will formally begin. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump has increased his national lead over Mr. Cruz to 13 percent, a jump from five percent a month earlier.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Cruz picked on the brief detention of U.S sailors by Iran to drive home the point about American decline and weakness but spent considerable time undermining each other. “It was heartbreaking, but the good news is, the next commander in chief is standing on this stage,” Mr. Cruz said of the photographs of American sailors in Iranian custody. He added that once Mr. Obama ceases to be president, any country that dares the U.S would face its “full fury and force.” Mr. Trump has been harping on the fact that Mr. Cruz was born in Canada and questioning his eligibility to run for president. Mr. Cruz could defend his position on the birth issue, but his attack on Mr. Trump by questioning his “New York values,” possibly boomeranged. Mr. Cruz defined New York values as “socially liberal, pro-gay marriage, focused on money and the media” and added for effect that few conservative came from there.
Mr. Trump turned the table on Mr. Cruz by recalling New York’s response to the September 11 terror strikes. “The people in New York fought and fought and fought, and we saw more death, even the smell of death — no one understood it,” Mr. Trump said. “And we rebuilt downtown Manhattan, and everyone in the world watched and loved New York and New Yorkers. And I’ll tell you, that was a very insulting statement that Ted made.”
Mr. Trump and Mr. Cruz, at the first and second slots, have positioned themselves as anti-establishment candidates; former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Ohio Governor John Kasich claimed to be more presidential by opposing the anti-Muslim rhetoric of the frontrunners and favouring a globalised economy, while Florida Senator Marco Rubio and New Jersey Governor Chris Christy appeared to be positioning themselves in the middle of the spectrum by not completely rejecting the anti-Muslim, anti-migration, anti-trade rhetoric of the frontrunners.
Encouraged by the traction that his extreme views gain among the Republican primary goers, Mr. Trump reiterated them all today, albeit in a calmer and more measured way compared to his earlier speeches. His argument for punitive measures against Chinese trade was questioned by Mr. Bush and Mr. Rubio who said it would adversely affect American customers. Mr. Bush and Mr. Kasich also argued that the war against IS could be won only by forming alliances with Muslims countries. “Will you bar Muslims from India and Indonesia also?” Mr. Bush asked Mr. Trump when he said he stood by his plans to “temporarily ban” Muslims from entering the U.S.
Jagapathi Babu Turns Producer
Actor Jagapathi Babu is all set to turn as producer. The versatile actor will be launching his production house soon. An official announcement regarding the same would be made next month on the eve of his birthday.
Jagapathi Babu’s father late VB Rajendra Prasad was famous producer, director who founded Jagapathi Art Pictures and produced several classic films under the banner. But after a while, the famous production house has stopped producing films.
However, Jagapathi Babu doesn’t have plans to relaunch this yesteryear banner. Instead, he is prepping up to launch new one. Tentatively titled as Click Cine Cart Media Pvt Ltd, Babu is planning to produce at least 4 films per year on this banner.
He is also contemplating to launch several newcomer directors, technicians, actors on this banner. Jagapathi, who made a grand comeback with Legend in 2014, is now proved as a successful villain. Even in recent films Nannaku Prematho, Srimanthudu, Jagapathi played pivotal roles. Let’s welcome Jagapathi on his new venture.
Sankranthi Releases Create History
Sankranthi is the biggest season for fans and trade people with several big films releasing in a huge number of theaters. Thanks to the festive season, crores of rupees circulate within a couple of weeks. In the golden days, at least 4, 5 films used to release ensuring a grand Sankranthi treat for fans.
But with the heavy decline in the success percentage over the past few years, filmmakers became wary of clashing with 3, 4 other big budget films. But things changed this Sankranthi with 4 biggies releasing back to back.
NTR’s Nannaku Prematho, Balayya’s Dictator and Sharwanand’s Express Raja. Fans and industry people were skeptical that at least two films will surely withdraw from the Sankranthi clash. Much to everyone’s surprise, all these four films released big and attained solid successes, a never seen before feat in Tollywood’s recent history.
Even though the clash seemed quite intense, all the 4 films were of totally different genres and this came as a blessing in disguise for their box-office success. While Nannaku Prematho has found its patrons among class film lovers, Dictator is ruling the roost in B, C centres.
Nag’s Soggade Chinni Nayana has struck the right cords with the family audiences and emerged as a true Sankranthi film. Even Express Raja has found its decent share of collections from young, city audiences. This shows that no film has eaten up other film’s shares and this is also a healthy trend for Tollywood.
Obama always carries Hanuman statuette in pocket
A statuette of Lord Hanuman is among few items that U.S. President Barack Obama always carries in his pocket and seeks inspiration from whenever he feels tired or discouraged. The President disclosed this on a YouTube interview which the White House scheduled as a way to reach younger audiences as it promotes Mr. Obama’s final State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Pulls out small totems Asked to show off an item of personal significance during the interview with YouTube creator Nilsen on Friday, Mr. Obama (54) pulled from his pockets a series of small totems, each of which he said reminded him “of all the different people I’ve met along the way.” It included rosary beads given to him from Pope Francis, who he met at the White House this fall; a tiny Buddha statue procured upon him by a monk; a silver poker chip that was once the lucky charm of a bald, moustachioed biker in Iowa; a figurine of the Hindu monkey God Hanuman; and a Coptic cross from Ethiopia, where he visited in July, CNN reported.
I am not that superstitious “I carry these around all the time. I’m not that superstitious, so it’s not like I think I necessarily have to have them on me at all times,” Mr. Obama said. But he said they do provide some reminders of the long path of his presidency. “If I feel tired, or I feel discouraged sometimes, I can kind of reach into my pocket and say yeah, that’s something I can overcome, because somebody gave me the privilege to work on these issues that are going to effect them,” he said.
Obama, whose father was a Kenyan and mother a white woman from Kansas, spent initial days of his life in Indonesia where Hinduism is a popular religion.
Dictator in Safe Zone!
Nandamuri Balakrishna’s latest offing Dictator is in safe zone. Trade reports have it that the film, billed as out-and-out mass entertainer, would recover it costs soon. Considering that the film was made in less budget and the film is appealing to mass audiences, Dictator is seen as safe bet.
In addition to this, the movie was sold at relatively lesser prices to buyers. In fact, Balakrishna has convinced producers to give extra 15% discount to distributors as the movie is being released alongside three other films.
Also, the movie’s satellite rights were sold for good price which is a good sign for the makers of Dictator. Looks like, director Sirwass, who ventured into production with this film, is racing towards scoring a hit.
GoTenna: Smart and safe tool for adventurers
Outdoor enthusiasts will take along one tool on their outings – hiking, skiing, or cycling – before they even think about taking an avalanche beacon to the backcountry, a bear spray in the deep woods or a first aid kit where they are likely to endure a number of cuts and bruises. It is their smartphone.
Emergency device manufacturers have centred their marketing strategies around telling ill-prepared adventurers about the various hazards they might face and the risk of carrying only their smartphones with them. But, a start-up called GoTenna, has decided to against the tide. They have come up with a six-inch antenna that can be paired with your phone through a Bluetooth connection. This antenna, once paired, can turn your smartphone into a two-way radio.
The device lets you send text messages or your GPS coordinates to another person with the antenna for up to a radius of 50 miles even if your phone does not receive a single bar of mobile service. They are sold in pairs. The range of the reception varies from nine miles if you are deep in a valley to 50 miles if you are on a peak. It is quite similar to the way the range of a walkie-talkie varies.
The company reckons that sending text messages will be more useful in transmitting critical information to loved ones or rescuers in case of an emergency, for texts are not subject to the reliability of a person’s memory and do not require both parties to be on call simultaneously. Similarly, the device’s ability to transmit coordinates will also be far more useful. The text messages exchanged between two parties are completely private and they can be set up to be erased once they are read.The product has been on the receiving end of a whole lot of guff since its press launch, especially from people who ask to see the difference between GoTenna and the classic Nextel walkie- talkie feature, or those who would not leave their HAM radios for anything.
The only glitch in the device is that it holds good only for local adventures. It cannot be of any help if you are going on a cross country trip and want a lifeline to your home in case things go bad. With this in mind, their price of $199.99 for a pair does not seem to be too high, for it is a relatively economical means of staying in touch for those who wish to concentrate on indulging in adventures close to home.If you are the outdoor kinds, and spend a lot of your time in exploring what your surroundings have to offer, then the GoTenna is quite a good bet.
Ranveer seeks blessings from Deepika’s parents!
Man of the hour Ranveer Singh, reigned supreme at an award show last evening, when he bagged the coveted ‘Best Actor’ trophy. The star, who won over hears for his role as the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao, has been on a winning spree at the ongoing award season.
Ranveer beat out stiff competition from Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and even Amitabh Bachchan, to bag the prized trophy. The actor, who picked up his first ‘Best Actor’ award, at the show, made a fashion statement with his black and white stripped tux.
At the award show, the actor received his award from evergreen Bollywood star Rekha. The actor delivered an emotional speech, thanking everyone form his director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the ‘Bajirao Mastani’ crew and even his parents. The actor then reportedly proceeded to touching his parent’s feet to seek their blessings.
He then did the unthinkable and went on to touch alleged girlfriend Deepika Padukone’s parents’ feet.Deepika also picked up the ‘Best Actress’ award for her part as Mastani. The two were seen walking around arm-in-arm back stage.
Kangana is building herself a kath-khuni style home!
Bollywood beauty Kangana Ranaut is going back to her roots and building herself a house in her hometown, Manali. The star, who currently lives in a plush apartment in Mumbai city, decided it was time to own a house away from all the bustle of Bollywood.
According to report on MidDay, the actress headed to the hilly region to lay the foundation stone of her new kathi-khuni style home. Keeping the climate and topography in mind, Kangana is building a traditional styled home with bricks, wood and stone. This new home is being built on one of Kangana’s many ancestral properties.
“Laying the first brick of my house was an important decision. I have my own place in Mumbai, and I could have got a house anywhere in the world. But people back home call me Himachal ki beti. I am overwhelmed with the love I receive from my people,” Kangana said.
The star also wishes to star a small organic farm in her backyard. Kangana is currently working on her next romatic drama ‘Rangoon’, where she will star opposite Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan.
This actor cut a watermelon instead of a cake!
It was a working birthday for actor Sidharth Malhotra, who is currently shooting for his film ‘Kapoor and Sons’. The actor rang in his 31st birthday with his co-stars Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan.
Sid, who recently adopted a vegetarian diet, ditched the cake and calories for a ‘cool’ watermelon. According to director Karan Johar, it was Alia and Fawad’s idea to make the birthday boy cut a melon.
Alia and Sidharth have been in the news lately after making joint public appearances. The two even snuck out on a private holiday to New York after wrapping up their shoots.
Honor Your Promise, Sir
Nellore: Internationally acclaimed mountaineer Malli Masthan Babu was a source of pride to the Andhras. A native of Gandhi Janasangham, Masthan Babu attracted attention world-wide for climbing each continent’s highest peak, including Mt. Everest, in the shortest time.
Masthan Babu went missing in the Andes on March 24, 2015. After several days of intense international effort to rescue him, Masthan Babu was found dead in the mountain ranges. His fellow mountaineers later said that Masthan Babu was trapped in adverse weather while trying to return to a shelter.
The mountains had taken their favorite son into their fold. Masthan Babu was accorded a stat funeral where many promises were made to his mother which included 5 acres of irrigated land and a monthly pension of Rs 10,000. It is nearly ten months since Masthan Babu passed away. His mother has only been given 2 acres so far and that too without ‘pass-books’.
As for the pension, she hasn’t received anything so far. Can’t the Chief Minister honor his own promises? Judging by his track record, it would probably be futile to expect him to deliver.
Poor Heroine Wins The World, But Loses At Home!
Surabhi, the heroine of Sankranthi release ‘Express Raja’ is a Delhi import. Though her initial movies ‘VIP’ and ‘Beeruva’ didn’t do all that well, they did get her some recognition and some more offers. Express Raja is one such offer. Thanks to Express Raja, she is now getting the kind of attention that she deserves. Also, her next film ‘Attack’ is ready for release and Surabhi has her fingers crossed.
But, there is something very interesting about this girl. This Delhi girl says her relatives and friends do not know that she is a heroine down south. Even her closest palls did not know that she is a heroine. Delhiites do not really bother about what is happening down south and nobody really knows about Surabhi’s filmi career.
She says her friends were shocked when she had shown them her film posters online. “Slowly they are beginning to accept my heroine status. But, they still can’t believe that I have made it big in Tamil and Telugu films,” she says. Well, it will take some more time for Surabhi to get big and for her career to soar. Till then, she has to live with her friends’ disbelief.
NTR Now Enters Mahesh Babu’s Market
Jr NTR must be thanking director Sukumar. Thanks to him, he has managed to penetrate into a market that has till now remained the exclusive preserve of Prince Mahesh Babu. Yes, Nannaku Prematho has helped NTR get into the urban and overseas markets like never before. Till now, only Mahesh Babu used to do well in these markets.
After the massive disaster of ‘1-Nenokkadine’, there were doubts as to whether NTR will go ahead with Sukumar’s film. But, NTR gave Sukumar another chance and his strategy proved him right. Sukumar-NTR combo’s Nannaku Prematho is doing very well in overseas and Hyderabad urban market. Thus, NTR has for the first time entered into Mahesh Babu’s market.
NTR’s next is with Koratala Siva. One hopes that even this movie will do well in all market segments. If NTR chooses a director who can churn out both class plus mass movie, then his place in the urban and upmarket segments will become stronger.
Now, Comedian Sapthagiri As Hero!
Well-known comedian Sapthagiri is all set to turn as lead hero. Sapthagiri will be making his debut as hero in an upcoming film. The yet-to-be-titled movie will have direction by yesteryear director Sagar. Sagar was guru for ace directors like Sreenu Vaitla, VV Vinayak, AS Ravi Kumar Chowdary and Nageshwar Reddy.
Now buzz is that Sagar’s old students Vaitla, Vinayak, AS Ravi Kumar and Nageshwar Reddy are helping their Guru on this film. The movie will be produced by AS Ravi Kumar Chowdary.
Stating that the movie is to be made on good subject, Sagar says he is quite happy to get help from his students. AS Ravi Kumar Chowdary too content and says, “Sagar garu was the man who was responsible for our growth in the industry. This movie is like a felicitation to him from all our students. More details will be announced soon.”
After Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham success, Chowdary tasted a dud in form of Soukyam. Now he is foraying into production. Let’s wait and see.
