Arrogant. Headstrong. Reckless guy. These are some of the regular terms that many film industry people use on director Teja. Whether people worked with him certify good or bad about his conduct, character and thought process, there are certain things that change our opinion on Teja forever.

During the shooting of “Hora Hori” in Karnataka, actually there are said to be no additional ‘production’ staff to organize special lunch tables for director and top technicians at one place and a buffet style lunch for all other cine workers at other place.

Teja made them to arrange only one buffet place, and the same menu for all. Not just that, he himself took a plate and stood in queue to get his food during the midday meal, rather asking production boys to serve him. Though a privilege is available, he just never took it. You call it simplicity or madness, the choice is yours.

All these qualities anyway doesn’t matter for a commercial film maker whose weight lies and depends only with the hits and flops he scores.

While religion influencing films is an old phenomenon, films influencing religion is a mainstream trend which is catching up recently but strongly. Recently, we have seen instances of Ganesh idols made after several Baahubali characters which stormed this year’s Vinayaka Chavithi in a big way.

Following the trend now is Ganesha as Srimanthudu. An idol maker from an unknown village in one of the Telugu states has made this Ganesh idol after Superstar Mahesh Babu’s popular still on his bicycle from Srimanthudu. The picture is being shared enthusiastically by the amused fans on social media.

The angry man of Tollywood, Prakash Raj, is often in news for his upright and harsh comments against the wrongdoings in the society. The versatile actor often lands himself in trouble for his honest remarks too. In one such comment, the actor breathed fire on the religious fanatics who gave threats to AR Rahman and Rajinikanth.

A week ago, a Mumbai based Sunni Muslim group Raza Academy issued fatwa against Oscar winner and Indian pride AR Rahman for composing music for the Iranian film Muhammad: The Messenger of God. The academy condemned Rahman for disrespecting god. To this, Rahman gave a humble reply which won several hearts across the globe.

Then, a Hindu extreme right wing group in Tamil Nadu, Hindu Munnani, warned Rajinikanth against acting in the Tipu Sultan biopic. It was later revealed that Rajini never even okayed the film. Reacting to this mediocrity in his own style, Prakash Raj came down heavily on the so called religious fanatics and said, “The country is getting intolerant, ask them to go to hell.”

Not stopping here, the senior actor even targeted the authorities for their oppressive ways and said, “You ban meat, you ban porn; don’t voters have rights? The bubble will burst soon.” Well, a majority of Indians are voicing same opinions like Prakash Raj in this regard.

Till sometime back there is confusion about which film is going to be dusky beauty Trisha Krishnan’s 50th film. She said then, whichever film that releases first is going to be that landmark movie. To her luck, Kamal Haasan’s “Cheekati Rajyam” is going to be her 50th movie.

After completing a decade in Film Industry this year and then working on 49 films, that’s a big achievement deserving a pat on the back. And now, she has enrolled in the elite club of actresses who have completed 50 films.

Kamal’s Cheekati Rajyam will not see Trisha in any glamorous role but a simple formal-dress wearing cop like character. She will not be romancing the universal hero but is dubbing herself for the Tamil version to make this experience last longer.

Had Trisha quit films post her engagement, definitely she would have missed the chance of completing 50 movies to score a filmy-half-century. Excited about this happening Trisha revealed, “I would like to act with Shahrukh Khan in Bollywood”. 50 is okay Trisha, don’t expect too much. Your Bollywood diary is already closed.

Since yesterday, Bollywood has been simmering with anger upon the arrogant comments made by national award winning actress Kangana Ranaut. In a promotional interview for her upcoming release Katti Batti, the highest paid Bollywood actress said, “I started from ‘B grade films’ and today I’m the number one actress of this country, whereas other actresses have had no growth in whatever platform they were launched… they are still there and have not risen to another platform.’

The headstrong girl didn’t stop here as she further said “Name one actress who could’ve played Datto (from Tanu Weds Manu Returns) or done Queen.”

Kangana’s comments naturally irked a whole lot of celebs and even fans and taking a jibe at her is the senior star Divya Dutta who said, ‘did she really say that. Only one gets t oppurtunity to get t rte thing at t rte time. B grateful coz there’s a lot of talent arnd.” Later Kangana too reacted in Divya Dutta’s Tweet saying “I respect Divya Dutta’s judgement. I’m not a politician who is here to make a statement or hurt people.

I’m just saying what I feel and I respect people who beg to differ” Coming from a small mountain village in Himachal Pradesh, Kangana had seen terrible days in her early career a d she even slept on footpaths. It is unfortunate that this self made actress forgot the importance of being grounded after tasting stardom. The actress is currently rumoured to be dating the Bollywood hunk Hrithik Roshan.

Here’s the much awaited first look still of Nandamuri Young Tiger NTR’s upcoming film Nannaku Prematho. The first look poster features no special thrills but simply showcases NTR in a casual yet a stylish avatar, as he poses with a charming smile. The poster once again proves that Sukumar is cut above the rest in terms of presenting his heroes.

Fans couldn’t have asked for a better Vinayaka Chavithi treat than seeing NTR looking dapper in formals and that stylish image makeover with thick beard and hairstyle. The film’s shooting is going on at a brisk pace in London and the makers are determined to release the film as a Pongal treat for Nandamuri fans.

Easily one of the most happening and in-demand actresses in this generation, the svelte beauty Rakul Preet Singh is currently busy with an envious list of big ticket films like NTR’s Nannaku Prematho, Ram Charan’s Bruce Lee and Allu Arjun-Boyapati’s tentatively titled Sarainodu. With such crazy films on hand, Rakul’s pay cheque is bound to get heavier.

As per latest buzz, Rakul is correctly charging anywhere around a whopping 1.25 crore and not penny less per film. Such a figure is being offered to star actresses like Samantha, Kajal, Nayan and Anushka. With this, Rakul now joins the elite club of costly heroines who charge a bomb in Tollywood. With Anushka, Nayan and Samantha getting busy with their Tamil films and Kajal not too keen on signing Telugu flicks, there has been a sudden demand for Rakul.

However, all this craze and fame for Rakul is not an overnight phenomenon as she had struggled for years to make a mark in film world. The actress is also winning accolades from all the shooting units for her dedication and she never shows tantrums or act tough with her producers, making her even more deserving. In the past, Rakul denied all the rumours on her sky-rocketing remuneration. Let’s see what she has to say this time around.

After making his presence left in Ulavacharu Biryani, actor Tejus is back to arc lights for a road movie laced with youthful elements – Ketugadu. Unlike Ulavacharu Biryani, he is now playing solo lead. He teamed up with newcomer director Kittu and the movie is slated for this Friday release. Ahead of release, Tejus was bundle of nerves. Excerpts from his interview to Gulte.com

Background

My dad is an industrialist and mom is homemaker. My brother is an investment banker. I’m born and brought up in Hyderabad. I did my schooling from Hyderabad Public School. I was a good student but I discontinued my B.Tech (Mechanical) from CBIT during 3rd year of course in pursuit of my dreams to become actor.

Since childhood, I’ve been passionate about films, acting. After discontinuing my studies, I underwent acting lessons in Mumbai where I groomed my skills.

First Break

I went to audition of Neeku Naaku. But unfortunately by then, Prince was roped in. Teja garu liked me and told me that he’d do his next film with me. I asked him to given a chance to assist him to understand filmmaking. He told me to not to waste my time. At last, he was convinced. Working with Teja garu was great learning experience as I’ve seen worst then – no proper food, no good accommodation, at times there were no good toilets either. But exposing for worst made me strong. It’s good to see worst in early of career so that everything that comes after it looks better.

After Neeku Naaku, I got call from uncle KS Rama Rao garu who asked me to go and meet actor-director Prakash Raj. I was very apprehensive as I’m not sure he’d take me. I went with my portfolio pics, Prakash Raj garu took them into his hands and kept them aside without even giving a look at them. I felt bad. He spoke to me for few minutes, observed me and finally said that I’m hero. I thought he was joking and I didn’t believe. After going home, he again called me to confirm that I’m the hero in all three languages (Telugu, Tamil & Kannada). The movie was super hit in Kannada and it opened me doors in Kannada, Tamil.

Though Ulavacharu Biryani opened doors, it didn’t allow me to showcase my dancing skills, action stunts. It’s story doesn’t have that scope. Ketugadu will compensate it.

Ketugadu

Ketugadu came to me even before my first film Ulavacharu Biryani was released. When I was in shooting, director Kittu approached me and narrated me the story. I was apprehensive to do a film with new director, producer. I asked uncle KS Rama Rao garu who told me that all star heroes, directors were once newcomers. The confidence of director, producer made me choose the film. I play a car thief in the film. I con the car owners & get keys from themselves. It’s an interesting film with good line of comedy and has youthful romance. The film shaped up well.

Roping in Chandini was purely decision of director. Since she is Telugu, we didn’t need to focus on her diction, modulation and she’s popular with her short films too. We think all these would work in favour of the film. She is good actress but she was a bit conservative during romantic scenes. It took some time for her to come into comfort zone. Whereas am shameless guy. I believe actors should be shameless.

Going Places

During shooting of Ulavacharu Biryani, Prakash Raj garu told me that he worked hard to reach this position. He said he acted in many languages and that got him good recognition. He told me to follow the same and asked me not to focus in only one language as we don’t know where we get good break. He asked me to keep exploring various options. After Ulavacharu Biryani, I got offers from Kannada, Tamil as well. I’ve done a good Kannada film. Though I wanna go places, Telugu films are top on my list.

Upcoming films

My upcoming Kannada film is Priyanka, a thriller. Based on a real-life incident in 2014, noted director Dinesh Baboo is directing the film which has Priyanka Upendra (wife of superstar Upendra) in a lead role. I play a significant role in the film. The movie is expected to release in first week of October. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Apart from this, I’ve agreed to do a film under reputed production house. But I want them to make a formal announcement. Also listening to couple of scripts now.

Couple of days back, 22 year old adult film actress Mia Khalifa suddenly stormed discussion rooms, cafes and corporate meetings in India. Because she’s rumoured to have signed Big Boss Season 9 and coming to sub-continent with aim to find a ticket to Bollywood. Not everyone are a Sunny Leone, that’s the twist.

“Let’s get something clear: I am never stepping foot in India, so whomever said I have “shown interest” in being on Big Boss should be fired”, said Mia, in an official statement. If this hot-shot adult actress who commands terrific fans even from India on various adult websites is not willing to step in India, then no doubt Bollywood is also not running after her to extract a heroine of her. We’ve enough girls here doing the needful and in queue, isn’t it? Still, some fans of this Sunny Leone Jr are upset with her declination.

Coming to other stuff, no contestant is said to be finalized for Big Boss 9 including heroine Shweta Basu Prasad, hero Uday Chopra and god woman Radhe Maa. All these people condemned the news that they are taking part in this reality show.