Smile Train program

SMILE PINKI, the captivating story of a desperately poor little girl in rural India whose life is magically transformed when she receives free surgery to correct her cleft lip has received a coveted Oscar nomination on January 22, 2009 in the category of best documentary short subject. Pinki, is a 5 year old girl who is living with a severe cleft in one of the poorest areas of India. Not allowed to attend school and ostracized because of her deformity, Pinki lives a life of quiet desperation as she waits and wonders if she will ever receive the cleft surgery her parents could never afford and that she so desperately needs. By chance, Pinkis parents meet a social worker one day who is traveling village to village, gathering patients for a hospital that provides free cleft surgery to thousands of poor children each year through the Smile Train program.

SMILE PINKI sheds light on the global problem of cleft lip and cleft palate. According to Smile Train, more than 4.7 million children in developing countries suffer with unrepaired clefts. Each child could be saved, just like Pinki, with a simple surgery that takes as little as 45 minutes and costs as little as $250.

Over the past 10 years, Smile Train has provided free cleft surgery for hundreds of thousands of children who would otherwise never have received it. The organization is the worlds leading cleft charity with thousands of partners and programs in 76 of the worlds poorest countries.

Katrina Kaif to play Sonia Gandhi?

Stars ki netagiri

Everyone is aware that Bollywood's reigning queen Katrina Kaif has decided to shed her glamorous look for Prakash Jha's upcoming film Rajneeti but the grapevine has it that her role in the film is based on Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

The Welcome and Race starrer is currently busy shooting for the flick in Bhopal and the tall actress was spotted wearing crisp cotton sarees during her shoot. Katrina's look in the film has a lot of resemblance to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in fact her style of walking and campaigning too reminds one of Sonia Gandhi.

Reports suggest that Katrina and her co-actor Ranbir Kapoor's roles are modelled on Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi's life.

Katrina plays the leader of JSP (Jan Shakti Party) and her name is Indu Behna, who goes on to become a Chief Minister. Katrina's role in Rajneeti demands that she sheds her glamorous image, so, for the first time the actress will be seen without make-up.

Rajniti will be a challenging assignment for her as here she is supposed to speak in a certain dialect and reports also suggest that Katrina has been asked to undergo voice modulation.

NTR jr: Another political roadie

After a host of Tollywood stars hitting the roads with vengeance, NTR jr is all set to join the bandwagon next month to boost the prospects of TDP.

He is considered to be one of the star campaigners for the opposition party and is expected to lure young voters. "He will be returning to Hyderabad on the 27th and his tour programme will be fixed thereafter," says a source close to him.

Interestingly, he shares one thing in common with other stars like Pawan Kalyan and Balakrishna. Don't let your imaginations run wild.

It is just that he will also be taking a 'break' from his shooting with Nayantara to join the political fray. However, he needs to be doubly active this time to make up for a missed opportunity (Yuvagarjana rally). Another star is set to cause traffic jams in rural Andhra.

A R Rahman's family in Chennai celebrates his Oscar win

saira-rahman-oscarsA.R Rahman graced the red carpet event before the beginning of 81st Annual Academy Award with his beautiful wife Saira Rahman. She is wearing some stunning traditional clothes. Love her for that!

Slumdog Millionaire' Sweeps Oscar Awards in Hollywood

Slumdog Millionaire bags eight Oscars while Rahman wins two

Resul Pookutty at the Governor's Ball after he won the award for Best Sound Mixing for 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Slumdog director Danny Boyle poses with Rubiana Ali, who portrayed young 'Latika,' as they arrive at the Governors Ball following the 81st Academy Awards.

'Slumdog Millionaire'actors arrive at the 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood.

'Slumdog Millionaire' stars Madhur Mittal (left) and Dev Patel arrive for the 81st Academy Awards.

Young stars of 'Slumdog Millionaire' arrive for the 81st Academy Awards

(From left to right): Actors Freida Pinto, Irrfan Khan, writer Simon Beaufoy, actor Madhur Mittal, producer Christian Colson, actor Anil Kapoor, composer A R Rahman, actor Dev Patel of 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

(From left to right): Producer Christian Colson, director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy of 'Slumdog Millionaire' arrive at the 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood.

Madhur Mittel, Freida Pinto and Dev Patel co-stars in the Oscar-nominated best film 'Slumdog Millionaire,'.

Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, one of the young stars of 'Slumdog Millionaire, ' seems lost amid the hustle and bustle as he arrives for the 81st Academy Awards.

Danny Boyle, director of 'Slumdog Millionaire' arrives in Los Angeles

Actors Madhur Mittal, Anil Kapoor, Dev Patel and Freida Pinto of 'Slumdog Millionaire' in Hollywood for 81st Academy Awards.

Cast of 'Slumdog Millionaire' Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, Rubina Ali, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, back left, Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala, Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar and Tanay Hemant Chheda arrive for the 81st Academy Awards in Los Angeles

Actor Dev Patel (left) and actress Freida Pinto arrive for the 81st Academy Awards 2009 in Los Angeles.

Actress Freida Pinto of 'Slumdog Millionaire' arrives at 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood.
'Slumdog Millionaire' child actors after the Academy Awards show in Hollywood

Unseen Childhood Pics Of A R Rahman!

Unseen Childhood Pics Of A R Rahman!

Kareena did not snub me: Amitab

Even as he congratulated AR Rahman, Resul Pookutty and Gulzar for their Oscar win, a disturbed Amitabh Bachchan has lashed out against "untruthful" reports saying actress Kareena Kapoor had "snubbed him", by not "giving him a look or greeting him".

He wrote from Hyderabad, "I learn of the great achievements of our Indian technicians and music directors at the Oscars. My warmest and heartiest congratulations to AR Rahman and Resul for winning recognition in music and sound and to Gulzar for co-assisting Rahman in the lyric category. International recognition for Indian film talent on one of the most well-known and popular forums is the happiest day for Indians and the industry. The journey of Indian Cinema has been phenomenal. May it grow even bigger and greater."

Putting the record straight on the Kareena issue, the superstar blogged, "Kareena and all other members of her family and ours have always given due respect to each other, irrespective of what the circumstances may have been, or what circumstances the media keeps harping on in most nauseating fashion. She is a warm and affectionate person and has never ever given reason for us to feel otherwise."

Kareena's sister Karisma was engaged to Abhishek Bachchan at one point. The end of the relationship was said to have created a rift between the two families. Bachchan added, "Kareena has grown up in front of me. Our families have known each other, with respect, from the time of her great-grandfather, the most respected Prithvi Raj Kapoor, father of Shri Raj Kapoor who is the father of Randhir Kapoor, her father. Randhir Kapoor's sister's son Nikhil Nanda is married to my daughter Shweta. We are therefore 'samdhis', belonging to one family as per our tradition and culture. Kareena's grandmother, the dignified and loved Krishnaji, wife of Raj Kapoor and mother to Randhir is looked upon by all of us as the eldest living member of the family."

Walking down memory lane, he recalled, "Prithvi Raj Kapoor, the great theatre and film personality and legend and the founder member of the Kapoor dynasty in Indian cinema, was a great admirer of my father. There have been many childhood memories of Allahabad, where I was born and brought up, when Prithi Rajji would come over to our house and spend time with his theater group, Prithvi Theaters and my father." After advising the media to exercise restraint, the actor signed off "with love and without malice"!

Freida Pinto at the red carpet

Freida Pinto as she walks the Oscar red carpet.

Telugu Movie ‘Maro Charitra’ Launch Event Photo Gallery

Telugu Movie ‘Maro Charitra’ Launch Event Photo Gallery

Puja ceremony of Dil Raju’s latest film Maro Charitra with Varun Sandesh and Anita in main leads in the direction of Ravi Yadav was held at Dil Raju’s office on the morning of 19 February.


Dil Raju said:

Love is old and lovers are new. We are remaking the classic Maro Charitra now. I launched a new production house Matinee Entertainment and Maro Charitra is going to be the first film on this banner. Popular cinematographer Ravi Yadav (of RACE fame) is making his debut as the director. This movie has USA backdrop and our unit will shoot the film in USA in the month of April. There will also be a schedule planned in Hyderabad and Vizag. Ravi Yadav has terrific visual sense and Maro Charitra is going to be a visual feast. Micky J Meyer is composing music to this film after Happy Days and Kotha Bangaru Lokam. He recorded four songs so far. K Bala Chandar’s Maro Charitra was released 30 years back and it was a musical blockbuster. Ravi Yadav has taken the base point and added lot of his own content. It is an adaptation of Maro Charitra film. We are also simultaneously shooting the Tamil version in association with Gemini Film Circuit. We met Bala Chandar and took his permission to remake the film.

Actor Varun Sandesh said:

I feel blessed and privileged to act in the adaptation of Maro Charitra that involved two living legends Bala Chandar and Kamal Hassan. I feel good to act in Ravi Yadav’s director. I am amazed by his cinematography for Race film. USA shoot of this film is going to be a different experience for me as I am brought up in USA.

Actress Anita said:

This is my debut film. I am from USA and it feels nice to act in a movie that is majorly shot in USA.

Star Cast: Varun Sandesh, Anita, Yami Gautam, Pratap Pothen, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Oorvashi, Naresh, Thalaivasal Vijay, Sandhya Janak, Aadarsh
Presenter Sri Venkateswara Creations Pvt Ltd
Banner: Matinee Entertainment Pvt Ltd
A film by Dil Raju Productions
Adaptation, Additional Screenplay, Cinematographer & Director: Ravi Yadav
Music Composer: Mickey J Meyer
Executive Producer: V Jagan Mohan Reddy
Chief Asst Director: Arjun Varma Alluri

Slumdog Millionaire Film Clip - The Boys On A Train

A clip from Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle

Oscars: Festival

'Slumdog Millionaire' sweeps eight Oscars at the 81 st Academy Awards including Best Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Sound Mixing, Film Editing, Original Score, Original Song, Direction and Motion Picture. Indian music maestro A R Rahman brings home two awards with his Jai Ho... composition.

THE OSCAR WINNERS...

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire. “It has been collaboration between hundreds of people. All of us are here to share this moment. This was an extraordinary journey,” says the Slumdog... team.

Best Direction: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Original Song: A R Rahman for ‘Jai Ho...’ (Slumdog Millionarie)

The Indian music maestro, Rahman wooed the audience with ‘O Saya’ and ‘Jai Ho...’ the nominated songs from ‘Slumdog...’, as the nominees for Best Original Song were being announced.

Best Original Score: A R Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire . “I have nothing but my mother and she is there with me. I thank her for making me coming all this way with her blessings,” said a proud Rahman.

Best Film Editing: Chris Dickens for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Sound Mixing: Ian Tapp, Resul Pookutty for Slumdog Millionaire. “This is just not a sound award, but a history being handed over,” said Indian receiver Pookutty.

Best Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire. “The cast and crew of the film told me so much about India and writing,” said a proud Beaufoy.

Best Documentary Short Subject: Megan Mylan for Smile Pinki

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Sean Penn for Milk.

Best Actressin a Leading Role: Kate Winslet for The Reader. Breathless Kate confessed experiencing the fainting feeling just like Penelope Cruz. She shouted onstage and waved at her father. She said, “I want to thank my family as they love me the way I am and lets me do what I want to.” By the time she finished her speech she was already in tears.

Best Foreign Language Film: Departures (Japan)

Best Sound Editing: Richard King for The Dark Knight

Best Visual Effects: Eric Barba for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Documentary Feature Film: James Marsh for Man on Wire

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight . It was a special moment for actor’s family - mother Sally, father Kim and sister Kate who came to receive the trophy on Ledger’s behalf.

Best Live action short film: Jochen Alexander for Spielzeugland Toyland

Best Make-up: Greg Cannom for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Costume Design: Michael O’Connor for The Duchess

Best Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Animated Short Film: Kunio Kato for La Maison En Petits Cubes

Best Animated Feature: Andrew Stanton for Wall-E

Best Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black for Milk

Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. “Has anyone fainted here, may be I will be the first one,” exclaimed Penelope immediately after receiving the award.

THE SHOW BEGINS...

Hilarious host Hugh Jackman opens the ceremony with a grand performance.

THE HOST...

Will Smith announced the awards for best visual effects, sound mixing and film editing categories.

Natalie Portman and Ben Stiller were the next to grace the stage to announce the award for best cinematography.

Sarah Jessica Parker clad in a shining silver off shoulder gown with Daniel Craig played the perfect host to a set of awards including best art direction, costume design and make-up.

Tina Fey and Steve Martin opened the awards ceremony announcing the first set of awards including best supporting actress, original screenplay and adapted screenplay.

Hilarious host Hugh Jackman opens the ceremony with a grand performance with actress Anne Hathaway.

Australian entertainer Hugh Jackman, stands tall as the first-time host to the ultra-glam evening. Though, he had hosted Broadway's Tony Awards three times in the past.

Robin Roberts welcomed the guests at the Red Carpet in a sensuous red gown designed by J Creww as she arrives for the 81st Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

RED CARPET

The much awaited and much anticipated, 81st Academy Awards will begin shortly with the Red Carpet already rolled out at the Kodak Theater.

Some of the stunning arrivals at the Red Carpet include teen idol Miley Cyrus, Aliciya Keys, actress Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie, Penelope Cruz, ‘Slumdog...’ star Freida Pinto, ‘The Wrestler’ star Marisa Tommei to name a few.

British director Danny Boyle shepherded the extended ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ family down the red carpet. The nine cast members, who played the three main characters in the rags-to-riches fairy tale were all on hand for the Oscars ceremony. The two youngest cast members, who still live in Mumbai's slums, were making their first trip outside India

After months of controversy and speculation, the wait will finally be over. With movies like Slumdog Millionaire , The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Reader leading the way in major categories, it's tough to predict who will take away the trophy. So do you think 2009 will be the year that ends India's dry run at the Oscars?

source:timesofindia

Bollywood Actress Bipasha's Fitness Secret

Choreographer Peter Hynes Injured

Peter Hynes injured

Popular action choreographer Peter Hynes who composed marvelous fights for films like Chatrapati, Athadu and Ghajini (Hindi) is injured while choreographing a stunt sequence for latest Rajamouli’s film Magadheera with Ram Chran Teja as hero on 18th of February. He is being treated at KIMS now.

‘Mental Krishna’ 50 Days Function (Telugu Event Photo Gallery)

Posani Krishna Murali donated seven and half lac rupees to Dr. Gopichand of Star Hospitals to operate hearts of nine needy kids.

Posani Krishna Murali said:

Posani Krishna Murali organized the 50 days function of his 1st Jan release Mental Krishna tonight at Prasad Labs. Muthyala Subbayya, Tammareddy Bharadwaja and R Narayana Murthy attended this function as guests.

This is my first film as solo hero and it became successful. I always help people if I have money. I made money through Mental Krishna. That’s why I donated money for the heart operation of 9 kids. My next film as hero is ‘Rajavari Chepala Cheruvu’. If this film becomes a hit, I will donate money for heart operation of 20 kids. If Praja Rajyam Party becomes a hit, I will do it for 1000 kids. I liked the policies of Praja Rajyam Party and that is the reason why I joined PRP.