Tollywood veteran Kaikala Satyanarayana died in the wee hours on Friday at his home in Filmnagar. He was 87 and suffering from age-related ailments over the past several days.
Born on July 25, 1935, in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Satyanarayana debuted with the Telugu movie ‘Sipai Koothuru’ in 1959.
Satyanarayana went on to act in around 800 movies in a career spanning six decades. Although he excelled as the quintessential bad man in the movies, he was also feted for his portrayal of mythological characters, especially Lord Yama, the Hindu god of death.
From NT Rama Rao, Nageswara Rao, and Krishna to Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Balakrishna, and Prabhas, Allu Arjun, Satyanarayana acted alongside the entire gamut of Tollywood film stars spanning several generations. He last appeared in the 2019 Mahesh Babu starrer ‘Maharshi’.
Tollywood stars and personalities from all walks of life in the two Telugu states have condoled the death of Satyanarayana who was famed for his acting prowess and kind-heartedness.
He won Lok Sabha polls from Machilipatnam in 1996. Family sources said that the Satyanarayana’s last rites will be performed on Saturday.
Tollywood veteran actor Kaikala Satyanarayana no more
‘Dhamaka’ is an out-and-out entertainer, declares Ravi Teja
The star famous in Tollywood as the ‘Mass Maharaja’, Ravi Teja, and director Trinadha Rao Nakkina are all set to roll out their action entertainer ‘Dhamaka’ on Friday with premieres across India and in the US.
A day before the release of the movie, produced by T.G. Vishwa Prasad, under the banner of People Media Factory, Ravi Teja interacted with the media and his fans. He said that he enjoyed the process of spending time with his fans. “These meetings send out positive energy and this boosts our confidence,” Ravi Teja said.
Unlike his previous films, Ravi Teja is actively promoting ‘Dhamaka’. He, however, clarified: “I don’t like to talk much about my movies, I want my movies to talk more. If a film leads to a positive buzz after the first show, then there’s nobody who can stop it from becoming a hit.”
It’s been a while since Ravi Teja did a completely entertaining movie, but he said ‘Dhamaka’ is the “perfect out-and-out entertainer”, after ‘Raja The Great’.
Ravi Teja is one actor who has no qualms about working with newcomers. “I like working with newcomers,” he said. “There is enthusiasm, excitement, and hunger in them to prove themselves.”
The film’s audio album is already a chartbuster and Ravi Teja is all praise for composer Bheems Ceciroleo. “He is a very good tune maker. Every song in the movie is a super hit.”
Ravi Teja said he loved his stint with director Trinadha Rao Nakkina — “he is a jovial person and really fun to work with,” he noted. “And Prasanna Kumar’s dialogues are the other big assets.”
Talking about his working style, the actor said: “I put in the same effort for every movie. But the result is not in our hands. Some stories connect to the audience, some may not.”
Sreeleela, the movie’s heroine, has already garnered praise for her good looks, dance moves, and lively acting. About his co-star, Ravi Teja said: “Sreeleela is a bundle of talent. She is a good performer and has got a sweet voice. She will have a bright future.”
Moving on to ‘Waltair Veerayya’, Ravi Teja said all he could say now is that he plays a strong character. “It’s a good experience to work with megastar Chiranjeevi again,” he pointed out. “I definitely wanted to work with him again, but I did the movie because I liked the character and the story.”
Ravi Teja said that all kinds of audiences will like his next movie, ‘Tiger Nageswara Rao’. “It is a pan-India film. The story will have a wider reach. I did undergo a makeover for the film.” he said, adding that another film where he plays a lead character, ‘Ravanasura’, is through 80 percent of its shoot.
The actor affirmed that he enjoyed shooting for his movies and for him, being on sets every day is like a celbration. “There is no word like ‘boring’ in my dictionary. I have no complaints or regrets in my life,” he added.
‘RRR’ heroes to return for another epic battle with the British Raj
‘RRR’ director S.S. Rajamouli says the sequel to his blockbuster action hit is well underway, reports Variety’.
The filmmaker, who’s at this moment in the throes of his campaign for an Oscar, informed ‘Variety’ that his father and screenwriter Vijayendra Prasad is “seriously working on the story”, with his revolutionary heroes set to return for another epic battle with the colonizing Brits.
The three-hour action-musical epic has been in the news for earning two Golden Globe nominations last week, for the original song for the track ‘Naatu Naatu’ as well as the best non-English language film. Rajamouli was also awarded best director by the New York Film Critics Circle.
The ‘RRR’ helmer informed ‘Variety’ that a sequel wasn’t initially on the cards, but has become more of a prospect as the film has found international success.
“When we were making it, we didn’t have an idea about [a sequel],” he said. “With the initial success of it, we discussed a little bit and threw out some good ideas, but we didn’t feel there was a great idea that was worth pursuing, so we left it at that.”
Rajamouli continued: “Then, after the international success, when the topic came up again, my cousin [Golden Globe-nominated music composer M. M. Keeravani] — who is also a part of my core team — gave an idea which we felt like, ‘Oh my God, this is a great idea. This is the idea that is worth pursuing.”
The director, reports Variety’, said he asked his father — who narrates the story to Rajamouli and others, who then write up the first draft — to “immediately sit on it and expand the idea”.
“At present, he’s seriously working on the story; he’s getting it done,” Rajamouli said, according to ‘Variety’. “But once this script is done is when we will really look into how to make it, when to make it, and how to bring it onto the screen.”
Third song from NBK-starrer ‘Veera Simha Reddy’ out on Dec 24
The third single, ‘Maa Bava Manobhavalu’, from Nandamuri Balakrishna’s upcoming movie ‘Veera Simha Reddy’ is set to be released on December 24.
The makers expect that this will be the sensational special song of the year. The movie, which also stars Shruti Haasan as the female lead, is being produced by Mythri Movie Makers and is scheduled for release on Sankranthi 2023 (January 12).
The makers say Balakrishna is all set to appear in a mass and action-packed avatar he has never been seen in before. ‘Veera Simha Reddy’ is being helmed by Gopichand Malineni.
S. Thaman, who is in top form. has scored the music and the two singles released thus far — ‘Jai Balayya’ and ‘Suguna Sundari’ — have turned out to be runaway hits.
‘Suguna Sundari’, in particular, has taken audience expectations to the next level with Balakrishna’s exceptional dance moves.
Now, it’s time for what the makers describe as the “sensational special song of the year”.
Balakrishna, who plays Balayya Bava, looks uber cool in a black blazer and shades. Just with the poster, expectations will be soaring northwards, say the makers.
Duniya Vijay and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar form the rest of the main ensemble cast. Rishi Punjabi is helming with cinematography and the National Award-winning Navin Nooli is at the editing table.
The film’s shoot will be wrapped up soon with the team canning the last song. The post-production work is already underway.
Big B remembers ‘the most beautiful mother’ on her death anniversary
Cine icon Amitabh Bachchan has remembered his mother Teji Bachchan on her 15th death anniversary.
Amitabh took to his blog and recalled her last day, saying that she passed away “elegantly and quietly” at the age of 93 on December 21, 2007, following a prolonged illness.
“She slipped away as elegantly and quietly as was her temperament this morning as I watched the doctors struggle to revive her delicate heart, time and again .. pumping her delicate frame in vigorous pushes to get her to live again .. and again .. and again ..”
“We stood .. holding hands all of us near and dear .. the nieces and the children in tears .. until.”
He added: “I spoke up ..leave it doc .. leave her .. she wishes to go .. stop .. do not make any more efforts .. each effort was painful for her system and painful for us to stand there and witness .. each time that ‘straight line’ would appear .. and then shift to the graphic responses of the physical pumping .. stop it I said ..”
“And they did .. the singular tone of the straight line on the monitor .. indicating to us all and the World, that she had left .. slipped out .. as someone recently mentioned about the passing of a near one .. and gone to a ‘better place’ – words that we often hear being used in the consolation of the departure.'”
“A gentle hand on her forehead .. a million memories flashing by in the silence of the room in the hospital .. and then leaving to bring her home .. the hall in Prateeksha was cleaned and washed .. her portrait, her beautiful face, by the side of a few white flowers .. a silence about .. and she lay there for the last time ..”
He recalled that her nieces came and brought in the Granth Saheb Shabd in recitation, sitting by her side all night.
“I lay on the floor .. it was traditional .. to spend the night with her, till the cremation the next day .. and then her body to the flames .. the collection of her ashes .. and taken to the sacred places which she believed in and prayed at .. the prayer meet .. with recitations of the Granth Saheb by the recognized Granthis .. and her portrait .. by the side of Babuji, in his room .. adorning.
“The sound of shlokas and prayers each day and the flowers keep them company .. her and his books of prayer alongside.. in reverence .. the room remains so .. permanently .. and she remains permanently with us .. Amma ji .. the most beautiful Mother in the entire Universe.
Teji Bachchan was born in Faisalabad of Punjab in Pakistan in 1914 and was married to Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan for 62 years till his death in 2003. She played Lady Macbeth in Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s Hindi adaptation of Shakespeare’s play and did a cameo appearance in the 1976 romance drama ‘Kabhie Kabhie’, starring Amitabh as one of the leads.
PM Modi, MPs enjoy millet-only lunch
Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar hosted a special ‘Millet-only’ lunch for the Members of Parliament on Tuesday to mark the ‘Millet Year’. The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended this special lunch.
From Bajre Ka Raabri (pearl millet soup) to Ragi Roti, Foxtail Millet Bisibelebath, and Jowar Halwa, the lunch menu boasted an array of scrumptious delicacies cooked with millets. Special chefs were brought in from Karnataka to make ragi specialties such as Ragi Dosa.
PM Modi along with Members of Parliament from both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha were seen enjoying the food.
After the lunch, PM Modi tweeted, “As we prepare to mark 2023 as the International Year of Millets, attended a sumptuous lunch in Parliament where millet dishes were served. Good to see participation from across party lines”.
PM Modi said that millet items can be placed for G20 guests at dinners or wherever possible so that they can understand the importance of the millet, BJP parliamentary meeting on Monday.
The lunch menu also included Kalu Palya (moth bean and coconut curry), Kadhi (buttermilk made with gram flour and garnished with green chilies, curry leaves, and coriander), Joladha Roti, and Foxtail millet curd rice.
Amitabh Bachchan asks ‘KBC 14’ contestant to sing a song
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan appreciated 14-year-old ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 14’ contestant Shivaksh Shukla for his classical singing talent and asked him to sing a song on the show.
While talking to the host, Shivaksh told the host about how he developed an interest in learning classical singing. As his brother, Rudraksh used to learn classical singing, sometimes he used to accompany him, and looking at him he developed an interest in learning classical singing too.
Big B got impressed knowing he is learning classical music and asked him to show his talent by singing a song. He performed ‘Rashke Kamar’ in front of him and told the host that he started learning when he was in 3rd class and now he has completed 5 years of training in classical music. ‘KBC 14’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas takes daughter Malti out to show Christmas lights
Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas is currently holidaying with her American pop star husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti.
Priyanka took to Instagram, where she shared a slew of pictures and jokingly took a dig at Nick for not showing any interest in getting clicked. The first picture showed Priyanka in a black and white outfit, clicking a mirror selfie.
Nick Jonas is also seen in the frame but with his head down while he checks out his cell phone.
Sharing the pictures on Instagram, Priyanka wrote, “Perfect winter days. Ps: 1st pic- hubby is really interested in my mirror selfie.”
In the other pictures, Priyanka is seen with Malti as she carries the little one in a baby carrier to show her the Christmas decor in the area. Malti’s face is partially visible.
The actress will next be seen in Hollywood films like Love Again and Ending Things. She will also make her OTT debut with the ‘Citadel’. She will also be seen in Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ in which she will be co-starring with Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif.
‘Bigg Boss 16’: Shalin wants to hit MC Stan for nominating Tina Datta
The upcoming episode of ‘Bigg Boss 16′ will be a memorable one as equations between Tina Datta and MC Stan will change after the rapper nominates the actress for eviction.
A promo shared on the channel Colors’ Instagram also shows a heated fight between Stan, who is the new captain of the house, and Shalin Bhanot.
In the clip, Stan and Tina have a war of words after he nominates her. However, Shalin jumps into it and reacts to Stan nominating Tina.
Shalin and Stan were seen almost getting into the fight, while fellow contestants had to intervene to stop them.
During the task, Tina said, “Mukhaute pehne huye hain jewellery ke piche.” Stan replies saying that: “Don’t talk about my jewelry, it is worth more than your house.”
Shalin gets into it and asks him not to act smart. Stan replies saying that he will give one “lafa (slap)”.
Shalin then told Stan, “Tereko maar dunga yahin khade khade.” Both of them get abusive. Stan walks towards Shalin, yelling at him, “Ma-baap pe mat ja”.
When Shalin told Stan that it was him who had started the fight, Stan told him in Hindi, “All my friends are watching this, do you want to live or not?”
FIR for morphing Yogi’s picture in ‘Pathaan’ song
The Lucknow police have lodged an FIR against a Twitter handle named, ‘AzaarSRK’, for sharing a snippet of the song ‘Besharam Rang’ from Pathaan with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s face in place of Deepika Padukone.
An FIR has been registered under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 66 of the Information Technology (IT) Act.
Several BJP leaders and Twitter users found this objectionable and disrespectful and demanded strict action against the accused. The cyber team of the DGP headquarters is currently investigating the matter.
The song ‘Besharam Rang’ from Pathaan has courted controversies ever since it was released. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, the song received heavy backlash on social media and from several political leaders.
Madhya Pradesh minister Dr. Narottam Mishra fumed over the use of saffron costume in the song. He found several scenes from the song objectionable and obscene.
He even threatened to ban the movie in Madhya Pradesh if those shots are not replaced.