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Sunday, January 31, 2010

A Music Maker Devi Sri Prasad ~ South Scope




"If I cannot dance, it's not music for me. Think Devi Sri Prasad and the three words that come to mind are Unique Mystique Musique... Karthik Pasupulate goes for a song under his spell
than the superstars so far. We won't name the ladies but we can say they are all quite hot! "Well the only thing such link ups set on fire is the friendship with the lady involved," he quips with more than a naughty smile. "But these things do not amuse me anymore." That was some nifty side stepping, but we pester.
He could not be getting all his kicks from music, ahem? Give us some dirt man.
"God should not have given man the mind of a monkey with so many beautiful women around! So technically I am having trouble deciding," he winks. Pure jest? You decide...
No For many (the writer included) finding life's calling is like looking for a `black hole' in a pile of charcoal. A few though, just have it all so figured out that it seems like their calling finds them! Take for instance, music director Devi Sri Prasad.
All he ever wanted was to be a music director. He began working on his first music album in class seven! By the time he was 17, he had composed music for his first film. Today, he is on top of his game, as one of the most sought after songsters of south India.
For those who joined in late, here's tuning you into what Devi (that's what they all call him) has been doing these days.
Besides composing music for NTR's next film being directed by VV Vinayak, he's also working on Arya-2 and Namo Venkatesha in Telugu and Kutti apart from the Surya starrer Singam in Tamil. Over the last five years, Devi has composed music for at least four films every year. With records like Kanthasamy, Jalsa, Santosh Subramaniam, Current, Ready, Bommarillu, Arya, Rakhi, Shankar Dada MBBS, Mass, Sachien, Maayavi, Aaru, Mazhai, Varsham, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana...he took prolificacy to well, another level. And it's not just mere numbers we are talking of. To make loads of music is one thing and to make loads of music that's refreshing each time, that's kept a whole generation of youngsters dancing is well another. In 2005 alone, he had 11 music releases to his credit.
He's got his own way of doing things and makes it seem quite simple. "I spend a lot of time talking about the song or scene with the director and the lyricist. I go over the lyrics a number of times and try arriving at a concept. Once the idea is finalised, the tunes just flow. Thankfully, most of my compositions are okayed right in the first go. So, I guess that helps too," he shares.
When we said music maker, we meant every note of it. He not only composes but also writes lyrics, sings and guess what, dance too. In fact, his shows are so popular that producers insist that he performs at the music launch of films! For Devi, however, dance and music are not different entities. "If I cannot dance, it's not music for me. It's hard to explain this in words. There have been days when I went for a performance with fever and fatigue. Yet, once I get on the stage, I just cannot help myself. The crowds, the music and the lights just feed me with all the energy I need," he explains.
The same seems to apply for his writing as well. "My dad is amazed at how I write, and rightly so. I do not read much and have never written anything other than my songs. I guess I've got it from my father," Devi contemplates. His father, Sathya Murthy is a noted script writer, composer and singer from the older generation.
Talking of which, puritans don't tire of crying hoarse over the degeneration of contemporary music. Influenced by the West? More cheap imitations in the name of inspiration? Come to think of it, we do not use adjectives like classic or timeless to describe our music anymore.
Do we? "Now what do you say to that?
It's a jungle out here too. You just cannot survive if your music is not good enough.
Perhaps tastes have changed and so has the music. I think our music loses out because of the language and poor marketing. Personally, I believe all music directors are doing their best and we are as good as anybody," he contends. And we agree completely.
He has managed to cement his place as a hotshot music director in southern cinema in a relatively short span of time.
It might seem natural to sort of spread his sights a little... may be Bollywood? "I have been getting some offers from Bollywood, but I am waiting for something special to come. I also want to work on my pop music album. I've been putting it off for long now..." And we say, a pop album from Devi is well, certainly worth the wait.
But that's not all. We hear he's got acting plans too. "Yes I have been discussing my plans with some big banners, but it is a little too early to talk about it. If all goes well, something might just work out in the near future," he lets us know. Now that will be something. Watch this space for more.
Going back to the man behind the synthesizer, Devi obviously hasn't had a typical childhood. At an age when most kids are just happy imitating Sachin Tendulkar or SRK, he busied himself playing with tunes on his keyboard. We wonder if he ever missed out on a more unhurried childhood. "Yes I never had time to hang out with my friends as my life revolved around studies and music.
But I was having so much fun doing it that I never missed anything." We told you, he's one hulluva sorted guy, didn't we?
But what of the women? He's not an actor and yet he's probably had more link-ups

Tamil stars' tattoo tales ~ South Scope



PavithraSrinivasan goes tattoo spotting in the most dramatic of places. Before you get scandalized, we mean in Chennai and we are talking Tamil stars.
For a while forget you're reading this and picture instead a typical lover's tiff scene from a Tamil movie.
You are likely to have seen something we are about to describe umpteen times precisely because it never fails to work. So here's how it goes: The hero and heroine have had a massive fight, replete with accusations galore. She's sobbing, he's breathing fast. He attempts explaining himself, she's in no mood to listen. He uses much lung power to convince her he loves her. She asks him to prove it. And there in lies the clinch. The cue is given and he wrenches his shirt open, and hey presto! There she finds her name tattooed on his belly/ shoulder/chest, often close to the heart. And that's it.
All is well again. Vikram.
Cut back to the real and the story is not too different either. Not as melodramatic though but the love part of the deal remains. Whether it's the love of their lives, their own identity or simply the love of tattooing.
Angelina Jolie got her slim back peppered with her children's names, Victoria Beckham's practically traded love engravings with husband David and closer home, Saif and Kareena have etched their love for each other permanently on their respective bodies. Tamil stars have been doing it too and much before tattooing became a cool thing, at least in India.
Example? Paruthiveeran's etching of his beloved Muthazhagu on his chest ­ crude, yet with an affecting simplicity that's an indication of uncomplicated life.
The others given in to the tattoo needle are Khushboo, Lissy Priyadarshan and Aishwarya. More recently of course, body art is more prolific and arty too. Tattoos aren't just names; they're stylized protestations of love where calligraphic letters transform from mere words to poetry. And ink that otherwise is simply graffiti becomes etched romance.
The sylph-like Trisha who is all set to make her debut in Bollywood has a Nemo fish tattooed on her bosom.
It makes tantalizing appearances whenever she wears those stylish off-shoulder numbers ­ which is often.
Apparently, it took the tattoo artist three hours to get it right. She's got a little one on her left wrist too and she wants another, except she thinks her mom will finally disown her! Not too far behind, in fact, much talked about is another tattoo. The elegant P followed by two Tamil letters on bikini babe, Nayanthara's arm. We hear she considers it a part of her body, and has no issues about showing it off. "Chennai has a long way to go before we get completely adventurous about tattoos ­ but the change is happening," assures Naveen Kumar, who's been a tattoo artist with Chennai's foremost tattoo studio, Irezumi for three years. Incidentally, Trisha got hers done here and Surya got a piercing here too. "I hope my clients would want more from us than just butterflies or names. Stars are the latest trend these days, but I wish they'd go for something bigger.
Dragons maybe," he smiles. Doesn't seem that far fetched. In the meanwhile, we always have our little love notes and personality screaming stuff, both on and off screen.

Trisha At EA Launch ~ South Scope Nov 2009

Erum Ali, top Chennai designer launched EA, the first Bridal Lounge in the city, at the up market Khader Nawaz Khan Road. Shalini and Jyothika, wives of the two superstars Ajit and Suriya, Trisha with her friends Priya Manikandan and Sydney SS, Gowthami, designers Chaitanya Rao, Tina Vincent and actor Karthi, attended the event.

Star Affair 1980's ~ South Scope



Director Priyadarshan's wife, Lissy and Suhasini Mani Ratnam held an exclusive alumnus of hero's and heroines of 1980's who worked together. This 80's theme party was held at Lissy's bungalow and the guest list was pruned down to only heroes and heroines who had acted together and they had to come without their spouses. The theme of the party was black and white and most of the people followed the dress code. The 12 male stars from four southern languages were there at the party - Rajinikanth, Mohan, Karthik, Ambarish, Bhanuchandar, Naresh, Prabhu, Suresh, Suman, Pratap Pothen, Mukesh and Vishnuvardhan along with 9 heroines who had acted with them Suhasini, Lissy, Shobhana, Radhika, Revathy, Poornima, Sumalatha, Radha and Nadiya. The tag line of the party was- "I know what we did in the 80's.

M & M Mohanlal and Mammootty ~ South Scope

Simply Seiya ~ South Scope

Simply Siya


A Splendid Son Rise Rana Daggubati ~ South Scope


At Home With Sabu Cyril ~ South Scope


Vimala Raman ~ South Scope




Racy Ramya's Razzmatazz ~ South Scope


The Queen Of Hearts Kaniha South Scope

hi 5 with bindu madhavi ~ south scope

Saturday, January 30, 2010

"I'm Mallu Arjun" says Allu Arjun at Ujala Asianet Awards 2010

Bunny presenting youth icon award to Prithvi Raj at ujala asia net awards ( Malayalam) 2010


Aarya 2 Malayalam Wallpapers/Posters

Arya 2 Malayalam Wallpapers/Posters











Deeksha Seth in Vedam

Miss India 2009 pairs with Allu Arjun

Tollywood is going to see yet another new face from the north. Yes! We are aware that Krish is directing a multi-starrer film ‘Vedam’ starring Allu Arjun, Manoj Kumar Manchu and Anushka. For quite some time we have been hearing different names to be cast opposite Allu Arjun in this flick. Now the buzz is that the makers have spotted a new face from the north, who appeared in juicy poses in a newly released calendar. She is none other than the Miss India of 2009, Deeksha Seth. This beautiful young girl who also won the Pantaloon Femina contest for fresh face, has just started her career as a model. ‘Vedam’ is the first film offer that she got, therefore let’s wish her a very bright film career.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Southscope Feb 2010 cover, feat. Allu Arjun & Tamanna

Hey all! Here is the cover page of Southscope for Feb 2010. It features Allu Arjun and Tamannaah Bhatia. The cover was photographed by Avinish Gowarikar, styled by Nishchay Polavarapu. Location : Mehboob Studio, Mumbai. I thank both the cover stars for coming forward to being a part of our magazine. This issue is a Valentine’s Day special with lots of focus love, marriage & romance. We also introduced Style & Fashion this time – observing, commenting and rating the fashion sense of our actors. Our last issue featuring Ram Charan and Shriya was a sellout! Looking forward to a very exciting 2010 in South Indian cinema!


click to view full size

Celebrities pay respects to Gummadi

Veteran actor and winner of Raghupati Venkaiah award - Gummadi died of cardiac arrest at 11:30 pm on the night of 26 January 2010. He was born in 9 July, 1927.

Lots of Telugu film and political personalities inclusing ANR, MS Reddy, Krishna, Vijaya Nirmala, Murali Mohan, Ram Charan Teja, Nagababu,Mrs.Surekha Chiranjeevi, D Rama Naidu, Chandra Babu Naidu, Tammareddy Krishna Murthy, Jayasudha, Mrs Mohan Babu, Mrs. Bala Krishna, Krishnam Raju, Giri Babu, Kaikala Satyanarayana, Ali, R Narayana Murthy, Sana, Jamuna, Ahuti Prasad, Ramesh Prasad, S Gopal Reddy, B Gopal, Parandheswari, Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, D Suresh Babu, Vamsi, Sivaji Raja, Arjuna Raju, Tammareddy Bharadwaja, Kodela Siva Prasad, N Shankar, Nandamuri Rama Krishna, Dr, Jaya Prakash Narayan, Mada, Sivaji Raja, Brahmanandam, Lakshmi Parvati, Dr. C Narayana Reddy, Adiseshagiri Rao, DVS Raju, Siva Krishna, Balayya, VB Rajendra Prasad, Kavitha, Allu Arvind, Nitin Kapoor, Raja, Sudha,Hema, KL Narayana, Seenu Vytla, Lakshmi Manchu, T Subbirami Reddy, Tanikella Bharani, Pavala Syamala, Muthyala Subbayya, Bandaru Dattatreya, Dharmarapu, Naresh etc paid respects to him.

















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