ASIN THOTTUMKAL

Asin Thottumkal (Malayalam), is an award-winning Indian film actress from the state of Kerala. Currently , she is considered to be one of the most popular actresses in the South Indian film industry with three Southern Filmfare Awards in her kitty.

Making her acting debut in Sathyan Anthikkad's Narendra Makan Jayakanthan Vaka (2001), Asin had her first commercial success with Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi in 2003, and won a Filmfare Award for the Best Telugu Actress for the film.

After a number of critically and commercially successful films, she received her second South Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in her second Tamil film, Ghajini (2005). She played the lead female roles in two consecutive top grossers, Ghajini (2005) which is her biggest commercial success to date, and the action comedy Varalaru (2006) and this way has established herself as one of the most prominent leading actresses of South Indian cinema.

More recently, Asin has been making a debut in Bollywood, in Ghajini, the remake of its Tamil namesake. She has also reportedly been paid a hefty sum of Rs. 1.5 Crore for her second Bollywood Venture, London Dreams.She started her schooling in Naval Public School, Kochin. She is an only child to her parents – her father being a businessman and her mother a surgeon. She has completed her B.A. English Literature at St. Teresa's College, Kochi. She has shifted from her home town Kochi to Chennai, where she stays on Harrington Road. She has also bought an apartment at Lokhandwala in Mumbai for her convenience as a base in the city when she is there, as she is slowly but steadily foraying into Bollywood. Before becoming an actress, she was a part-time model and a businesswoman.

Asin Thottumkal debuted in a supporting role in Sathyan Anthikkad's unsuccessful Malayalam film Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka in 2001, at the age of 15. After taking a year out to pursue her education, Asin returned with her breakthrough film as an actress, Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi opposite Ravi Teja, portraying a Tamil girl in her first Telugu language film, which subsequently fetched her the Telugu Filmfare Award for Best Actress. In the same year she won the Santosham Best Actress Award for her performance alongside Nagarjuna in her second Telugu film, Shivamani. Her following two Telugu films, Lakshmi Narasimha and Gharshana, both portrayed Asin as the love interest for police officers, giving her two more solid hit films, cementing her place as a leading actress in the Telugu film industry.Asin's first Tamil language film was M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi, in which she co-starred with Jayam Ravi.

Asin reprised her role from her film Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi for the remake, which saw her portraying a Malayali girl instead of the Tamil girl in the original. The movie subsequently went on to become one of the biggest hits in Tamil cinema during 2004, introducing Asin to Tamil film industry. After a brief return to Telugu films, to do Chakram, her first failure as a senior artiste, she appeared in Ullam Ketkumae. The film, initially launched in 2002, was originally meant to be the launch for Asin as a lead actress, alongwith then-debutants Arya and Pooja Umashankar.

The college love story, directed by Jeeva, was long-delayed but eventually became a successful venture at the box-office, creating wider opportunities for her and the rest of the lead cast.After the release of Ullam Ketkumae, Asin became publicized as a leading heroine after signing films with the four leading actors of the Tamil industry: Surya, Vikram, Vijay and Ajith in Ghajini, Majaa, Sivakasi and Varalaru respectively. The venture which provided the breakthrough for Asin to become the leading South Indian actress was her Tamil film, Ghajini. The film, co-starring Surya and Nayantara and directed by A. R. Murugadoss, helped Asin secure the Tamil Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

Her role, that of a vivacious young model called Kalpana who dies, became a trendsetter and was parodied in several other films after the release of Ghajini. Sify.com praised her portrayal as "magical" and that "Kalpana was the lovable chatterbox, [with] sheer ability in the romantic interludes, the poignant and heartfelt scenes when she rescues minor girls from villains and her gory end are touching". The reviewer further went on to mention that "The chemistry between the lead pair in the first half is a delight", a view that became common among film producers who attempted to put their pair opposite each other for the films, Sillunu Oru Kaadhal and Vaaranam Aayiram, both of which started without Asin. The following Diwali in 2005, Asin had two big releases in Sivakasi and Majaa. Despite the latter becoming an average grosser, the former also went on to be a successful venture at the box office, despite Asin's poorly etched out role.The following year, Asin opted for a less hectic schedule, becoming more choosy with her roles, rejecting several opportunities in the process. Her long-delayed venture, Varalaru opposite Ajith Kumar, became the biggest blockbuster of 2006 in Tamil cinema, after releasing for Diwali 2006. The film's hero-centric plot retreated Asin to the sidelines, but her role was well acclaimed by critics. Asin kept intact with her popularity in Telugu films by appearing in Pawan Kalyan's Annavaram, another successful venture in hwich she had a poorly-etched out role. In January 2007, Asin appeared opposite Ajith Kumar and Vijay in two different films, Aalwar and Pokkiri, with the latter becoming a super success, whilst Aalwar became a failure. The two projects which released on the same day, had been billed up as rival films due to the rivalry of the lead actors in the films. Whilst Asin's role in Aalwar was criticized, her performance in Pokkiri was lauded by critics. Her final project of the year was opposite in Hari's Vel, which had a Diwali 2007 release, subsequently becoming her third successful film which relesed during the Diwali season in three years. The film saw Asin and Surya put apart their creative differences and appear alongside each other after Ghajini. Asin, who portrayed a TV anchor, was appreciated for her role in the film.Asin appeared in her first dual role in K. S. Ravikumar's magnum opus Dasavathaaram opposite Kamal Haasan, who portrayed ten roles. The film, which was under production since September 2006, became Asin's largest film til date. Despite being overshadowed by Haasan's ten roles, Asin's portrayal's in the film were praised as her "best-to-date" with one of her roles being that of a Vaishnavite in the 12th century; whilst the other charcter was a Brahmin girl from Chidambaram. Dasavathaaram subsequently went on to become one of the biggest blockbusters in South Indian film history.

An Interview with Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor, the newest power woman of Bollywood, comes out in the open and speaks to the media only when she has a film up for release or for any of her brand endorsements. We bring to you our latest Q & A session with the diva. Read on…

What is more important for you while endorsing a product - brand or money?Luckily, I don’t need to go after money. So definitely it’s the brand that matters. I would certainly not endorse cigarettes because I don’t believe in them. I will always endorse products that suit the kind of person I am. My personality will show up in my ads and the products that I endorse.
Do you personally use the products that you endorse?

I definitely use them. These people send me many of their products for free. So everybody uses them at home.
How do you start your day?My day starts with a cup of tea, after that I do yoga and then I leave for my shoots. We start shooting at around 9 in the morning.
Katrina Kaif recently said that she gets inspired by you. What do you have to say on that?It feels great. I think that speaks a lot about me.
Can you tell us of some memorable moments you shared with your family of late?Well, I haven’t taken a holiday with my family for the last four years. Hopefully, by the end of this year we will have some memories to cherish.
What do you find special about being a woman?

I think we all should be proud of being a woman because women are ruling the roost in every field, in every way. The most special thing I feel about being a woman is the power to give birth to a human being. So, men should respect women much more.
Whom do you get inspiration from in life?

It’s mostly my mother and my sister who have inspired me to be what I am. They have always been there for me; I have grown up with them.
Any women-oriented film that’s your favourite?

I don’t see many movies, but I think ‘Chameli’ is very special to me. It had a strong message, it had a cause. And I enjoyed playing the role of a sex worker a lot.

interview

Dismissive of his verbal duels with fellow actors over the last year, Shah Rukh says his only problems are physical, not emotional.In an interview with an international magazine, the actor was equally nonchalant about criticisms flung his way.“I have been working for too long to be laid down by some comment which sort of demeans my status,” he explains.
When you heard that moving the IPL out of India was inevitable, what was your first reaction?Forget the injury, it’s really sad that we have to go out of India, especially Kolkata, because I was having fun there and the team belongs to Kolkata. And as for my injury, I’m not going to recover fully till August. So I’m not working too much. For me, it would have been the same thing if I had to travel up and down form Kolkata. And now I’m going to travel long distances in South Africa.
A few months later, your relationship with Aamir deteriorated for no apparent reason. What caused it?

No, I have never had any problems with him. Again what has been reported is something I cannot comment on. Whatever issues we have are not big enough to be reported, and not reported the way it has been reported. Whatever little ups and downs, chats, talks, and relationship we have gets resolved on its own personally. I don’t think we need the platform of the media to resolve it.
And now it is speculated that you have patched up with Aamir?

You patch up when you break up. I don’t understand where the patch up is coming from when there is no break up. We exchange SMSes, chat and did the multiplex thing together. I don’t how much more we can patch up; we will be getting married then.
Ghajini versus Rab ne Bana Di Jodi. Was that about two mega movies or really a battle between Aamir and you?

They are big films; both completely different and did considerably well. Ghajini is being touted as the biggest hit ever, which is wonderful because it has set new standards for the business. Both were expensive films. So it was important that these two big films did well, as a lot was riding on them for producers, distributors and exhibitors.
The Film fare power list has Aamir right on top?

Actually, I don’t understand them although I have secured a position once or twice. It’s a world view which may be right or wrong. Going up or down a power list is not a major criterion for me. But it’s nice if I’m leading a power list.

Ranbir Steps Out
Ranbir Kapoor was not seen in public in the recent past as he was growing a beard for his new film and did not want his look to leak till it was officially announced. Now, the first look of Ranbir in Yash Raj Films’ forthcoming movie, “Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year” is out! It’s a funny and exhilarating coming of age movie, set in the new Indian economy. The extremely popular and talented Ranbir Kapoor plays the lead role as the salesman of the year. This Yash Raj Films movie is set to release in December 2009.

Preity Plays Fairy Godmother

Many actresses are called housebreakers... but there are some home-makers as well. Preity Zinta is one of them. Apparently, PZ is the one who helped actor Eesha Koppikhar hook up with boyfriend Timmy Narang, whom she’ll wed soon. Preity and Eesha became good friends while shooting for Har Pal. That’s when Preity thought that Timmy and Eesha were perfect for each other. “Preity was instrumental in getting us together,” confessed Koppikhar. “She told Timmy a few good words about me, and then told me a few good words about him! Timmy and I casually met at a party and hit it off immediately. We started dating, without quite knowing that Preity was actually trying to get the two of us together!”

review

Chowrasta

The film weaves together four different tales that run parallel to each other. Nandana (Roopa Ganguly) is a fading Bollywood star who discovers she is living on borrowed time, so she is desperately in search of someone who will look after her 12-year-old son. Rita (Aparajita) and Sunny (Naved Aslam) have eloped and got married but now on their honeymoon they realize their marriage isn’t really a bed of roses. Jimmy (Victor) is a planter in Darjeeling who is unable to get over his wife’s death. He keeps writing emotional letters to his already deceased wife. The loneliness is out to kill him and he even contemplates suicide. Kenny (Atul Kulkarni) is a terrorist who is on the run from police realizes all that he has been doing till now, the cause that he was fighting for is all worthless as no one is really interested whether he remains alive or dead.All the characters are in Darjeeling seeking something. What happens when their paths cross and what they end up achieving which leads to a major change in their lives is all about rest of the story. What make this film interesting are the characterizations, of especially those of Victor Bannerjee, Roopa Ganguly and Atul Kulkarni. It further helps that these actors take the film to a higher level with their good acting. The film makes for a good watch if you want to see something really sensible. With its just 90 minutes running time, you won't end up losing much.

movie review

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Matthew McConaughey doesn’t have a ghost of a chance in this mirthless romantic comedy that’s anything but romantic. Connor Mead is a commitment-phobic bachelor whose carefree antics nearly destroy his brother’s wedding weekend when his constant mockery of the sacred institution throws cold water on the event. But then straight out of the afterlife comes Connor’s philandering late Uncle Wayne to lead him through a spooky, Dickensian tour of the ghosts of all his many female conquests from the past, present and future. As he realizes what a sorry state he’s in and how he blew his relationship with Jenny, the one girl he truly loved and lost, Connor will find out if there’s really a second chance in life. Matthew McConaughey plays Connor with little distinction from the myriad of other skirt-chasing cads he’s played in a string of chick flicks. His immature chauvinist act is getting a little old and poor Jennifer Garner, his latest leading lady, can’t do much to save him. There’s little chemistry between the two, and in fact, both stars don’t seem to have their heart in this lame, lustful takeoff on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. For some inexplicable reason Michael Douglas took the thankless role of the late Uncle, who mostly just throws out lots of double entendres.The screenplay just doesn’t deliver. The overall tone is just crass and sleazy, and the fantasy sequences involving the ghostly visits are flat and uninspired.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato

Birth name Demetria Devonne Lovato
Born August 20, 1992 (1992-08-20) (age 16)Dallas, Texas, United States
Genre(s) Teen pop, Pop rock
Occupation(s) Actress, singer, songwriter, musician
Instrument(s) Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active 2002 – present
Label(s) Hollywood Records
Associated acts Jonas Brothers
Website DemiLovato.com

Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She played Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock, and she plays Sonny Monroe in the Disney Channel Original Series Sonny With A Chance. Besides acting, she is also a solo music artist and released her debut album Don't Forget on September 23, 2008. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 selling over 89,000 copies in the first week.

Early life
Lovato was born in Dallas, Texasto Patrick Lovato and Diana Lovato. She has an older sister, Dallas, and a younger half sister, Madison De La GarzaHer mother, Dianna Hart, was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and country recording artist; her father, Patrick, moved to New Mexico after their marriage ended in 1994.
Career
Lovato began her acting career at the age of six on the children's television series Barney & Friends as Angela, appearing in seasons seven and eight. In 2006 Lovato guest starred on the second season of the television series Prison Break as Danielle Curtin in the episode "First Down". She also appeared in the second season of the television sitcom Just Jordan as Nicole, in the episode "Slippery When Wet". In January 2007, she landed the role of Charlotte Adams on the Disney Channel Original Short Series, As the Bell Rings which premiered on August 26, 2007. A few of her original songs, including "Shadow," were featured on the show. She has also covered the Academy Award nominated song "That's How You Know" on DisneyMania 6. She also recorded three songs for the Camp Rock soundtrack. She later signed a record deal with Hollywood Records. Her cover of "Wonderful Christmas Time" is featured in All Wrapped Up.
In 2008, Lovato starred alongside the Jonas Brothers in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Camp Rock. She played Mitchie Torres, a fourteen-year-old girl with hopes of becoming a singer. The movie premiered on June 20 in the USA on Disney Channel. Lovato's debut album Don't Forget was released on September 23, 2008 in the United States through Hollywood Records, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The Jonas Brothers co-wrote several songs with Lovato for this album. During the summer of 2008, she performed as the Jonas Brothers' opening act for their Burning Up Tour.
She competed on Disney Channel Games for the third annual show. Subsequently, she appeared on the second show of Studio DC: Almost Live. Lovato was featured in Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience Lovato was cast as Princess Rosalinda in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Princess Protection Program, alongside Selena GomezLovato is currently starring in the Disney Channel Original Series, Sonny With a Chance.
Personal life
In an MTV interview, Lovato stated that she likes metal music, especially black metal and metalcore. She called symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir "one of her favorite live acts". In the March 2009 issue of Teen Vogue, Lovato stated, "My first passion is music, because it comes naturally to me. Acting has been like a hobby." Lovato is best friends with Selena Gomez, whom she has known since Lovato "asked her to sit on my jacket and draw with crayons with me" at the Barney & Friends auditions. Lovato is also a Christian and prays with her band before she performs.

Has she walked the aisle or walked off the aisle is the new debate making the rounds among the film fraternity. For the tube lights out there, yes, we are talking about the queen of controversy, Meera. News has it that it was a secret marriage with a man called Atiq Bhai with whom Meera exchanged the vows. As of now, she wants to come out of this bond and is not only demanding a divorce but a hefty amount of money (read 2 crores) in return. And what does the diva have to say about all this? “Ever since I became a part of the industry, one scandal or the other has been associated with me. I don’t know why I am always targeted and by whom. Whenever I get married it will be there for all to see and the press would be the first to know. At the moment, I am very busy with my work and nothing else.” Well said, Meera ji. But what to do about those wagging tongues? They are still hell-bent on spreading rumours. They now claim that in reality since you have nothing better to do work wise, this is your devious way of staying in the news. Hmmm… sorry, Meera ji, even we agree with that notion!




She is the much-married film star who came back to the industry just to do a few projects and shone like a star in Zill-e-Shah. Yes, folks, we are talking about the petite lady named Noor. According to the plan, she was supposed to return back home to Dubai to hubby dearest, but what to do, the arch lights are hard to resist, you see! More on Noor is that she is planning to venture into film direction. For her directorial debut, titled Heer, Noor first thought of roping in Shaan so that she could thank him for giving her a fabulous comeback role. Then comes the news that Mommar Rana will be the hero. Negating the rumours, she says, “At the moment the script is being written for my film and once that is completed only then the cast will be finalized accordingly.” Fair enough, Noor ji, but don’t forget that you have a debt to pay to the gundasa wielding gujjar ala Sultan Rahi Shaan ji…

FASHION

Consumers of today are pretty much aware of facts such as global warming and environmentally friendly way of living. It is a human aspiration that everyone likes to look beautiful, and also to keep the clothing budget within control. Though consumers understand the concept of nature's way of living, they expect the lifestyle to suit their preferences, be according to trends and fit their budget as well. Eco clothing is still at a nascent stage, and requires a considerable amount of money and time for the cotton cultivators to change from conventional to organic crop. Similarly, manufacturers need more investments in machinery for eco clothing.
Costs involved:
Many myths flourish regarding sustainable designed apparels and accessories, the first being that they are way too expensive. Eco clothing and accessories are of superior quality, but they are not mass produced. When designers attempt to come up with a product that will benefit the environment and the living beings, the cost of organic and eco friendly raw materials prove to be expensive.
Raw materials used in making eco clothing are generally planted and harvested in one place. Then it is sent to a factory for processing it and later is spun into yarn. This yarn is transported to a factory and is woven into fabric, which is then sent to a dye mill for coloring. Later the fabric is sent to a manufacturer, who with a designer drafts the patterns for the clothing, cuts and sews the garments. The final product is then packed and is available at the shops for consumers. At every state, it involves workforce, who are paid for their labor.
Eco fabrics are generally more expensive due to the fact that mass production is not practiced currently. Organic cotton is available only in limited quantities. Low impact dyes are used in coloring these fabrics which causes less or no impact to the environment as well as to the human skin. The extra processing applied for avoiding hazardous chemicals makes it all the more costly. The manufacturing process for eco clothing makes the complete cycle more expensive. All these factors go into the price of the finished garment giving a hefty price tag to the eco apparel. Though ultimately the consumer gets what he wants, still the garment goes a way beyond his clothing budget.
What are the Remedies?
Eco clothing is very well made, and has a longer life span comparatively over conventional fabrics. Companies involved in manufacturing eco friendly clothing must be offered adequate subsidies from the Government. Designers, who create patterns for this clothing, should make it a point to make the designs timeless, so that it remains a 'wardrobe staple', an outfit that remains in the wardrobe of the consumer for many years. Manufacturers should focus on making outfits that are stylish, combined with a reasonable price tag. These apparels should be available in many store racks, and throughout the seasons, so as to be available at the choice of the shopper at all times.