Perfect choice
Lyricist-cum-director Dr Nagendra Prasad is an ambitious man. He has roped in Lagaan ki chori Gracy Singh for his Meghave Meghave, because her face came to his mind when he thought of a heroine for his film. The discerning actress acquiesced, fulfilling her desire of acting in at least one film each in all the Indian languages. But Nagendra Prasad is not content with only Gracy.
   He is planning to bring in Dream Girl Hema Malini or the Ravishing Rekha to do a cameo in his film. The film is set in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, where a Kannadiga family has settled for years together. Hence the title, Meghave Meghave.  We sure hope the director will be able to realise all his dreams and treat us to a heavenly product.
Another new face
Kamal Hasan sang Jopana Raatri Aaytu in the hit comedy Rama Shama Bhama. Perhaps inspired by the line, first time director Basavaraj has named his film Jopana. The semblance ends there, he says for his film is all about keeping the love strong in the face of adversity. A ‘different’ subject, Jopana will tell that love needs careful nurturing from time to time. BCom graduate Pradeep is the new face while heroine Nisha Shetty is also acting in Happy New Year.
Ponnambalan returns
Actor Deepak’s new film, Chenna has a Rajnikanth connection to it. No, we are not talking of the superstar playing a role, or getting involved in any way. It is Rajni’s friend Raj Bahadur who will be essaying the role of a village headman, with Deepak playing his son. Chenna also marks the return of Tamil actor Ponnambalam, who was first seen playing actress Hema Panchamukhi’s father in the Shivanna-starrer Dore and more recently in  Upendra’s Masti.  Chenna is being directed by S Umesh.
Ram, Ram
Meghave Meghave also has Ram. Not the lord of Ayodhya but Sandeep, who starred in the Sunil Kumar Desai’s film, Ramya Chaitra Kala. Sandeep has changed his name to Ram for this film, maybe to impress Gracy of whom he is in awe. Hope the change works for the better.
Calling Kannada
The music release of Ninade Nenapu marked the entry of SonyBMG into Gandhinagar. And the industry got a taste of their professionalism. The programme began with an audio-visual presentation of the company’s products, which was nicely packaged. This was followed by a short speech or two from the company’s regional heads in English. After the film crew had its say on the music, it was the turn of RJ Kiran Sridhar to speak about the songs, which were having a high rotation throughout the day in his station. Kiran began in his inimitable style, peppering his speech with English words. Piqued by this, the media asked him to speak in Kannada. And Kiran seemed a bit slow on the uptake. When he realised that he would be forced to accede to the demand, the ‘interaction’ session came to an abrupt end. Was it a case of nerves?
Dumb charade
Actor Mayur Patel has immense faith in his friends. So much so that he has agreed to act in friend Prashant Kanagal’s film, after hearing just a line about his characterisation. Unkempt, unwashed hair and a stubble are part of his efforts to get under the skin of his character, with a morose look to boot. However, it must be said, that Mayur’s new look is eerily similar to that of the director. Hope the actor won’t keep up this charade for long.
No Bhagya
Brothers Sai Sagar and Arjun seem to have a fetish of giving seemingly weird titles to their films. After Mental Manja, they have now named their next venture, 3rd Class Manja, BCom Bhagya. Hero Arjun will be called, what else but Manjesh. However, the duo have not been able to find their Bhagya yet.
Ranjeetha rocks
The secret is out. Mungaaru Male producer Krishnappa’s heroine for his next venture Moggina Manassu is none other than Ranjeetha, who is acting opposite Deepak in 18th cross and who is better remembered for her role in serial Nandagokula. The petite actress danced her way through at the bash held to celebrate the silver jubilee of Mungaaru Male recently.