THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Film-TV actor Aparna P Nair (31) was found dead here late on Thursday. According to police, the body was found in her house at Karamana. A case of unnatural death has been registered. 

The actor’s mother and sister were reportedly present at the house when the incident occurred. She was rushed to a private hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Police have begun an investigation and have recorded the statements of the relatives. 

She also essayed roles in TV serials such as Chandanamazha, Aatmasakhi and Maidhili Veendum Varunnu. 

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the filmmakers of the Rajnikanth-starrer movie “Jailer,” stipulating that starting from September 1, none of the theaters should display the jersey of the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in any form. This comes in response to a scene in the film where a contract killer is depicted wearing the RCB team jersey.

Regarding the film’s release on television, satellite, or any OTT platform, Justice Prathiba M Singh has ordered that an altered version of the movie should be broadcasted or telecasted prior to such releases.

Justice Singh’s decision was based on a lawsuit filed by the IPL team, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, against the filmmakers. The IPL team raised concerns about scenes in which its jersey was used in a derogatory manner. The contract killer wearing the RCB jersey reportedly made disparaging and misogynistic remarks about a woman in the movie. The RCB contended that the unauthorized use of the jersey in a negative context could damage its brand image and harm its brand equity.

The court observed that after the filing of the lawsuit, the filmmakers and the IPL team engaged in discussions and resolved their disputes. Both parties agreed that the filmmakers would alter the scenes featuring the team jersey to ensure that it is not identifiable as the RCB jersey. This alteration includes removing the primary colors of the RCB jersey and any branding of sponsors present on it.

Additionally, it was resolved that the film’s producers would carry out the necessary alterations before releasing the movie on television, satellite, or any OTT platform.

Since the film “Jailer” was already released in theaters on August 10, 2023, the filmmakers are required to make the alterations for theatrical showings by September 1, 2023, as part of the settlement.

Justice Singh has mandated that the filmmakers and all involved parties adhere to the terms and conditions agreed upon by both sides. Due to the settlement reached on the first hearing of the case, the court has directed the full court fee to be refunded to the plaintiff through their counsel.

Advocates Majumder, Priya Adlakha, and Vardaan Anand represented the plaintiff, while advocates Deepak Biswas, Harsh Buch, and Srishti Gupta appeared on behalf of the defendants.

MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Pathaan” is all set to be available for streaming on Prime Video after a blockbuster run at the global box office for over 50 days.

The streaming service shared on its social media handles that the globetrotting spy thriller, which marked a comeback for Shah Rukh after his absence from leading man roles for more than four years, will make its streaming debut on its platform from Wednesday.

“We sense a turbulence in the weather, after all ‘Pathaan’ is coming #PathaanOnPrime, Mar 22 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu,” Prime Video tweeted.

Fronted by Shah Rukh, the Siddharth Anand directorial released in theatres on January 25 and has raised over Rs 1,000 crore worldwide at the box office.

Produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), “Pathaan” also stars John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana.

“Pathaan” follows the titular spy (Shah Rukh) who comes out of exile to stop terrorist group Outfit X from launching a debilitating attack on India.

It is the fourth film in producer Aditya Chopra’s spy universe, following Salman Khan’s “Ek Tha Tiger” and “Tiger Zinda Hai”, and “War”, featuring Hrithik Roshan.

MUMBAI: Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s wife Aaliya on Wednesday said the actor was “an irresponsible father” and alleged that he had sent away their minor daughter alone with his “male manager” who hugged her “multiple times in an inappropriate manner”.

In an eight-page letter shared on her unverified Instagram account, Aaliya claimed Siddiqui had sent their 12-year-old daughter to another country with his male manager without her “knowledge and consent”.

“The fact is that as an irresponsible father, you sent my minor daughter to another country with your male manager and made them stay in (one hotel unit) without my knowledge and consent.

“Your male manager, during this period, hugged my minor daughter multiple times in an inappropriate manner and all of this was done despite her expressed objections. You cannot deny that those acts were done by your manager when neither me nor you were around,” she wrote in the letter.

Aaliya, who also shares a seven-year-old son with Siddiqui, further accused the actor of threatening her after she expressed her displeasure over the undated incident.

“You still claimed to trust him blindly and when, as a biological mother, I objected to what happened, you threw your weight around and threatened to take over us today,” she added.

Aaliya’s counter-allegations come days after in response to her previous claims and described them as “manipulated” and “one-sided”.

His wife had earlier accused the actor of abandoning their children.

Siddiqui had alleged that his wife was the one who had abandoned their children in Dubai four months ago and had now called them back on the pretext of “demanding money”. He further claimed that his children had already missed out on their schooling for 45 days.

Aaliya, in her new post, asked the actor to “prove your case with evidence in court” and also went on to call him a “dangerous” father.

Later, she posted a 4.30-minute-long audio clip on Instagram, which she claimed to be a conversation between her and Siddiqui. “This is Nawaz reality (sic)”, she captioned the purported audio, in which the couple appears to be allegedly arguing over the actor sending their daughter with his aide.

As per the sound clip, Siddiqui asked her to file a complaint with police and court.

Kasinadhuni Viswanath

Hyderabad: Dadasaheb Phalke awardee and renowned filmmaker Kasinadhuni Viswanath died at a private hospital here. He was 92.

Viswanath was unwell for some time and was suffering from age-related issues, sources said. He passed away at the hospital around midnight Thursday.

Popularly known as ‘Kalatapasvi’, Viswanath was born in February 1930 in Andhra Pradesh.

A prominent name, not just in Telugu cinema but also in Tamil and Hindi films, he became the 48th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema. He was conferred with the award for the year 2016.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed his condolences over the death of Viswanath.

“Viswanath was a rare distinguished film director who chose ordinary story and turned it into a classic movie on the silver screen with his amazing talent,” he was quoted as saying in a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a tweet, expressed his grief over the death of the filmmaker.

“Vishwanath is a mirror of Telugu culture and Indian arts. Films under his direction have brought unparalleled respect to the Telugu film industry. He will remain forever in the hearts of Telugu people as an artist,” Reddy said.

Former vice-president M Venkaiahn Naidu tweeted, “Deeply grieved to hear of the demise of renowned film director K Viswanath. As a filmmaker he brought depth and dignity to the medium, earning global recognition for his movies with a message. May his atma attain sadgati! Om shanti!.”

Viswanath, who started his journey in the film industry as a sound artist, went on to direct award-winning films such as “Sankarabharanam”, “Sagara Sangamam”, “Swati Mutyam”, “Saptapadi”, “Kaamchor”, “Sanjog” and “Jaag Utha Insaan”.

His long career included an equally successful stint in front of the camera. He made 50 movies since 1965.

He debuted as a director with “Aatma Gowravam”, which starred Akkineni Nageswara Rao and won the Nandi Award for the best feature film. He followed it with “Chelleli Kapuram”, “O Seeta Katha”, “Jeevana Jyoti” and “Sarada”.

Venturing into mainstream acting, he worked in movies like “Swarabhishekam” (which he directed as well), “Pandurangadu”, “Narasimha Naidu”, “Lakshmi Narasimha” and “Seemasimham”, “Kuruthipunal”, “Kakkai Siraginilae” and “Bagavathi”, among others.

Besides Dadasaheb Phalke Award, he was also felicitated with Padma Shri in 1992, five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards (given by the Andhra Pradesh government) and 10 Filmfare trophies, including the Lifetime Achievement award.

“Shocked beyond words! K Viswanath’s loss is an irreplaceable void to Indian/Telugu Cinema and for me personally! Man of numerous iconic, timeless films! The Legend Will Live on! Om Shanti !!,” actor Chiranjeevi tweeted.

Several film industry personalities also paid their last respects to Viswanath.

‘What happened to resignation of 90 MLAs?’
Answering to a question asked by the Rajasthan High Court on what decision the Assembly Speaker CP Joshi has taken on the resignations of Congress MLAs in September last year pending before him, he argued that the 81 resignations were not voluntary. BJP MLA Rajendra Rathore had filed a petition before the HC seeking direction to the Speaker to decide on the resignations given by MLAs of the ruling Congress party. Experts say that this defense in the court is just a legal cover up for the political move that was made to keep the CM chair for Ashok Gehlot and deny Sachin Pilot a chance to takeover.

Rajnikanth in Jaisalmer  to shoot ‘Jailor’
South Indian superstar Rajnikanth was welcomed with Rajasthani tradition on reaching the golden city of Jaisalmer on Tuesday. Rajnikanth is here to shoot his upcoming film ‘Jailor’ in this desert zone for around two weeks. The hotel that he is staying for the duration of the fil shooting had decked up the premises and the staff had prepared a performance on ‘lungi dance’. They  took the superstar to his room by swaying to this popular song which amused Rajinikanth who kept smiling throughout their performance. This multistarrer is being made on a budget of Rs 175 crore and will see Rajinikanth, Mohan Lal and Shiv Rajkumar working together for the first time.

Women, kids in saree run for clean Kota
Kota witnessed a special women-only run organised to spread awareness of cleanliness. Around 175 women and children dressed in sarees, ran 3.5 km to spread awareness to keep the city clean and green.  Women of all ages and sizes participated, from 75-year-old Leela Sevak and 73-year-old Archana Mathur to Class 6 student Khanak ran together. 43-year-old Kalpana Bhardwaj completed the race in 20 minutes and stood first. Several women were also seen picking up the garbage in their 
bags while running. It was the first time such an event was organized in the state. 

HYDERABAD: Veteran actor Jamuna, who acted in over 200 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi, died after a brief illness, at her residence here on Friday. She was 86. She is survived by a son and a daughter. The yesteryear heartthrob and a consummate actress, finds a respectable place among the leading heroines of the mid-20th century. She walked the celluloid firmament tall along with Savitri and Showcar Janaki.

In fact, Jamuna was a class apart, when it came to donning mischievous and naughty characters. No one knows whether Satyabhama existed or not but the name makes one think of only Jamuna for the grace and fluidity with which she portrayed the role.

The three leading women of the Telugu film industry featured in films that had author-backed roles that sent a powerful message to society, upholding values. They always breathed life into the characters offered to them. Perhaps this is the reason they lasted as leading actresses for decades.Jamuna, who is fondly known as Vendithera Satyabhama, acted in 198 films, 145 in Telugu, 20 in Tamil, 10 in Hindi, and seven in Kannada.She was born as Jana Bai in 1936 to a Kannadiga father and a Telugu mother in Hampi.      

Jamuna’s father, who had a business selling turmeric and tobacco, moved the family to Duggirala in Guntur district where she grew up, acting in plays and learning music from her mother, till she was offered a role by Dr Garikapati Raja Rao. She acted in his film Puttilu in 1952.

Jamuna’s career has been intertwined with that of Savitri. Their first meeting was when Savitri stayed at Jamuna’s house while performing in Duggirala. Then on, Savitri and Jamuna would go on to act in many films, including classics like Gundamma Katha (1962) and Missamma (1955) which have gained cult status.These movies often presented an interesting juxtaposition of these two heroines, with Savitri playing the older, orderly, dutiful older woman and Jamuna playing her younger, modernised, shrewish counterpart.

Jamuna also had a successful collaboration at the movies with NT Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao, acting opposite them in movies like Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu (1959), Tenali Ramakrishna (1956), Poola Rangadu (1967), Donga Ramudu (1955) and Dorikithe Dongalu(1965), to name a few. Jamuna had also prominently featured in many mythological movies of that time including Bhookailas (1958) and Sri Krishna Tulabharam (1965).

Jamuna’s pairing with NTR and ANR came with its own set of controversies, with the actors even going so far as to declare publicly in 1958 that they will not act with Jamuna ever.Speaking on this “ban” a few years ago in a Telugu talk show, ‘Open Heart with RK’, Jamuna noted, “Male ego is there in every profession. This profession is no different. Heroes think the world revolves around them, but the truth is that heroes amount to nothing without heroines. Even the oldest hero needs a young, hot woman to star opposite him. My ban was a result of that male ego.”

The “ban” lasted for a little over three years, and was “lifted” at the behest of producer Chakrapani of Vijaya Vauhini Studios for the sake of Gundamma Katha. In addition to working with big names like NTR and Savitri, Jamuna also acted opposite relative newcomer Harinath in films like Letha Manasulu (1966), Maa Inti Kodalu (1972) and Challani Needa (1968), which helped Harinath’s career immensely.

Jamuna was a feminist of her days as she never compromised when there was a threat to her dignity. She always emphasised on the value of speaking up against injustice . Jamuna also dabbled in politics. She joined the Congress in the 1980s and was elected to the Lok Sabha fromRajahmundry  constituency.           

Daughter lights the pyre

The last rites of Jamuna were performed by her daughter Sravanthi at Maha Prasthanam at Jubilee Hills on Friday

LOS ANGELES: Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s period action blockbuster “RRR” on Tuesday created history with the film’s hit track “Naatu Naatu” earning an Oscar nomination in the Best Original song category.

In the category, the movie was nominated alongside ‘Applause’ from  ‘Tell It Like a Woman’, ‘Hold My Hand’ from ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, ‘Lift Me Up’ from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and ‘This Is a Life’ from ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

“WE CREATED HISTORY!! Proud and privileged to share that #NaatuNaatu has been nominated for Best Original song at the 95th Academy Awards,” tweeted the official website of the movie.

This is the third major international recognition for ‘Naatu Naatu’, composed by MM Keeravaani and penned by Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj after Keeravani won a Golden Globe as well as a Critics Choice award for the track earlier this month.

The film won another Critics Choice award — Best Foreign Language Film.

“RRR” (Rise Roar Revolt), a pre-independence fictional story, follows two real-life Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Jr NTR) in the 1920s.

‘Jai Ho’ from the 2008 British film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, directed by Danny Boyle, was the first Hindi song to win an Academy Award in the Best Original Score and Original Song categories.

It was composed by AR Rahman and penned by Gulzar.

The nominations for 23 categories of the 95th Academy Awards were announced by Hollywood actors Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams here.

The Oscars will take place on March 12.

‘Naatu Naatu’ was shot in August 2021 in Ukraine’s Kiev outside Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s official residence. The track was filmed a few months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Telugu track ‘Naatu Naatu’ is composed by veteran music director MM Keeravaani and sung by Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj. 

During the promotion of ‘RRR’ in March 2022, the film’s director SS Rajamouli expressed sadness over the Russian-Ukraine war. “We had gone there to shoot some crucial scenes. When we were shooting, I had no idea about the issues that have now escalated into a war. It was only after I returned and looking at things now, did I understand the seriousness of the issue,” Rajamouli said.

Meanwhile, Zelensky appeared virtually at the Golden Globe Awards to tell everyone that “there will be no third World War”. He highlighted the award show’s origins back in 1943, during World War II, and said Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion symbolizes “the struggle for the right of the new generations to know about the war only from movies.”

“The First World War claimed millions of lives. The Second World War claimed tens of millions of them. There will be no third World War. It is not a trilogy,” Zelensky said, promising that Ukraine “will stop the Russian aggression” with the help of the free world.

“The war in Ukraine is not over yet, but the tide is turning and it is already clear who will win… We will make it together with the whole free world and I hope that all of you will be with us on the victorious day the day of our victory,” Zelensky said.

Zelenskyy was introduced by actor-director Sean Penn, best known for his Academy Award-winning performances in 2003’s “Mystic River” and 2008’s “Milk.”

Zelenskyy’s Golden Globes appearance comes one week after the White House committed to sending USD 3.75 billion in military aid to Ukraine and adjacent NATO countries — the largest assistance package to date from the US amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Last year Zelensky had made a surprise appearance at the Grammys appearing virtually from a bunker.

He continues to speak at public events advocating for his country in its fight against Russia.