So you want Ice Cream

Ala Modalaindi Fame Nithya in a Soup

The Telugu actress’s seemingly candid remarks about fellow actors have created a furore ~ Vrinda Prasad

Nithya Menen, who shot to fame in Telugu cinema with Ala Modalaindi, has had her share of ups and downs in the last few months. Her debut film Ala Modalaindi took everyone by surprise and so smitten were critics that they began comparing her to the late Soundarya. Within no time, she ‘almost’ bagged two films opposite Venkatesh and Siddharth respectively. However, it has not been a smooth sail since then. The actress rejected the offer with Venkatesh and got replaced in the other film at the last moment.

Recently, when she was asked why she had turned down Venkatesh’s film, she reportedly said that the age gap between the two was too big to take up the role. If this ‘revelation’ wasn’t enough, she quipped that she was replaced by Shruti Haasan as per Siddharth’s wish in the other film. Candid as it may seem, but for the industry, where diplomacy is an unwritten rule, the outburst was tough to digest. There was more in the offing. In another press meet, when she was talking about her film 180, a journalist asked her why she turned down Venkatesh’s film. She said, “My statements were misinterpreted. I am a big fan of Venkatesh and I would never say anything which would offend him. All I meant was that it would be difficult for people to relate to our onscreen pair, because we belong to different generations and I look so small standing next to him.” As soon as she mentioned about the height factor, another journalist asked her if she would act opposite Prabhas, given a chance. “I don’t know who Prabhas is!” she replied, leaving everyone stunned. She continued to justify her ignorance by stating that the last Telugu film she had watched, apart from Ala Modalaindi, was Magadheera.

“I don’t watch films at all, not even my own films,” she added. While the conversation was on a lighter note, media started painting a different picture of the incident and branded her as an “arrogant actress” who does not even know one of the biggest stars in Telugu. Wonder what else is in store for her in near future. Will there be a third faux pas?

Living a chaotic life? Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Constant feelings of loneliness, insecurity, mood swings and unstable relationships plaguing you? Lisa Antao uncovers the perils of Borderline Personality Disorder

For most of us, life isn’t fair but on the other hand it’s not that bad either. Are you the type of person who sees others as totally good or bad? Do you constantly suffer from extreme mood swings and chaotic relationships? Do often get accused of shifting loyalty from one person or group to another? In order to combat loneliness, do you accept a stranger as a friend or behave promiscuously? Signs like chronic feelings of emptiness, extreme boredom and the lack of a consistent sense of identity steer towards having a Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Read on to find out more about this condition...

All Work and No Play for Deepa Sannidhi

Deepa Sannidhi’s debut film with Darshan is yet to hit screens, but she’s shooting for her second with Yogaraj Bhat on her birthday ~ Prathibha Joy

Working on their birthdays seems to have become a fashionable thing for Sandalwood actors, especially if they are on the sets of a major project with a great star cast and director. Take for instance, Priya Mani who was cheering for the stars battling it out on the cricketing field, or Ragini Dwivedi, who was away in Mysore shooting for her next movie. Newbie Deepa Sannidhi too, will be busy at work on her birthday today. And she’s not complaining. She is, after all, working with two powerhouses of the industry — filmmaker Yogaraj Bhat and Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar — for their film Paramathma. “Getting to work with YB’s team is the biggest treat I could have asked for. I love the energy on the set,” says the birthday gal. Paramathma, says Deepa, is shaping up nicely.

“There’s not much that I am allowed to divulge. It is a love story. It’s also a story that will appeal to youngsters today. It’s a very Gen Now story. Shooting for the film should be completed in a month or two,” she says. But what’s happening to her debut vehicle — Sarathi — opposite Challenging Star Darshan? “The film’s been ready for a while. I don’t know why its release is delayed. Last I heard is that it might release in June or July,” says Deepa. And while she still awaits the release of Sarathi, Deepa is glad she worked on that film before reporting on YB’s set.

“During the making of Sarathi, director Dinakar and my costar Darshan encouraged me to give it my best. They never made me feel like a newcomer, which helped. Also, Dinakar pointed out my drawbacks and told me how best to iron out these issues. Now, when I report on the sets of Paramathma, I’m more confident,” she adds. And while this is the only film keeping her busy these days, Deepa says that there are several other projects awaiting her approval. “I guess having worked with Darshan and the fact that I’m now in a YB film has helped.

Other filmmakers have, after all, not yet seen me on screen,” she says. The offers, she adds, are not just from Sandalwood. “There are offers from Tamil and Telugu too, but I haven’t signed on anything yet. I will, though, soon.” So does she have any plans at all for her birthday. “I normally don’t make plans. This is the first time that I’m not at home on a birthday. What’s exciting is that I’m working. I’ll probably catch up with friends later in the day. I hope to be happy and smiling all day,” she says.

Love is in the Air - Actress Ramya Tattoo

RAMYA INKS HER LOVE

The actor tattoos boyfriend Raphael’s name in Hebrew on the nape of her neck

Ramya is in love. And she’s determined to show the world how much her relationship with Raphael means to her by inking his name on her body. “I’ve got a tattoo of my boyfriend Raphael’s name. It’s an interesting tattoo done in a different script, a Hebrew inking. While Raphael means saint, in Hebrew it also translates as I’m blessed. That’s why I opted to get the tattoo in that language,” explains Ramya, adding that Raphael himself doesn’t know Hebrew. And while she’s excited about her new body art, she’s in no mood to divulge where and when she got the inking done. “That’s very personal,” says Ramya. But given that Ramya is not the first star to ink a loved one’s name on the body, did she take inspiration from any celebrity? “Raphael is my inspiration. I don’t imitate anybody’s work. This is my way of appreciating our relationship. My life has been better ever since Raphael has come into it,” she says. Portuguese Raphael, meanwhile, has been keeping a track of Ramya’s work, since she makes sure that he watches her films.

“Recently, I got him to watch Sanju Weds Geetha and Johnny Mera Naam. I had to translate the dialogues and explain each scene to him. He totally loved the experience,” says Ramya, who’s currently in Mysore, shooting for her new film Siddlingu.

The Power of Two - MS Dhoni and Sakshi

MSD vrooms in with Mrs D

They are the new celeb couple on TV. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and wife Sakshi recently shot their first TVC together for a bike ad ~ Sarah Salvadore

Mahendra Singh Dhoni flew into Hyderabad along with wife Sakshi earlier this week. Though the visit was kept hush-hush, sources confirm that the couple was there to shoot for a twowheeler commercial. The skipper and his pretty wife were whisked away from the airport and put up at a city hotel. After checking in and resting for a bit, the duo travelled to an undisclosed location to shoot the ad film.

According to sources, the ad film was directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, who are on a high, post the success of Shor: In the City. The commercial marks Sakshi’s acting debut and is the couple’s first endorsement together. “It’s a two wheeler commercial and Sakshi has been roped in for it as well. She is an extremely stylish girl and has a great face. Sakshi was excited to shoot for the commercial as she got to wear designer outfits,” a source reveals.

For the Indian skipper, who was rested for the ongoing series in West Indies, post the hectic World Cup 2011 campaign and the recently concluded IPL season 4, this trip provided a welcome break, adds the source. “The long cricketing season has been very tiring for Mahi. This was a nice break for him. He also had some other commitments to honour during his visit,” says the source.

Confirming the Ranchi lad’s presence in Hyderabad, his manager Yuddhajit Dutta said, “Yes, MSD and Sakshi were in Hyderabad for a private visit.”

[MSD and Saskhi]

~

Obedient wives club: Good sex to keep hubby happy, curb social ills

KEY TO MARITAL BLISS: Members of the ‘Obedient Wives Club’ after its launch in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday

Rawang: As a new bride, 22-year-old Ummu Atirah believes she knows the secret to a blissful marriage: obey her husband and ensure he is sexually satisfied.

Ummu and some 800 other Muslim women in Malaysia are members of the “Obedient Wives Club” that is generating controversy in the country, where many Muslim Malaysian women hold high posts in the government and corporate world.

The new club, launched on Saturday, says it can cure social ills such as prostitution and divorce by teaching women to be submissive and keep their men happy in the bedroom. “Islam compels us to be obedient to our husband. Whatever he says, I must follow. It is a sin if I don’t obey and make him happy,” said Ummu.

The club, founded by a fringe Islamic group known as Global Ikhwan, has been dismissed by politicians and activists as a throwback to Medieval times and an insult to modern women of Malaysia. But the group’s activities, which previously included the setting up of a Polygamy Club, show that pockets of conservative Islamic ideas still thrive in Malaysia. AP

 

 

 

 

 

Brits Fashion: Hits and Misses

Super cool ... Rihanna
LAST night London unfurled the red carpet for the THIRD time this week.

And fashion mad Rihanna made sure that the Brits' carpet was every inch as glamorous as the BAFTAs and even the Elle style awards.

The Barbadian babe chose a psychedelic Christian Dior Couture prom dress - costing in excess of £10,000 - to attend the music awards, teaming it with patent stilettoes and a neat bob.

Gothic glam ... Cheryl
And she wasn't the only one to use eye-popping colour to cause a style statement.

Cheryl Cole channelled a gothic glam look in a shimmering Stella McCartney backless gown accessorised with nude Christian Louboutin heels and a £1000 Alexander McQueen knuckle duster bag.

Alesha Dixon's dodgy 'rock chick' look was more night at the Ritzy than red carpet fabulous.

Dolled-up ... Alesha Dixon, Avril Lavigne and Sophie Ellis Bextor

Wild child Avril Lavigne failed to set any pulses racing in her fringed LBD, which made her look skinny and young rather than rocking.

And Heidi Range and EastEnders' star Preeya Kalidas proved that it's almost impossible to pull off a catsuit.

Presenter Tess Daly teamed her purple halterneck dress with a cute Heidi hairdo and silver accessories.

Halterneck ... Tess
Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt also opted for a mini - in a simple brocade lace dress and nude stilletoes.

Arrivals ... Corinne Bailey Rae and Pussycat Doll Kimberly WyattAFP/AP

Corinne Bailey Rae brightened up a chilly evening in a purple puffball dress and YSL clutch bag.

Green goddess ... Katherine Jenkins
Redhead Paloma Faith was the first to buck the micro mini trend, channelling old school glamour in a Vivienne Westwood floor-length column dress teamed with satin opera gloves and an oversized bow that only she could get away with.

Jessie J showed off her fabulous legs in an emerald green Vivienne Westwood micro dress and statement tights.

Leggy ... Jessie J
Ellie Goulding opted for floor sweeping Westwood but was swamped in a shapeless cream satin frock.

And sexy soprano Katherine Jenkins chose a green printed corset dress by the fashion dame.

Eliza Doolittle chose a £2000 body-skimming knitted dress by LFW favourite Mark Fast - wearing it back to front and teaming it with sky high colour block wedges.

Knitted number ... Eliza Doolittle AP

Performer Adele played it safe in a beaded black dress and pumps - but we loved her glamorous make-up, including some serious false eyelashes.

Black outfits ... Adele, left, and Rumer
Ex Atomic Kitten Liz McLarnon played it safe in a black shirt dress teamed with a pretty fishtail plait.

Joker ... Johnny Vaughan with Lisa Snowden
While model and presenter Lisa Snowdon ramped up the red carpet colour, choosing a lime green assymetric frock that made the most of her pretty, tanned pins.

Party time ... Hofit Golan, Fearne Cotton and Emma Willis

Unfortunately playgirl Kayla Collins made a faux-tan boo boo, completely mismatching the colour of her face and legs in a sexy ballerina style dress.

Radio 1 gals Jo Whiley, Sara Cox and Annie Mac arrived en masse looking cool and comfortable.
While fellow DJ Fearne Cotton caused a stir among the snappers with her almost see-through Alice Temperley dress.

Imagine a Life without Electricity