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?

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.

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.

Katrina Kaif

Aish Ansari - Outdoor Photo Shoot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actress Ramya aka Divya