Shocking Performance ??? Not Really ;)

There were some comments on few performances of the Manvaasanai round in Airtel Super Singer 2008 & I dont think they were shocking performances.. rather they were yet again shocking comments ;) it was Ranjani to start the show with her "panju mittai sela katti" folowed with Ajeesh's "ada ennadi raakamma". Raghinishree was quite good with her voice allowing her to range with the folk songs.. her "aalaana naal muthala" impressed judges very much but I felt she dint complete many lines in the song.. she was stopping abruptly n moving to next line.. Vijay Narayan was the next and his "kannukulla iruki vechiruka" was quite okay.

Prasanna followed with "katta vandi katta vandi" and resembled as the actual song as always :). Aruna's performance with "kotta paakum" was not much impressive and her comebac is not so great in the show. Ravi was the next contestant to sing and he sang "uppu karuvaadu" and not really very impressive. Rohit followed him with "pothuvaaga en manasu thangam" and finally with Renu's "nee kaatu sela madipula". With this getting over, there were 3 contestants in waiting list by end of day 2.

Aruna started the day 3 with "vaal paara" of Malgudi Shuba but dint do justice to the song. Rohit was the next to sing "paakumara thopukulla.. raasathi unna yenni".. he missed the folk feel in the song :( Ranjani was better than other 2 with her "kumbakonam..." i was not able to identify the song now ... :(( Finally it was left with Anuradha Sriram & the 3 judges to select among Aruna & Rohit. Finally Rohit got nod to next round leaving Aruna eliminated again from the show.

Whats in Manvaasanai Round..

It was Manvaasanai round in Airtel Super Singer 2008 this week.. sorry I have earlier mentioned it as Folk round but the name was different ;) it was only the name to be different and rest all were same.. there were some biased judgements being done by the judges. There was 1 elimination from the competition.. so its now 8 On 1 Out.. Aruna will be missed for rest of the competition.. not sure if Recall round 3 might even take place :))

First 2 episodes of the round had all the contestants singing & it was left with 6 in safe zone leaving 3 in waiting list. Anuradha Sriram replaced Anant Vaidhyanathan in the show as special judge for the waitlisted contestants on day 3 of the round this week. On the final day, the 3 (Aruna, Ranjani & Rohit) were asked to perform folk songs/ gramiya padalgal... that doesnt feature in film.

For Nagesh @ UYAP's 50th

Amul Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhu Dheva', the first-ever dance reality show on Vijay TV has provided a great platform for all the talented dancers across the state, now is successfully completing its 50th episode. The contestants receiving appreciation from the nations best dance master’s ever like Dance Master Johny, Ashok Raja, Master Raguram, Cool Jeyanth and even the legend – Prabhu Dheva himself, the show has received many accolades so far. Actors like Sneha, Gayatri Raguram, Lakshmi Rai, Simbu, Shyam, Santhanu, Gawthami, Jeeva and many other popular faces from the film fraternity have judged the contestants’ performances and shared their dancing tip.

Its time for some celebration this week on ‘Amul Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhu Dheva’! The show will be a tribute, paying to the actor – ‘Nagesh’ in ‘Nayaganukku Nadanajali’.
Nagesh, mostly remembered for his roles as a comedian is regarded as one of the most prolific comedians in Tamil cinema. Acted over 1000 films, Nagesh, is the only actor who has starred with three generations of actors -beginning with MGR and Sivaji, has acted with Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan and later shared screen space with the current heartthrobs, Vijay and Ajith.

The contestants will perform to Nagesh’s super hit numbers like ‘Avallukenna azakiya mugam’, ‘Vetri venmduma’, ‘Muthu kulika vaarigala’, ‘Malar endra mugam ondru sirikattum’, ‘Thamarai kannangal’ in the original retro style. Dressed in retro style, the contestants will give their best shot and will adapt the same style used as in the 1960s.
The special guests for this round are veteran actors Aachi Manorama and the legend’s son / actor Anand Babu. Manorama has shared the screen space with Nagesh over 100 films and both are still considered to be the best comedian pairs in Tamil cinema. Manorama has sung few songs to entertain the contestants and hasshared many emotional experiencesin the show. Anand Babu, son of the veteran actor Nagesh will accompany Manorama as a special guest. He also shares a lot of interesting incidents on his father and has praised the contestants individually for their extraordinary performance.

Broadcasters cannot control distribution: Regulator

India PR Wire :
The telecom watchdog Wednesday said broadcasters should not have any control over distribution operations and vice-versa. 'Any entity having more than 20 percent equity participation in a broadcasting company cannot have more than 20 percent equity in a distributor (operators of cable, DTH, or mobile TV operators) and vice-versa,' Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said in a statement.

TRAI also said there will be no restriction on cross-ownership across telecommunications and media companies, a decision which it may review after two years. Talking about limiting the number of licences to be held by a single entity, the regulator said: 'The current restrictions, policies and recommendations on these are adequate for the time being'. The telecom watchdog is of the view that the current global financial crisis has impacted the Indian media industry, particularly the print media. 'In such a situation, while all the steps are being taken to help the media industry get through the situation and reduce the impact of slowdown, it is essential that none of the safeguards have an adverse impact on the sector,' it said.

Zee News :
New Delhi, Feb 25: Sectoral regulator TRAI on Wednesday recommended prohibiting broadcasters from having control in distribution and restructure stake holding, if they have, in three years, as part of its media cross-holding guidelines. In its recommendations on cross-media ownership, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) also said any entity having more than 20 percent equity participation in a broadcasting company cannot have more than 20 percent equity in a distributor, which includes multi-system operators (MSO), cable operators, direct to home (DTH), head end in the sky (HITS) and Mobile TV.

"The broadcaster should not have any control in the distribution and vice-versa... the existing broadcasters who have control in distribution (MSO/cable/DTH) (should) be given sufficient time of three years for restructuring," it said. On consolidation in the media industry, it said there was a need to ensure that plurality and diversity of views were maintained while suggesting the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to conduct a detailed market study and analysis for identifying and determining safeguards.

After working out required safeguards, merger and acquisition guidelines for the sector may be issued to prevent media concentration and creation of significant market power, TRAI said. The regulator, however, said at this point of time no restriction should be imposed on cross control/ownership across telecom and media separately and the issue could be reviewed after two years. "Considering the international scenario, stakeholders comments, present economic scenario, the distinct features of Indian scenario and other relevant factors, the authority has formed a view that it is better to put timely safeguards rather than look for corrective measures which become difficult for the industry to align in future," it said. TRAI had issued a consultation paper in September last year seeking comments from stakeholders on cross media holding and ownership.

What this means ??
That means Sun TV cannot have more than 20 % stake in SCV and vice versa. ZEE, Star would also have similar problems.

TRAI also issued regulations for cable operators according to which it is mandatory for them to issue receipts (this is done to ascertain correct subscriber base, which is always a bone of contention between channels & distributors), quality, maintaining helpdesk from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm everyday, maintaining six-hour power backup etc.

Whats happening ???

One can notice that there are many searching in the Google as to why Chinmaye is absent in Airtel super singer. Mr. & Mrs. Hema malini[!] are of course good comperes but hema's Tamil and Yugendran's dress sense many a times put you off. Is it too much to expect a Tamil compere for a show which is the biggest hunt for a Tamil singer? Also you have two malayali judges, but of course that is ok for both are extremely good and have rendered many Tamil songs too.

If the comments appearing in various forums is any indication then it is a fact now that this program is slipping, though being done professionally. The reason may be a perceived bias. In yesterday's episode, Anuradha Sriram was called as a special judge. The round was folk music and the competition was between Rohit, Ranjini and Aruna, for elimination. It seemed that atleast two of the judges were very keen in eliminating Rohit.

Anuradha is very popular and knowledgeable in folk music. And she is a guest, so it is basic courtesy of the compere and the judges to treat her well and listen and abide by her judgement. Or they should have laid done a proper plan of action before the shot. Instead they were literally ragging Anuradha Sriram and compelling her to give space and room for a grand rohit elimination. An unfettered Anu proclaimed her judgement in favor of Rohit and after that passed the ball to the three . There was an silenced tiff and later the Three agreed in unison to retain Rohit but claimed it is not as per Anuradha's observation that Taal is important but because Rohit rendered the difficult tune more perfectly.

Srinivas normally hates putting the contestants to any very stressful tests and his concern is appreciable. But is it not a fact that from now on it is necessary? All four are extremely talented and good human beings. And they all have great ego's. So it is natural that some sparks fly. However in a competition, some decorum and fair play is expected.

Courtesy - Chennai TV News

Nayaganuku Nadananjali..

This week in Amul's Ungalil yaar adutha Prabhudeva, it would be Nayaganuku Nadananjali.. the show being dedicated for the great actor Nagesh. With the actor left all of us on January 31st, 2009 all the television channels have started programs dedicated for him. Its now turn for Star Vijay in UYAP to dedicate this episode. The show will have Nagesh's son Anand Babu & actress Manorama... It looks like a very touching episode with Anand Babu coming out of words with his father's separation.

Whats happening in Paadum office ???

I have not watched paadum office show for quite some time.. It comes in odd time of mine ;) & i tend to go out weekends evenings. I dint see it for few rounds fully.. I knew it was quarterfinals of the show last week going on & Srilekha Parthasarathy was one of the judges of the episode... not sure about the other judge but next week seems to be with semifinals and I will try to watch it for sure :)

Oscars...

The whole world is competing to congratulate AR Rahman for his twin success in the Oscar. I thought it would be good to add some details on the award -
What is Oscars?
The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers. The formal ceremony at which the awards are presented is one of the most prominent film award ceremonies in the world. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences itself was conceived by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio boss Louis B. Mayer. The 1st Academy Awards ceremony was held on Thursday, May 16, 1929, at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood to honor outstanding film achievements of 1927 and 1928. It was hosted by actor Douglas Fairbanks and director William C. deMille. The 81st Academy Awards honoring the best in film for 2008 was held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood with actor Hugh Jackman hosting the ceremony for the first time.

Indians @ Oscars
AR Rahman is the fourth Indian to win an Oscar. He had won 2 awards this year for the Film Slumdog Millionaire. Gulzar and Rasul Pookutty also won Oscars as Indians and made us all proud. And smile Pinky won as the best documentary short, which is a story about a Indian girl Pinkie and the socila stigma she suffered when she had a cleft lip which she gets cured and becomes normal.

Husband/Wife who are Serios Vs Jovial..

This week (March 1st, 2009) in Neeya Naana it would be a funny topic which will be debated.. the topic is Husband and wife who are always serious v/s Husband and wife who are Jovial. :) Its always good to be serios and even jovial ;) but it will be good to see what aspects of the ppl make them to be serios or jovial in their life. Lets wait n watch..

Technical - Film completion guarantee?

A completion guarantee is a bond provided by the guarantor that a film will be finished within the agreed time schedule. This guarantee is given to the film financier and basically insulates the financier from any overruns that result in cost escalations and increase the financing requirement.

How does it work?
The guarantor gives a guarantee to the financier, on payment of a fee, that the film will be completed as per the schedule that is agreed upon. If there is a project overrun, the guarantor can take suitable action to protect his and the financiers’ interests. The guarantor would have entered into an agreement with the producer that would detail the commitments and liabilities of the producer towards the production and completion
schedule for the film.

Is it prevalent in India?
Since the concept of film financing itself is new in the country, completion guarantees are not really resorted to. But increasingly formal sources of finance are funding Indian films and completion guarantees will become a common thing in some years.

Courtesy - Televion Point

Too much of Advertising ????

With the new serial Rojakootam starting today, until yesterday there were lot of advertisements/promotional videos in Star Vijay TV. I was lil disappointed seeing them in Airtel Super Singer 2008, kana kaanum kaalangal, Neeya Naana and promos every now n then ;) is it getting too much of promotional items for the show or irritating ppl with these or attracting ppl to watch the show ?? we will have to wait n see..

Folk Round !!!

Its Folk Round this week in Airtel Super Singer 2008.. with the top 9 contestants getting ready for the next spot it would be Yugendran/Malini anchoring the show with Unnikrishnan, Sujatha & Srinivas judging the performance of the contestants. This round will have Anuradha Sriram as special judge being the folk round ;) from the promos it looks like top singers Ravi & Renu have not performed well and looks they might not be spot selected. Being named folk, the environment n atmosphere around the ppl look very great. Contestants/judges/anchorers are in traditional dresses...

Who cross the Decency code - Men or Women ????

It was yet another interesting topic in Neeya Naana debating on the behaviour of the ppl in office environment. in one side there were men saying the women make men to exploit themselves but on the other side women were firm to say men are indecent... watever be said this show will bring some light to the ppl on the way both sides should behave in office environment. I felt there should have been some HR from big companies been called so that they can get to know the exact problems being faced by the ppl in office. The show started with how men call or what nick they use for women who talk much. same way with women on men who tries to attract women..from the jovial part of the topic the discussion went to hotter side & it went to an extent that ppl were not able to come out of words.. this is the learnings from this lesson - lets try to adopt ourselves in office environment & make sure that we dont cross the decency limit. more to it, everyone should be aware of what is the limit :)

Bhagyaraj's Wedding..

Vijay TV’s “Saravanna Stores Thanga Nagai Maaligai Namma Vettu Kalyanam”– has featured many celebrities like S.Ve.Sekar, Cricketer Sadagopan Ramesh, Lyricist Pa.Vijay, TV artist Yugendaran, Actor Manoj, Actor Chandrasekar, Director Pandiyarajan. The show is created to bring alive the weddings of these celebrities to the audiences; giving them a sneak peek on the wedding preparations, gifts etc.,

Director / Actor Bhagyaraj and his wife actress Poornima will take a trip down memory lane as they recall their happy memories of their wedding in this week’s Namma Veetu Kalyanam.
The couple speaks to the viewers about what marriage means to them; how life has changed after marriage and what they consider as the most beautiful moment in their marriage.
Bhagyaraj speaks to the viewers about how he fell in love with Poornima during the shoot of ‘Darling Darling Darling’. Their love towards each other continues to grow even after all these years of their marriage.

Beginning his career as an assistant to directors G. Ramakrishnan and Bharathiraja Bhagyaraj became recognised for his scriptwriting talent. Among his early work was the script for the hit Tamil film ‘Kizhake Pogum Rayil’ and Bharathiraja ‘Tik Tik Tik’. He made his directorial debut with the film ‘Suvarillatha Chittirangal’. His style of filmmaking is notable for its relatively elaborate, witty and socially-themed framework.
Noted faces from politics and the film industry graced the occasion of his marriage. The late Chief Minister MGR and his counterpart Chevaliar Sivaji Ganesan, our now Chief Minister Kalaignar Mu. Karunanidhi, and array of actors including Super star Rajnikanth, Senthil, Sivakumar, Jaisankar, Satyaraj, Revathy, Sripriya, Aachi Manorama, Lyriscist Valee, Vairamuthu, Music Directors M.S.Viswanathan, Ilayaraja and many more attended the function to bless the couple. Actor Bhagyaraj’s son – actor Shanthanu will also be a part of this trip down memory lane. The couples’ friends and family, those who have blessed them and have been with the couple during all times, will reveal some interesting and secret facts about the couple.

2 for Rahman !!!

A.R. Rahman had won 2 Oscar awards - Best Original Score & Best Original Songs for the film Slumdog Millionaire.. I was watching it Live in Star Movies from morning for Rahman & was delighted n excited seeing him winning the award. Its been a dream for any Indian to see someone from the country to win the award. I am happy for him saying "ella pugazhum iraivanuke" after winning the award...