An ode of appreciation to PB Srinivas

His songs like Mayakkama Kalakkama, Aval Paranthu Ponale, Poga Poga Theriyum are still played in houses; they echo everywhere from tea shops to five-star restaurants. He is 80 years old and is the winner of the Kalaimamani and other prestigious awards. He has a mesmerising voice that cures any stress. He has lend his voice to many super stars in 50’s and 60’s, especially Gemini Ganesan.

He still continues to be a favourite singer among many singers. PB Srinivas, a multifaceted singer has sung more than thousands of songs in eight languages. It was a golden moment at Anna Auditorium as this legendary singer, PB Srinivas was felicitated by Thirumalai, a connoisseur of the music and a big fan of PB Srinivas. Together with VAATA and Vijay TV, he honoured the singer at Forever PBS show. The famous saying ‘Old is Gold’ perfectly fits here as the melodious hits of PBS still remains the golden songs of any era. Memorable hits of PBS were rendered by popular playback singers like Unni Menon, Tippu, Swetha Menon and Srinivas. The evening was a rendition of the best of PBS hits that took the audience on a nostalgic trip.

As we all know, most of the ever-lasting melodies sung by PBS were lip-synced by Gemini Ganesan. A video was screened wherein PBS spoke about his memorable moments with Gemini while singing songs like Nilave Ennidum Nirungaadhey and Chinna Chinna Kannanukku Other veteran singers who graced the occasion were P Suseela, LR Eashwari, TM Soundarajan, Gangai Amaren and Manika Vinayakkam. Orchestrated by Sadhagal Paraivagal, the evening also saw legendary singers, LR Eashwari singing Raja Raja Shri, a popular song from Ooty Varai Uravu. While singer Tippu delivered two popular PBS songs like Kannaley Pesi Pesi Kolathey and Roja Malarey with P Suseela. The evening was a performance of musical composition of PBS hits by all the singers who came together to honour the legend.

Whats up wtih Sathyaraj in Vijay TV

After 33 productive years on the silver screen, actor Sathyaraj finally makes the transition to the small screen with Vijay TV's “Home Sweet Home”. The game show will see two teams comprising three family members each competing every week for the grand prize — a house worth Rs. 20 lakh. “For six months now, I've been getting feelers for hosting game shows. This one was the most interesting. Shelter is the most primitive instinct and psychological need of man. Everyone dreams of owning a home, and I'm thrilled to be helping people realise that dream,” says the actor, known for his instant connect with audiences.

That connect was what he missed, of late. “Films are great, but with increasing popularity, you lead an insulated life. You don't go shopping for vegetables, even your travel tickets are booked by someone else… This show has reintroduced me to regular people,” he says. It helps, the veteran actor says, that there's an enthusiastic team behind the show. “It's been more than two decades since ‘thagadu thagadu' {one of his popular on-screen phrases}, but during the show, the team reminds me of what I once was. It's enjoyable.” Ask him how the transition to telly has been, and Sathyaraj says: “Very interesting. And, in a way, this is more challenging than films. There, I do what others script. Here, I react and respond to the emotions and moods of the participants. They are exhilarated one minute, crushed the next. Emotions that can never be translated onto screen flit across their faces.” And, during shooting, he's had pretty interesting experiences — for one, talking to people who bear no malice or are not artificial in their approach. “A 65-year-old lady even wrote a poem in my honour. I was touched,” he says.

Vijay TV buys Nadunisi Naaygal

Nadunisi Naaygal is made on a shoestring budget which cannot incur loss in any way. Audiences have been reportedly showing negative reactions to the film but it is not going to affect the film and the maker since Nadunisi Naaygal can rake in more money than the actual investment.

Vijay TV has purchased the film for Rs. 1.90 crore while and the Telugu distribution has been valued at Rs. 2 crore. Nadunisi Naaygal can make about four to five times its investment which is originally made for less than Rs. 1 crore.

The urban multiplexes can also offer some respite which will add to the collections, say sources. Rural areas will give cold shoulders to the film invariably as it was the case even on the first day. Urban centers will embrace the film to some extent which will add to the revenue made by the film.

Sathyaraj debuts on small screen

Tamil top stars who debuted in late 70's like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijaykanth and Sathyaraj, had always kept away from doing programmes on television. Sathyaraj who over the years refused to do television shows has finally been lured to the mass appeal of the small screen. Sathyaraj will debut on Vijay TV hosting a game show titled "Home Sweet Home". The versatile actor enters the small screen through this complete entertainer.

Two teams comprising of three family members each would compete against each other every week for the grand prize "a home".
A press statement issued by the channel says: "Sathyaraj who is popular for his comic timing and sense of humor takes the show to the next level by encouraging the participants and also making it a fun watch for viewers at home". It will be premiered on Vijay TV from 4th March, 2011, every Friday and Saturday at 10 pm.