‘I've evolved as an actor!'

Hitherto a ‘dream boy’ for the fairer sex and ‘style icon’ for the gentlemen, Prince Mahesh Babu will now be a household name, greeting his fans quite so often. What with the shy, private guy making a public appearance every other day announcing his endorsement deals and promotional events, Mahesh seems no more the unreachable crescent moon amidst the galaxy of stars.

After a tedious wait of three long years, the die-hard fans of Mahesh are exuberant and upbeat over watching their ‘screen idol’ groove to Manisharma’s melody, romance sexy Anuskha and sizzle in action sequences, in his latest flick Khaaleja slated for release on October 7. The Trivikram-Mahesh combo, after the blockbuster hit Athadu, has been driving the attention of all and sundry apart from the industry verticals.

“Khaaleja sure will be one of the biggest hits in my career. The whole team is confident of its success irrespective of the hype and hoopla,” Mahesh quoted at the recent launch of UniverCell outlet in Himayatnagar. Now, Mahesh has Dookudu with director Srinu Vaitla that will be soon on the floors.

After Sony launched the film’s music over Internet a while ago, Mahesh’s son Gautam Krishna had launched the music CD at Radio Mirchi FM station. “We thought of keeping this a low key affair yet innovative. The response to the music has been overwhelming. Of all the six songs, Sada Siva… is my fav,” says Mahesh, known for maintaining a low profile all through.

The film has the Prince playing a loud, brash and funny (unlike his earlier roles) taxi driver and Anushka bringing him bad-luck every time she bounces upon him. “My performance in Khaaleja would sure be appreciated. Since the long break has seen the evolution of actor in me. Like earlier, I’ll be choosy about the characters I play. But now on, you will notice a different Mahesh in every performance,” the handsome hunk declares.

Sporting a new hairstyle and elegant look in Khaaleja, the Prince was quite charming off the screen, too. “Mamta Anand did the wonders. Namrata of course lent her hand. Don’t I look stunning,” Mahesh poses a question with a bewitching smile.

Now that his wife Namrata, in an interview, tagged him one of the finest actors even in Bollywood, was she hinting at his prospective entry into the B-town? “Oh no! Now I can’t think of anything beyond Telugu films (he is quite particular about referring to Tollywood as Telugu film industry),” the charming dude humbly replies.

The most active (and attractive) south star on Twitter has signed a two-year contract with Provogue, after the recent Amrutanjan campaign. In fact, Mahesh is endorsing maximum number of products compared to his contemporaries, which in deed speaks in volumes of his fan following and approach in the masses.

“Provogue is a coincidence and has nothing to do with Khaaleja promotion,” he makes the clouds clear. “Their creations are the best in the country and really excite me, which I make sure of before endorsing a product.” The screen-scorcher is as well looking forward to meet his fans through the brand, as was in the case of Thums Up and UniverCell. After films, endorsement is certainly the best means to stay closer to one’s admirers. And, Prince Mahesh Babu has struck the right chord!

'Mine wasn't an easy win!'

After recording 8 tracks for his upcoming album by Sony BMG, Indian Idol 5 Sreeram Chandra is now busy juggling stage performances, playback singing and perfecting proficiency with a view to become a global celeb

Considering his track record in playback singing, stage/reality shows, was it a cakewalk for Sreeram Chandra Mynampati to win Indian Idol season 5? Well, the hoi polloi doesn't see eye to eye in this regard. It's a mixed yet warm response.

Nonetheless, the blue-eyed boy brushes it off saying, "Hailing from down south and winning the hearts of whole Indians was indeed an onus task. I believe my composure and expertise helped me in this regard." Expressing his gratitude to all Indians for paving way to his victory, Sreeram, however, retorts: "The other contestants had enough experience in stage shows, if not playback singing! It was quite a demanding job and definitely not an easy win!"

It took more than a week for Sreeram to sink in the truth that 'he finally is the Indian Idol 5'. For him, the whole journey was a 'sweet ordeal' - making friends, discovering one's strengths and weaknesses, keeping the competitive spirit up and above all, living up to the expectations of judges and people - that finally paid at the grand finale on Aug 15.

"Remember the blank reaction on my face while receiving the award from Amitabh Bachchan ji? I was speechless, too. I couldn't get out of the mood even during a brief sleep. But now, I'm through. It feels great, one-of-its-kind, top-of-the-world and on-cloud-nine to win the title. In fact, the real journey has begun now," Sreeram says with a glint of pride reflecting in his eyes.

The 24 years old Hyderabadi has already recorded a duet with ace Shreya Ghoshal for a Telugu film, one for Salim Merchant (one of the judges for the season) and chanced up on an opportunity to sing for Yash Raj's project (scheduled in a month).

"I've several shows lined up. But I'm concentrating on honing my skills. My five years of training in Carnatic classical, my knowledge in Hindustani and Western music isn't enough to become an international star, which I urge. So, now is the time for some planning unlike earlier," Sreeram acknowledges. "I want to give my best shot in every deed and be a better singer and person," he quips.

Crooning at a private do (his first performance in the city after winning the title), Sreeram was all praises for the Sony album, set for release in a couple of weeks. "Among the eight songs, I'm in love with the main track that goes like Rehanuma... It was penned by one Pinky and composed by Harpreet. Picturized in beautiful locations of Mumbai, the album is sure to mesmerize you all. Get ready for the magic," he guffaws.

And for all those eyeing the titles of reality singing shows or wanting a niche in playback singing, Sreeram strictly advises to "believe in self and get trained in classical music. Work on your negatives and be positive."

Samantha is in love, madly & deeply!

Actor Samantha Prabhu, who was well-liked for her role 'Jessi' in Ye Maya Chesave, launched the success collection of Aasahadam sales at Kukatpally Kalaniketan...

Dazzled in peach colored fusion wear, as she stepped out of the diamond silver Skoda Laura, hundreds of spectators and a handful of lensmen vied with each other to capture the bewitching beauty in their respectful cameras. Well, we're raving raunchy Samantha Prabhu of Ye Maya Chesave-fame.

Now busy with two films (wherein she plays a key role and not the lead) in her kitty opposite 'icon' Mahesh Babu and 'amazing' NTR (she tags them as), Samantha appears to have been more curious about her career graph. "I want to fall and rise in love like any other 22 years old girl. And, I'd a few crushes, too. The first one in my Class X. Now, don't compel me to reveal the details. It's all in vain. He is still unaware of it!"

Inquired about her dream date or man, the gorgeous lady wears a naughty smile to tease the journos. "In fact, I'm in love right now... madly and deeply with my work, work and work."

A model in her college days, Samantha entered the filmdom fortuitously and is quite overwhelmed with the response evoked amongst the audience to her debut Ye Maya. "I watched Ye Maya in theatre with the audiences and was quite moved with the way they appreciated it. Wow, I never expected this to happen in my life. Touch wood," she yells.

A terrific shopaholic she is, this Chennai-born seductress loves to drape saris. "Nothing on earth can be as feminine as a sari. I'm comfy in jeans and tee, but dress up only to go with the occasion. Hey, I'm girlish and could be reasonably crazy at times, you mind."

An active member on Twitter, Samantha has never been into these things until Ye Maya happened. "It's pretty essential to know what the world thinks about you, particularly in the glam industry. So, I started tweeting and found it great. Thankfully, I receive more compliments from the admirers than criticism. But, I consider the critics' (they're friends in my case) views as well."

Not a gadget-freak though, she bought Blackberry recently only to update her whereabouts, film shoots and emotions on Twitter. "It's addictive but I never see it as a platform to market myself and the films I act in." Certainly, way to go!

Ash scores ‘zero’ for Raavan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan may be still hot favorite of many a movie-buffs, but Hyderabadi moviemaker Mani Shankar gives a ‘zero’ for her performance in the much-hyped Raavan

A 100 for Junior Bachchan, 50 for Vikram and a perfect ‘zero’ for Aishwarya Rai! Well, we are not referring to the dimensions of these silver screen stars but the numbers scored by the lead actors of Raavan, in the school of Bollywood director Mani Shankar.

Mani Ratnam’s much-hyped flick didn’t live up to the expectations of critics. Neither did it go down well with the movie-buffs. However, a cross-section of audiences was seen raving over Ash who sizzled with her captivating performance in the film, thus drawing in more masses to the theatres, despite its ‘flop’ talk.

But, Hyderabadi director Mani Shankar, known for his off-beat films like Muqbir and 16th December, has taken everyone by surprise with his statement – “Ash is the only drawback of Raavan, while Abhi was outstanding as ‘Beera’. He gave his best shot and was much convincing when compared to Vikram!”

But Mani sir, you’re at least expected to give her pass marks if not a distinction, Ash being the beautiful better-half of one of your good friends in the industry! Coming to the other point, it’s undeniably true that only the Tamil version Raavanan (where Vikram played the lead) is drawing crowds to cinemas and making cash registers ringing when pitched against its Telugu and Hindi counterparts.

However, your verdict that ‘Mr. Perfectionist of South’ has delivered just a so-so performance (?) has left many a movie-buff and mediamen speechless (you direly need to watch Aparichit that won Vikram rave reviews from critics across the country!).

This is not all, readers! Mani was all praises for director Mani Ratnam for directing such a master piece, which he compared to the 1980 American release directed by Martin

Scorsese, Raging Bull that met the same fate as Raavan initially. “Raging Bull, after 10 years, was considered one of the top 100 best films ever made in the world. So would be the case with Raavan. Actually, the Indian audience have not upgraded to Mani Ratnam’s thinking process. Well, this is my point of view as a director!”

Well, our comments are reserved on this issue, Mr. Mani Shankar!

Saina turns bride!

In a role reversal of sorts, badminton sensation Saina Nehwal made heads turn as she sashayed down the ramp in heavy bridal outfits. “I’m a girl now, hope you liked it,” Saina giggled as she was chewing the fat with Hyderabad Journal. Read on...

Quite nervous and uncomfortable she appeared sashaying down the ramp in pink ‘velvet’ ghagra-choli and cuddling a red dupatta. But, world no.3 badminton star Saina Nehwal made it big on the final day of Hyderabad Fashion Week last week. Kudos to Gopichand for giving a green light on her branding at a fashion show; his decision was well-liked by all and the sundry.

The around-4.75 kg bridal wear that Saina showed off did draw accolades for its intricacy in designing and embellishments, but it was the sports star herself than any that won standing ovation for her daring judgment on being a show-stopper. “Designer Pallavi Jaipur made me just feel confident. It was amazing walking the ramp.”

 Now that she scored a ‘perfect 10’ for her debut as a bride on ramp, it was time to inquire about her tying a knot. “Let me play some more time for India. Moreover, I guess hardly anybody recognized me in this outfit, since they’re used to see me in jeans, trousers and tees. But, I’m enjoying these moments,” she sports a naughty smile.

 Asked what she feels about slipping into the shoes of models, Saina states, “Woah! I was tensed having been a fish out of water amongst them, but managed it somehow. Well, I do put on make-up for photo shoots, but was never into this whole lot of girly stuff. But, I’m a girl now. Hope you liked it!”

 Having hit the headlines recently for her astonishing performance, Saina appears in no hurry to scale to the top slot. “It is true that I’ve no competitors in India, but I’ve to face a tough fight outside. Also, now that Indians are recognizing the sport, there is a bright future for the players.”

 About her soaring brand value, Saina quips, “It’s all because of my performance. But I would never forget my roots because of the name and fame I get. I’m focused on my goals,” she sounds confident.

Celina's T-town dreams

"Wear your attitude since it makes you," model, actress and Femina Miss India Universe 2001 Celina Jaitley tosses in a suggestion for the Gen-N models, her blue eyes and infectious smile spilling over enough of it. Decked up prettily in a bridal outfit designed by Neeta Lulla, the screen scorcher floored the onlookers at the grand finale of Hyderabad Fashion Week on Friday.

"Today's youth is lacking in right attitude, thus leaving them fall behind in the rat race," she hastens to add when inquired why India is failing to sweep beauty pageants in the recent past.

Having hit the ramp after a long time, the svelte beauty is apparently all elated working with her dream designer Neeta Lulla, "because she is someone who is always looked up to and her work is admired. I'm really privileged branding her collection here. And, Hyderabad really has beautiful people. Hope it hogs the limelight soon."

Pat comes the reply when asked about her visit to the City of Nawabs yet again. "What I like most about Hyderabad is how clean and green the city is. Wish the other cities too take a cue from Hyderabad in maintaining themselves!"

Busy as usual with a few Bollywood and Mollywood projects in her kitty, the actress recently did a Kannada film and is desperately looking forward to tease the movie-buffs in Telugu and Tamil industries. "My Telugu debut was a disappointment, but this time, it won't be," she chirps.

Talk about competition and she quips, "The film industry is all about beautiful people. If we start competing, there's no fun anymore. Moreover, we all have our own identities and character; so there's hardly any scope for competition," she makes a point before signing off.