Want to change lives of poor children: Rajinikanth's wife Latha

April 30, 2014

Rajinikanths_wife_Latha

New Delhi, Apr 30: Superstar Rajinikanth's wife Latha describes as "adventurous and exciting" her role as the southern matinee idol's life partner and says her "greatest satisfaction" will come from making a difference to the lives of poor children.

She first met the "The Boss" star when she was studying in Ethiraj College in Chennai and later, in the 1980s, the two tied the knot. Her life has since then been "wonderful" and more, she says.

"It's been wonderful, adventurous, exciting... At the same time, it's a huge responsibility to take on shoulders because life can never be normal. But at home, we are a normal family and we try to retain that," Latha said in an interview here.

She is mother of two daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya, both of whom have taken filmmaking as a career choice.

Elegantly dressed in a bright traditional silk sari, Latha, talking about her "creative" daughters, said: "Both were artistic, but we were waiting to see in which direction they would go, and they have identified themselves as directors."

While Aishwarya made her directorial debut in 2012 with romantic thriller "3", which starred her husband Dhanush in the lead role, Soundarya's first film "Kochadaiiyaan", starring her father Rajinikanth, is coming out May 9. "Kochadaiiyaan" is set to deliver groundbreaking technology - the Rs.125 crore project is said to be the country's first motion-capture photo-realistic 3D animated movie.

Soundarya was honoured Tuesday with NDTV Indian of the year technical innovation in a film award for the same and the proud mother says "it is a wonderful feeling".

"It's a proud moment for us...," said Latha, a professional singer who has sung "Manapennin sathiyam" for Soundarya's first venture "Kochadaiiyaan".

Like her daughters, Latha also didn't take the acting route due to lack of interest and chose to be a singer.

"I've been a singer since childhood. I enjoy making music and singing. As far as acting goes, I don't think I'll do a cameo also. It's a big platform and already there is an actor in the family," said Latha, who mostly likes singing pop and folk numbers.

She might not like to act in movies or even star in films with her husband but she is not finicky about who is paired with Rajinikanth on the big screen - even if it means watching the 64-year-old act with Deepika Padukone, who is only 28 years old, in "Kochadaiiyaan".

"Soundarya has made her father look younger with the help of technology in the movie. So, Deepika will be seen acting with him as a 25-year-old. Also, age doesn't restrict an actor because it's for a movie. It's just a character," said the singer who answered all the questions smilingly despite being tired.

Her family is certainly important to her, but so is she to help the needy and she manages to take out time for them.

"I stay connected to my passion for children, music, education... We started The Ashram in 1991. Now, there are 2,500 students. There are two divisions - ICSE and state board.

The focus is on core development of a child. We work on their personality and aptitude development.

"If I can make a difference to children, that will be my greatest satisfaction," said the founder of the co-ed school offering education to students from class one to 12.

Latha also runs a foundation called 'I am for India' that works for social care, medical care, senior citizens, environment and more.

She has so much in her kitty, but there is not stopping her. To stay pink in health, she practises yoga and also meditates, hoping to continue maintaining a balance between her family and her passion.

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Want to change lives of poor children: Rajinikanth's wife Latha

New Delhi, Apr 30: Superstar Rajinikanth's wife Latha describes as "adventurous and exciting" her role as the southern matinee idol's life partner and says her "greatest satisfaction" will come from making a difference to the lives of poor children.

She first met the "The Boss" star when she was studying in Ethiraj College in Chennai and later, in the 1980s, the two tied the knot. Her life has since then been "wonderful" and more, she says.

"It's been wonderful, adventurous, exciting... At the same time, it's a huge responsibility to take on shoulders because life can never be normal. But at home, we are a normal family and we try to retain that," Latha said in an interview here.

She is mother of two daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya, both of whom have taken filmmaking as a career choice.

Elegantly dressed in a bright traditional silk sari, Latha, talking about her "creative" daughters, said: "Both were artistic, but we were waiting to see in which direction they would go, and they have identified themselves as directors."

While Aishwarya made her directorial debut in 2012 with romantic thriller "3", which starred her husband Dhanush in the lead role, Soundarya's first film "Kochadaiiyaan", starring her father Rajinikanth, is coming out May 9. "Kochadaiiyaan" is set to deliver groundbreaking technology - the Rs.125 crore project is said to be the country's first motion-capture photo-realistic 3D animated movie.

Soundarya was honoured Tuesday with NDTV Indian of the year technical innovation in a film award for the same and the proud mother says "it is a wonderful feeling".

"It's a proud moment for us...," said Latha, a professional singer who has sung "Manapennin sathiyam" for Soundarya's first venture "Kochadaiiyaan".

Like her daughters, Latha also didn't take the acting route due to lack of interest and chose to be a singer.

"I've been a singer since childhood. I enjoy making music and singing. As far as acting goes, I don't think I'll do a cameo also. It's a big platform and already there is an actor in the family," said Latha, who mostly likes singing pop and folk numbers.

She might not like to act in movies or even star in films with her husband but she is not finicky about who is paired with Rajinikanth on the big screen - even if it means watching the 64-year-old act with Deepika Padukone, who is only 28 years old, in "Kochadaiiyaan".

"Soundarya has made her father look younger with the help of technology in the movie. So, Deepika will be seen acting with him as a 25-year-old. Also, age doesn't restrict an actor because it's for a movie. It's just a character," said the singer who answered all the questions smilingly despite being tired.

Her family is certainly important to her, but so is she to help the needy and she manages to take out time for them.

"I stay connected to my passion for children, music, education... We started The Ashram in 1991. Now, there are 2,500 students. There are two divisions - ICSE and state board.

The focus is on core development of a child. We work on their personality and aptitude development.

"If I can make a difference to children, that will be my greatest satisfaction," said the founder of the co-ed school offering education to students from class one to 12.

Latha also runs a foundation called 'I am for India' that works for social care, medical care, senior citizens, environment and more.

She has so much in her kitty, but there is not stopping her. To stay pink in health, she practises yoga and also meditates, hoping to continue maintaining a balance between her family and her passion.

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News Network
February 10,2020

Feb 10: Bong Joon-ho’s film “Parasite” starts in a dingy, half-basement apartment with a family of four barely able to scratch out a life. There must be no place to go but up, right? Yes and no. There’s nothing predictable when the South Korean director is on his game.

This dark, socially conscious film about the intertwining of two families is an intricately plotted, adult thriller. We can go up, for sure, but Bong can also take us deeper down. There’s always an extra floor somewhere in this masterpiece.

It tells the story of the impoverished four-person Kim family who, one by one, and with careful and devious planning, all get employed by the four-person affluent Park family — as a tutor, an art teacher, a driver and a housekeeper. They are imposters stunned by the way wealth can make things easier: “Money is an iron. It smooths out all the creases,” says the Park patriarch with wonder.

Bong, who directed and wrote the story for “Parasite,” has picked his title carefully, of course. Naturally, he’s alluding to the sycophantic relationship by a clan of scammers to the clueless rich who have unwittingly opened the doors of their home on a hill. But it’s not that simple. The rich family seem incapable of doing anything — from dishes to sex — without help. Who’s scamming who?

Bong’s previous films play with film genres and never hide their social commentary — think of the environmentalist pig-caper “Okja” and the dystopian sci-fi global warming scream “Snowpiercer.” But this time, Bong’s canvas is a thousand times smaller and his focus light-years more intense. There are no CGI train chases on mountains or car chases through cities. (There is also, thankfully, 100% less Tilda Swinton, a frequent, over-the-top Bong collaborator.

The two Korean families first make contact when a friend of the Kim’s son asks him to take over English lessons for the Park daughter. Soon the son (a dreamy Choi Woo-sik) convinces them to hire his sister (the excellent Park So-dam) as an art teacher, but doesn’t reveal it’s his sis. She forges her diploma and spews arty nonsense she learned on the internet, impressing the polite but firm Park matriarch (a superb Jo Yeo-jeong.)

The Park’s regular chauffer is soon let go and replaced by the Kim patriarch (a steely Lee Sun-kyun). Ditto the housemaid, who is dumped in favor of the Kims’ mother (a feisty Jang Hye-jin.) All eight people seem happy with the new arrangement until Bong reveals a twist: There are more parasites than you imagined. The clean, impeccably furnished Park home will have some blood splashing about.

Bong’s trademark slapstick is still here but the rough edges of his often too-loud lessons are shaved down nicely and his actors step forward. “Keep it focused,” the Kim’s son counsels his father at one point. Bong has followed that advice.

There are typically dazzling Bong touches throughout. Just look for all the insect references — stink bugs at the beginning to flies at the end, and a preoccupation with odor across the frames. And there’s a scene in which the rich matriarch skillfully winds noodles in a bowl while, in another room, duct tape is being wrapped around a victim and classical music plays.

Bong could have been more strident in his social critique but hasn’t. There are no villains in “Parasite” — and also no heroes. Both families are forever broken after chafing against each other, a bleak message about the classes ever really co-existing (Take that, “Downton Abbey”).

“Parasite” is a worthy winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the first South Korean movie to win the prestigious top prize. The director has called it an “unstoppably fierce tragicomedy.” We just call it brilliant.

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News Network
April 29,2020

Mumbai, Apr 29: Irrfan Khan, one of India's finest and most versatile actors, lost his battle with a rare form of cancer and died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, a statement from his family said. He was 54

Irrfan, who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, is survived by his wife Sutapa and his sons Babil and Ayaan.

It is the second tragedy for the family in less than a week. The ?Maqbool? actor lost his mother, 95-year-old Saeeda Begum, in Jaipur just four days ago and could not attend the funeral because of the nationwide lockdown.

Irrfan, that rare actor who straddled multiple worlds, making his mark in both international and Indian cinema in roles intense and light-hearted, was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital with a colon infection

?It's saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him. After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it,? the statement from his family said

?Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heavenly abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, 'As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it',? it added.

The news of his death was first confirmed by his "Piku" director Shoojit Sircar who sent his condolences to the family and doffed his hat to the actor's fighting spirit

"My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute," the director said on Twitter.

Irrfan's death came the morning after news that he had been admitted to the ICU with a colon infection.

The self-effacing National Award winner, who acted in films as diverse as ?Life of Pi?, ?The Namesake? and ?Haasil?, had stayed away from the public eye after his diagnosis in 2018 when he went to the UK for treatment.

He returned home in 2019 and shot for "Angrezi Medium", the sequel to his 2017 hit "Hindi Medium". However, his health condition prevented him from promoting the movie, which hit the theatres in March just before the lockdown that began on March 25.

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News Network
June 1,2020

Mumbai, Jun 1: Singer-composer Wajid Khan of music director duo Sajid-Wajid, popular for their work on superstar Salman Khan's films such as "Wanted", "Dabangg" and "Ek Tha Tiger", died in early hours of Monday in a city hospital due to complications arising from a kidney infection. He was 42.

Music composer Salim Merchant, who confirmed the news of Wajid's death, said the composer was hospitalised few days ago at Surana Hospital, Chembur where his condition deteriorated.

"He had multiple issues. He had a kidney issue and had a transplant a while ago. But recently he got to know about kidney infection... He was on the ventilator for the last four days, after his situation started getting worse. Kidney infection was the beginning and then he got critical," Salim told PTI.

The music composer duo made their Bollywood debut with Salman's 1998 movie "Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" and went on to work on actor's various films including "Garv", "Tere Naam", "Tumko Na Bhool Payenge", "Partner" and the popular "Dabangg" franchise.

Wajid also did playback for Salman in chartbusters like "Mera He Jalwa", "Fevicol Se" and for Akshay Kumar in "Chinta Ta Chita Chita" from the film "Rowdy Rathore", among others. He recently co-composed Salman's songs "Pyaar Karona" and "Bhai Bhai", which the actor released on his YouTube channel.

Wajid along with his brother Sajid served as mentor on singing reality shows "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012" and "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar".

The composer duo also scored IPL 4 theme song, "Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhadaka", which was sung by Wajid.

Soon after the news of the composer's demise broke, many from the film fraternity took to Twitter to pay tributes.

Actor Priyanka Chopra said she will always remember Wajid's smile.

"The one thing I will always remember is Wajid bhai's laugh. Always smiling. Gone too soon. My condolences to his family and everyone grieving. Rest in peace my friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers," she posted on Twitter.

Actor Parineeti Chopra said Wajid was one of the "nicest" men in the industry.

"Always singing. All heart. Always positive. You will truly be missed Wajid bhai," she tweeted.

Actor Varun Dhawan shared a picture of his filmmaker-father David Dhawan with Wajid and remembered the musician as one of the most positive people in Bollywood.

"Shocked hearing this news @wajidkhan7 bhai was extremely close to me and my family. He was one of the most positive people to be around. We will miss you Wajid bhai thank you for the music," he wrote.

Music composer-singer Vishal Dadlani said he was "heartbroken" after hearing the news.

"Both @SajidMusicKhan and @wajidkhan7 have been close & true friends. The kind who might see the light on and show up at our studio in the middle of the night just to meet and talk and share a laugh. Can't believe Wajid and I will never speak again," he wrote.

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan said he was still unable to come to terms with the news of Wajid's demise.

"Shocking ! Good bye dear brother.. love you .. till we meet on the other side ! Prayers for your peaceful journey Wajid bhai," he tweeted.

Singer Javed Ali posted, "Feeling Deeply Saddened after hearing shocking news of the sudden demise of Wajid Khan. May his Soul Rest in Peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May Allah give strength to the family."

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