Banumathi

Veteran actress Banumathi passed away, she is a legend, have a look at LIFE SKETCH OF PADMASHRI DR.BANUMATHI RAMAKRISHNA

Seventh September 1925: the auspicious day when Padmashri Dr.Bhanumathi Ramakrishna, illustrious Actress, Directress, Music Director, Songstress and Writer was born in Ongole(Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh) . Her father Mr.Bommaraju Venkatasubbiah was a staunch lover of classical music and well versed in all fine arts.

Dr. Bhanumathi is a born artiste, inheriting music from her parents and received sound training in music and histrionics from her father. Producer-Director Mr.C.Pulliah a pioneer of Telugu Film Industry and a friend of Mr. Venkatsubbiah introduced her to the Telugu Film line at a very early age of 13.

Her first picture was "VARAVIRAYAM" an anti dowry subject in those days, which was a great success. The film was produced by Mr. Chamaria, of East India Studio in Calcutta, thus exposing her to pioneering film making company in her very first film. Since then she has worked in over 100 pictures in almost all the languages of South India and also in Hindi. Dr.Bhanumathi proved that at a time when family girls were not inclined to act in films, by acting in films she proved that even respectable family girls can act in films.

She is the only lady in India, may be even in the whole world; who is a Studio Owner, Producer, Directress, Writer, Music Director and also a great singing cine-artiste. She was married to Sri P.S.Ramakrishna Rao, a film producer, Director and Editor of Telugu and Tamil Films on 8 th August 1943.

After the birth of her only son she started Bharani Pictures named it after her son. They produced a number of Telugu, Tamil and Hindi Pictures under the direction of her husband and of herself. In 1950, Bhanumathi - Ramakrishna couple launched their own Studio, Bharani Studios. The first film "CHANDI RANI" was written and directed and acted in duel role by her in three languages Tamil, Telugu and Hindi 1953 and released simultaneously all over India, for which she got awards. Her first Hindi picture Gemini's "NISHAN" was released in 1950 and was a jubilee picture.

Dr.Bhanumathi was the first lady recipient of State Honours in 1956, when Andhra Pradesh State was formed. She received the National Awards as Best Actress for her acting in "ANNAI" (Tamil), "ANTHASTULU" (Telugu), and "PALANTI YUDDHAM" (Telugu).

Later Mr. Annadurai honoured her with a title "NADIPPUKKU ILAKKANAM" (Grammar for acting) for her remarkable performance in "RANGOON RADHA",reiterating her superb and memorable action in several pictures. She is fondly called by her Tamil Admirers as "Ashtavadhani". (A Poet who can answer eight questions at a time).

In 1966, she was conferred with the National Honour of "PADMASRI" by the Government of India, Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy awarded her as the best short story writer for her popular short stories "ATTAGARI KATHALU". She is the only popular lady humorous short story writer, who has continued the tradition of Gurujada Appa Rao and Muni Manickam Narasimma Rao.

In the International Women's year 1975, another new laurel of Honourary Doctorate Degree was conferred by the Andhra University on her as an author and a veteran artiste. In 1984, two more feathers were added viz., "KALAIMAMANI" Title conferred by the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram. "BHAKUKALA DHEERATI SREEMATHI" conferred by the Lions Club International at the First Lionesses Assembly. Again in March 1984 Honorary Doctorate Degree was conferred by Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi. Again in 1986, she received Andhra Pradesh State Government's Raghupathi Venkiah Memorial Award as well as Award as Best Lady Director.

She has directed sixteen films, written screenplay, dialogues, scripted and went on to music composing, directing and film production lines. Her Telugu Picture "ANTHA MANA MANCHIKE" was adjudged best film for the year 1972. The Tamil straight version "IPPADIYUM ORU PENN" was applauded as the best musical film and social satire in the international women's year.

She produced a Children's feature colour film titled "BHAKTHA DHURUVA MARKADEYA" in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam with artists of under sixteen, which was applauded by the Press and Public alike. This is an educative and entertaining film inspiring the tender hearts hearts of children the greatness of devotion to elders, towards patience and perseverance in life.

Dr.Bhanumathi Ramakrishna is a a versatile genius. This is provided by the range of her songs, from Carnatic and Hindustani classical music to English Pop music sung by her in the Tamil Picture "PATHU MATHA BHANDAM" in which her performance was appreciated by one and all. She has sung English songs in a number of films.

Dr.Bhanumathi Ramakrishna is a great Social Worker. She has long Association with the following Social Service Organisations:

She was Member of Children Film Society for 5 years, form 1965 to 1970.
She was a Member of Lalith Kala Academy for 5 years, and Sahitya Academy, Andhra Pradesh for 10 years.
She was the founder Member and Treasurer of Madras Branch of ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL INC. CHICAGO for 30 years since 1963 and continues as a Member of the Association.
She is life Member of Red Cross Society for nearly forty years.
She was a Member of State Film Awards Committee for two years under the Presidentship of the Late C.R. Pattabhiraman.
She was also a Visiting Professor to the Film Institute for one year.
She is also running an Educational Institution named as "Dr.Bhanumathi Ramakrishna Matriculation School" at Saligramam, Chennai-93 giving free education to the poor.

In recognition of her talents and experience, Tamil Nadu Government appointed her as Director and Principal for Tamil Nadu Government Music College, Chennai, from 1985 to 1988. She is the only lady musician who was appointed to this coveted Post.

She is an ocean of talents with a number of honours and awards to her credit. A good painter, Astrologer and a great Philosopher, She is a shining devotee of Shri Jagadguru Abhinava Vidyateertha Swamiji (Predecessor to present Sri Shankaracharya) of Sringeri, who bestowed her with the blessing of Sri Vidya Vupasana 32 years back. This is evidently the streamlines under current of her success in life. Even in her 68th year, she continues to produce and act under her Bharani Pictures banner, which incidentally will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee soon. The rich ocean of talents inhibiting all the rivers will never dry.

In 1994, She was honoured by the Dcotor's Association of London , U.K. as a great artiste for the year 1993-1994. The Karnataka Director's Association have honoured as "First Senior Lady Director" and felicitated by Sri. Veerappa Moily former Chief Minister of Karnataka.

She was honoured for her life time achievement as Film Producer, Director, Artiste, Singer, Music Director and owner of Bharani Pictures and Studios. She owns "SWARNA KANGANAM" and "MULTIFACED QUEEN OF THE INDIAN SCREEN"

She was honoured by the club of Vijayawada inner wing in a great function for her achievement as a Artiste and Musician.

"மாசில்லா உண்மை காதலி" யை இழந்துவிட்டது தமிழ் திரையுலகம்.
Courtesy: www.southindia.com

Tsunami- 1 Year

It's been a whole one year, after the Tide waves devastated South Indian Coastal areas. This Tsunami was not only wave who had given problems, later Sea started acting differently. Continuous depressions made tamilnadu under water, 2 or more storms were really made fisherman who are all staying in Coastal areas difficult to survive on believing only Sea.

What lesion we learnt from Tsunami. We are talking about globalization in economy why can’t we talk about global environment (warming, warning) also. We can’t stop Tsunami's kind of natural devastation, however what precautionary has be taken for the future? Is Tsunami Warning system ready at least after a year? The answer is big NO. As per NDTV report people are ready to protect themselves by mentally, but Govt is not ready.

We have to be thankful for the Collectors Gagan Deep Singh especially Mr. Radha Krishnan who is delicately worked for people last year, also the people and celebrities who donated for the welfare.

Also we have to thankful to AR Rahman and Team (Hariharan, 'Drums' Sivamani, Chinmayi, Karthik) who made a simple concert in Karaikal after a Year. (No laser lighting effects, no big stage with a flashy back ground, no big speakers) it was very difficult to assume this environment for the world famous AR Rahman's concert in Karaikal-Tamil Nadu. Hats off to them.

Media only made aware of Tsunami, this year Tamil channel not even bothered that this day is the Observing Tsunami Anniversary. Only NDTV is keep on shouting and showing what is happening in Tamil Nadu. None of the Tamil channels is having a special programmed about Tsunami. Shows that people in TN forget things very fastely that is the reason why TN is always depend on the Politicians. Vazhga Tamizagam.!

BPO rape, murder clouds Bangalore

Just adding to my Previuos Blog now it is turn for safely driving with others.

The rape and murder of a call centre employee, a 24-year-old woman, by a person pretending to be the late night driver of her company transport has sent a chill down the spine of the BPO industry in Bangalore.

About the Tragedy: On December 13, newly wed Pratibha, an employee of HP Globalsoft, located at the Electronics City, went missing. She was picked up at 1.50 am (for her 2.30 am shift) from her residence at Kumaraswamy Layout, nearly 25 km from her office, by a driver claiming to be a substitute.


On Friday morning(16-12-2005), after the police tracked down the driver—using Pratibha’s cell phone records—they found her body dumped in a grove on the outskirts of Bangalore.

Police investigations have revealed that the 28-year-old accused Shivakumar, one of 60 drivers from SRS Transport which services HP Globalsoft, called Pratibha on her mobile phone on the evening of December 13 to tell her that he would be coming to pick her up in place of her regular driver Jagadish.

An unsuspecting Pratibha agreed and was seen off by her mother-in-law boarding the vehicle driven by Shivakumar. Minutes later Pratibha’s regular vehicle arrived at her home and found that she had already been picked up. When the regular driver, Jagadish, called Pratibha on her cell phone to verify, she informed him that she had already been picked up and handed the cell phone to Shivakumar who told Jagadish that he had been asked to pick up Pratibha.

Jagadish informed the time office at HP that Pratibha had been picked up by vehicle number 405—the number provided by Shivakumar. According to statements given to the police by Shivakumar, since his nabbing on Thursday night, he took Pratibha to a desolate place on the Kanakapura Road, leading out of Bangalore, raped her at knife-point, and slit her throat.

Prathiba who got married in February this year had been employed with HP Globalsoft for the past six months.

From Shivakumar’s mobile phone records, the police have found that he had also called two other girls the same night with the same story. The girls, however, refused to board his vehicle after they reportedly checked with the company and found that no replacement was being sent.

Now everybody has started talking about the safety measures and driving standard. These may help however the people who are driving also have to have some sense. This is my point of view of DO's and Dont's.

1. Consider Cab drivers as a human being.(esp. for girls)
2. Dont do the makeups in CAB itself.
3. Maintain a gap with others. As per CAB Drivers, lot of couples utilising CABs for their privacy.
4. Boys has be the first person on Pickup and drop.
5. Parents will drop them during the pickups(atleast verify the cab)

"There are so many migrants in Bangalore who are dependent on BPOs for a living," - Karnataka Govt give a safety to those people.

Driving in Bangalore / India

Few of us know the difference in foreigners and us on driving, Let we hear something about our driving and traffic sense. This hilarious article was written by a Dutchman who spent two years in Bangalore, India, as a visiting expert. A little long article but worth reading!!!


For the benefit of every Tom, Dick and Harry visiting India and daring to drive on Indian roads, I am offering a few hints for survival. They are applicable to every place in India except Bihar, where life outside a vehicle is only marginally safer.

Indian road rules broadly operate within the domain of karma where you do your best, and leave the results to your insurance company. The hints are as follows: Do we drive on the left or right of the road? The answer is "both". Basically you start on the left of the road, unless it is occupied. In that case, go to the right,unless that is also occupied. Then proceed by occupying the next available gap, as in chess. Just trust your instincts, ascertain the direction, and proceed. Adherence to road rules leads to much misery and occasional fatality. Most drivers don't drive, but just aim their vehicles in the generally intended direction.

Don't you get discouraged or underestimate yourself except for a belief in reincarnation; the other drivers are not in any better position. Don't stop at pedestrian crossings just because some fool wants to cross the road. You may do so only if you enjoy being bumped in the back.
Pedestrians have been strictly instructed to cross only when traffic is moving slowly or has come to a dead stop because some minister is in town. Still some idiot may try to wade across, but then, let us not talk ill of the dead.

Blowing your horn is not a sign of protest as in some countries. We horn to express joy, resentment, frustration, romance and bare lust (two brisk blasts),or just mobilize a dozing cow in the middle of the bazaar. Keep informative books in the glove compartment. You may read them during traffic jams, while awaiting the chief minister's motorcade, or waiting for the rainwater to recede when over ground traffic meets underground drainage.

Occasionally you might see what looks like a UFO with blinking colored lights and weird sounds emanating from within. This is an illuminated bus, full of happy pilgrims singing bhajans. These pilgrims go at breakneck speed, seeking contact with the Almighty, often meeting with success.

Auto Rickshaw (Baby Taxi): The result of a collision between a rickshaw and an automobile, this three-wheeled vehicle works on an external combustion engine that runs on a mixture of kerosene oil and creosote. This triangular vehicle carries iron rods, gas cylinders or passengers three times its weight and dimension, at an unspecified fare. After careful geometric calculations, children are folded and packed into these auto rickshaws until some children in the periphery are not in contact with the vehicle at all. Then their school bags are pushed into the microscopic gaps all round so those minor collisions with other vehicles on the road cause no permanent damage. Of course, the peripheral children are charged half the fare and also learn Newton's laws of motion enroute to school. Auto-rickshaw drivers follow the road rules depicted in the film Ben Hur, and are licensed to irritate.

Mopeds: The moped looks like an oil tin on wheels and makes noise like an electric shaver. It runs 30 miles on a teaspoon of petrol and travels at break-bottom speed. As the sides of the road are too rough for a ride, the moped drivers tend to drive in the middle of the road; they would rather drive under heavier vehicles instead of around them and are often "mopped" off the tarmac.

Leaning Tower of Passes: Most bus passengers are given free passes and during rush hours, there is absolute mayhem. There are passengers hanging off other passengers, who in turn hang off the railings and the overloaded bus leans dangerously, defying laws of gravity but obeying laws of surface tension. As drivers get paid for overload (so many Rupees per kg of passenger), no questions are ever asked. Steer clear of these buses by a width of three passengers.
One-way Street: These boards are put up by traffic people to add jest in their otherwise drab lives. Don't stick to the literal meaning and proceed in one direction. In metaphysical terms, it means that you cannot proceed in two directions at once. So drive as you like, in reverse throughout, if you are the fussy type. Least I sound hypercritical, I must add a positive point also. Rash and fast driving in residential areas has been prevented by providing a "speed breaker"; two for each house. This mound, incidentally, covers the water and drainage pipes for that residence and is left untarred for easy identification by the corporation authorities, should they want to recover the pipe for year-end accounting.

Night driving on Indian roads can be an exhilarating experience for those with the mental make up of Genghis Khan. In a way, it is like playing Russian roulette, because you do not know who amongst the drivers is loaded. What looks like premature dawn on the horizon turns out to be a truck attempting a speed record. On encountering it, just pull partly into the field adjoining the road until the phenomenon passes.

Our roads do not have shoulders, but occasional boulders. Do not blink your lights expecting reciprocation. The only dim thing in the truck is the driver, and with the peg of illicit arrack (alcohol) he has had at the last stop, his total cerebral functions add up to little more than a naught. Truck drivers are the James Bonds of India, and are licensed to kill. Often you may encounter a single powerful beam of light about six feet above the ground. This is not a super motorbike, but a truck approaching you with a single light on, usually the left one. It could be the right one, but never get too close to investigate. You may prove your point posthumously