Archive for December, 2009

No Plans To Reduce Weight: Asin

Thursday, 31st December, 2009

images63.jpg
No plans to reduce weight
: Asin: As zero size is a lattest trend of our film Industry and Karina Kapoor is the model role for the same. Many other actresses’ like- Katrina, Bipasha, etc are also following the race of zero size whereas, Asin-the south beauty and the heroine of ‘Gajini’ doesn’t believe in this policy. She says that she is not for it and performance is more important than reducing weight. Asin is always thankful to Trisha for making her bollywood debut with Akshay Kumar. Tamil actress- Asin has been acting with all the lead heroes in different languages and regions. Along this she is also running a business very successfully also in Ernakylam. But she is not looking after proper that whereas; she has handed over her business to some young representatives to look after. So, she is not very much worried about the thin looks and all, whereas she believes that whatever, she is getting just because of her talent and capability of work. She loves her work and desperately wants to work with Kamal Hassan, that’s why she is feeling bad for missing the chance to act with him in the Tamil film “Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu”.
images73.jpg
Asin’s basics
: Asin Thottumkar was born on 26th October 1979 in Kochi, Kerala, in a Syrian Christian family. Her father Joseph Tottumkal is a Businessman and running his business of software Export Company where Asin assists him. Asin’s mother Seline Thottumkal is a surgeon by profession. She was studied at the Naval Public School and St Theresa’s higher Secondary School. She got her degree in English Literature from St. Theresa’s college. She also has modeled and did some advertisements also. like- Colgate Toothpaste and Fairever Cream. Asin is an established star of South Indian Film Industry and worked with different superstars of different regions. But, she started her re-opening account in Hindi Version from the big hit- Ghazni with super duper star Aamir Khan and it was probably the right step towards her career formation in Bollywood.
images-6.jpg

Asin’s filmly career
:  Asin started her showbiz career at the age of just fifteen from the Malayalam movie Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka in 2001. She won the filmfare Best Telugu Actress Award for her movies Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammay and Shivamani and similarly, she won the Santosham best actress award. She gave Telegu hits also like Lakshmi Narasimha and Gharshana. She had also given a big hit with Kamal Hassan in Dasavatharam in 2008. In 2008 only she had made her debut in Bollywood with the super duper hit Ghazni, starring with Aamir Khan. London Dreams of Vipul Shah brought her as a lead with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan great Bollywood stars.  

Rise of Maratha Power

Thursday, 31st December, 2009

rise-of-maratha-power1.jpeg
Shivaji
18th century saw the decline and disintegration of the Mughal Empire. Mughal Empire declined rapidly after the death of Aurangzeb as his policies put a damaging effect on the stability of the Mughal Empire and the later Mughals were incompetent and did not have the skill that were needed to keep the system in working order. They let the affairs drift in their own way. Thus many independent states came into existent in north and south India. Marathas of Maharashtra were most powerful among them. They had revolted against Aurangzeb under the leadership of Shivaji. After Shivaji’s death, Aurangzeb tried his best to suppress the revolt of the Marathas for 25 continuous years but he could not succeed in his efforts. After his death Marathas kept on increasing their power and has established many independent states. There were many reasons behind their rise to power. First Maharashtra’s geographical features had made the native people very brave, hardworking, struggle lover and well trained in guerrilla warfare. They were influenced by the Hindu state of Vijaynagar. Wars of south between Mughals and Shiyaas provided enough time to the Marathas to increase their power. Shivaji’s personality had a lasting effect on his people. 

rise-of-maratha-power2.jpeg
Childhood Shivaji was born on April 20th, 1627 in the Shivnaur fort located in the north of the famous town of Puna. His father Shahji Bhosle was a feudal lord in the Bijapur Sultanate. His mother was Jijabai who was related to the Yadavs. Three personalities had an everlasting effect on the personality of Shivaji. First was Shivaji’s own mother who had taught him stories from the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Stories of the Hindu warriors had created feeling of bravery and patriotism in his heart. Shivaji’s regent Dadaji Kond Dev too had an everlasting effect on his personality. He taught him house riding, close combating, guerrilla warfare and managing the administration. Famous religious leader of Maharashtra, Ramdas, also influenced Shivaji for the establishment of an independent Hindu state. He was Shivaji’s religious (guru) teacher.
rise-of-maratha-power3.jpeg
Conquests
When Sivaji was only 19 years old he had started conquering his neighboring territories. Within the time of two-three years he had conquered many forts. First of all he conquered the Torna fort. After that he won the Raigarh fort and repaired it. After the death of Dadaji Kond Dev, Shivaji took over Puna and collected a huge military. In 1648 he conquered the Purandhar and Kodana territories and invaded Konkan. He succeeded in conquering the famous Konkan city of Kalyani. From 1649 to 1655 Shivaji had to put a hold on conquering the neighboring states. In 1656 he invaded Jawli. Raja Chandar Rao was the ruler of Jawli. He had joined Bijapur Sultan against the Maratha king. Shivaji bribed a killer and got Chandar Rao killed. After it he took over Jawli. Shivaji’s financial and military powers increased enormously with the victory of Jawli. After that he defeated his own maternal uncle and conquered the Soupa territory. In 1658 when Aurangzeb left south and went towards north India, Bijapur ruler decided to suppress rising military power of Shivaji. His military marched under general Afzal Khan against Shivaji. When he reached the Maratha territories he felt that it is difficult to fight against Marathas in the mountainous terrain. So he decided to engage Shivaji in diplomatic methods and kill him in deceitful manner by organizing manner. But Shivaji was very clever and was already ready for this meeting. So a meeting was held on November 2, 1659 in Partapgarh. Afzal Khan embraced Shivaji as a greeting and tried to stab on his neck but Shivaji saved himself from his attack and killed him in the countermove. After it the Maratha military suddenly attacked the Bijapur military and defeated them. A severe battle was fought in which three hundred Bijapuri soldiers were killed and the rest fled. After it Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan’s son Fazal Khan and conquered the fort of Panhala. After it he defeated Bijapur general Rustam Khan. He had thus conquered the forts of Basantgarh, Khelna etc. But Bijapur ruler sent a huge army under Sidhi Johar. Bijapur army laid seize to the Panhala fort. After four months of seize Shivaji fled safely from the Panhala fort. Bijapur ruler sent a huge army to suppress the rising power of Marathas but could not succeed because of the rainy season. Later on Bijapur ruler acknowledged him as an independent ruler. During seize, British, ruler of Palwan and ruler of Sringarpur had helped the combined forces of Mughals and Bijapur. Shivaji attacked on them and defeated them as a punishment.Shivaji not only fought against the Bijapur Sultanate but also revolted against the Mughal Empire. He kept on fighting against the Mughals for many years and heaved a sigh of relief after annexing some of the Mughal territories into his Kingdom. After ascending to throne, Aurangzeb decided to suppress Marathas who had emerged as a major threat to his Empire. He appointed his maternal uncle Shayista Khan at the governor of the deccan and ordered him to suppress the revolt of Marathas. In March 1660, Shiyista Khan marched from Ahmadabad towards Puna. In next two or three years he conquered Puna, Chakan, Kalyani and the adjoining Maratha territories. In the meantime, Shivaji had conquered the Kolaba and Ratanagiri territories. Shayista Khan decided to rest in Puna because of the rainy season. Unfortunately, he stayed in the same house where Shivaji had spent his childhood. Under the cover of a marriage procession Shivaji entered Puna with a handful of soldiers and infiltrated the Mughal camp on April 1663. He along with his 400 trusted soldiers attacked the Mughals camp in the night. In the close combat, Shayita Khan’s son, Abdul Fateh, his six wives and his forty servants were killed. He himself narrowly escaped the attack as one of his thumbs was cut in the battle. According to a historian ‘Shivaji dealt a masterly blow at the Mughals, which created terror in the Mughal court and camp’. Aurangzeb was so much annoyed with Shayista Khan that he transferred him from Deccan to Bengal as a punishment.

rise-of-maratha-power4.jpeg
Shivaji in Mughal Court In January 1664, Shivaji along with his 4000 soldiers, suddenly attacked Surat. Mughal Subedar of Surat was so much afraid of this attack that he hid and enclosed himself in the Surat fort. For next four days, Marathas looted this famous Mughal trading city. It is believed that this was Shivaji’s answer to the Mughals for the loot of Maratha territories by Shayista Khan for two continuous years.  Shayista Khan’s defeat and sack of Surat had annoyed Aurangzeb a lot so he sent a huge army under the leadership of Mirza Raja Jai Singh to punish Shivaji. Jai Singh was one of the most experienced military general of the Mughal Empire. In January 1665, Mughal army crossed the Narmada River and reached Puna. Here Jai Singh planned his strategy against Marathas and attacked Purandhar. Seize of Purandhar continued for two continuous months and Maratha noble Murar Bazi was killed in the battle. Shivaji realized that he can not succeed against the huge Mughal army so he signed a treaty with the Mughals according to which he surrendered 23 Maratha forts to the Mughals while 12 forts remained with him. It was agreed that Shivaji won’t be forced to attend the Mughal court. His son, Shambhai was appointed a 5000 Mansabdar. Maratha forces had fought along with Mughal forces against the Bijapur military for some months before Shivaji went to Agra along with his son, five nobles and soldiers. They gave some presents to Aurangzeb but were not treated well by the Mughal Emperor and threw them in prison instead. Aurangzeb had planned to get them killed after sometime but Shivaji was cleverer than him. He feigned fatal sickness and started distributing fruits and sweets among the Brahmins and poor. One day he and his son hid themselves in the fruit and sweets baskets and escaped the Mughal prison unhurt. After some time he reached his kingdom and once again waged a war against the Mughals. Aurangzeb was very much annoyed because of his escape but was unable to take any action against him as Mughals were busy in suppressing the revolt in north-west. He preferred acknowledge Shivaji as an independent ruler. No battle was fought between the Mughals and Marathas for next two years. Shivaji used this time to strengthen his administration.
rise-of-maratha-power5.jpeg
Death In 1670 Marathas and Mughals were once again at arms. Shivaji recaptured all those forts that he had surrendered to Mughals after signing the Purandhar treaty. In 1670, Marathas sacked Surat for the second time. After it Shivaji started to collect ‘Chouth’ and ‘Srdeshmukhi’ taxes from Khandesh, Surat and some other adjoining Mughal territories. Disappointed Aurangzeb has written ‘it appears God has taken away the sovereignty from me and conferred it on Shivaji’. On June 16, 1674 Shivaji was coroneted as the first Maratha King. According to the Vedic rituals he was given the title of Chhatrapati Shivaji. His coronation led to celebrations in the Maratha territory. Presents were sent to famous Hindu temples and valuables were distributed among Brahmins and poor. After his coronation Shivaji decided to conquer his southern territories. Within next two-three years he had conquered Belari, Sira, Velore, Jinji and many other forts. Victory of Jinji is considered to be one of his most important achievements.  Thus Shivaji had laid the foundation of an independent kingdom in the south. From Western coast and Surat of Konkan to Goa (excluding Goa), his kingdom included Baglan, Chandoor, Puna, Satara and Kohlapur territories in east. While in south-east it included Belari, Sira, Velore and Jinji territories. Thus Shivaji ruled over a vast empire. Shivaji died on April 13, 1680 because of illness. At the time of death he was 53 years old. Before his death he had fulfilled his dream of establishing an independent, stable and strong Hindu Kingdom.
rise-of-maratha-power6.jpeg

Sivaji’s Successors
After Shivaji’s death his son Shambhaji took the reigns of the Maratha Kingdom into his hands. He was not liked by his people because of his bad habits. He appointed Kavi Kalash from Kanauj as his chief advisor. Soon after his coronation the rebel Mughal prince Akbar had reached Deccan. Shambhaji offered him refuse and made arrangements for his stay. Though he stayed in the Maratha territory for more than six years but Shambhaji did not try to plan any military campaign against the Mughal Emperor with the help of Akbar. After taking over Golkunda and Bijapur Aurangzeb started to send military campaigns against Shambhaji . Shambhaji took refuse in Sangeshwar but Mughal forces under the generalship of Mukkarab Khan suddenly attacked the Maratha fort. Shambhaji failed to offer stiff resistance to the invading Mughals and was captured alive on March 21, 1689 along with Kavi Kalash and many other members of his court. On March 21, 1689 he was murdered along with Kavi Kalash.
rise-of-maratha-power6jpeg.gif

Raja Ram and Tarabai
After Shambhaji’s arrest, his son Raja Ram ascended to the throne on February 19, 1689. At that time he was only 19 years old. But he was fortunate enough to have Prahlad Niraji and Ram Chandar Nilkanth as his advisors and Shantaji and Dhanaji as his military generals. Under their leadership Marathas united and kept on fighting guerrilla warfare against the Mughals. They had spread in the vast territory from Burhanpur to Jinji and kept the Mughals military at its toes for many years. In 1698 Aurangzeb sent a huge army under the leadership of Zulfikar Khan to capture Jinji. Marathas offered a stiff resistance to the Mughals. After relentless efforts of seven years Mughals succeeded to bring situation under their control. Raja Ram fled to Balabhgarh and then to Satara. There, he started to increase his military power. He sent his forces against the Mughal territories of Khandesh and Brar to collect Chouth (tax). He died in Sinhgarh on March 12, 1700 after a brief illness. After his death, his four years old son Shivaji II was coroneted as the next Maratha King and his mother Tarabai appointed herself as his regent. She was a brave and an intelligent lady. She reunited the Marathas and kept on fighting against the Mughals. Though Mughals had captured the Satara fort after Raja Ram’s death but she sent many military campaigns against the Mughals from the Panhala and Vishalgarh forts. Tarabai with the help of her Nobles like Parasram Trimbik, Dhanaji Yadav and Shankar Narayan fought against the Mughals and failed Aurangzeb’s all military campaigns sent against the Marathas. Mughal Emperor died on March 3, 1707 along with this disappointment.
rise-of-maratha-power7.jpeg

Last Maratha King
Shahu was Shambji’s another son who had been captured along with his mother Yesubai from the Raigarh fort. At that time he was only seven years old. He remained in the Mughal prison almost for 17 years. After Aurangzeb’s death he fled from Azam’s camp in May 1707. On reaching Maharashtra he was welcomed by Parsoji Bhonsle, Balaji Vishavnath and Nemaji Sindhia like Maratha Nobles. Tarabai sent her military against Shahu but was defeated by him on the banks of Bhima Rivar. Many famous Maratha Nobles deserted Tarabai and joined Shahu. His forces captured Satara without any military resistance. He was anointed as the next Maratha King on January 22, 1708.  He slowly and steadily increased his military power and strengthened his administration. In 1713 he appointed Balaji Vishavnath as his Peshwa (Prime Minister). From that onwards the position of Peshwa strengthened and after some years they (Peshwa) became more powerful than the Maratha King. Most of the administrative works were done by the Peshwa. During Shahu’s rule, after Balaji Vishavnath, Bajirao I and Balaji Bajirao worked as Peshwas. Shahu died in 1749 and by that time Peshwa was the actual head of the state while Chchatrapati (king) worked only like a rubber stamp.

Maratha Power under the Peshwas

Thursday, 31st December, 2009


maratha-power-under-the-peshwas1.jpeg
Peshwa Balaji Vishawanath From Shivaji’s time, Maratha Prime Minister was called Peshwa. Till 1707, neither their position was hereditary nor did they have enough powers. But during Shahu’s rule their position had become hereditary. Peshwa had become so powerful that king had remained nothing more than a rubber stamp and the actual powers had slipped into the hands of the Peshwa. During the rule of earlier Peshwas the Maratha power had increased a lot. Balaji Vishawanath was the first Peshwa who was a Brahmin and native of Konkan Pradesh. Shahu trusted him a lot and was very much influenced by his efficient services. So he appointed him as his Peshwa. The day he was appointed Peshwa is considered to be one of the most glorious days in the Maratha history. After that, powers of the Peshwa increased a lot and they became the hereditary rulers of the Maratha Empire. He took full advantage of the weakness of the Mughals and their mutual rifts and political intrigues. He signed a treaty with the Mughal Emperor as the representative of the Maratha King according to which Mughals accepted Shahu as the ruler of all those territories that had been won by Shivaji. All those territories that recently had been conquered by the Marathas were also accepted as the part of the Maratha territory. Mughal Emperor also allowed the Marathas to collect Chhout and Srdeshmukh taxes from the six provinces of the Mughal territory of Deccan. Except it, Mughal Emperor also agreed to free the members of Shivaji’s family that were in the Mughal prison. Maratha King Shahu agreed to give ten lakh rupees to the Mughal Emperor as the annual tax. This treaty between the Mughals and the Marathas is considered to be Balaji Vishwanath’s biggest achievement. Though, Shahu could not be called a sovereign king because of this treaty but on the other hand it ensured his rule over the territories won by Shivaji. The result of this treaty was tremendous increase of power of Marathas in the Deccan. Because of it, Shahu was recognized as the whole and sole Maratha leader.  Thus Balaji Vishwanath played an important role to strengthen Shahu’s position and increase the Maratha power. Though he was not a military leader but had the qualities of a clever politician, an able organizer and administrator. Some historians call him the ‘second founder of the Maratha Empire’. He increased the powers and prestige of the Peshwa to a great extent.

maratha-power-under-the-peshwas2.jpeg

Peshwa Bajirao After his death in April 1720, his son, Bajirao I was appointed the next Peshwa by Shahu. At that time he was only twenty years of age. But he was a very brave, able and intelligent man. He worked as the Peshwa for next twenty years till his death in 1740. During the period of his rule he successfully suppressed the enemies of the Maratha Empire. He not only conquered some south Indian territories but also extended the Maratha Empire in North India. In 1728 Bajirao I defeated Nizam-ul-Malik, the Mughal governor of six provinces of Deccan. Nizam accepted Shahu’s right of collecting taxes from these territories.  After it he defeated the Mughal Subedar of Malwa.  Thus Marathas had become more powerful in south and central India. Udaji Pawar, Malhar Rao Holkar and Ranauji Sindhia like Marathas Nobles had established semi-independent states in Dhar, Indore and Gwalior. Bajirao helped Chhatrasal, the ruler of Bundelkhan against the Mughals and defeated them. Chhatrasal was very happy with him and presented Jhansi and adjoining territories to him. After it Bajirao signed a treaty with Abhay Singh, the Mughal Subedar of Ahmadabad according to which Abhay Singh agreed to pay 13 lakh rupees annually to the Marathas as tax and in return Balaji took the responsibility to free Baroda from Pilaji Gaikwad.  In March 1737, Balaji crossed River Jammuna along with his military and suddenly attacked Delhi. After looting Delhi, Marathas came out of it but Mughal Emperor sent forces to follow them. But Marathas defeated them severely and then went towards Gwalior. In 1737 he ordered his brother Chimnaji Aapa to march against the Portuguese. He easily won the Thana and Salsait territories. After two years of relentless efforts he won the Bhasin fort. British of Bombay became afraid of the Marathas after their victory of Bhasin and they sent their representatives to establish peaceful and friendly relations with the Marathas. Balaji died on April 28, 1740 at a place known as Rewar located at the bank of Narmada River. At the time of his death he was only forty years of age. Because of his important achievements he had brought sea change in the power and prestige of the Marathas. According to a famous historian ‘the twenty years of his career witnessed a complete revolution in the character of the Maratha State. At the time of his death the political centre of gravity had shifter from the court of Delhi of that of Shahu’.

maratha-power-under-the-peshwas3.jpeg

Peshwa Balaji Bajirao After the Death of Bajirao I, his son Nana Sahib was appointed the next Peshwa by Shahu on July 4, 1740. He is popularly known as Balaji Bajirao. At that time he was only eighteen years old. But he lacked the military and administrative qualities of his father. But he led the Marathas to many victories and extended the Maratha Empire in many directions. He worked as Peshwa from 1740 to 1761. After Shahu’s death in 1749 Ram Raja ascended to his throne. His rival Tarabai tried to take the advantage of the circumstances and regain her lost powers. But Balaji foiled all her efforts very cleverly. He invited Chhatrapati Ram Raja to Puna and signed a treaty with him which is called Sangola agreement. According to this agreement the actual power slipped into the hands of the Peshwa and the Chhatrapati had remained only a titular head. He approached the Jaipur ruler Jai Singh to sign a treaty with the Mughal Emperor. He pledged to remain loyal to the Mughal Emperor and in return he was appointed as the Mughal Subedar of Malwa. In July 1741 Mughal Emperor declared Prince Ahmad as the titular head of Malwa and appointed Peshwa as his deputy. Thus the actual control of Malwa came into his hands. Another Maratha Military general Raghuji Bhonsle conquered Karnatka and Trichanpali. After that he defeated Nawab of Bengal and forced him to sign a treaty. According to this treaty Nawab submitted Kattak territory to the Marathas and also agreed to pay 12 lakh rupees as annual tax to Raghuji Bhonsle. On Balaji Bajirao’s orders, Raghunath Rao invaded Ahmadabad and by April 1753 had conquered most of the Kathiawar territory including Ahmadabad and Dwarka. In 1756-57 Raghunath Rao and Malhar Rao marched towards Delhi but by that time Ahmad Shah Abdali had invaded India for the fourth time and had returned to his homeland. Marathas defeated his nobles in Delhi and declared Mughal Emperor Alamgir as the ruler of Delhi. After it they headed towards Lahore and defeated Abdali’s son Taimur Shah and Jahan Khan and forced them to flee towards Kabul. Thus Marathas came into confrontation with invader Abdali. Raghunath Rao left some army under the leadership of Sabaji  in Lahore and returned to his homeland. Marathas appointed Adina Begh as the subedar of Lahore in return of 75 lakh rupees of annual tax. In 1759 Marathas attacked Nizam under the leadership of Sadashiv Rao Bhau. In February 1760 Nizam’s military was defeated severely by the Marathas after which Daultabad, Asirgarh and Burhangarh territories were annexed into the Maratha Empire. Thus by 1760 the Marathas had conquered almost all of the India and thus Maratha power was at its peak at that time.

maratha-power-under-the-peshwas4.jpeg

Third War of Panipat In 1759, Abdali invaded India for the fifth time. Maratha general fled from Lahore after hearing the news of his invasion. After conquering Lahore, Abdali headed towards Delhi. A small battle was fought between the invaders and the Marathas near Tarawari and Marathas were defeated. After it they fought against each other in March 1760 on the outskirts of Delhi. In this battle a Maratha military general Dattaji Sindhia was killed. In March, 1760, Abdali once again defeated Marathas military general Malhar Rao Holkar at a place known as Sikandrabad. To revenge these defeats, Balaji Bajirao sent a huge army under the leadership of Sadashiv Rao Bhau towards Delhi. Marathas conquered Delhi and Kunjpur. But Abdali kept on looting the other north Indian territories and prepared for a war with the Marathas. Finally a battle was fought at the historic battlefield of Panipat on January, 1761. At that time Abdali had 60,000 soldiers in his army while Maratha soldier were 45.000. In the initial stage of the battle Marathas had an upper hand on the invading military and thousands of soldiers were killed of Abdali’s military. But after some time a Maratha general fled from the battlefield along with his military. Two Maratha Military generals Vishwas Rao and Sadashiv Rao were killed in the battlefield. After it, Maratha soldiers fled from the battlefield. Abdali’s soldiers followed them and killed thousands of fleeing Maratha soldiers. This battle played a decisive and significant role in the Indian history. Many Marathas generals were killed in the battles with Afghans. After some time Balaji Bajirao died and thus Punjab was lost forever. On the other hand Afghans took over many North-West territories. Thus Sikhs of Punjab and Afghans came into confrontation with each other and at last Sikhs had succeeded to establish an independent Empire in most of the North Indian territories. Defeat of Marathas indirectly helped British. The loss of his entire Maratha army, and some famous generals was a big shock to the Peshwa. He could never recover from this loss and died as a heart broken man on June 23, 1761. After his death Madhav Rao, Narayan Rao, Madhav Rao Narayan and Bajirao II ruled as his successors from 1761 to 1818.

Maratha Administration

Thursday, 31st December, 2009


maratha-administration1.jpeg
Power of Chhatrapati Shivaji was not only a warrior but had the qualities of an able administrator, organizer and planner. Because of his administrative abilities he succeeded to establish an efficient administration in a very short time in his kingdom.   According to a famous historian Ishwari Prasad ‘he organized an administration which was in many respects more efficient than that of the Mughals’.  Chhatrapati or King was the chief of the administration. He was the hole and the sole power in his kingdom. His wishes were government laws. He himself appointed ministers and high officials and could dismiss them at any time. He was the supreme power as for as the judiciary and military was concerned. Though he was a dictator but he never misused his powers. He always kept public’s interests ahead of his own interests. He can be called a benevolent despot. The king had a council of eight ministers that was called Ashta Pradhan. They used to advise the King related to the administrative works and were also the heads of their respected departments. King himself appointed them and they were directly under him and were respondent to him.

maratha-administration2.jpeg

Ashta Pradhan Maratha Prime Minister was called Peshwa. After the king’s stamp, his stamp and signatures were the necessary part of every government document. He kept an eye on the works of other high officials and worked for the public welfare. In the absence of the king, he worked as his representative. The Maratha Finance Minister was called Amatya. He kept the records of revenue and expenditure and informed the King at regular times. Mantri kept the records of King’s daily works and incidents of the royal court. Sachiv was a king of Superintendent. His chief work was to prepare and keep the government documents in an organized way. He kept the record of all the government documents. Sumant was the foreign minister of the Chhatrapati. His advised the king about the foreign affairs. Except it his other works were to welcome the ambassadors and make proper arrangements for their stay. Pandi Rao was the Minister of religion related matters. He worked as king’s representative in religion related matters. To welcome the Brahmins and give alms to them, to give judgments in religion related quarrels and make laws to religion related rituals were his duties. Senapati was the chief of the military. Recruitment of new soldiers, organization and establishment of discipline in the military were his responsibilities. Nyayadhish was the highest judge after the King in the Maratha judiciary. According to the Hindu law he used to give his judgements both in civil and criminal cases. Except Pandit Rao and Nyayadhish, all the other ministers had to keep soldiers and had had to send them to the battle field on King’s orders.

 maratha-administration3.jpeg

Provincial Administration Shivaji had divided his kingdom into four Provinces. Three out of them, northern, southern and south-east provinces had a well organized administration. The administration of these provinces was in the hands of Subedars who worked according to the orders of the King. The fourth province did not have any definite borders as Shivaji had won it in his last years. It had Velore, Jinji etc territories. Its administration was in the hands of the military. Every province was sub-divided into many Parganas. Every Pargana had its chief. Nothing definite can be said about the rights and works of the chief of the Pargana but it is believed that he worked like the modern day district collector. It is also sure that he used to keep some soldiers. Villages were lowest unite in the Maratha administration. The head of the village was called Mukhiya or Patel. It was a traditional ages old panchayat system of India. Shivaji brought some reforms and established an efficient land revenue system in his kingdom. He abolished feudal system and established Rayatwadi system according to which farmers and government had direct relations between them. A new system ‘ Kathi’ was introduced to measure the land. The land was divided into three qualities according to the production and taxes were collected according to the quality of the land. According to some foreigner historians the situation of farmers was very pathetic during Shivaji’s rule. Fryer writes ‘the great fish preyed on the little and even Bijapur rule was milder than that of Sivaji’. But other historians disagree with this view. They say that Shivaji always preferred the welfare of his people and welfare of farmers was ahead of all. Loans were given to farmers in the form of seed and domestic animals to the needy farmers. Except it there were many other sources of government revenue among which chhouth and Sardeshmukhi were the most important. Chhouth was the fourth part of the land revenue of a state that was collected by the Marathas. Marathas collected this tax from some states in return of ensuring its safety from any foreign invasion. But some historians say that Chhouth ensured the safety of the states from the loot of Marathas not from any foreign invasion. Sardeshmukh was collected from all the feudal lords of Maharashtra who had acknowledged Shivaji’s lordship. They gave tenth part of their land revenue to the Maratha King. Except it road tax, occupation tax and fines were the other main sources of Maratha revenue.

 maratha-administration4.jpeg

Judiciary The situation of judiciary was not satisfactory in Shivaji’s kingdom. Nor the courts were established according to the prevalent system in the neighboring states neither it was a modern judicial system. Small scale civil cases were handled by the Panchayat at the village level while criminal cases were handled by the Patel. Nyayadhish heard the appeals of the civil and criminal cases. Hazir Muzlis was the Maratha Supreme Court. King himself gave him judgments in major cases. Shivaji did relentless efforts to provide justice to the needy people. Maratha kingdom did not have written rules and judgments were given according to the Hindu religious books and rituals. Criminals were sent to prison or fined for minor crimes.

maratha-administration5.jpeg

Defense Shivaji had a vast military which had both army and navy. It comprised 45,000 cavalrymen, 1,00,000 infantry soldiers, 1,260 elephants and 200 navy soldiers. Both the infantry and the cavalry were divided into many parts according to the number of the men. Shivaji had 280 forts in his kingdom. Havaldar used to be the head of the fort and fort army followed his orders. He had some officials who helped him in the administrative and land revenue collection works from the adjoining areas. Shivaji had established a navy unite and built some military ships. It remained stationed at Kolaba. Shivaji gave no importance to religion or caste while recruiting soldier in his military. His military had both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. Soldiers were paid their salaries in cash and soldiers were rewarded also for their distinguished services. Shivaji gave a lot of importance to discipline in his military. Soldiers were ordered to keep a high character. They were ordered not to take ladies with them while attacking the enemy. They were not allowed to attack the enemy ladies and were ordered to protect them. The safety of cows and farmers were also the chief duties of the Maratha soldiers. Shivaji had established an efficient espionage system. His spies were present in every part of his kingdom and military units.

Top 10 Rumours Of 2009

Wednesday, 30th December, 2009

images-3.jpg

Top 10 rumours of 2009: The year 2009 remained famous for many gossips, massalas and rumours of Bollywood and Hollywood. The very first rumour was that our bollywood famous star Hritik Roshan’s love affair with a sexy model Barbara Mori.Both of them are doing a movie together and the movie is about the love beyond the limits and borders. It is a rumour that Hiritik plays a mentor for her and moved around by hands in hands some times along with his Pap Rakesh Roshan and most of the times without him. They were seen together mostly when Hiritik’s wife Suzanne moved out to her parent’s home. It is not sure whether there is a fire behind the flame but you never stop the wagging tongues of people.  But as we know that Hritik Roshan is a very talented actor and playing an ideal role of husband as a good child of Roshan parents.

images-4.jpg

More Rumors of Bollywood: Very famous actress Preity Zinta and the very handsome entrepreneur Ness Wadia were engaged and very soon they were to marry also. But, with the IPL series the wagging tongues of people spread the rumour that now Preity Zinta is more interested in the dashing cricketer- skipper- YuvRaj Singh and both were seen together for many hours to share the lighter moments. Moreover Yuvraj has been moved to the house nearer to Preity Zinta’s house. One rumour this year was in fire that Aishwarya Rai Bachhan was in the family way. She is one of the most beautiful women of the world, but she is having her own ways now means she he been married and her own choices of family expansions also. Some reporters stated that she was looking little pale and avoiding some important functions and occasions which could be taken as the rumor’s truth. But, only her words should be taken as a fact and final. Similarly, there was a rumour of two big Khan- Stars Amir Khan and Shahrukh Khan are to be seen together again in one of the forth coming project of Raj Kumar Santoshi, but it is seemed to be the purely rumour, as since 1993 they have not worked together may be just because of their personal commitments. Now Rani Mukherjee the superstar of Hindi Film Industry remained in the limelight due to Adi or Aditya Chopra a big banner of production. After every couple of days the new story or rumour comes out that they are in affair but next day it becomes that no Rani is not going to marry Adi they have have break-off. So these rumous in this year created so much of masala and kept her in headlines and limelight. Similarly few examples of Hollywood are Michael Jacson’s fake news that he is still alive and similarly, the most eligible bachelor Archie announced his engagement to Veronica Lodge.

images-5.jpg

Rumours sometimes un-believable: These rumours are not always believable, so one should not believe them so easily and lightly. The many examples can be quoted for the case. Sometimes rumours are created by the superstars of famous people by themselves for their TRP and lime lighting only. But, few of them some times proved to be the right one also. But, the bollywood rumours comes every year in bulk of quantities. As Michael Jackson is alive was not a truth and most probably Hritik’s rumous also would not be the truth.

images-1.jpg

Unveiling sensual Vidya:  The very talented and beautiful eyed, 31 years old, southern, Vidya Balan always tries to do something different every time. She has played a very different and unforgettable and role of Big B’s ideal mother in ‘Paa’. She has just a unforgettable experience from that very unique role. She is very famous for giving surprises. Once again she is ready to present one more surprise by playing a different role in her forth coming Film- “Ishqiya”.  She has played a role of selfish, scheming and shrewd woman in this film, in which there is a sexual aggression, which would be a totally different kind of role, first time she is going to play. This is Vishal Bharadwaj’s very different and dark drama, creation. Vidya Balan is one of the boldest actresses, who are never apologetic about her own choices. In Hindi cinema she would be seen as Rambha, Durga or Kali. She is one who shows her decency from top to toe and opens and flows her sensuality very slowly.

images-3.jpg

Vidya Balan’s “Ishqiya”:  ‘Ishqiya’ is a latest movie Vidya is doing, which is being set in eastern Uttar Pradesh. This film is directed by Abhishek Chaubey first time and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and casting with Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah in very important roles. In the Film Vidya plays a deglamourized look and mouths expletives. She says that she has just signed the movies because of Vishal Bhardwaj, as he is the well reputed and well known producer. As per Vidya Balan the film she is signing only if the producer is an established person which can assure her that she may not have to do compromises during and after completion of the film. Vidya Balan, just opposite to her actual image of very polite, decent and elegant girl, has to play a role of a purely desi village girl who has to mouth the choicest of desi expletives for her role and must feeling very un-comfortable in this role. Actually, the script demanded the kind of language she has used in the movie, as this story belongs to a certain terrain where slangs are the part of their conversation and living style.

images-4.jpg

Vidya Balan & her Career: Vidya Balan 31 year’s Tamil actress was born in Kerala on 1st January 1978 in to a Tamil speaking Iyer Family and started her career from the commercials, music videos and some soap operas, but started her filmy career from the Bengali movie- Bhalo Theko in 2003. She made her Hindi debut in 2005 by the Film- ‘Parineeta” for which she received a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and got her first commercial success with RajKumar Hirani’s ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’in 2006.She has achieved so many filmfares, star screen and Zee cinema awards as she is extremely talented actress to whom even Big-B, Amitabh Bachhan has compared with his favourite actress Wahida Rehman.

kandahar_hijack.jpg

Decade after hijack: Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked ten years back in year 1999 during its way from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India. India is more alert after that incident and is now prepared to tackle any such circumstances. Indian airports have high security now by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and sky marshals are also present in the flights and a fortified internal security mechanism as well to tackle any such conditions. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has also prepared an aviation security manual which assures with three stage classification process for shooting down a hijacked aircraft. India is not compromising for any kind of delay or lack in the security matter and intelligence agencies of India are also very active to provide information which can help to avoid any kind of incidents in future. Home Minister P. Chidambaram said warning officers of Intelligence Bureau on Wednesday that there will be no room for any kind of complacency and India has better coordination among the intelligence agencies to share the information. He said we were still lucky enough and there can be another major crises like hijack or attach like that in Mumbai so we have to be alert every time so that no such incident takes place with us now. E Ahamed, Minister of State for Railways said that we have to be careful for future and we have an anti hijack policy to solve the problem with the hijackers. Hijack was ended with the one casualty of young married man.

About the hijack of IC 814: Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked by Pakistani militants on its way from Kathmandu to Delhi on December 24, 1999. Harkat-ul-Mujahideen which is a Pakistan based militant group was responsible for the hijacking of the plane just after short time of entering into the Indian air space. After hijacking they tried to land into Amritsar for refueling but they had to take off without refueling and then they landed in Lahore for refueling in emergency conditions but Pakistan refused to offload the female and children passengers from the flight. After their militants took plane to Dubai where they left 27 passengers including one young man of age 25 years who was injured by the militants badly and later he lost his life. He had gone to make honeymoon with his wife to Nepal. It was only one casualty which took place during the hijack. After that hijacked plane left from Dubai for Kandahar International Airport, Afghanistan. Taliban authority agreed to act as mediator between the terrorists and Indian government so that life of passenger who were made hostage by militants can be saved.  The hijackers demanded the release of 35 militants which were in Indian jails and 200 million US dollars in cash from Indian government to release the hostages. Indian negotiators persuaded the militants in reducing the demand and made them to agree on release of three prisoners. The released militants were Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar.  On December 31, 1999 Indian former external affairs minister Jaswant Singh went to Afghanistan with the to release the hostages in exchange of three militants. Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh is in Pakistan jail as he was arrested for killing of an American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002. Maulana Masood Azhar is running the Jaish-e-Mohammed militant group which was responsible for the Indian parliament attack in 2001 while Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar is roaming free and is playing active role in training Islamic militants in the region of Kashmir which is administered by Pakistan. Two movies were also directed on the incident of hijack of IC 814 fligh named “Zameen” and “Hijack” which shown the incident in sequence. One documentary film was prepared by one company Miditech of Gurgaon, Haryana which was shown on National Geographic channel. Neelesh Misra, a New Delhi based correspondent of the Associated Press written a book “173 Hours In Captivity” explaining all the sequence of events inside and outside the hijacked plane during the hijack. He has explained how the passengers, crew members lived during the hijack and how uncomfortable they were feeling at that time. Nepali film director Dayaram Dahal is also planning now to make the first Nepali film on the hijack drama of Indian Airlines flight IC 814.

images91.jpg

Present scenario: At present India have far better security than from past and there are manual as well as computerized checking to avoid any kind of hijack. India has now good relations with Hamid Karzai government in Afghanistan and India has also invested 1.2 billion US dollars in socio economic reconstruction of their country. But still there is always a danger that Taliban can take over which is topic of concern for India but India is ready to tackle any kind of conditions. Nepal has also increased their security level on their only international airport in Kathmandu. They have learned from the last hijack and don’t want to take chance in future. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways combine flights from Kathmandu to New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi and Mumbai accounts for about 6,000 seats per week so it is important concern of security for the Nepal and they have made their security system according to guidelines of International Civil Aviation Organizations to avoid future hijack.  Dinesh Prasad Shrestha who is general manager of the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu said that we have learnt from the hijack of IC 814 and now the security measures have been enhanced at the international airport to prevent any kind of repetition in future. According to officials of Nepal, Nepal police and Nepal army both are used now to look for the security of airport and many advanced techniques are also in use to check the baggage of the passengers as well as body with X-ray machines. Moreover Indian, Pakistani and Middle East states passengers are thoroughly examined so that there is no chances of any kind of mistake. 

India’s Precious Gems

Monday, 28th December, 2009

images41.jpg

Gems as powerful tool: Gemstones are well known from ages ago and it is believed that gems posses some kind of magical powers which can help people in solving many difficult hurdles of life. Gems can affect in this extent that your weakness can become your strength in future even. India is well known for gems and Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka are states which are rich with deposits of gems. Gems acts as powerful tools to counter affect the ill effects of the planets. These gems are known for bringing good fortune, good health, fame, knowledge, concentration, prosperity in the family. Different kind of gems have different effects and some king have won battles even because of wearing the gems prescribed to them and many woman who don’t have child have given birth to child. Many people who have taken profit of gems to cure their serious illness.

images51.jpg

Types of Gems and the planets they represent: There are nine precious gems and nineteen semi precious gems. Indians consider precious gems as highly powerful which bring as these stones bring favorable rays of planet which those gems represent while semi precious gems are used as substitutes for precious stones and they are also very powerful. The nine precious stones well known as navratna are Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Hessonite Garnet, Pearl, Cat’s Eye, Coral. It is necessary that the gem stone should be cast in such a way that it touches the body so that cosmic rays of planet can enter the body. All gems represent for changing the affect of planet. Ruby is red coloured stone which corresponds to the Sun and guards against its harmful rays. Various gems which planet they represent are Yellow Sapphire for Jupiter, Blue Sapphire for Saturn, Emerald well known as panna for Mercury, Red Coral for Mars, Diamond for Venus, Zircon for Rahu, Cat’s Eye for Ketu and Pearl for Moon.

images62.jpg

Benefits of gems: Planets always produces the negative affect while gem stones produces the positive affect so they neutralize the negative affect and gives benefit. Gems acts like a shield which saves us from ill effects of planets. Gems are rich in various minerals which are essential for our growth and someone is lacking of any kind of mineral then that can put ill effects on health so wearing the right gem one can counter affect that ill effects. Gems are not only for health but they help to overcome many problems, improves financial conditions and brings prosperity in the family. Which so ever field is whether it is family matters, love or romance, finance, job or business gems are always helpful if someone wear the right gems as prescribed to them and it has proved in past.

images16.jpg

Xmas, how it started:  Christmas or in other words Xmas is celebrated on 25th of December every year  in all over the world, specially in western countries like USA, UK, Canada, etc. ‘Father Christmas’ or ‘Santa Claus’ represents the face of the Christmas god. His pictures are generally found everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. The children believe that he brings toys and gifts for them one night before the Christmas Eve. Mostly children between the age group 7 to 9 really believe this is true. In most countries it is believed that he lives near the North Pole and comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks and bags or in front of the family Christmas tree. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.

Christmas Celebrations: From a month before the Christmas, i.e. November onwards, people start the preprations for the festival. We can see the shops and houses decorated in a colorful way from   November onwards. Even Shops and town centers are decorated with colored lights along with shiny decorations and artificial snow paintings on shop windows. Artificial Christmas Trees (real or artificial) are decorated and displayed all over with the decoration of lights and other ornaments. Shopping centres and other super stores become busier and crowdy as December approaches and remained open till late night.  In the occasion of this festival Christian songs are played by the people which are known to be Carols and some times the group of people use to sing carols and raise money for the charity purposes. Many Offices and institutions celebrate Christmas Eve and arrange parties along with the drinks and cakes. People exchange gifts and send cards which includes the religious pictures, to give Christmas wishes. In west, even some people do not believe in God and do not go to the religious Church Meetings even on Christmas Eve. They do not give religious meaning to Christmas but as per these people this is a busy race to spend money on presents and get ready for the day. Many people expect more and more presents at Christmas. But, the real happiness should be felt behind all the celebrations and colors of the festival.

images32.jpg

The Day of Jesus Christ:  Christmas day is celebrated as the Birth day of Jesus Christ 25th of December every year. But, it is thought that the early Christians did not widely celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is most likely true since the primary focus was on His life, crucifixion, and particularly his resurrection. Christmas day is not necessarily the actual date of Christ’s birth. The true date may not be known because of the lack of exact information. December 25 was then settled on by the early church for reasons that are not absolutely clear. But the most of the celebrations are on the same day (25 December), as world Christians’ holiday is to be settled on the day itself and the occasion’s celebration is also most probably set on December 25 only.

images-2.jpg

Fourth one day match hopes: Indian team is leading of five one day international match series by winning two matches of first three matches and would like to win the fourth one day match to win the series and exceed it lead as well. Fourth one day international match will be played at Eden garden in Kolkata on December 24, 2009 from 2:30 pm and there may be effects of dew in the match as it is day night match. Indian cricket fans will be waiting for Indian victory to win the series as Indian team has already reached at first rank in test teams tally and now it is turn to perform well in one day matches. Virender Sehwag will be leading Indian team in this match too as regular skipper M S Dhoni is still under ban for this match too. Indian team had won third one day match played under the captainship of Virender Sehwag at Cuttack and this gave more hopes from him to win fourth match as well. He had played role of captain very well in the third one day international and helped Indian team to take lead over the Sri Lankan team by one match.

images-1.jpg

Batting order concern:  Indian team was already missing skipper M S Dhoni in third one day because of ban on him but Yuvraj Singh was playing in the match even with the finger injury. In fourth one day international both Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh will not be playing and Virat Kohli who is youngster and inexperienced in international cricket will be replacing Yuvraj Singh. Indian batting order is still not so weak and has many good experienced players who can lead Indian team to win the match and have the ability to change the match conditions at any moment. Openers i.e. Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar will have to play well and they should stay longer in the middle as they are among most experienced players and they looks in good form. Sachin Tendulkar had made brilliant 96 runs in last match and there are big hopes from him to play a big inning at Eden Garden which can lead Indian team to lead in the match. Virender Sehwag will be having double responsibility in the match as a skipper as well as a batsman and he need to stay longer at the crease to give India a good start. Gautam Gambhir who is not in good form will also have to put his efforts in the match to make Indian team batting order strong and after him young players will have time to show their talent in the match with their bat. Dinesh Kartik who is playing at the place of regular skipper M S Dhoni will also have to show magic with his bat if Indian team will need.

images15.jpg

Indian bowling attack: In Kolkata one day match toss will be big gamble for both the teams as there will be dew in the nights and it will definitely play its affect in the game so it will be a luck game to win the toss for the match. Indian bowlers had shown good bowling performance in the last one day and they will have to continue their game. Pitch at Eden Garden is bouncy and firm which is tailor made for the batting so Indian bowlers will have to take the break through time to time and will have to stop the opponent team to score much. Fielding will also a big concern as if Indian team will be fielding in second half then it will not be easy to field because of dew. Indian fielders will not have to drop catches and not to miss any chance they get to pick up the wicket and should try to stop the Sri Lankan team from making more runs. Tilakaratne Dilshan is in good form and making good runs for their team and he can be big headache for Indian team if Indian bowler will not send him to pavilion soon. Virender Sehwag will have to put right bowlers on attack at right time as a captain and will also have to complete the game in the given time period not making the mistake which Dhoni did and faced ban of two matches. Indian team will need to show team spirit to win the match and will have to show excellent game in every field whether that is batting, bowling or fielding and only one individual can’t make team win so there will be need of complete team effort to win the match as well as series. Last two matches played between the India and Sri Lanka had finished without results as semi-final match in 1996 World Cup saw India bow out of the tournament because of crowd riots while one day international played on February 8, 2007 was washed away by the heavy rain.

images-3.jpg

Sri Lanka will play to win: Sri Lankan team will put their complete efforts in the match as they would not like to lose the series at any cost as they are already behind the Indian team and if they will lose this match then they will be loser in the series. So it will be tough match between the two teams in Kolkata. They are also missing their good bowlers like Dilhara Fernando and Muttiah Muralitharan who are injured and not playing in the series now. Sri Lanka will be playing to win the match and Sanath Jayasuriya will also be playing in this match to strengthen their batting attack. Tillakaratne Dilshan is in good form and team has hopes from him to score well for team. Mahela Jayawardene who is out of form in last matches will be a concern for team for their batting order. Mathews is also not playing in the match who had made also missed the last match because of injury and he is also a big loss for them as he is good all-rounder. But still they will try to win the match with the team efforts and not giving up in the series. 

Sridevi - A Crowd Puller

Thursday, 24th December, 2009

images-8.jpgSridevi - a crowd puller:  We have heard this saying that some people (actors) are really ageless and timeless; Sridevi the past-superstar/ super actress is being the example of it. She is still so charming and crowd puller that her presences at any function or occasion make the people really mad that they become un-controllable and wild. Her beauty and charm is still intact that even today also she is admired and liked by every one. She is also known for her super hit films and incredible talent.  In one of the award ceremony at Jaipur, Sridevi Kapoor made her presence as a chief guest, where the people of Jaipur became so wild and crazy and uncontrollable that law and order had to bear real hard time. Sridevi Kapoor got married to Boney Kapoor and has got two kids also, but it hardly makes any difference for her, she is still famous and fans pulling. Very stunning and gifted, Sridevi ruled the industry in the eighties after acting in more than two hundred movies in different languages. She has played several different different roles like:- funny, sensuous, coy and intense. She is one of the few actresses who can move their movies solely without the actor. images-7.jpgSri Devi’s early life: - Sri Devi was born to Ayyapan and Rajeswari on 13th of August’ 1963 in Sivakasi in Tamilnadu. Her mother tongue is Tamil. Her father died when she was doing the Film ‘Lamhe’ and mother died when she was filming Judaai. Her late father was a lawyer. In her family she has a sister Srilatha and two step-brothers Satish and Anand. At the age of four only, she entered the film industry with the movie Khandhan Karuna in 1967. She had also done her childhood movies as Agni Pareekhsha in 1970 and Kumara Sambhavam in 1969. Sri Devi got married to a famous film producer- Boney Kapoor, older brother of actors Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor, in 1996. She has two daughters Jhanvi and Khushi. After her marriage she kept her-self away from the filmy world. But, in 2004 she again was seen on Television in the serial ‘Malini Iyer’. Similarly she made appearances on the sets of ‘Jeena Isi Ka Naam hai’ in 2004 and ‘Kaboom’ in 2005. She is on the board of directors at the Asian Academy of film & television. images-9.jpgSridevi’s Career: - She started her career from Tamil Movies as child artist but as a heroine she got her first break in 1976 in K. Balachander’s Moondru Mudichu, opposite Kamal Haasan and Rajnikanth. She also had acted in Telegu movies also and most of the movies are made by K. Raghavendra Rao. With N.T Rama Rao, Sri Devi started her Hindi film career from Solva Saawan in 1978. Her next movie was Himmatwala with Jeetendra, with whom she did many movies like- Tohfa, Mawaali and Justice Chaudhry. But Sadma with Kamal Hassan brought her the first nomination for Best Actress award. She won her her first Film Fare Best Actress Award for ‘ChaalBaaz’ in 1988. She has given n number of her best performances like- Karma, Aakhree Raasta, Jaanbaaz, Nagina, Mr. India, Suhagan, Aulad, Chandini, Lamhe, Khuda Gawah and Chaalbaaz. 

 

images-3.jpg

Setback for India: Fourth one day international match of five match series will be played on December 24, 2009 at Eden Garden in Kolkata and batting order is becoming a big concern as left handed batsman Yuvraj Singh will not be playing in rest of two matches which will be played on 24 December in Kolkata and 27 December in Delhi. Indian skipper M S Dhoni, also can’t play in one more match as he was banned for third and fourth one day match by match referee, Jeff Crowe after second match because of slow over rate by Indian team. It is big setback for Indian team as after Dhoni now Yuvraj also can’t play because of his finger injury which he got during fielding in second T20 international match which was played in Mohali. He was also not able to play first two one day international matches due to his finger injury. He had played in third one day match in Cuttack and he had scored 23 runs off 40 balls for the team but now he is advised by doctor to do rest for rest of matches of the series.

images-4.jpg

Important match of series: Virender Sehwag is captain for Indian team for the next match too as Mahendra Singh Dhoni can’t play. India won the third one day match in captainship of Shewag and took lead in the series by 2-1 by winning the match. Fourth one day will be crucial for both the teams as if India will win the match then they will win the series while Sri Lankan team would not like to lose the match at any cost but they also have many players injured which are not playing in the series but may be they will take Sanath Jayasuriya in team again as he was dropped in last two matches. If Sri Lankan team will lose the match then they will lose the series as Indian team is already one match ahead of them.

images-5.jpg

Time to prove: Virat Kohli will be playing at the place of Yuvraj Singh and he will have the chance to show his talent again. Indian batting line is still not so weak as Indian team has experienced players like Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir who can give a good start to team in batting while youngsters will also have chance to prove themselves in the match after them. Indian bowlers will also have to show a good bowling attack to win the match as well as series. M S Dhoni will be playing in last one day match which will be played in Delhi on December 27 but for match of Kolkata Shewag will have to lead team well. Dew may also play a vital role in the second half of the match.

Saif- Bebo wedding soon

Tuesday, 22nd December, 2009

images-6.jpg

Saif- Bebo wedding soon: Saif Ali Khan and Karina kapoor both are going to be married very soon, it is been confirmed by Saif’s mother Sharmila Tagore. Whereas, Bebo and Saif are silent about the same, they haven’t said any thing for their marriage. Saif Ali Khan’s father as well as former Indian cricket star- Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi has refused to comment for the same. When the media questioned him for Bebo-Saif’s marriage he asked them to question directly to the couple which they could reply in a better way rather than asking to him. He said that now-a-days children don’t listen to their parents so better they should be thrown the question directly for the exact situation whereas, he in not aware of the same. Pataudi and his wife former actress Sharmila Tagore was on two days trip to Bhopal to his ancestral House to attend some private function and to sort out the property disputes. He clarifies the doubts of the media regarding the plans of fighting elections, where he straightway refused to do so. The hottest couple is always in the media glare to watch that when and where these hottest stars are gong to tie the knot. Whereas both of them are the top of their career peak and seems to be long way for their wedding plans but, on the other hand mom- Sharmila is giving positive statements for their wedding plans and declared her acceptance for their relationship.

images-7.jpg

Bebo’s relationship with Saif and her Mom: By the relationship of Bebo (Kareena Kapoor) with Saif Ali Khan, the mom Kapoor (Babita) is not at all happy. She does not want her daughter to marry a man 10 years older than her. She really does not want her daughter should marry a man who is already a father of two children, so she has never shown her acceptance to the relations of the couple. Infact, Bebo’s mom doesnot have any person problems with Saif, she has met him also and feels that he is a nice person. Even there is a rumor also that Babita often consults the astrologers to know how long her daughter’s relationship will last. As she believes that the couple’s relationship will fade very soon as fast as it came.

images-8.jpg

Randhir Kapoor’s acceptance:  Just opposite to the reaction of Bebo’s mom Babita, her father Randhir Kapoor has shown her green signal to the relationship of his daughter with Saif Ali Khan. He believes if his daughter is happy with him then he doesn’t have any objection for the marriage. He just wants her daughter to be happy. For Randhir Kapoor his daughter’s happiness matters a lot and if she is happy with Saif then he doesn’t have any objection and approves Saif as Bebo’s life partner. He is happy that his daughter discusses her choices with him and does not cut him off from her life.

 

 

First Look Pyaar Impossible

Monday, 21st December, 2009

images-2.jpg

First Look Pyaar Impossible:  Pyaar Impossible is the next / forth coming film of super star (actress) Priyanka Chopra.The film is going to be released in January 2010. This is very romantic and light hearted and full entertainment movie and hopefully all age group would like it. It is most probably the come-back movie of Uday Chopra, as since 2006, he has never been in the films.Secondly, this is the first time when Priyanka Chopra and Uday Chopra are coming together in a film. Uday’s last movie was Dhoom-2. ‘Pyaar Impossible’ is produced under the the well known and esteemed banner- Yash Raj Films. Actor Jugal Hans Raj has directed the movie and famous actors as well as model Dino Morea and Anupam Kher are also playing the important roles in the film. After doing the serious performance in ‘Fashion’, Priyanka did not want to play such roles and only preferred the light and comedy performances, which she got through the ‘Pyaar Impossible’. Hopefully it would work well for the growth of career.

images-5.jpg

Priyanka’s New Look and Style:  Priyanka Chopra can be seen in a very new look in ‘Pyaar Impossible’, she will be seen in a very short and bob-cut hair style with a very professional out-fits and looks. It is inspired by the hit British Movie ‘Notting Hill’. She is playing a role of a working woman living in Singapore. So she has taken-up the style and looks according to the role been provided. In the film she has not worn any earings with the short bob - hair which would have spoiled the elegant look. Manish Malhotra the famous costume designer has designed the the out-fits for her. She is wearing short fitted skirts or formal shorts in the film according to her short haired look. So Priyanka Chopra for the promotion and publicity of her film carries her short and shorn look even at the functions and parties.  Priyanka is always experimenting with her hair, as sometimes back she had trimmed her hair into a shoulder length and she was also seen with her hair colored in different styles in different parties.

images-6.jpg

Uday Chopra’s come back: Uday Chopra after his last film Dhoom-2 had disappeared from the films for few years. But with the production of “Pyaar Impossible’ he has made his come-back with a very strong character. This is a very light and comedy film so hopefully his character would be the successful part for the production. The Yash Raj Films production would definitely be proved as the lucky banner for his come-back session. He was depressed due to the weak roles and the kind of films being offered to him, which really made him upset and he went little off of it. His character in Pyaar Impossible is similar to what he is in his real life. He love’s technology and gadgets. He is very shy and would never show his fondness for a girl and never confess his feelings.

He doesn’t want to do Dhoom kind of roles for ever but wants to do something different and now he has got the different stuff to do with this film.

 

 

Bollywood Star Kajol, SRK Together Again

Sunday, 20th December, 2009


images14.jpg

Kajol, SRK Together Again:  Aditya Chopra is the person who actually got Shahrukh Khan and Kajol together and created a magical Jodi, to whom the audience loves to see together every time. Aditya Chopra made a fantastic movie- ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ with this fabulous Jodi and broken several records of awards winning in several functions and fimfares. From this start-up they became the romantic as well as Jodi no. 1. Actually they had worked together in ‘Baazigar’ also but that film didn’t give them that much of credit as ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ had given. Both the actors have good comfort level and great chemistry. But after Kajol got married she parted away from the movies and couldn’t work with SRK a long period of time. But, their last together worked Film was Karan Johar’s big budget project- ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ with the great Bachan Couple…Amitabh and Jaya Bachan. They film was the big hit also and broke several records and made the couple to win the awards for their fantastic and out-standing performances. Aditaya Chopra managed to bring them together in a song for the film ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’. For which Karan Johar gave away the dates of Shahrukh Khan to Aditya, which he had for his film. It proved that Shahrukh Khan, Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra are not only professionally close but also the very good friends. Aditya Chopra directed his last film ‘Mohabbatein’ in 2000, and after so long he was going to direct his another film- ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ so he was more thrilled and excited about his friends new movie and not bothered about the dates of SRK. He still remembers the days he spent in assisting Aditya in his debut direction in ‘Dil Wale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ sets, where Karan has also acted in the film. But, after a long time again Shahrukh and Kajol would be seen together in Karan Johar’s upcoming film ‘My Name Is Khan’ in 2010. Again, the most talented couple is going to entertain and thrill the audience with their good chemistry and acting capability to attract/ impress not only Indian but international audience even.

images-3.jpg

Shahrukh, Ajay & Kajol Together:  Karan Johar once again has managed to bring Kajol, Shahrukh and Ajay Devgan together in his new movie ‘Kalank”. Kajol did very few projects with Shahrukh Khan as Ajay Devgan and Shahrukh Khan did not have pleasant relations from a long time. But after marriage Kajol has filled the gap between the both by inviting Shahrukh’s family for the parties organized by the Devgan Family. So, the smart Karan Johar availed the opportunity and proposed Ajay, Kajol and Shahrukh to accept the proposal of working together in his new film ‘Kalank’. Karan stated that after a long time he has worked with Kajol and now she is having a kid also, but she is so cool and calm more focused on her work than ever before. She manages to be a fantastic wife –mother and an actress. He told that Shahrukh Khan and Kajol both are very alike in their attitude to work and family. Both are very much devoted to their family and kids. After finishing their shots they usually rush to their families and in between the shoots even they always talk about their families and kids.  Shahrukh Khan is ready to direct a film at any time, he would be proved out-standing on it. He is really out-standing in reading human nature and emotions unlike any other common man. As the actors, Shahrukh and Kajol instinctively understand each others acting. Not only Shahrukh but Gauri Khan – Shahrukh’s wife is also a good friend of Karan Johan to whom he can say shut-up even. He regards Shahrukh very much and when ever Shahrukh enters the room he stands up in an honor.Karan Johar was born on 25th May 1972, in Mumbai- Maharashtra. He is the son of Late Yash Johar and Hiroo Johar and one of the most successful young filmmakers in bollywood. His father founded a production company named as Dharma Production. Karan formally entered the film industry as an actor and played Shahrukh’s best friend’s role in ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ in 1995. He was also assistant director to this film and assisted Aditya Chopra in writing the screenplay for the film. Karan Johan and Shahrikh worked together for many movies like Dil to paagal hai, Duplicate, Mohabbataen, Main Hoon Na , Veer-Zaara and Om Shanti Om in 2007.

images-2.jpg

Kajol and her family: Kajol was born on 5th of August 1975 in Mumbai. She is the daughter of very popular actress Tanuja and Producer late Shomu Mukherjee. Kajol’s younger sister Tanisha Mukherjee is also an actress. Kajol got married to the famous bollywood actor Ajay Devgan on 24th February 1999 and gave birth to a daughter named Nysa on 20th April’2003. Her father died on 10th April  2008 due to cardiac arrest. Kajol started her career from the film Bekhudi in 1992 but had her first commercial success with her second Hindi film Baazigar along with Shahrukh Khan. She won three Filmfare awards for her three best performances in Dil Waale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai(1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001). She made a come back after her marriage with Kunal Kohli’s  hit- film “Fanah’ in 2006 with Aamir Khan and  been awarded with her fourth best Actress Award at the Film Fare. She is one of the most talented and successful actresses of India. She has started a movie – ‘Step mom’ on 9th October with the director Siddhartha Malhotra and co-star with Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal and the producer is again Karan Johar. The film is the remaking of Hollywood movie. Along with the movies, she has done some TV shows also like: Kaun Banega Crorepati- the live show hosted by Amitabh Bachan, The coffee with Karan with Shahrukh and Amitabh. She modeled and walked on ramp for the famous fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s fashion display fashion week in 2006 along with actress Priety Zinta.