4 elephant lovers : Stills from Punnathoor Anakotta, Guruvayoor, Thrissur

Ayurvedic agarbathi invades the market

News : Ayurveda

'Frankincense Stick' is a herbal remedy to counter mosquitoes and bees. It is also an effective drug in purifying the air. The product has already found a large market at home and in foreign lands like Singapore, Australia and the Gulf countries.

ARE YOU fed up of the mosquitoes and bacteria which cause communicable diseases? Do you want an Ayurvedic remedy for this? If the answer is yes, you can try ’Frankincense Stick’, a herbal agarbathi (incense sticks) from Parasakthi Industries based at Ezhupunna in Cherthala, Alappuzha district.

“The response from the public was tremendous. Though we struggled initially, the people have realised the advantage of our product. It has been sold like hot cake in the last one year,” says elated Raghuvaran Nair, managing director of Parasakthi Industries.

Why Ayurveda?
“Ayurveda is more than a medicine. It is a way of life. Ayurvedic medicines treat the root cause of the diseases. Besides, they purify our body. So, I was thinking of an Ayurvedic product to counter the nuisances of insects. Then, I tried Frankincense powder (known as Sathrusamhari in Sanskrit), an effective drug for purifying the air and keeping away insects,’’ says 54-year-old Nair. “One packet (six sticks) of Frankincense costs Rs 12,” he added


Trade secret
He told that in addition to Frankincense, he uses two other components in the manufacture of the stick. The components are the trade secret of the company.


Popular stick
The product achieved success in the market as its popularity spread far and wide by word of mouth. “Yes, all credit goes to the people who used it and spread a good word about it. I have been receiving a number of calls from our Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Ernakulam customers.”


Praveen P Bhatt, an Ayurveda medicine dealer in Mattancherry, says that the demand for the stick is increasing day by day. “As it’s a herbal product, more people are interested in buying it. We are receiving a good number of customers daily,” he said.


Vinaya Prabhu, who has used the stick, said that it had delivered very good effect on mosquitoes and bees. “It’s not another common agarbathi that we find in the market usually. It is something special,” she said. Vinaya is a resident of a mosquito-infested area in Kochi.


Rajalakshmi, a homemaker in Mattancherry, also echoed the same view. “The stick is very useful. I have been using it for the last six months. One of the advantages of the stick is that it has no side-effects,” she said.


Export
The stick has found market in Singapore, Australia and the Gulf countries. “We are now exporting around 30,000 packets to these countries in a month,” said Nair.

Finally, an Ayurvedic agrabathi has invaded the market with its strong quality and customer support. It’s Ayurveda all the way....

Is Mohan Lal reitiring?

News : Movies, Mohanlal

Recently, Mohan Lal widened his business horizons leaving a thought that soon he will retire from movies. The film star has successfully established himself in seafood, curry powder, hospitality, movies, studios and multiplex construction businesses

IS MALAYALAM super star Mohan Lal concentrating more on business than on movies nowadays? It might not be ‘big news’ when we compare with Bollywood and cricket stars’ opening of hotels, being brand ambassadors of couple of products etc. But, what makes Lal, a simple and chummy personality as cynosure, is he entered into two different fields in one week!

Are you wondering? Yes, according to sources, Mohan Lal, who recently celebrated his 30 years in film industry, is slowly switching from movies to business. He entered into stock market, film distribution and real estate business. Besides, he fully ownes Travancore Court, a three star hotel, located at Warriam Road in South Junction in Kochi. Although, Mohan Lal has dozen movie projects in his kitty, he plays a trump card of being a businessman.

The latest venture of the filmstar follows his forays into seafood, curry powder, hospitality, movies, studios and multiplex construction businesses. Besides, he also runs a chain of restaurants in the Middle East. Sources said that the actor is also planning to launch a few schools shortly.


Although, Lal is not a novice in business, this is the first time he has set his feet in investment and real estate business.


On film distribution
After a gap of few years, his erstwhile firm – Pranavam Arts is returning to distribution. He is joined in this new initiative by his best buddy and former car driver, Antony Perumbavoor, Asianet Chairman K Madhavan and Baby Marine MD, KC Babu, who will work in unison to form the new distribution firm, Max LabEntertainments. Max Lab will focus on film distribution, production and running multiplexes and shopping malls in Kerala. Primarily, Max Lab aims at distributing new Malayalam films.


The first venture of Max Entertainments will be Aashirwad’s productions’ ‘Saagar Alias Jackey’, directed by stylish, Amal Neerad of Big B fame. The company has also acquired the rights of another new project in the pipeline, a movie jointly produced by Thara Arts and Aashirwad, which is entirely shot in America.

There is a media hype that ’Sagar…’ will be a sequel to ‘Erupathaaam Nootaandu’, a runaway hit directed by Madhu. SN Swamy, who wrote the script and story for ‘Erupathaam’ pens the story for Sagar also.


Max Entertainments also have plans to start multiplexes all around the state. Their first multiplex will start shortly at Chalakkudi. The distribution offices of the venture will base itself at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Chennai.


On Stock Market
Mohan Lal launched a stock broking company called Hedge Equities in Kochi, in association with Fedex Securities, Kozhikode-based Baby Marine Exports, Smart Financial, Thakker Group and SM Hegde of Videocon.


“Hedge Equities has a net worth of Rs eight crore, which should shortly reach Rs 10 crore. The company presently has 16 branches and is planning to establish 45 new branches all over South India by the end of this fiscal,” said Alex K Babu, managing director, Hedge Equities.

“We are basically targeting the small investors and we are confident that we will be able to guide them in the best possible manner,” said Lal.


Hedge offers a diverse set of services to customers. Equity, futures and options, depository services, commodity services, mutual funds distribution are some of them.


N Bhuvanendran, chief executive officer (CEO), said that the company had already opened 3,000 accounts in Kerala in a short span of three months and the target is to register at least 20,000 in one year. The company, with 28 branches in four states, is set to launch 45 branches across South India by March 2009. The initial focus will be only in the southern States. It had also entered into a tie-up with MCX for commodities broking.


On brand ambassador role
Mohan Lal is currently the brand ambassador of Oceanus Builders, a reputable firm which has started their projects in Kochi. Besides, Lal is the ambassador of Malabar Gold, Kozhikode-based jewelers which has so many branches in and outside Kerala.


And if we check his next projects, with a analytical mind of a businessman, Lal is planning his next move. Kurukshetra, a movie based on Kargil war, directed by Major Ravi will hit Kerala cinemas soon and a mega project on Nair Saan, where Mohan Lal shares the screen with Jackie Chan is being directed by Sharath.

Read this news at - http://www.merinews.com/article/is-mohan-lal-reitiring/143705.shtml.

Dhaam Dhoom disappoints despite good music

News : Movie review

The strength of the movie lies in the music scored by Harris Jayaraj. Even the background score reflects the mood of the film. Jeeva's camera has done a splendid job and captures the hero's loneliness and his torture by the police to a nicety

THE FINAL work of the late ace cinematographer, Jeeva has raised a lot of questions on the part of the audience. It was tom-tommed as Jeeva’s magnum opus and the most awaited one in terms of technical perfection, story and music. But latest reports reveal that the movie hasn’t live up to expectations. Yes, we should admit that the man who envisioned the movie is not there to witness it but sources say 75 percent of the film had been completed by Jeeva. His friends completed the rest as a tribute to the camera maestro.

Actually, it is the story written by Jeeva that let down the movie completely, by revealing the villain in the first half! From this point onwards, the movie proceeds like any other clichéd movie. Perhaps, Jeeva’s assistant, Manikandan along with Harris Jayaraj had decided to present Dhaam Dhoom as some sort of a musical tribute to the late filmmaker since the audience is treated to three songs in the first 22 minutes! In brief, the film is lacking in story, impressive action and good climax.


The story is a damp squib. Dhaam Dhoom hogged the limelight when it was shot as it deals with the story of an Indian citizen who visits a foreign country for official purposes but runs into trouble there. Dhaam Dhoom can be claimed as a reel version of a Glasgow incident (where an Indian citizen, Dr. Shaqeel Ahamed, suspected as a terrorist, is arrested and after hectic parleys between the Australian and Indian sides, is convicted) or a thread inspired by similar situations. And it evoked an emotional response from the viewers.


D Gautham Subramaniyam (Jayam Ravi), while on a visit to his sister’s (Anu Hassan) house in a village falls in love with country lass Shenbagam (Kangana Ranut). Their marriage is fixed but Ravi is deputed by the government to Russia for a medical conference. In the airport, he bumps into Hanna, a Russian model, who is a carrier of drugs. The ruthless Russian mafia lays a trap for Gautham into which he walks. He is accused of killing Hanna. The local police arrest him with strong evidence and torture him. But the story, with a socially relevant subject, struggles to move from one scene to another. A perfect example is the meeting between Jayam Ravi (Gautham Subramaniyam) and the Indian embassy’s Raghavan Nambiar (Jayaram), Jayaram’s expression when he realises that Ravi has identified him as also the climax. Above all, though the protagonist here is a down-to-earth character, he survives with some first aid after being shot at by the Russian police. A tough scene to believe!


Technical perfection: In this area the movie has set new heights. From editing, wielding the camera and shooting songs to the title card, the movie has tried something different. It has used novel ideas and innovative techniques to please the audience.


Casting: Jayam Ravi has nothing special to do in the story; his job is very light. But Ravi has succeeded in attracting youngsters by delivering foot-tapping dance numbers. Jayam Ravi fails as an action hero, in spite of the presence of action director from Hollywood, Chris Anderson. Reena Kaganut is average. It is the verdict on Kanagut’s performance as heroine. At exposing her body, she excels, but when it comes to acting she has miles to go. The talented veteran, Jayaram is too cute-faced to play the villain and this has adversely affected the movie. Jayaram does not have the flexibility to don the villain’s role. In many scenes, Jayaram is in dilemma, including the climax; his dialogue delivery is below par. The on-screen chemistry between Jayam Ravi and Reena Kaganut is superb. Both of them have tried their best to deliver - be it songs, comic or sentimental scenes.


The strength of the movie lies in the melodious music scored by Harris Jayaraj. The numbers Anbae Anbae… and Azhiyilae Mutkuli…featuring Jayam Ravi and Kangana Ranut are awesome. Kudos to Harris, even the background score reflects the mood of the film. Jeeva’s camera (the scenes in Russia were shot by him before he died), has done a splendid job and captures the hero’s loneliness, his torture by the police and the inclement, chilly weather to a nicety. Jeeva’s pizzazz stands out in the scene where Ravi escapes from a police car, after an assassination attempt. With a weak story, script and dialogues, Dhaam Dhoom is a handicapped movie and finally ends with some music. Yes, the movie can be better described as a musical tribute to the late Jeeva, as it’s the only area where it stands out!

Wonder glass of Ginger Sarbath in Mattancherry

News : Health, Tourism

Ginger Sarbath-a special 'popular' cold drink is available only at Cherlai Junction at Mattancherry. Even If you go to Ernakulam city and anywhere in Kerala, you won't get such tasty Ginger Sarbath.

THREE SHOPS at Cherlai Junction in Mattancherry compete among themselves daily in the sale of one item. And, mind you, these shops are doing brisk business in this item for the last 12 years! What is that, you may wonder? The star here is Ginger Sarbath – a special ’popular’ cool drink – the unique speciality of Cherlai. Yes, it is a fact. Even If you go to Ernakulam city and anywhere in Kerala, you won’t get such tasty Ginger Sarbath.



Why is it so popular?
The USP of this sarbath – original flavour, good quality and low price (only Rs 5 for one glass) – makes the drink a popular among people even in this modern era of company-brand products. Besides, the Sarbath is good for digestion and gas- trouble. Though the ingredients (Ginger mix, Lemon, Salt and Soda) used in this shops are the same, the taste will be entirely different in each shop.

Ginger Competition…
The main competitors here are Naveen Chandra Shenoy and Pradeep Naik. Their shops are located on the left side of the road (if we go from T.D High School Road to Cherlai Junction). Suresh Kini’s shop placed on the other side of the road also offers Sabbath. While, the first two shops are entirely dedicated to cool drinks, the third has stationery items as well.

As a pioneer in Ginger Sarbath in this area, 65-year-old Shenoy explains the struggles he had faced during the early years. "At that time no cool drinks shops were here. I started my shop in 1982. Initially, the business was not satisfactory, but I didn’t give up. Later, when people realised the importance of Ginger Sarbath, my business and therefore my life clicked."


Difference between Ginger Sarbath and Ginger soda


"As it is a company product Ginger soda is artificial and it won’t have any effect on your body," says 56-year-old Suresh Kini, owner of KS Book stall. "Actually, I was selling books, newspapers and magazines in the beginning. When I found the profit was less, I thought of utilizing half of the shop’s space for cold drinks. It was a good move," he recollected.

Pradeep Naik joined the bandwagon in 1996 by converting his stationery shop. "Though there are company brand products in our shops, most people prefer our Ginger Sarbath as we won’t make any compromise on quality and cleanliness." 54-year-old Pradeep added that apart from Ginger they also make sugar and salt Sarbath. "


As a testimony to his words, 69-year-old Latheef Naha, a local says "We like to drink these people’s sarbath instead of taking branded cold drinks."

Often patients with stomach ailments also throng here have Ginger sarbath. "It’s really a medicine. After a gulp, we can feel the difference," says 78-year-old Gopala Bhatt, a diabetic.


Main aim- public satisfaction
In the rainy season, both Shenoy and Pradeep close their shops as there is no business. When asked how they earn during the rainy season, Pradeep said "We try to earn as much as we can in the months before and after that. But that doesn’t mean that we work hard for money, says Pradeep.


Rather than looking at the monetary benefits, these shops take it as service to the public with pleasure. "We aim at public satisfaction. Their support encourages us to continue," say Naveen, Pradeep and Suresh in one voice.


If you want relief from scorching heat, indigestion and gas- problems, take a Ginger Sarbath from Mattancherry …

Musical life!

News : Music


As is the case with all aspiring music students and noted musicians, music competitions at the school and the college were the main platforms for him to showcase his talent. Learning from the experience, day-by-day, he fine-tuned his skills. And he was rewarded. He bagged top prizes in several music contests held at the school-level as well as at the college-level in both classical and light music genres. But, with one reality show on music aired on a leading channel Asianet (This show made history that still rocks by its special knack for attracting the audience in TV programmes), changed his destiny. Thanks to music and it is musical life for him every second….


In a freewheeling chat, Idea Star Singer fame M K Thushar opens up his mind to K Govindan Nampoothiry on choosing music as profession, the success behind Idea Star Singer (ISS), future plans.


It’s music all the way

M K Thushar

Music reigns here. With an elated face Thushar explained the reason behind it. “I was well focused on music since my childhood days. I started learning classical music at the age of seven and was fond of that type of music. Always I wanted to be in music and I want to be remembered as a musician, especially as a classical singer. Fortunately, I got an opportunity to learn music from eminent musicians.”

To devote time fully for music and to nurture it as profession, Thushar quit his job of software engineer.


The way to ISS


“Frankly speaking, I was not interested initially to go the reality show. It was the motivation and support from my wife, Renu that opened the way to ISS 2007. Since my response to participate in ISS was lukewarm, she prepared an application and sent it to Asianet. I didn’t expect a positive reply since I sent the application around the due date. However, by god’s grace; I got the call from the channel. And I was excited,” Thushar says.


And the rest is history. It was the turning point in Thushar’s life.


“Though there were several factors which I couldn’t agree in the ISS, I didn’t oppose. Because as an artiste I got recognition from there.


Singing success

After the resounding success in ISS, Tushar has been getting programmes galore. “In these days I am getting a lot of classical and non-classical programmes. In addition to this, I sing for devotional and romantic albums.”

Family – my strength


Thushar’s family consists of father K Muraleedharan, a retired deputy chief engineer from the KSEB, mother K Leela, retired high school teacher, sister Aparna and wife Renu. Sister and wife are employed in a private firm as software engineers in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram.


“If I achieved anything in life, it is because of the support from my family. My father played a vital role in nurturing my music career. He took great interest in teaching me music and in getting the service of great musicians, as my teachers. My family members supported me when I resigned the job. I am really blessed to have them,” says an emotional Thushar.


Thushar was all praise for his wife Renu. “She is the primary reason for my gateway to the ISS. And he always supports me in my musical programmes.


About Gurus


Remembering his teachers, who guided and sharpened his music skills, Thushar said “My musical story is not complete without mentioning my gurus.”


He started learning music from the late Sri H. Ramanathan, principal, Palakkad Music College. Later he was the disciple of Sri Mavelikara Ayyappan Pillai Bhagavathar, Sri Bharanikavu Raghavan, Sri Kannamangalam Prabhakaran Pillai, Mavelikkara Gopinathan, Padmabhushan Nookkala Chinna Sathyanarayana (Hyderabad) and B Sasikumar who is a top-grade violinist with All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram.


Currently Thushar practises under B Sasikumar’s guidance. “Sasikumar Sir’s tutelage has helped me a lot, especially, in shaping as a Carnatic music performer.”

Current projects


Thushar is now giving classical concerts and shows. Besides, he performs fusion music programmes with a band featuring Chenda exponent Mattannur Sankarankutty.


He, however, has not received any offer from the Malayalam cinema. “I’m waiting for a call from our cine world. Hope this dream will be fulfilled soon,” he said eagerly.


An album for which he rendered music would be released soon. It would be another feather in his cap.


Winding up, Thushar opens up his new ideas. “I want to propagate carnatic music, mould some good music students and do musical performances with great artistes.”


Yes, it’s very true, an ‘Idea’ can change your life….

Travelling: A nightmare at Mandawali market

Society : Delhi news

Due to the dereliction of politicians, Mandawali market located in East Delhi is struggling.

SCENE 1: It is 5.30 pm and the headache has started. Metal and sand dumped encroaches the half-side of the small road, some vehicles are parked at other side, the row of two-wheelers and four wheelers to reach home, desperate faces of street vendors and shop owners. And locals, rushing to home with vegetables, fruits etc, looking for a space to walk!


Don’t be surprised. It happened in our capital where the state government and other concerned authorities, are in a hurry by mooting plans to make transportation ease, to welcome Common Wealth Games- 2010 in October.


Mandawali market at Vinod Nagar, one of the main markets, located at East Delhi, is the victim here. Expressing strong dissent, Vimal Nath, an accountant by profession, said “How dare politicians do like this. Walking and driving vehicles via this road has become nightmare. For the time being I opt bus to go office,” he adds.


Echoing the same view Ashwin Kumar (name changed), who runs a provision shop in the market, said due to the dust sitting in the shop it has become tough and there is 20 per cent decrease in sales. “Often traffic jam happens. Nowadays sales also have been decreased. ”


When contacted Tejpal Singh, Councilor of ward number 218, Mandawali, said, “It was dumped for constructing road tarring as part of the development process. Day-by-day New Delhi is growing and is not at all matter a matter of concern.”


When asked why material was put at the center of the road, Tejpal got angry. “Then where we will place it? Can we put it on our head? You may be a Journalist in Kerala, not in Delhi, right. So don’t interfere in this matter."


Anil Kumar, MLA of the area was not available for comment.


Due to the dereliction of politicians, public bears the brunt and for how long they should suffer this?