Latest news with #Arun
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
State Minorities Commission taking efforts to get land for cemeteries, kabristans: Chairman
State Minorities Commission would take efforts to acquire land for setting up cemeteries for Christians and kabristans for Muslims, said its Chairman S.J. Joe Arun. Speaking at an interactive session with members of minority communities here on Wednesday, Mr. Arun, in the presence of Virudhunagar Collector, N.O, Sukhaputra, said that land for cemeteries and kabristans was the major demand from the minorities. He said that participants at the meeting raised several issues like permission and recognition for schools run by minorities, demands from individuals like welfare assistance and bank loans. However, the Collector and the Superintendent of Police found instant solution for more than 70% of the issues on the spot. Mr. Arun said that the commission was mandated to protect the rights of not just the religious minorities, but also linguistic minorities. The Commission was reviewing whether the welfare assistances stipulated under the Constitution reached the minorities. Stating that the commission has so far conducted interactive session at 24 districts, including Virudhunagar district, he said that it would give recommendations to the State Government for protecting the minorities and improve their livelihood based on the demands raised by the people. The commission reviewed the progress made in various welfare schemes meant for the minorities. The content of a booklet on Welfare Schemes and Concessions for Minorities in Tamil Nadu would be accessed through Virudhunagar SP D. Kannan, District Revenue Officer R. Rajendran, Deputy Director, Minorities Welfare Department, Chennai, S. Sharmili, Vice-Chairman of the commission M.M. Abdul Kuthoos and its members were present.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Arun Cherukavil on 25 years in Mollywood: I've never done anything to ‘survive' in cinema, and maybe that's exactly why I'm still here
Arun Cherukavil reflects on his 25-year journey in Malayalam cinema. He recalls his debut in 'Life Is Beautiful' with Mohanlal. Arun remembers the impact of '4 The People' and his diverse roles. He appreciates the influence of industry legends. Arun expresses concern about revealing behind-the-scenes details, preferring to preserve cinema's magic. He values discipline and sincerity in his work. From the charming school heartthrob Sooraj Kishor in 'Life Is Beautiful', to the righteous Aravindan in '4 The People', the rebellious Dineshan in Amritham, the chilling portrayal of Fr. Bennette Franko in Anjaam Pathira, and now the complex DYSP Jacob in Ronth, Arun Cherukavil's career has been a remarkable journey through diverse, unforgettable characters. Spanning over 25 years, his performances have left an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema and earned him a special place in the hearts of every Malayali, especially the 90s kids who still remember him as their beloved chocolate boy. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Arun opens up about his cinematic journey, the evolution of his craft, and the roles that shaped his career, taking us on a nostalgic walk down memory lane. That dreamy welcome to Malayalam cinema Arun couldn't have asked for a better start to his acting career, a dream debut in Life Is Beautiful (2000), directed by the legendary Fazil and starring none other than Mohanlal. For any aspiring actor, it doesn't get more iconic than that, and Arun's entry into cinema is as cinematic as the films he would go on to star in. 'Back then, getting into movies felt like chasing the impossible. We were from a generation where even meeting someone from the film industry, not stars or directors, just people who'd made it on screen, even in a small role, was a big deal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like L&T - The Gateway: Sewri's Tallest Landmark L&T_The Gateway Learn More Undo I had given my portfolio, you know, the ones with the epic floral background, to assistant directors and production executives,' he laughs. Then came the turning point: a telegram inviting him to an audition. 'When I reached, there was a sea of people. It was packed. I somehow made it to the final 30 or so who were shortlisted to play school students taught by Mohanlal's character in the film,' he says. But Arun's big break wasn't over just yet. His real test came when he was asked to perform a scene from Aniyathipravu in front of the director himself. 'Fazil sir's associate told me he wanted to see me. I was nervous but thrilled. Fazil sir asked me to enact the breakup scene from Aniyathipravu, and I did it. Then I was called into another room, and there he was, Mohanlal, getting his makeup done. Fazil sir introduced me and told me to perform the same scene in front of him. I was stunned,' he narrates With shaking nerves but sheer determination, Arun pulled off the performance. 'I had no hope after that. I just wanted to run out of the room,' he laughs. But what came next changed his life. 'Fazil sir walked up to me and said, 'Welcome to Malayalam cinema. You are doing this character.' That was my true entry into the film world.' 'It was a celebration for, by, and of the youth' One iconic line — 'Aravindanu Achane Pole Rashtreeyamokke Undo?' 'Illa sir, rashtrabodham und.' - is all it takes for Malayalam cinema lovers to instantly recognize Arun. As the fearless, fiery Aravindan in 4 The People, Arun became the voice of a daring, disillusioned youth. The character wasn't just a role, it became a symbol. Reflecting on that unforgettable chapter, Arun says, 'It's a blessing to have been part of a film like that. Even today, I still receive messages asking if 4 The People will ever get a re-release. I don't think I'll ever experience that kind of instant fame again in my career. At the premiere, I walked into the theatre like any regular guy. But by the time the film ended, people were cheering, lifting me on their shoulders, celebrating. It was surreal — almost dreamlike. It wasn't just a film. It was a movement. Branded as a 'new generation' movie at the time, it truly felt like a celebration by, for, and of the youth,' Arun shares, his voice tinged with nostalgia. 'I owe it to the stalwarts of this industry who shaped me' Over the past two decades, the actor has fearlessly explored a wide spectrum of roles in Malayalam cinema. From playing a disturbing pedophile in the psychological thriller Anjaam Pathira to tickling audiences as a humorous priest in Hello Mummy, Arun has shown that he's not one to be boxed into a single mold. 'It's quite ironic that I've played two priest characters with almost the same physique and makeover, yet with completely contrasting personalities. Being able to do such diverse and distinct roles is truly a blessing. I owe it to the stalwarts of this industry who shaped me. We were blessed, and still are, with icons like Nedumudi Venu, Bahadur, Jagathy Sreekumar, Thilakan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Siddique and Sai Kumar. I've had the privilege of sharing the screen with many of them. Just being around them was a masterclass in itself. They silently teach you so much, about craft, presence, and discipline. It's their influence and those invaluable experiences that have molded me into the actor I am today,' Arun shared. 'Now you have to fire the gun and make the 'boom' sound yourself' Despite a powerful debut and a string of memorable roles, Arun is often described by cinephiles as one of Malayalam cinema's most underrated actors. While his talent has never been in question, his on-and-off presence in the limelight has sparked curiosity over the years. 'I've always been here, giving my best to every film. But not every movie becomes a box office hit or reaches the masses. That's just how this industry works. I've always believed that cinema is a powerful medium, it speaks for you. You don't need to shout to get noticed. For me, being a good actor means being disciplined, showing up on set, doing your job sincerely, and not being a burden to anyone. That's my idea of professionalism,' the actor shares. However, he admits the dynamics of the industry have shifted. 'Today, it feels like you have to fire the gun and make the 'boom' sound yourself to get noticed,' he says with a wry smile. 'Maybe I'll get there too. I've never done anything to 'survive' in cinema, and maybe that's exactly why I'm still here. I've always trusted the magic of cinema, and in return, I've always been taken care of,' he added. ' Not everyone needs to know what happens behind the scenes' Change is inevitable, especially in an industry as dynamic as cinema. Having spent over two decades in front of the camera, Arun has witnessed the evolution of Malayalam cinema up close. But when asked about one change he finds hard to embrace, he doesn't hesitate. 'I'm not too comfortable with the whole trend of BTS and the 'spilling the beans' culture around filmmaking. Call me old school, but you know what we've lost because of it? Magic. Remember how we used to marvel at magic tricks, like when a person disappears or a flower suddenly appears from an empty vase? The wonder, the surprise—it was pure joy. But once you reveal how it's done, the magic fades,' he explains with a beautiful analogy. Arun believes cinema is no different. 'There are so many people who love watching films as a magical experience. Not everyone needs to know what happens behind the scenes. Sure, I'm all for it being studied as research material by film students and enthusiasts, but for the common viewer, the magic lies in not knowing. In the age of instant content and constant reveals, we've somehow taken away that element of surprise. The thrill of seeing a hero jump off a cliff, not knowing how it was done, that's what cinema is to me,' he shares.
Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Indian Express
3 engineering students booked in Bengaluru for classmate's suicide following ‘online harassment'
The Bengaluru police have booked three students for allegedly harassing their classmate at Reva University who recently died by suicide. Terming the incident a ragging-related death, the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) has sought an impartial investigation and action against the college management. The deceased, Arun C, 22, was a native of Hassan district and a student of architectural engineering. Though he died around 1 pm on July 11, the online harassment came to light after Arun's parents filed a complaint with the Madanayakanahalli police on July 21. The police have booked Chiranth, Vikas Gowda, and Ameen, all in their early 20s, under section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are probing further. The son of daily wage labourers, Arun was a bright student and had just completed his eighth semester examination. A resident of Teachers' Colony in Dasanapura, Bengaluru North, he was also known for doing on-the-spot drawings. As per the complaint, he was harassed and humiliated in a class WhatsApp group. After his death, a case of unnatural death was registered. The case took a turn when Arun's parents discovered a video that he had recorded and posted on the class WhatsApp group before his death. In the video, Arun expressed his pain and claimed that he was always disrespected by his peers. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused regularly posted messages about Arun in the group, humiliating him. Two of the deceased's friends reportedly confirmed this to his parents, revealing that the harassment had continued over the last year. In a statement, AIDSO called for action against the college management for failing to prevent ragging. 'We demand an immediate and impartial investigation into this incident, strict action against those responsible, and accountability from the college management. We also urge the government to strictly implement anti-ragging measures across all campuses and establish mechanisms for students to safely report such abuses,' it said in a statement.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru architecture student dies by suicide, alleges ragging in final video
A 22-year-old architecture student from a private engineering college in Bengaluru died by suicide last week, allegedly due to ragging. The incident occurred on July 11 in Nandaramayyana Palya.(Representative/Shutterstock) Before taking the extreme step, the student, identified as Arun, recorded a video blaming his peers and expressing emotional distress over being spoken about behind his back. According to a report by The New Indian Express, the incident occurred on July 11 at Arun's residence in Nandaramayyana Palya, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Madanayakanahalli police station in Nelamangala, on the city's outskirts. (Also Read: Bengaluru UPI panic explained: Why small traders are saying 'no to QR, yes to cash') Police said they have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) and are awaiting a formal complaint from the student's family. 'We will file an FIR once they file a complaint,' a police officer said according to the publication. A native of Hassan, Arun was a final-year architecture student who had secured a free seat at his college owing to his academic performance. His parents, daily-wage labourers, had struggled financially to support his education. Arun was also known to be a talented portrait artist. According to investigators, the incident happened after Arun's parents had left for work. He recorded a video message detailing his anguish, mentioning that friends had been speaking ill of him behind his back. The video, which he shared in a college WhatsApp group, went viral. After the video began circulating, college officials contacted Arun's parents, who rushed back home, only to find him hanging, police said. The case has raised serious concerns over campus bullying and the mental health impact of ragging. Authorities are expected to take further action once the family lodges a formal complaint. Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-23389090 from Sumaitri (Delhi-based) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based).
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- New Indian Express
22-year-old student ends life after alleged ragging in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: A 22-year-old architecture student ended his life allegedly due to ragging. The student had recorded a video before taking the extreme step. The incident took place on July 11 in Nandaramayyana Palya, which comes under the Madanayakanahalli police station limits in Nelamangala on the outskirts of the city. The police said that they have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR), and the victim's parents are expected to file a formal complaint on Tuesday. 'We will file an FIR once they file a complaint,' a police officer said. The deceased Arun (22), who was a final-year architecture student at a private engineering college, was a native of Hassan. Arun's parents work as daily-wage labourers. Despite their poor financial background, Arun was a bright student and had secured a free seat in the institution. He was also a portrait artist. According to police, Arun died by suicide after his parents had left for work. He recorded a video expressing distress over being ragged by friends. In the video, he mentioned that people were speaking ill of him behind his back. He shared the video in his college group. After the video went viral, college authorities alerted Arun's parents, who rushed home and found him hanging, the police said. HELPLINE If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, call Sneha Foundation- 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (24x7) or call Tata Institute of Social Sciences-02225521111, (Monday-Saturday; 8am-10pm)
