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Hans India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Aakanksha Singh Praises ‘Shaashtipoorthi' Experience
The film 'Shaashtipoorthi', starring Dr Rajendra Prasad and Archana, with Rupesh and Aakanksha Singh in lead roles and directed by Pawan Prabha, is produced under the MAA AAIE Productions banner by Rupesh. The movie is set to release on the 30th of this month. The already-released songs, teaser, and trailer have raised audience expectations. Aakanksha Singh, who impressed Telugu audiences with projects like 'Malli Raava', 'Devadas', and 'Parampara', is now returning with 'Shaashtipoorthi'. As part of the film's promotions, she interacted with the media. Here are some key highlights from what she shared: Q: You're returning to Telugu cinema after a while. How does it feel? Yes, it's been quite a gap. The pandemic created a long break for me. I had a project titled 'Meet Cute', directed by Nani's sister Deepti Ganta, which was initially planned for a theatrical release, but it eventually came out on OTT. Now, 'Shaashtipoorthi' is getting a proper theatrical release, and I'm thrilled about it. The film is technically top-notch, and Ilaiyaraaja sir's music is something everyone will love. Q: Tell us about your role in 'Shaashtipoorthi'? I play a character named Janaki. I came to Hyderabad to hear the story, and the moment I listened to it and understood my character, I immediately agreed. Stories like this are very important today. I portray a rural girl who works as a temple treasurer—a full-fledged traditional Telugu woman. I hadn't worn a langavoni before or played such a role, so it was a completely new experience for me. Q: How was the shooting experience, especially in the Godavari region? We shot in Rajahmundry for over a month. I will never forget the Godavari regions. We worked really hard under the scorching sun, travelled by boats, and truly experienced rural life. The beauty of the Godavari was captured even more beautifully on screen. These are memories I'll cherish forever. Q: You've worked with Rajendra Prasad before. How was it working with him again? Yes, I worked with him earlier in 'Bench Life'. Sharing screen space with him again was a great learning experience. He brings so much honesty to emotional scenes—no glycerin, just pure performance. Working with him on 'Shaashtipoorthi' truly felt like attending an acting school. I learned so much. Q: The title 'Shaashtipoorthi' suggests a theme around 60th birthday celebrations. Is that all the film covers? Not at all. While the term refers to a 60th birthday, the film has so much more to offer. It explores multiple themes and emotions. My role is not a typical heroine's role—it's layered and meaningful. I can't reveal too much, but you'll have to watch the film to see what I mean. Q: How was it working with director Pawan Prabha and producer Rupesh? Our producer Rupesh is not only a passionate actor but also a dedicated producer. He brought everyone together and ensured the film came out beautifully. Director Pawan has great clarity and a solid grip on storytelling. Working with him was a pleasure—he knew exactly what he wanted from each scene. Q: You've often chosen strong roles. Is that a conscious decision? Absolutely. I've always wanted to be known as a good actress, so I've been selective about the roles I take up. I believe 'Shaashtipoorthi' will earn me even more appreciation. If I connect with a story and character, I'm open to OTT and web series too. When we work sincerely, opportunities naturally come our way.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Aakanksha Singh returns to Telugu cinema with ‘Shashtipoorthi'
The Hindi film Runway 34 and the web series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter have made Aakanksha Singh more recognisable across the country. But those familiar with Telugu cinema will remember her quiet charm in the coming-of-age romance Malli Raava, the comedy Devadas, and the anthology Meet Cute. In Hyderabad to promote her new film Shashtipoorthi, set to release on May 30, Aakanksha smiles at the mention of these roles: 'I have been lucky to get these projects. People still talk about Malli Raava — it has become a bit of a cult romance over time.' Why have we not seen more of her in Telugu films? 'That is something I keep asking too,' she laughs. 'I have had some good offers, thankfully. Maybe it's all just timing. But yes, I would love to do more work here.' Directed by Pavan Prabha, Shashtipoorthi stars Aakanksha alongside Rupeysh, with veteran actors Rajendra Prasad and Archana. She says, 'We shot for 40 days in Rajahmundry, and I got to play a proper 'Telugammayi'. It's not just a token heroine part. I have always looked for roles that matter and give me the scope to perform.' The film is a family drama that explores close-knit relationships. 'We have seen a lot of action and romance lately. This one is more for the families.' Theatre to cinema Jaipur-born Aakanksha began her acting journey in theatre before moving to television with Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha. 'The show ran for two seasons, and we filmed for eight months for each season. It was a slice-of-life drama where I played a mother of two,' she recalls of her 2012 debut. But the dream had always been cinema. A cameo in Badrinath ki Dulhania, starring Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, gave her a first taste of the big screen. 'Television demands playing one character over a long stretch, and after a point, I felt creatively unfulfilled. Coming from a theatre background, I missed the challenge of exploring different characters. Being on a film set again with Badrinath rekindled that spark.' An unexpected call from writer-director Gowtam Tinnanuri changed things. 'He had seen my photos and thought I would suit the role of Anjali in Malli Raava. We had a 45-minute chat, he narrated the story and followed it up with a short pitch video. I was drawn in, and got over my hesitation about working in an unfamiliar language.' Malli Raava was followed by a role in Devadas, alongside Nagarjuna Akkineni, Nani, and Rashmika Mandanna. 'There was a great creative buzz on set,' she says. She also appeared in the Kannada film Pailwaan, among other Telugu-Tamil bilingual films. 'Just when I thought things were moving in the right direction, the pandemic brought it all to a halt,' she adds. Riding the digital wave There was, however, a silver lining. Hindi and Telugu web series started coming her way in quick succession. 'I followed all safety precautions and travelled between Mumbai and Hyderabad for work. I am grateful that work kept coming — it meant I was not out of sight,' says Aakanksha. Telugu series such as Parampara, Meet Cute, and Bench Life, along with Hindi titles Rangbaaz, Ranneeti, and Khakee kept her schedule full. 'It was a tough time for everyone, and I am glad I was not sitting idle.' Reflecting on her 13-year journey as an actor, Aakanksha says it is self-belief and focus that have kept her going. 'I have learnt a lot from those I have worked with, but also from my own experiences. That is what has helped me grow as a performer.' She believes it is time to put to rest the idea that female actors have limited longevity. 'It is a myth that we have short shelf lives,' she says firmly, citing Shefali Shah and Neena Gupta as examples. 'If we nurture our talent and stay open to evolving, we will stay relevant.'
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
K.V. Devadas refutes G. Sudhakaran's remark on postal ballot-tampering during 1989 elections
Amid the controversy over former Minister and senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader G. Sudhakaran's statement that postal ballots were tampered with in favour of CPI(M) candidate K.V. Devadas in the 1989 Lok Sabha elections in Alappuzha, Mr. Devadas has denied the allegation, stating that no such tampering took place. Speaking to The Hindu on Saturday, Mr. Devadas said he had never come across any such incident either during the 1989 elections or at any time thereafter. 'I completely disagree with Sudhakaran's remark about postal ballot-tampering. He said postal ballot covers were torn and then tampered with. In the past 36 years, I have never heard anyone say that such a thing happened. No such incident ever took place,' Mr. Devadas said. Mr. Sudhakaran made the remarks on May 14. 'In 1989, when Devadas contested as the CPI(M) candidate, postal ballots belonging to members of service organisations were collected and brought to the CPI(M) district committee office. I was the election committee secretary at the time. Around 15% of the voters had cast their ballots for the opposing candidate. We verified those ballots and altered them,' Mr. Sudhakaran said, adding, 'Do not think that if you seal the postal ballot and hand it over, no one will know your decision.' He also said even if the Election Commission was to initiate a case over the matter, it would not be a problem. Mr. Devadas said tampering with ballot papers goes against the CPI(M)'s policies and principles. 'It is undemocratic. Sudhakaran also said several members of the NGO Union didn't vote for me. That, too, is incorrect. I contested the election while serving as the general secretary of the Kerala Government Teachers Association and also holding responsibilities in other organisations. I believe everyone voted for me. Statements like the one made by Sudhakaran will only serve to alienate people who are sympathetic to the party,' he said, who is set to celebrate his 90th birthday on May 25. The veteran communist, however, said that Mr. Sudhakaran had worked sincerely during the 1989 election. 'I do not believe he would ever instigate or himself engage in any unlawful act. I am not sure what context he made such a statement. He has already retracted what he said, and that is a good thing,' Mr. Devadas added. In the 1989 polls, Vakkom Purushothaman of the Congress party defeated Devadas by a margin of over 25,000 votes. Mr. Devadas contested the polls after taking voluntary retirement from the teaching profession. Though Mr. Sudhakaran later retracted his statement noting that he had spoken 'with a bit of imagination' and had 'never engaged in or facilitated bogus voting or postal ballots tampering', the Alappuzha South police have registered a case against him under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CPM leader booked for speech on tampering postal ballots in 1989 elections
Kottayam: CPM veteran and former minister G Sudhakaran was booked on Friday over his controversial speech about tampering with postal ballots in the 1989 Lok Sabha elections . Alappuzha South Police registered a case under various non-bailable sections, including IPC sections 465, 468, 471 and sections 135, 135A, 136 and 128 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 and 1988. The offences included booth capturing, forgery and violation of maintenance of secrecy of voting. If found guilty, Sudhakaran can get imprisonment of three to seven years. The FIR was registered based on Sudhakaran's speech during the NGO state conference held at Leo Thirteen auditorium in Alappuzha on May 14. As per state chief electoral officer's directive, a team led by Ambalappuzha tahsildar K Anwar recorded Sudhakaran's statement. Subsequently, district collector asked the district police chief to probe the disclosure. Police sought the advice of director general of prosecution as the incident that led to the case took place 36 years ago. Police will record the statements of people who accompanied Sudhakaran while the ballots were allegedly tampered with. This includes K V Devadas, who LDF's candidate in that election, and others who were in CPM district committee then. Meanwhile, CPM district secretary R Nazar criticised police for registering an FIR against Sudhakaran without any clear evidence. Meanwhile, Devadas said he was surprised to hear Sudhakaran's speech and that he didn't know of any incident referred to in the speech. Sudhakaran had said that CPM had made alterations in the postal ballots of NGO union members in the elections. Sudhakaran was the party's election secretary then. The then party secretary K K Chellappan has passed away. The election committee president, who was a CPI leader, is also not there now, said Devadas.
Hans India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Aakanksha Singh sizzles in traditional glam
Actress Aakanksha Singh, who made a memorable debut in the 2017 romantic drama Malli Raava, followed by a notable role opposite Nagarjuna in Devadas, continues to hold her ground in Telugu cinema. While a breakout role still eludes her, Aakanksha's screen presence remains captivating. Her latest appearance has caught the attention of fans and fashion watchers alike. Donning a sultry pink bralette blouse paired with a matching traditional skirt and classic jumkas, Aakanksha makes a powerful style statement. Her poised expressions, especially her intense eyes, add an extra spark to the frame, elevating her glam quotient. The actress is now back on sets for her next Telugu film Shashtipoorthi, which stars Rupeysh, Rajendra Prasad, and Archana. While details of her role remain under wraps, it's clear that Aakanksha is determined to make every appearance count. Whether or not this project marks her much-awaited breakthrough, Aakanksha Singh is steadily building a portfolio that combines beauty with expressive acting. Her fans remain hopeful that the best is yet to come.
