Latest news with #Hoysala
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
You can't push boundaries without first reaching the masses: Naveen Shankar
Naveen Shankar is re-evaluating his approach to scripts. The actor, who is now on board Shivarajkumar's next, directed by Karthik Adwaith, and plays the role of an antagonist, says, 'Earlier, I focused solely on the content, the emotional core, and the structure. But I wasn't mindful of the commercial element. I now realise that even a niche story is a business. Both a film and an actor need to reach people before we can push boundaries,' says Naveen. 'SHIVARAJKUMAR CARRIES BOTH LEGACY AND LOVE IN HIS HEART' Naveen's also done potboilers like Hoysala and Salaar, but his film with Shivarajkumar is a step up in his career, feels the actor. 'It's a key role and one whose character design was compelling and reason enough to say yes. And I respect Shivarajkumar for the man he is and the way he treats his co-stars. He carries both legacy and love in his heart, and these are things I value so much,' he shares. We are in a creative crisis. Many brilliant directors and actors might not survive this phase. But I truly believe that when we hit rock bottom, survival instincts kick in Naveen He admits there was a time when he leaned heavily on high-content narratives, believing they alone could sustain a career. 'But if you want to play the long game, you have to consider marketability too. The same storyline can become an out-and-out commercial film if presented right. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo That's something I understand better now,' he says. 'FOR OUTSIDERS, CARVING OUT A SPACE IN THE FILM INDUSTRY IS A SLOW PROCESS' Addressing the disparities within the industry, Naveen shares, 'Star kids often get a head start, especially in the commercial space. Whereas people like us who have no link to the film industry have often had to be grateful for even getting a film and work within a budget of `80 lakhs. For the rest of us, it's a space we have to carve out slowly. The only way is to prove yourself, not just as an actor but as someone who can capture the market,' he states. 'STARDOM GIVES YOU THE PRIVILEGE TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE AND ENGAGE MORE VIEWERS' The actor sees his journey in the industry as a strong one, especially with films like Gultoo, Hondisi Bareyiri, Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage, Hoysala, and Nodidavaru Yenantare. 'These were soulful films, with one or two commercial films. But now, I'm looking for a blend — storytelling depth with commercial appeal. Seven years after my entry, it's a transition, and I think it's time. You need to be known to people; stardom gives you the privilege to push the envelope and engage more viewers,' he adds. 'BIG BUDGETS ALONE AREN'T ENOUGH' Navigating what he describes as a 'creative crisis' in the industry, Naveen Shankar shares, 'Many brilliant directors and actors might not survive this phase. But I truly believe that when we hit rock bottom, survival instincts kick in. People don't ask about the story anymore; they talk about budgets. There are two things I've realised. Content alone is not enough. You need commercial hits to stay relevant. That's the reality. And I'm ready to face it. At the same time, big budgets alone aren't enough; it has to have substance too. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
NDTV
5 days ago
- NDTV
8 Breathtaking Places To Visit In India This June
If summer's got you overheating, it's time to trade traffic jams and scorching pavements for cooler climes. June in India might be hot, but there are still pockets of breezy bliss waiting to be enjoyed. Whether it's the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of Spiti or the rain-washed tea gardens of Ooty, these picture-perfect destinations offer the kind of escape that'll make you forget it's even summer. Think misty mornings, monsoon-drenched hills, and just the right amount of chill. We've rounded up eight stunning spots where the temperatures drop and the views turn up. Go on, give your fan a break. Here Are 8 Scenic Spots To Visit In India In June 2025: 1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh While most are heading to crowded Manali, the smart travellers are taking the higher road to Spiti. Literally. At 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti Valley offers raw, dramatic landscapes — think craggy mountains, barren beauty, and turquoise streams. The roads reopen by early June after being snowed in for months, making it the perfect time to visit. Don't miss Key Monastery, a 1000-year-old Tibetan Buddhist site that looks like it's clinging to the cliffside for dear life. Best for: Stargazing, solitude, and icy blue rivers. Travel tip: Carry warm clothing — even in June, temperatures can dip to 5 degrees Celsius at night. 2. Chikkamagalur, Karnataka Nestled in the Western Ghats, Chikkamagalur is everything June should be — green, breezy, and deliciously cool. This is the land where coffee first took root in India, and every plantation homestay here comes with sweeping views and plenty of caffeine. Trek up Mullayanagiri (Karnataka's highest peak) or take it easy with a hammock and a hot brew. Best for: Coffee trails and weekend detoxes. Travel tip: Book a plantation stay for that early morning mist-and-mocha vibe. 3. Hassan, Karnataka Just a two-hour drive from Chikmagalur, Hassan is a hidden gem steeped in heritage. The 12th-century Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid are architectural marvels — intricately carved and criminally underrated. June's light drizzle makes the stone temples even more atmospheric, with barely any tourist crowds in sight. Best for: Architecture nerds and history lovers. Travel tip: Hire a local guide to get the stories behind the carvings — there's a lot to unpack. 4. Shillong, Meghalaya Known as the "Scotland of the East", Shillong turns ethereal in June. The pine forests smell like rain, waterfalls gush at full throttle, and the local music scene is always on point. Hit up cafes for live gigs, trek to Laitlum Canyon for a dramatic selfie, and drive down to nearby Dawki to see a river so clear it looks like glass. Best for: Music lovers and monsoon romantics. Travel tip: Carry waterproof everything — when it rains here, it really rains. 5. Alibaug, Maharashtra Alibaug is Mumbai's not-so-secret weekend darling, and in June, the sea breeze brings a welcome reprieve from the city's stickiness. Think quiet beaches, boutique stays, and seafood that slaps. The coastal drive is especially scenic with monsoon clouds rolling in, and if you time it right, you can even take a ferry from Mumbai. Best for: Beachy breaks without a Goa crowd. Travel tip: Kihim Beach is your best bet for a less crowded sun-downer scene. 6. Ooty, Tamil Nadu Ooty might have become a cliche, but come June, it's still magical. The monsoon is just setting in, making the rolling tea estates and colonial bungalows all the more moody and romantic. Take the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway, sip on fresh Nilgiri tea, and walk through the botanical gardens in a sweater. Best for: Misty mornings and vintage charm. Travel tip: Avoid weekends if you want to dodge tourist traffic. 7. Mount Abu, Rajasthan Rajasthan and "cool" don't usually go in the same sentence — except when you're talking about Mount Abu. At 1,220 metres above sea level, it's the state's only hill station. June brings mild showers and lush hills, offering a break from the desert heat. Don't miss a sunset at Nakki Lake or the marble brilliance of Dilwara Temples. Best for: Unexpected cool in a desert state. Travel tip: Hire a boat at Nakki Lake around sunset — it's touristy, but worth it. 8. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh Araku is one of those "how-is-this-still-under-the-radar?" places. Surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls, it's a quick train ride from Visakhapatnam — and a stunner. The valley is home to several tribal communities, and June's greenery adds a fresh layer to its already photogenic coffee plantations and caves. Best for: Underrated escapes and tribal culture. Travel tip: Try the local bamboo chicken — it's slow-cooked and smoky in all the right ways.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Ancient inscriptions and hero stones discovered in Mandya district
Four hero stones and two other inscriptions that were previously undiscovered have been unearthed in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district recent. R. Kiran Kumar, assistant professor at Government First Grade College, K.R. Pet, who is working on his PhD thesis titled 'Monumental Sculptures of Mandya District', and Mohammed Kaleem Ullah, a retired teacher, made the discoveries during a recent field visit. Mr. Kiran Kumar said, 'Two hero stone inscriptions belong to the Ganga period and the other two are from the Hoysala period. With reference to the inscriptions, he said one pertains to a land grant inscription from the Hoysala period and the other is from the Vijayanagar period. The first hero stone inscription was found in a field in Byadarahalli, part of Nagamangala Kasaba. The inscription on the stone is dated to the 10th century CE and belongs to the reign of the Ganga king Satyavakya (Racha Malla), probably between 974-985 CE. Another hero stone inscription was found on the road to Halathi and is dated to the 10th century CE. Based on the script and stylistic features, it is believed to be from the Ganga period, although only a few letters remain, and the rest are eroded, according to Mr. Kiran Kumar. The third hero stone inscription, found in the forested Ankanahalli of Bellur hobli, and the term 'Beeragallu' (hero stone) appears visibly and this is attributed to 11th to 12th century CE. The fourth inscription, which was found in the same village on the road leading to Kalinganahalli, is inferred to be religious in nature and belongs to the Hoysala period. It features symbols of the sun, moon, conch, and chakra, and consists of fourteen lines. In addition, a Vijayanagar period inscription was found in the house of Vijayalakshmi of Katriguppe village in Bellur hobli. Half of the stone is buried in soil, and only the upper part of the inscription is visible. Another inscription was also discovered at Bireeshwara Halli. Mr. Kiran Kumar said that Nagamangala has been historically an important centre and has over the years yielded 185 inscriptions, including four from the Ganga dynasty, 46 from the Hoysala dynasty, 19 from the Vijayanagar empire, three from the Mysore rulers, and 113 other inscriptions in the region, he added.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Historian urges Chief Minister to preserve ancient Vaishnavite temple in Sathya Sai district
Historian MyNaa Swamy has appealed to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to directs officials to draw up a comprehensive master plan for the development and beautification of the Sri Sajjaganta Ranganatha Swamy temple at Gudipalli in Somandepalli mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district. 'Despite the temple's rich mythological and historical significance, it remains largely neglected,' he said. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, following his visit to the temple as part of his ongoing research on the temple architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire, Mr. MyNaa Swamy shared a remarkable discovery — an inscription dating back to 1299 CE, attributed to Hoysala King Veeraballala III. The inscription, in Kannada, was found on the bottom stone of the southern wall of the sanctum sanctorum. The inscription dates to the Salivahana Saka 1221, Pramadi year, Magha month — corresponding to January or February of 1299 CE. The historian explained that Penukonda Seema was part of the Dorasamudram kingdom (present-day Halebidu in Karnataka) under the rule of Hoysala King Veeraballala III (1292–1343), son of Veera Narasimha III. Based on this evidence, he suggested that the Sri Sajjaganta Ranganatha Swamy temple may have been built during Veeraballala III's reign. MyNaa Swamy was accompanied by Ramakanth Reddy, president of the Temple Development Committee, history researcher Vangampalli Gopi, Gudipalli Ramesh, Penukonda Sridhar and others. He expressed astonishment at the temple's architectural completeness, which includes a sanctum sanctorum, antaralam (antechamber), mukha mandapam (front hall), open halls, towering gopurams, strong ramparts, and a sacred pushkarini (temple tank). 'Gudipalli was once a prominent Vaishnavite center during the reign of the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara Empire, and was regarded as one of the 108 important temples in South India,' he said. Regarding the Brindavan (tomb) located outside the temple complex, Swamy said it was constructed in 1398 CE by a royal woman named Saamaayi, as recorded in an inscription dated to Saka 1320, Bahudhanya year, Vaisakha month. The Brindavan was built as the samadhi (final resting place) of Sri Harideva, the then presiding priest.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
Software engineer held for ‘Jai Pakistan' slogan in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: City police arrested a 25-year-old software engineer in Whitefield recently on charges of shouting "Jai Pakistan".The accused, Shubhanshu Shukla, is a resident of a paying guest accommodation in Prashant Layout. Hailing from Chhattisgarh and a computer science engineer, he has been residing there for more than four years, investigations have a bachelor, who was booked under multiple sections of BNS, claimed he never intended to hail Pakistan, though police are yet to accept that incident took place on the night of May 10, when some residents of Prashant Layout called the police control room (112), saying that a youth was shouting pro-Pak slogans. Immediately, a Hoysala vehicle reached the spot and Shukla was then shared a video with the police, showing Shukla shouting "Jai Pakistan". He was immediately taken to Whitefield police station and his statement to the police, Shukla claimed he had initially chanted pro-India slogans. "Happy with the success of Operation Sindoor, I came out of my PG, shouting 'Jai Bharat, Jai Bharat'. However, no one, including my roommates, reacted. Disappointed with the lack of response, I thought perhaps shouting a pro-Pak slogan would elicit some response. So, I shouted 'Jai Pakistan'.""We are not sure whether the accused raised a pro-India slogan. No one had recorded it. Though when he shouted 'Jai Pakistan', people recorded it," an investigating officer said.
