Latest news with #MGR
News18
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
She Faced Betrayal, Then Built A Legacy: The Immortal Manorama
1/9 Do you know which Tamil actress was abandoned by her husband just 11 days after giving birth to their first child? Despite this devastating blow, she rose to become one of the most powerful figures in Tamil cinema, celebrated for her comedic timing and commanding screen presence. That actress was none other than the legendary Manorama. 2/9 Manorama remains one of the most revered and influential actresses in Indian cinema. Known for her lifelike performances, she captured the hearts of millions. Her extraordinary career earned her prestigious honours, including the National Award, the Padma Shri, and an honorary doctorate. 3/9 She acted in over 1,500 films, securing a place in the Guinness World Records. Additionally, she featured in over 5,000 stage plays and contributed her voice as a playback singer in numerous songs. She proudly shared the screen with virtually every major actor in Tamil cinema. While Manorama made audiences laugh as the undisputed comedy queen of Tamil cinema, her personal life was marked by hardship. Born as Gopi Shantha, she was raised solely by her mother after her father walked out on the family. Her artistic journey began in theatre before transitioning to film. 5/9 Manorama fell in love with SM Ramanathan, a notable figure in the theatre company where she worked. The couple eloped, going against her mother's wishes. However, tragedy struck shortly after the birth of their son, when Ramanathan left her, allegedly based on an astrologer's prediction that his life would be in danger following the child's birth. Ironically, Manorama's father had abandoned her in a similar manner. Shattered but resilient, Manorama made the decision never to remarry and chose to raise her son, Bhoopathi, alone. She returned to the stage and soon found her way into cinema, adopting the screen name Manorama. She worked in theatre productions associated with prominent political leaders such as Annadurai and Karunanidhi and went on to act alongside cinematic icons like MG Ramachandran (MGR), Jayalalithaa, and NT Rama Rao (NTR).
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sivakarthikeyan, Arya & Santhanam add star power to a musical evening at Nehru Stadium in Chennai
Popular actors Sivakarthikeyan, Arya, and Santhanam were the special guests at the event. A recent celebration of music in the city saw six young voices come together to deliver some remarkable performances. Amidst beautiful melodies and heartfelt moments, 11-year-old Divinesh captivated all with his performance at the finale of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs Season 4. Popular actors Sivakarthikeyan , Arya , and Santhanam were the special guests at the event. While Sivakarthikeyan had the crowd going wild when he joined Divinesh to sing the iconic MGR number Naan Aanaiyittal , Arya and Santhanam regaled the audience with their banter on stage. 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 .
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Kamal Haasan Interview: Thug Life will make you forget Nayakan
Last year, at the age of 69, Kamal Haasan flew to the USA to attend classes on Artificial Intelligence. 'Artificial Intelligence is a broad field, and in terms of cinema, it is still at a very nascent stage. I felt like I needed to learn about it, but didn't know what to learn, ' says Kamal, who believes we shouldn't have fears about AI replacing humans. ' It is like any other technology,' he says. 'We should use it like how we use computers. AI will be a part of our everyday lives.' As someone who was a part of Tamil cinema for years, and as an observer of the unceasing waves of time, Kamal takes an example from the evolution of Tamil cinema to point to the one thing that rides the waves of time unchanged. 'Throughout the years, everything around me changed, the lights, the camera, and the car outside the film set, but we remain the same. Humans are fundamentally the same,' he notes poignantly. As an actor noted for experimentation and versatility, Kamal's recent big hit, Vikram (2022), and his much-awaited Thug Life, both happen to be action-packed gangster dramas. Kamal's unceasing desire for variety, however, remains intact. 'I still have the thirst to be a part of different types of films. Unfortunately, since the gap between films has stretched in recent times, it has become difficult for me to try a variety of genres,' says Kamal. The actor fondly looks back at the times when he went on a spree of low-budget films. '16 Vayathinile (1977) was made around the time MGR and Sivaji were active. We struggled to sell that film. Even though I used to do a lot of films back then, I had a special place in my heart for films like 16 Vayathinile. So, I used to carry its music album wherever I went and showed it to everyone. People didn't understand why I wanted to be a part of such films, but I had the conviction to take it to everyone.' He then hammers home his point, 'There should be big budget and small budget films as well. We need to have a variety of films.' On the need for different types of films, Kamal takes the conversation from 16 Vayathinile to the rise and fall of trends in Hollywood. 'After the end of World War II, perhaps to forget the effects of war, they used to make back-to-back musicals in the West. People eventually got tired of that, and things were changed by a group of filmmakers. The final nail in the coffin was the arrival of auteurs like Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Martin Scorsese — the 'New York gang'. A lot of us were inspired by their works," says Kamal, who also touched upon his impact on the movers and shakers of the film industry. 'My body of work is my investment for the future. Now let's see what the next generation chooses to earn with it,' says a hopeful Kamal.
Los Angeles Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
MGR Real Estate Acquires Vellano Country Club
Ontario-based MGR Real Estate has announced the acquisition of the former Vellano Country Club, a picturesque 269-acre decommissioned golf course in the heart of Chino Hills. Originally designed by golf legend Greg Norman, the property is renowned for its rolling hills, scenic vistas and tranquil surroundings. Michael G. Rademaker, founder and CEO of MGR Real Estate, shared his vision for the site when he commented, 'We plan to enhance the existing clubhouse – currently leased to Wedgewood Weddings – while preserving its elegance and charm.' Rademaker also reaffirmed MGR's commitment to the surrounding community. 'It's important to us that any future improvements respect the character of the neighborhood,' he said. 'This property acquisition will show my personal desire for the future Rademaker Family Retreat and Estate. We want to ensure that adjoining property owners are not adversely impacted.' This acquisition reflects MGR's long-term investment strategy – focusing on properties with enduring value, community connection and natural beauty. As the company explores future opportunities for the site, residents can anticipate a thoughtful and revitalized use of this unique landscape. 'The property is gorgeous, and the community is wonderful,' Rademaker said. 'It would be a nice place to live and enjoy life. I would love to live there myself. I want my family and I to have a place in Vellano, embrace the community and blend in.' Information was sourced from MGR Real Estate, Inc. To learn more, contact bvelto@
Time of India
13-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Middle berth fall puts passenger safety at risk
T'puram: The accident in which a woman was injured after a middle berth fell on her in the MGR Chennai Central-Palakkad express train on Monday shows the poor maintenance of fixtures in accident occurred after the train passed Jolarpet railway station. The middle berth fell on the passenger who was in the lower berth, and she suffered injuries to her head. Reports say that the accident happened when the passenger in the middle berth got down to go to the toilet. The chain fastening the berth was loose, and it fell on the girl in the lower berth. She was made to disembark at Salem and was admitted to a govt J from Friends on Rails, an association of railway passengers, said the chain does not fit well often. "In many cases, the passenger has to be careful when installing the middle berth. The Railways should also check all the chains of the berths before a train is prepared for a trip."Meanwhile, the southern railway blamed the passengers for the accident, saying that it happened due to improper handling of the chain-link hook by the passenger. The statement issued by the railway authorities also says that primary maintenance involving thorough scrutiny of the coaches was carried out and a fitness certificate was issued for the train. However, passengers often find many fixtures in the coaches on most trains non-functional, despite the coaches undergoing pre-departure maintenance checks. The charging port, toilet doors, latches of toilets, and the waste bin below the washbasins are often not in good condition in most of the trains, including those that have Linke Hofmann Busch coaches."Rather than blaming passengers, Railways should ensure that fixtures are in good condition. I often found the chain loose when the berth is folded up, but it becomes secure when a passenger gets on it," said Kavya Menon, a regular Railways tried out different designs to ensure that the chain that holds the middle berth remains stable. But constant use often makes them loose. These chains are not replaced till the coaches are sent for periodic overhaul, as it's not easy to get the same type of said that pre-departure checks are supposed to ensure all fixtures are in order but these checks may not be thorough due to a reduction in staff allocated per rake for this work. In an accident last June, a passenger had died after a middle berth fell on him in an Ernakulam-Nizamuddin railway has requested passengers to securely fasten the middle berth using the chain link hook after use. Improper handling or failure to lock the berth correctly may pose safety risks to fellow passengers, a statement said.
