Latest news with #southIndian


Time of India
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kamal Haasan thanks TN for supporting him on language row
Chennai: Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan who stood his ground refusing to apologise for his 'Kannada was born from Tamil' remark, thanked Tamil Nadu for firmly backing him during the controversy. "I thank Tamil Nadu for standing with me," Kamal said in his first public appearance since the controversy broke out. I now feel the true meaning of the words Uyire (my life), Urave (my kin), Tamizhe, which I say often" Kamal said at an event organised here on Wednesday to promote his movie 'Thug Life. ' Though he did not delve further into the controversy, Kamal expressed gratitude for the support from several politicians, film personalities, activists and authors for his remarks on Kannada. Municipal administration minister K N Nehru too extended support to Kamal saying that south Indian languages originated from Tamil. Even after the Karnataka high court rapped Kamal, the actor remained defiant and refused to apologise stating that 'love does not apologise.' Though the movie is releasing worldwide on June 5, Kamal has chosen not to release it in Karnataka where political outfits as well as the film industry demanded an apology from him for the remark. Film industry insiders say that the film could have done a business of upto 35 crore in Karnataka given the fact that his earlier hit Vikram's box office collection in Karnataka was around 22 crore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo However, the 35 crore estimate would be the total collection out of which the producer's share would be around 10 to 12 crores. Tamil film producers say that Bengaluru is the only big market for Tamil films in Karnataka and there was a likelihood of Kamal fans driving down to Hosur which is 40 kms to watch Thug Life. In any case, there is also the possibility for a settlement with Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce enabling the film's release in Karnataka.


India.com
2 days ago
- General
- India.com
Know Why Chennai City Is The Perfect Destination For Backpackers
Chennai, located in the southern part of India and serving as the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a lively city which masters the integration of traditional and modern practices. Dubbed 'Gateway to South India,' the city presents an ideal mix for backpackers through culture, history, and affordable travel. Even when visiting alone or in a group, Chennai has something distinct to offer its visitors. With that said, here are five compelling reasons why Chennai is the perfect destination for backpackers. 1. Affordable Accommodation Options Chennai's biggest draw for backpackers is the availability of affordable accommodation options. The city is well-known for its extensive range of budget hostels, guesthouses, and hotels as compared to the rest of India. Most of these facilities are located around popular visiting spots such as Marina Beach or the railway station. Moreover, certain guesthouses and hostels are available at the airport for those who need immediate rest upon arrival. In addition, sites like Airbnb and also cater budget-oriented travelers while ensuring comfort. 2. Rich Cultural Heritage Chennai has a rich history and culture that gives backpackers an opportunity to explore south Indian customs. There are also ancient temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple, along with some colonial era sites like Fort St. George. All these places are filled with history and do showcase brilliant architecture. In addition to that, backpackers get a chance to celebrate local festivals like Pongal or Navaratri and get a taste of the culture. 3. Delicious Street Food Scene For enthusiasts looking to traveling places with great food, Chennai is paradise on Earth. The city is famous for its South Indian dishes which include idli, dosa, vada, filter coffee, among many others. What makes this even more attractive for backpackers is the inexpensive prices of street food. Regions such as T. Nagar and Mylapore have great markets where you can get authentic food for very little money. Make sure you try the city's famous biryani and coconut based desserts. 4. Easy Reach Public Transport This city is very easy to navigate due to Chennai's decent public transport system. There are buses called MTC that serve most parts of the city and auto-rickshaws can be used for shorter distances. For train users, there is a Chennai Suburban Railway Network which covers important areas. With these features, traveling in the city becomes easier for backpackers who aim to explore the town without spending excessively on transportation. 5. Gorgeous Beaches and Nature Chennai is renowned for its wonderful natural features such as beautiful beaches and greenery. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, which makes it a favorite to many backpackers who want to enjoy the sun by the water. Other attractions in the area include, but are not limited to Guindy National Park, a small reserve with plenty of biodiversity located inside the city, and the beautiful Besant Nagar Beach. These places greatly aid in photography, bird watching, or just relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Wrapping Up Chennai has a unique bargain. It has a perfect blend of affordability, culture, and convenience making it ideal for backpackers. From historic monuments, beautiful beaches, street food, to the roaring arts in the city, there is truly something for everyone. Additionally, because of its position in South India, it makes the city a central point for traveling to other regions, hence extending the possibilities. So, grab your backpack and get ready to unleash the inner traveler within you to figure out what makes Chennai such a special place.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM unveils statue of city's first mayor ‘Muthannan'
Madurai: In a gesture that transcends political divides, chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday evening unveiled a bronze statue of Madurai's first mayor, Subbiah Muthu, fondly known as 'Muthannan,' at New Jail Road, replacing the older concrete structure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A key architect of DMK in Madurai in the 1960s and seventies, Muthu's contributions to the city's civic and political landscape were honoured despite his shift to AIADMK in 1975. Muthu who was mayor twice, from 1971 to 1974, and from 1978-1980, made earnest efforts to elevate Madurai from being a municipality to a corporation. Born on March 13, 1916 into a peasant family, Muthu's early education ended at the age of eleven. He started his career as a junior accountant in a south Indian firm in Burma, then tilled the soil in his village, and later worked in Madurai Mills. He was arrested several times while leading strikes and campaigning against price rises. A staunch follower of E V Ramasamy, Muthu joined Dravida Kazhagam in 1944, and later became a member of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in 1949. He was elected as a member of the legislative council (MLC) in 1966 and to Madurai Council, becoming its chairman in 1969 and mayor in 1971. Construction of overbridges at Subramanyapuram and Andalpuram, establishment of collector wells to augment the city's water supply, and provision of housing for corporation staff were some of his contributions. "Muthannan was the root of Madurai DMK from 1960s when we used to hold party meetings on the Vaigai river against the Congress govt. He used to protect the cadres and discipline the party," recalls P Kulanthaivel, the first directly elected mayor in 1996. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a social media post, M K Alagiri, former Union minister, said Muthannan belonged to former chief minister Annadurai's period. "Even though I did not share much space with him, his works in Madurai for DMK are known even now, and I am happy that my brother M K Stalin is unveiling a bronze statue of Muthannan."


New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Biryani to podi dosa, Kerala eatery serves Indian chess stars in Norway
STAVANGER (NORWAY): After obliging the vast array of autograph hunters outside the playing hall at the venue, Arjun Erigaisi got into a car and made his way to an eatery that has become the rage among Indian chess players here. It's a trip all four Indian players — R Vaishali, D Gukesh and Koneru Humpy the others — have already made at the ongoing edition of Norway Chess. Erigaisi, featuring in Stavanger for the first time, was told about the place by R Praggnanandhaa, who tasted their food last year. The players' favourites include lamb masala, chicken biryani and, in Vaishali's case, podi dosa. 'A few of the players ordered south Indian style lamb masala,' says Nitish Kamath, one of the five owners of Spisoh. 'Humpy doesn't have a set template and we have noticed that Vaishali has picked up podi dosa on a few occasions.'

The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Actor, poet, and legal luminary are among those set to represent T.N. in Rajya Sabha
An actor-turned politician, a legal luminary, a littérateur, and a senior party functionary are set to represent Tamil Nadu in the Rajya Sabha, as DMK and its ally Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) announced their candidates on Wednesday for the biennial elections. Actor Kamal Haasan, a recipient of the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan, and the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier), among others, would need no introduction in the Upper House. The founder of MNM, an ally in the DMK-led alliance, is conversant in multiple south Indian languages. Rajya Sabha MP and former Advocate-General P. Wilson is among the prominent legal luminaries from the State. His role in getting a historic judgment for the Tamil Nadu government in The State of Tamil Nadu Vs. The Governor of Tamil Nadu case was the latest feather in his cap and underlined his legal prowess. During his previous tenure in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Wilson was among those who moved several private Bills. Announcing her entry into the world of books with her debut Irandam Jaamankalin Kathai in 2004, A. Rokkaiah Malik alias Kavignar Salma has been challenging orthodoxy around gender and sexuality through her writings. A senior functionary in the DMK's women wing, Ms. Salma will be another Tamil voice in the Rajya Sabha hailing from Tiruchi region after her party colleague and MP Tiruchi Siva. DMK's Salem East district secretary S.R. Sivalingam is among the three district secretaries in Salem district, the native district of AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The other two district secretaries of Salem — T.M. Selvaganapathy and R. Rajendran — are Lok Sabha MP and State Minister respectively.