I can't wait: Trisha

<><> <><> <><>

"I have put 110 per cent in Khatta Meetha and can't wait for July 23 when the film releases," says Trisha, who is making her Bollywood debut with the Priyadarshan-directed movie, which has Akshay Kumar as the leading man. The actress, who is currently shooting with Kamal Haasan in France for 'Manmadhan Ambu', says, "My role in Khatta Meetha was meaty and everything was just so perfect. Everything just happened over a 10 minutes phone call, all thanks to Priyan." On things she expects from her Bollywood venture, Trisha says, "I am looking forward to more acceptance and appreciation. I am very much interested to see how people from south, from where I belong, react to it." Excited about working with Kamal, she says, "What a man he is. Kamal sir is an awesome genius who has wide knowledge about anything not just under the sun, but beyond that too. I am enjoying every bit of working with him."

I am open to all: Radha Mohan

Radha Mohan, who is busy directing Nagarjuna starrer bilingual Payanam, has come out with a clarification that he is open to work for any production house, and not just for Prakash Raj's Duet Movies alone.

The Mozhi and Abhiyum Naanum director, who has been repeatedly making films for Duet Movies (Payanam too is produced by Prakash Raj), says, I am working for Duet Movies again and again because Prakash Raj gives me a lot of freedom.

But I am ready to make movies other production houses too, the filmmaker says and adds: However, the only thing I would expect from the producers is they should give me freedom in shaping up the movie.

On Payanam, he says, For the first time, I am venturing into action genre. I preferred Nagarjuna for the lead role since he fits well to that particular character. Prakash Raj too is playing a pivotal role in the movie based on a flight hijack incident.

Singer Swetha engaged to Ashwin

Last year's state award of Kerala, winning playback singer Swetha got engaged to Ashwin at a grand function at Chennai. Daughter of famous singer Sujatha, Swetha's engagement function was attended by director Priyan, Lissy and other important singers of the south. The wedding is scheduled for the 16th of January next year.

Having sung popular hit songs in Kireedom, Pirivom Santhipom and others, Swetha has proved herself to be a versatile singer in a short career of few years and has sung for films in all south Indian languages and in Hindi. Her latest hit includes the song ''Oh Maha Zeeya'' for the Tamil hit 'Thamizh Padam'.

Priyamani chokes

Usually most actresses dont prefer to dub for their films for obvious reasons. But still there are some who makes it a point in their contracts to use their own voice.

National award winning actress Priyamani has become more determined these days to dub for her films. One reason may be, she recently missed a Kerala State Award for the film Thirakkatha because she has not dubbed herself for the film even with an incredible performance. So the dark beauty has decided not to take chances any more.

Recently Priyamani was dubbing for the tri-lingual Mani film Raavan. She is dubbing for herself for both the Hindi and Tamil versions of Raavan. Since Priya knows the languages well everything thing was going fine. Then there was an emotional scene which has to be dubbed with intense modulations. Mani�s dubbing directors told her to do the Tamil version first and then do the Hindi version because she will be able to understand the feel better and emote better in Hindi.

She was game and started that way with Tamil. The scene had typical Tirunelveli dialect and Mani was personally supervising Priya. The dubbing started and at one stage Priya became so emotional and choked. Finally she broke down. She said the scene was so touching and she virtually blended with the scene.

Good signs any way. Priyamani feels Raavan will be a turning point of her career.

Pooja with Bala again?

After Naan Kadavul the cute actress Pooja is right now enjoying her time judging reality shows. Now the grapevine is abuzz that director Bala has offered a lead role for his next film with Arya and Vishal.

The director, who is hunting for a fresh face for another female lead, is keen to sign-up Pooja, they say. Earlier rumours were making rounds about Sarath Kumar's daughter Varalaxmi being offered a lead role in this film. But as Sarath Kumar is not that interested to let his daughter enter cinema as of now, the plans have been changed, say the birdies.

It's worthy to mention that Pooja was earlier prepared to do a cameo role in a film that was to be produced by Moser Baer and that has Arya in the lead. Sadly, news made it clear that the film is shelved for some reason.

Let's see if things will work out for her this time

Padmapriya to feel butterflies

Padmapriya may not be a popular name in Telugu films though she made her debut with the Telugu film Seenu Vasanthi Lakshmi. But she became more popular in Tamil and Malayalam. Now she will be again seen in a Telugu film Andari Banduvaya by Chandra Siddhartha. However, it is her Hindi release that makes her feel butterflies in stomach. Striker is her first Hindi film in which she pairs opposite Boys Siddharth.

In Striker Siddharth plays a carrom player and Padmapriya is his romantic interest. Set to release in Hindi and Telugu on the 5th of February, the film is important for her as she hopes to bounce back in Telugu and make a strong entry in Hindi.

The actress with great acting potential is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. After Thavamai Thavamirundhu she lost touch with Tamil audience.

Hope she strikes the right chords with her Striker this time.

2009 Oscar Winners Crazy Heart

Crazy Heart

The Harder The Life, The Sweeter The Song.

Oscar Nominations of 2009:

• Best Actor
• Best Song
• Best Actress Supporting

Directed by:	Scott Cooper
Starring: more credits	Jeff Bridges Maggie Gyllenhaal Robert Duvall Paul Hermann Brian Gleason Ryan Bingham
Distributed by:	Fox Searchlight Pictures
Running Time:	112 minutes
Genres:	Drama Musical

Synopsis: Jeff Bridges stars as the richly comic, semi-tragic romantic anti-hero Bad Blake in the debut feature film "Crazy Heart" from writer-director Scott Cooper. Bad Blake is a broken-down, hard-living country music singer who's had way too many marriages, far too many years on the road and one too many drinks way too many times. And yet, Bad can’t help but reach for salvation with the help of Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a journalist who discovers the real man behind the musician. As he struggles down the road of redemption, Bad learns the hard way just how tough life can be on one man’s crazy heart.