Latest news with #Goundamani
Mint
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Suck, chew and slurp on that drumstick
People who eat drumstick in their sambar fall into two camps. The first kind loves eating them whole, soaking up all the tamarind and spices of the sambar. They suck out the softened pulp like a meat-eater savouring marrow from a bone. It is also mandatory to chew on the leathery skin thoroughly to extract every last bit of juice and flavour. What remains on the plate is a pile of fibrous scraps, not unlike the leftovers at a sugarcane juice stall. And then there's the second kind—the bougie crowd. They want the inner flesh of the drumstick neatly scooped out and stirred into the sambar, no mess tolerated. They want the comfort of Indian food, but tidied up, Westernised. The same kind who want their mangoes all peeled and diced and served in a fancy ceramic bowl with a fruit fork. If you don't shy away from eating with your hands, there's a repertoire of drumstick dishes in south Indian cuisine beyond the classic sambar. Some memorable ones I've tasted include the drumstick and raw mango curry from Kerala, nuggekai huli from Karnataka, and the tangy-hot pulusu from Telugu kitchens. And just in case you thought drumsticks had a southern bias—they're equally beloved in Gujarati, Maharashtrian, Odia and Bengali homes, each bringing to it a distinctive blend of spices and techniques. For those who want the benefits of moringa with a hands-off approach, there's a recipe shared by the Prime Minister in a speech a couple of years ago, which he says is his favourite —drumstick soup. It's simple and is perfect for that pre-dinner something. Drumstick also has a cheeky parallel life in Tamil cinema, especially in the old-school comedies. Thanks to its suggestive shape and its status as an aphrodisiac in Siddha and Ayurvedic traditions, it often showed up as a not-so-subtle innuendo in comedy tracks and flirty dialogues. Vadivelu declaring, 'Only if you eat drumstick will a man get his heat!" or Goundamani's trademark smirk and nudge anytime murungakkai made an appearance on screen are all too familiar examples for the Tamil audiences. The West has discovered an even more 'sanitised" way to eat moringa, i.e. dried and powdered moringa leaves—sprinkling it into smoothies or whipped into a latte. But, the humble pods remain largely undiscovered. In Indian kitchens, though, moringa isn't just health food. It is prized for its unique flavour, which is why how we eat it matters too. A seemingly mundane act from 2023 recently ignited a global conversation. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was filmed eating biryani with his hands. Congressman Brandon Gill sneered that 'civilised people" don't eat like that. The internet erupted in protest, defending Mamdani and calling out the hypocrisy of cultures that ridicule eating with hands, while happily grabbing burgers, tacos or pizza without cutlery. What followed was an overdue reckoning about what it means to be 'civilised" in a multicultural world. So go on and eat the drumsticks with your hands. Suck, chew and slurp in that unapologetically Indian way. KERALA-STYLE DRUMSTICK SAMBAR Serves 3-4 Ingredients 2 drumsticks, cut into 2-inch batons 1 medium-sized carrot 1 medium-sized potato 1 small onion 1 tsp coconut oil Half tsp mustard seeds Quarter tsp fenugreek seeds Quarter tsp turmeric powder Half-cup tamarind extract (prepared from soaking a lemon sized tamarind in hot water) 1 tbsp sambar powder Quarter tsp asafoetida powder 2 cups cooked tur dal (with liquid) For the tempering: 2 tsp coconut oil Half tsp mustard seeds 2-3 dried red chillies 1 sprig curry leaves 1 small onion, thinly sliced Method Peel and chop carrot and potato into large chunks. Peel and cut onion into thick slices. In a small pressure cooker, heat coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and fenugreek. Stir for few seconds. Add all vegetables, turmeric, salt and tamarind extract (or 1 tsp tamarind paste whisked in half cup hot water). Pressure-cook for one whistle. Open the cooker, add the sambar powder, asafoetida and mashed cooked dal. Adjust salt as per taste. Bring to a simmer. For the tempering, heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds. Once it splutters, add the curry leaves and red chillies. Then add the sliced shallots and stir for 2-3 minutes on a low flame until golden brown. Transfer this over the sambar and keep covered until ready to serve, with rice and banana chips. PM'S FAVOURITE DRUMSTICK SOUP Serves 2 Ingredients 2 large drumsticks 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 1-2 medium sized tomatoes, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, sliced Handful of coriander stems Quarter tsp turmeric 1 tsp salt Crushed black pepper/red chilli flakes to taste Method Wash, lightly peel and cut the drumsticks into batons. Place them in a pressure cooker with chopped onion, tomatoes, garlic, coriander stems, turmeric and salt. Add 2 cups of water and pressure-cook for 5 minutes. Blend the contents of the cooker, once cooled, to a puree. Pass through a fine meshed sieve and press down to remove all the fibrous part. You can thin the soup with some water depending on the desired consistency. Bring to a simmer, serve hot, garnishing with crushed black pepper or red chilli flakes. Double Tested is a fortnightly column on vegetarian cooking, highlighting a single ingredient prepared two ways. Nandita Iyer's latest book is The Great Indian Thali. She posts @saffrontrail on Instagram and X.
News18
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Thalapathy Vijay Pays Last Respect To Goundamani's Wife Shanthi
Last Updated: Vijay paid a visit to Goundamani's Chennai residence to offer his condolences to the family. Shanthi was 67. Veteran Tamil actor-comedian Goundamani's wife, Shanthi, died on Monday, May 5. She reportedly passed away due to her ill health at 67. As the regional film industry joined the actor in mourning and sending him condolences, actor Thalapathy Vijay paid a visit to Goundamani's Chennai home to pay his last respects. TVK leader and Tamil superstar Vijay was spotted at Goundamani's residence, where Shanthi's mortal remains were kept for the final rites. In a touching photo shared by one of the actor's fan pages on X, Vijay was seen embracing Goundamani. The image quickly spread across social media, with fans appreciating Vijay's thoughtful gesture towards the actor-comedian during such a difficult phase. Actor and TVK President Thalapathy Vijay pays heartfelt tribute in person to the late wife of veteran actor Goundamani 🙏🏼 — Tamil Nadu Vijay Fans Club (@TNVFC_OFFI) May 5, 2025 Goundamani's long-time comedy partner, Senthil, also came to pay his respects to Shanthi. The duo's legendary comic timing has made them one of the most loved pairs in Tamil cinema. Actor Sathyaraj also visited Goundamani's home in Chennai. Upon his arrival, he spoke to the media and said that Shanthi was like his 'sister". Goundamani's wife, Shanthi, was hospitalised for two days before her passing. She was suffering from an undisclosed medical condition. She is survived by her husband and their two daughters, Sumithra and Selvi. Goundamani and Shanthi had tied the knot in 1963. Goundamani, born Subramaniyan Karuppaiya, is one of the legendary comedians in Tamil cinema. Having made his debut in acting in the 1960s, he is best known for his partnership with Senthil. Over the course of his career, he has acted in hundreds of films and was at the peak of his career for 40 years. Most recently, he was seen in the film Otha Votu Muthaiya. As for Vijay, the 50-year-old actor was last seen on-screen in the film The Greatest of All Time (GOAT). Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the action thriller saw Vijay in dual roles. Up next, he will be seen in Jana Nayagan, a political thriller directed by H. Vinoth. The film will also feature Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol in the lead roles, alongside Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Mamitha Baiju, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and others in other key roles. The film is expected to hit the theatres on January 9, 2026, and is reportedly Vijay's final movie before he turns his focus fully on politics. First Published:
News18
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Tamil Comedy Legend Goundamani's Wife Passes Away, Senthil Offers Support
1/6 The loss of a life partner is a deeply personal tragedy, and when such sorrow befalls a beloved public figure, it resonates far beyond their immediate circle. Veteran Tamil actor and comedian Goundamani is in mourning following the death of his wife, Shanthi, who passed away on Monday at 10:30 am after a period of illness at the age of 67. The news has cast a shadow of grief over the Tamil film industry. Shanthi, who preferred a private life away from the spotlight, had been unwell for several weeks. Her passing has left Goundamani and his family heartbroken. 3/6 Goundamani, a household name in Tamil cinema, rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with his sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing. His iconic on-screen partnership with fellow comedian Senthil continues to entertain audiences even today.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vijay, Sathyaraj, Senthil, and other Kollywood stars pay final respects to Goundamani's wife, Shanthi
Veteran comedian Goundamani, widely admired for his memorable supporting roles in Tamil cinema—particularly those involving romantic subplots—had a love marriage with his wife, Shanthi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The couple were blessed with two daughters, Selvi and Sumithra. Despite being married to a legendary actor, Shanthi remained low-key and kept away from the public eye. Sadly, she passed away yesterday (May 5) at around 10:30 AM due to health-related complications. Her mortal remains have been placed at their residence in Teynampet, Chennai, allowing family, friends, and members of the public to pay their final respects. and Senthil Offer Condolences Following the news of Shanthi's demise, members of the Tamil film industry began visiting Goundamani's residence to express their condolences. Actor Sathyaraj, a long-time friend and frequent co-star of , visited the Teynampet residence in person to pay tribute and offer comfort to the grieving actor. Actor Senthil, who formed a legendary comic duo with Goundamani in numerous films, also arrived promptly to extend his support and pay his respects. Joins in Mourning Leading Tamil actor Vijay also visited Goundamani's residence to pay his last respects to Shanthi. His presence added emotional weight to the moment, standing in solidarity with one of Tamil cinema 's most cherished veterans. Directors KS , Sundar C, and several other industry figures have also visited to pay homage. Images and videos from the residence have surfaced on social media, capturing the outpouring of grief and support. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Remembering the Man Behind the Laughter Goundamani's contribution to Tamil cinema, particularly his impeccable comic timing alongside Sathyaraj and Senthil, remains legendary. His performance as Subramani in the 1971 film Thenum Paalum marked the beginning of an illustrious career. The comic duos of Goundamani–Sathyaraj and Goundamani–Senthil are celebrated to this day, their humor transcending generations and continuing to bring joy to audiences.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Thalapathy Vijay visits Goundamani to offer condolences after wife Shanti's demise
Superstar Vijay Thalapathy offered condolences to veteran Tamil comedian Goundamani who is mourning the loss of his wife Shanti, who passed away on May 5, 2025, in Chennai at the age of 67 after battling health complications. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Vijay pays his respects in person The superstar visited Goundamani's home to support his longtime friend during this difficult time. Photos of Vijay embracing and paying his respects have gone viral. Goundaman's wife Shanti had been unwell for a few days before her passing despite medical care. Her death has cast a sombre mood over the Tamil cinema community, with fans and colleagues remembering her quietly supportive presence behind the scenes. Married since 1963, the Goundamani and his wife shared a strong bond and have two daughters, Selvi and Sumithra. Shanti's sudden demise has deeply affected Goundamani and his family, with their residence in Teynampet, Chennai, opened for friends, family, and well-wishers to pay their final respects. The Tamil film industry has come together in grief, remembering Goundamani's legendary contribution to cinema. Known for his impeccable comic timing and iconic partnership with fellow comedian Senthil, Goundamani's work has left an indelible mark on Tamil pop culture since the 1960s. Despite stepping back from acting in recent years, he made a brief comeback this year with 'Otha Votu Muthaiya'. Vijay's upcoming film Speaking about Vijay Thalapathy's acting front, he is currently working on his much-anticipated upcoming film 'Jana Nayagan', directed by H. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Vinoth. The political action thriller is slated for a grand release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with the festive Pongal season, a prime time for Tamil cinema. The film is widely regarded as Vijay's final cinematic venture before he fully shifts his focus to politics. The film also includes Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol in the lead, with a strong supporting cast including Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar.
