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India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Naa Ninna Bidalare: Anant Nag's classic is a battle between obsession and devotion
In this week's Retro Review, we pick a 1979 Kannada horror film that set trends, made waves and gave an iconic on-screen pair. 'Naa Ninna Bidalare' is a milestone film in the esteemed careers of Lakshmi and Anant Nag, who were considered an iconic on-screen pair during their prime. The film established Anant Nag's acting prowess as well as his potential to pull audiences to the Naa Ninna Bidalare (1979)Cast: Anant Nag, Lakshmi, K Vijaya, KS Ashwath, Leelavathi, Balakrishna, Musuri Krishnamurthy among Vijay ReddiBox-Office Status: Blockbuster (Ran in theatres for over 100 days)Where to Watch: YouTubeWhy to Watch: Anant Nag-Lakshmi on-screen chemistry, screenplay, peak horror, beautiful songsadvertisementToxicity in relationships and romance is one of the most talked-about topics currently, in cinema or otherwise. Red flags, obsession, stalking, coercion, manipulation, etc., on one side - green flags, loyalty, trust, devotion, etc., on the other - and we often find characters in films and people around us in real life oscillating and stuck between these poles; all in the name of imagine a film that is almost four decades old addressing the same issues, but with a magnified perspective. That's 'Naa Ninna Badalare' for you - a 1979 Kannada film that talks about the same problems but on a deeper, darker and scarier level. On one end, we have Kamini, played by K Vijaya, who represents all the negative connotations of love listed above; and on the other, we have Gayathri, played by Lakshmi, who represents the positive. Struggling in between is Krishna, played by Anant Nag, who is married to his childhood love Gayathri but becomes blue-eyed due to Kamini's obsession - a love that haunts him literally. A poster of 'Naa Ninna Bidalare' advertisementThe Plot in a nutshellThe film begins with Krishna attempting to study for his exams, but his focus quickly falters, thanks to a photo of Gayathri tucked inside his textbook. The picture acts like a bookmark - or maybe a checkpoint in the syllabus - as if he's promised himself he can see her only after completing a set number of the exams are done, Krishna heads back to his village. But instead of going home, he rushes straight to see Gayathri. Having grown up together - their parents being siblings - Krishna and Gayathri have shared a bond since childhood. Their love story feels destined, even unofficially betrothed over the follows is a string of cinematic highs: Krishna jumps off a moving train just to get to Gayathri immediately; a retro classic, 'Naanu Neenu Ondada Mele' by SP Balasubrahmanyam and S Janaki, sets the tone; there's drama, comedy, and a wedding fixed before you know it. Then comes another SPB–S Janaki gem, 'Hosa Balige Nee Joteyaade', played on their first night as a married couple. Just when things seem to be heading toward a near-consummation of marriage - boom - the pre-interval twist drops: in a graveyard, Krishna is blue (eye)balled, and the camera pans ominously to the name... Kamini. (PC: Youtube/SGV Digital) This is where the film really gets into its element and picks up pace. Who is Kamini? What happened to Krishna? Was Krishna loyal to Gayathri while he was away for his studies? Will Gayathri be able to save her husband from the clutches of Kamini? The answers to these questions - delivered in the most conventional and classic manner - form the plot of the rest of the film. Not just that, but these very answers are what made the film a classic in the rich filmographies of cinema icons like Anant Nag and of romance: Red flags and green flags'Naa Ninna Bidalare', which translates to 'I won't leave you' in Kannada, is applicable in two ways: the innocent, dedicated love of Gayathri and the toxic obsession of Kamini - both directed at Krishna. While 'red flags' and 'green flags' are terms popularised by Gen-Z, the theme itself has existed for as long as love has been relevant, and cinema has long explored these Anant Nag as a possessed Krishna looks terrifying, the conversations between Kamini in Krishna's possessed body and Gayathri are just as catty as ever - conversations between two women over a man. The dialogue, 'Baa re baa!', is so iconic that it's the first thing that comes to mind for anyone who has watched the film. And the pre-climax clash between the metaphorical green and red flag? It's the kind of spicy (masaledaar) showdown that reality shows today could only dream of staging. (PC: Youtube/SGV Digital) advertisementThe film takes a moral standpoint, holding up a mirror to reflect the contrast between these polar-opposite forces. Sitting in 2025, it might come off as a tad preachy in its portrayal of a modern city girl versus a traditional village girl. But if you look past the obvious classic template, you can see how these women represent all the traits we now label individually - what was once simply considered good or classic template: Old now but gold thenThe story, screenplay, and technical aspects of the film follow what we now recognise as 'the template'. In the realm of love-centric dramas, it has all the familiar ingredients: a noble and charming hero, a heroine who's the epitome of virtue, families who heighten the drama without offering real solutions, a couple of comic side characters, and a female villain who's the complete opposite of the ideal heroine. And since the villain is a ghost, it's ultimately God who steps in to save the paper, it might sound like a film you've seen a hundred times before, but what makes this old gem feel like gold is the way it has been presented. A classic template done right is still entertaining today, so just imagine the kind of craze this film must have had - which, for a 1979 release, can still be considered ahead of its time. While the elements follow the template, the treatment does not. Most importantly, the comic scenes are an extension of the main plot, and not just a random ape-man showing up in the city and harassing women under the guise of comedy. This shows that building a story was given the most importance and not a mindless integration of music and immortal voicesSP Balasubrahmanyam, S Janaki, and P Susheela are pillars of playback singing in Indian cinema. Just these names, along with the music cassettes sold, were enough to make this film a profitable venture. Those were the days when such musical icons were no less than superstars on screen. The immortal voices of these stalwarts struck the right chord, elevating the cinematic experience and instantly establishing the chemistry between the characters. P Susheela, SP Balasubramaniyam and S Janaki (from the left), some of the most accomplished singers in Indian cinema advertisementThe four songs in the film - the devotional 'Bidenu Ninna Paada', the saucy anti-romantic 'Endendigoo Naa Ninna', the song of unification 'Hosa Balige Nee Joteyaade', and the ever-romantic 'Naanu Neenu Ondada' - form a playlist, and a set of voices, that are truly Nag and Lakshmi: One of the finest on-screen couplesLakshmi, or 'Julie Lakshmi', became a nationwide sensation with her debut film for her beauty and on-screen charm. Anant Nag, on the other hand, was a consistent presence in parallel cinema, frequently seen in Shyam Benegal's award-winning films like 'Ankur', 'Nishant', and 'Kalyug'. While these roles marked their entry into the Hindi film industry, both actors carved out their own success stories in South Indian cinema before coming together on who debuted in 1968, was soon cast opposite some of the biggest names in South Indian cinema - from Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan to MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, NT Rama Rao, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. She steadily built a strong portfolio, eventually establishing herself as a female superstar of that Nag, meanwhile, made his debut in 1973 after gaining prominence in theatre. He gradually rose in popularity for his chocolate-hero image in commercial films, while also making a mark in several award-winning parallel cinema projects. When the two were paired together in 'Naa Ninna Bidalare' (1979), their chemistry was so widely appreciated that they went on to star in several more Kannada films together, becoming a formula for guaranteed commercial success. A lasting legacyA film becomes a classic when it refuses to fade with time and continues to live on in the minds of its audience. This is one such film - not just because its themes still resonate today, but because its storytelling sets it apart from the rest. What truly cements its legacy, however, are two unforgettable forces: the iconic pairing of Padma Bhushan Anant Nag and Lakshmi, and Kannada cinema's eternal blue-eyed boy - Krishna. - Ends
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Analysts See Value in Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) at Current Levels
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPB) is among the best bear market stocks to buy according to analysts. On Wednesday, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPB) reached a 52-week low, declining to $54.54. Analysts believe that the stock is undervalued at its current levels, making it a valuable stock. With the company being loud on one thing: it will not chase short-term revenue at the expense of its robust financial position, we can expect it to have promising opportunities ahead. One strategy that Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPB) is holding onto is new product development (NPD) to drive future growth. Investments in innovations are expanding core categories and boosting sales and new adjacencies. The company considers buying assets at a better price as the silver lining in this macro environment, making M&A initiatives highly likely. A person enjoying the convenience of their pet products, that simplify clean-up. The COVID era speaks volumes about the performance of the company. During the peak lockdown period, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPB) grew by more than 23% in 2020, in contrast to the broader market, which grew by around 17%. Thus, in similar circumstances, SPB has a high chance of outperforming its peers when there is demand uncertainty. This is supported by the one-year price guidance of $83.57 by Yahoo Finance, implying an upside of nearly 61%. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPB), headquartered in Wisconsin, United States, is a diversified consumer products and home essentials company. The core offerings of the company include pet products, personal care items, small household appliances, and home pest control solutions. From North America and Europe to Asia Pacific and the Middle East, SPB has a powerful industry presence. While we acknowledge the potential of SPB as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen.
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Hindustani vocalist makes a cultural statement with his labour of love
Mangaluru: In a musical homage to the late playback legend S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), a singer from Mangaluru has etched his name into the Golden Book of World Records by rendering SPB's iconic songs for a full 24 hours without a break—well, almost. Yashwant M.G., an acclaimed Hindustani vocalist and music teacher, took on the marathon challenge to mark SPB's birth anniversary on June 4. Beginning at precisely 3 PM on June 3, his voice did not fall silent until the clock struck 3 PM the next day—celebrating the very man whose voice shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for decades. Supported by a dedicated live band and a quietly focused team, Yashwant's performance was not just a test of vocal endurance—it was a labour of love and a cultural statement. It paid tribute to a singer who delivered over 40,000 songs across 16 languages and left an indelible legacy in the world of music. A carefully orchestrated tribute The performance, titled Baalagaana Yashoyana (roughly translated as 'Journey of Victory through Childhood Songs'), was meticulously planned and professionally executed. Every hour, the team followed an official rule: five minutes of break time allowed for hydration, light meals, and vocal rest. Yet, as Yashwant later said, 'The music gave me more energy than any food could.' Accompanying Yashwant was a band of seasoned musicians: Rajagopal on guitar, Deepak Jayasheelan on keyboard, Vaman K. on drums and rhythm, Prajwal Acharya on tabla, Varsha Basrur on flute, and Sumukh Acharya on sitar. Together, they maintained the sonic flow of the performance with admirable finesse. Each song chosen came from SPB's vast and beloved discography—ranging from soulful classical numbers to peppy film tracks across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. While the challenge demanded physical stamina, Yashwant said the emotional impact of the songs posed the greater challenge. 'I grew up with SPB's voice. Singing his songs one after another made me relive my entire musical journey,' he said. Official recognition To ensure authenticity, D. Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, was present to oversee the event and certify the attempt. According to him, this 24-hour uninterrupted musical feat was among the most disciplined and emotionally resonant record attempts he had witnessed. Interestingly, the previous record involved a 12-hour performance of singer Mukesh's Hindi film songs sung in Marathi. Yashwant's effort, therefore, not only broke that benchmark but did so with pan-Indian linguistic representation—true to SPB's multilingual legacy. Who is Yashwant MG? The singer behind this feat is no stranger to accolades. A Hindustani classical vocalist trained under the late Madhav Acharya and Pandit Mahabaleshwar Bhagwat, Yashwant holds postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kannada, History, and Hindi. He currently serves as an examiner at Gangubai Hangal Music University in Mysuru. His career has included stints in the NCC Army (18th Karnataka Battalion), and he is deeply rooted in the Vedic and Sanskrit priestly traditions. Musically, he has bagged top honours in various national TV reality shows—including ETV's Edetumbi Haaduvenu (2005), Suvarna TV's Confident Star Singer (2008), and Udaya TV's Sangeetha Mahayuddha (2010). He also composed the full-length Vande Mataram anthem for a world record attempt in 2018, and debuted as a film music director in the Kannada movie Kanasu Kannu Teredaga. In 2024, he reached the semifinals of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. To date, Yashwant has performed over 3,000 concerts globally and trained more than 5,000 students in Indian music. More than a record While the Golden Book of World Records will formally verify and certify the feat in the coming days, the emotional and musical resonance of the event is already being felt across the region. For many attendees, it felt like SPB himself had briefly returned, his spirit channelled through another devoted voice. 'I did not feel sleepy, nor did my voice waver,' Yashwant said after the final song. 'It was as though SPB himself gave me the strength to complete this journey.' In a world that often chases headlines, this was a moment that chased history—and sang it.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Karma conundrum
Thirukkural with the Times explores real-world lessons from the classic Tamil text 'Thirukkural'. Written by Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Kural consists of 1,330 short couplets of seven words each. This text is divided into three books with teachings on virtue, wealth, and love and is considered one of the great works ever on ethics and morality. The Kural has influenced scholars and leaders across social, political, and philosophical spheres. Motivational speaker, author and diversity champion Bharathi Bhaskar explores the masterpiece. Aayiram Nilave Vaa Dil Deewana Manram Vandha Thendralukku Shankara Tere Mere Beech Mein Ilaya Nila doli I am not above you. Thirukkural Arattaru Idhuvene Veandaa Civigai Poruthanodu Oorndhan Idai Judge not the inequalities of life as the result of righteousness and its reverse By comparison of the man riding on the palanquin with its bearers. Where do they play SPB's songs? A few nights ago, sleep eluded me. I tossed, turned, and finally surrendered to wakefulness. I reached for my phone, seeking solace in music. As always, my playlist led me back to the 1990s, and the first notes played, I sat up in sudden realization. The date had just turned to June 4. SPB's birthday.S P Balasubrahmanyam. A voice that painted decades of Indian cinema with its warmth. A legend who gifted us more than 40,000 songs—, and my eternal favorite,. Though he has passed, his voice lingers—breathing through our memories.I cannot speak for what men feel when he sings, but I know what women hear—the tenderness we long for, the gentleness of love, the strength of restraint, the shimmer of longing. It has weight, and wings. It lifts us when we're low and stills us when we that night, I realized it was not just the magic of his voice that bound us to him. It was something deeper—his humility .I recalled a stage performance. SPB was singing live, captivating the audience. During the second background interlude, a short but vital flute solo was to emerge. It didn't. Arunmozhi, the flutist, missed his the professional, continued unflinchingly and ended the song to thunderous applause. But he didn't exit. He turned to the audience and spoke—gently, generously—about the skill of the flutist and the difficulty of his art. He asked the audience permission to replay the interlude. This time, Arunmozhi played it perfectly, and the applause was saw the crestfallen face of a fellow musician and chose compassion. And then there was another moment—captured in a video that went viral after his passing. On his way to Sabarimala, unable to make the climb, SPB sat on a—a palanquin carried by porters. Before sitting, he touched the feet of the men who would carry him. It was not a ritual—it was reverence. A silent apology. A humble bow to those who bore his weight. A quiet assertion:In that instant, a couplet fromstirred within me:Traditionally, this couplet has been interpreted through the lens of karma: that one's position in life—rider or bearer—is a consequence of past virtue or vice. But a few commentators differed and viewed through a different if Thiruvalluvar wasn't affirming karma, but questioning our habit of justifying inequality through it? What if he was asking us not to preach to the rider, drunk on privilege—or to the bearer, bowed by burden? Perhaps he was reminding us that the journey matters more than the height. That the destination awaits us all—riders and bearers seemed to have lived that message. Never pompous, always gracious. He knew that fame is not a summit, but a platform held up by others. He respected every hand that steadied him—no matter how was not just the voice of a generation. He was its someone were to offer me a choice between heaven and hell, I would ask just one question:
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
A Voice That Never Slept: Yashwant MG Sets World Record with 24-Hour SPB Song Marathon
Mangaluru: In a musical homage to the late playback legend S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), a singer from Mangaluru has etched his name into the Golden Book of World Records by rendering SPB's iconic songs for a full 24 hours without a break—well, almost. Yashwant M.G., an acclaimed Hindustani vocalist and music teacher, took on the marathon challenge to mark SPB's birth anniversary on June 4. Beginning at precisely 3 PM on June 3, his voice did not fall silent until the clock struck 3 PM the next day—celebrating the very man whose voice shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for decades. Supported by a dedicated live band and a quietly focused team, Yashwant's performance was not just a test of vocal endurance—it was a labour of love and a cultural statement. It paid tribute to a singer who delivered over 40,000 songs across 16 languages and left an indelible legacy in the world of music. A Carefully Orchestrated Tribute The performance, titled Baalagaana Yashoyana (roughly translated as "Journey of Victory through Childhood Songs"), was meticulously planned and professionally executed. Every hour, the team followed an official rule: five minutes of break time allowed for hydration, light meals, and vocal rest. Yet, as Yashwant later said, 'The music gave me more energy than any food could.' Accompanying Yashwant was a band of seasoned musicians: Rajagopal on guitar, Deepak Jayasheelan on keyboard, Vaman K. on drums and rhythm, Prajwal Acharya on tabla, Varsha Basrur on flute, and Sumukh Acharya on sitar. Together, they maintained the sonic flow of the performance with admirable finesse. Each song chosen came from SPB's vast and beloved discography—ranging from soulful classical numbers to peppy film tracks across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. While the challenge demanded physical stamina, Yashwant said the emotional impact of the songs posed the greater challenge. 'I grew up with SPB's voice. Singing his songs one after another made me relive my entire musical journey,' he said. Official Recognition To ensure authenticity, D. Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, was present to oversee the event and certify the attempt. According to him, this 24-hour uninterrupted musical feat was among the most disciplined and emotionally resonant record attempts he had witnessed. Interestingly, the previous record involved a 12-hour performance of singer Mukesh's Hindi film songs sung in Marathi. Yashwant's effort, therefore, not only broke that benchmark but did so with pan-Indian linguistic representation—true to SPB's multilingual legacy. Who Is Yashwant M.G.? The singer behind this feat is no stranger to accolades. A Hindustani classical vocalist trained under the late Madhav Acharya and Pandit Mahabaleshwar Bhagwat, Yashwant holds postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kannada, History, and Hindi. He currently serves as an examiner at Gangubai Hangal Music University in Mysuru. His career has included stints in the NCC Army (18th Karnataka Battalion), and he is deeply rooted in the Vedic and Sanskrit priestly traditions. Musically, he has bagged top honours in various national TV reality shows—including ETV's Edetumbi Haaduvenu (2005), Suvarna TV's Confident Star Singer (2008), and Udaya TV's Sangeetha Mahayuddha (2010). He also composed the full-length Vande Mataram anthem for a world record attempt in 2018, and debuted as a film music director in the Kannada movie Kanasu Kannu Teredaga. In 2024, he reached the semifinals of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. To date, Yashwant has performed over 3,000 concerts globally and trained more than 5,000 students in Indian music. More Than a Record While the Golden Book of World Records will formally verify and certify the feat in the coming days, the emotional and musical resonance of the event is already being felt across the region. For many attendees, it felt like SPB himself had briefly returned, his spirit channelled through another devoted voice. 'I did not feel sleepy, nor did my voice waver,' Yashwant said after the final song. 'It was as though SPB himself gave me the strength to complete this journey.' In a world that often chases headlines, this was a moment that chased history—and sang it.
