Kanimozhi: Multi-faceted person neck deep in mega scam

New Delhi (IANS) Her name Kanimozhi means sweet words. But beyond her fluent communicative skills in English and Tamil, the 43-year-old daughter of DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi has been a controversial power centre in the inner circles of the Dravidian party and its first family.
Kanimozhi, a first-term Rajya Sabha member, is considered close to her father and Andimuthu Raja, her party colleague and jailed former communications minister - the association landing her in Tihar Jail in the 2G a spectrum case Friday.
In the melodramatic Tamil Nadu culture - where cinema, television and literature interplay with politics - Kanimozhi is a sort of youth icon and cultural czarina, at least for her followers.
For them, she is an imaginative poet, prolific journalist, cultural ambassador, youth leader who helped thousands of unemployed find jobs and a patron of arts who provided platform for several talented artists to bloom.
Her admirers call her the 'literary heir' to Karunanidhi, who began his career as a film script writer.
But critics and investigative agencies allege she was the 'ears and eyes of Karunanidhi' during the 2G spectrum scam, which according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) caused the national exchequer a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in its charge sheet in the 2G spectrum case, has mentioned her closeness to Karunanidhi, which helped Raja retain the communications portfolio in the United Progressive Alliance-II (UPA) government too.
Media reports, quoting the infamous Niira Radia tapes had said Kanimozhi 'tilted the scales in favour of Raja'.
Kanimozhi is a 20-percent stake holder in the Karunanidhi family-owned Kalignar TV, which is accused by the CBI of receiving Rs.200 crore kickbacks in the 2G spectrum scandal.
An NGO linked with Kanimozhi is also accused of receiving huge donations from corporates involved in the spectrum scandal.
The CBI, which has named Kanimozhi as a co-conspirator in the spectrum scandal, has described her as 'the brain behind the Kalignar TV', which has been used to siphon off 2G spectrum kickbacks.
Before being elected to the Rajya Sabha, Kanimozhi worked as the chief of the DMK's wing for art, literature and rationalism, making her popular in Tamil Nadu among artists, literary circles and youth.
Kanimozhi was born on the New Year's day in 1968 to Karunanidhi and his third wife Rajathi Ammal in Chennai.
Union Chemicals Minister M.K. Alagiri and former Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister M.K. Stalin are her half-brothers.
She worked as a journalist for several years - in The Hindu and Kumgmam magazine in Chennai and Singapore-based Tamil Murasu - before plunging full-time into politics.
Kanimozhi is the author of five books of poetry in Tamil, rated as 'promising' by many critics.
She has married twice. Athiban Bose, a Sivakasi-based businessman, was her first husband from 1989-1997. She married Singapore-based Tamil writer G. Aravindan in 1997. They have a nine-year-old son Aditya.
Aravindan accompanied her to the court hearings in the 2G spectrum case in Delhi recently.
Political analyst K. Sreekumar said: 'Kanimozhi belongs to the sauve, English-speaking new generation in the Indian political dynasties. But behind her sweet demeanor, there is involvement in alleged huge corrupt deals.'
But not all agree.
'Never rule out Kanimozhi. She was an off-beat journalist who never had the airs of the daughter of the chief minister. We all used to go out to the road-side coffee shops and chat. As a politician too, she had the a wave-length with all top leaders, ordinary party workers and especially women and youth,' said a former journalist colleague of Kanimozhi.

2G scam probe: Kanimozhi denied bail, arrested

New Delhi: A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Friday denied bail pleas of DMK MP Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV chief Sharad Kumar, named as co-conspirators in the 2G spectrum scam.

The court directed the CBI to take her and Kalaignar TV Managing Director Sharath Kumar into judicial custody.  The Rajya Sabha MP will be taken to Tihar jail.
The CBI had named Kanimozhi, daughter of DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, and Sharad Kumar as co-conspirators in its April 25 supplementary charge sheet after it traced an illegal money trail of Rs.214 crore in the scam.

She is accused of conspiring and accepting bribes to rig 2007/08 grants of lucrative telecoms licences.

Over-crowding in 2G courtroom; Judges inspect, mull revamp

Persistent complaints about space constraint in the court room trying the high-profile 2G scam case have prompted the judges to consider a much-needed revamp of the arrangements in the room.
Senior judges of the Patiala House District court inspected the courtroom and discussed modalities to use existing space in a more efficient manner so that the high-profile accused, their relatives, lawyers, media persons and curious on-lookers do not face difficulty during judicial proceedings.
The judges, Talwant Singh and Sanjiv Jain, however, did not agree with the plea of Swan Telecom Promoter Shahid Usman Balwa, who is in jail along with various others including former Telecom Minister A Raja, that the scribes be kept out during the hearing.
The moment the inspecting judges came, Balwa sought installation of more air conditioners in the courtroom which already has seven ACs.
Balwa said the "media should be moved out". His counsel also seconded his statements saying there is hardly any space for lawyers to stand as journalists occupy most of the space.
The judges rejected the plea of Balwa that a screen be installed outside the courtroom for the media.
A separate media gallery would be set up, one of the judges said and asked the staff, who accompanied them, to ensure that two gates are there.
Through one gate, only lawyers and accused would be allowed to enter and the other one could be used by the public and journalists, special CBI judge Talwant Singh said.
CBI Judge Singh, who is trying CWG cases against various high-profile accused including Suresh Kalmadi, does not allow journalists to come near the dais.
He, however, directed that microphones be installed for the lawyers and the judge after taking note of the complaint of Sharad Kumar, CEO and MD of Kalaignar TV, who was arrested yesterday along with DMK MP Kanimozhi.
On the lines of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court, arrangements would be made for senior advocates to sit while other advocates argue.

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Interlocutors arrives on six day visit to J&k

Srinagar, May 15 (PTI) Centre''s interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir today arrived on a six-day visit to the state during which they will attend a two-day "peace conference" and visit places outside Srinagar.
The three-member interlocutor team headed by veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar arrived here this afternoon on their eighth visit to the state after they were appointed in October last year.
"The interlocutors will attend a two-day peace conference, beginning tomorrow, being organised here by Jammu and Kashmir Peace Foundation," Padgaonkar said, adding that they will also be meeting several delegations.
Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former Central Information Commissioner M M Ansari were appointed as interlocutors by the Centre in October last year towards the end of the summer unrest in the valley, which left over 100 civilians dead.
The team has been given one year to submit a report to the centre on a political solution to Kashmir problem.
The interlocutors have so far recommended release of political prisoners and students held on charges of stone pelting, end to arrests of youth for their participation in last year''s protests and removal of bunkers from some residential areas of the city.
"We will also travel outside Srinagar to places where we have not went yet to meet the people ourselves. We will also meet leaders of political parties," Padgaonkar said.
Asked if they had achieved any breakthrough in fixing meetings with the separatists, Padgaonkar evaded a direct reply by saying, "Why do not you ask them? Find out from them."
Moderate Hurriyat Conference headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq last month suspended its constituent Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (IuM) after the chief patron of the party Moulana Mohammad Abbas Ansari met interlocutors during their last visit to the valley.

Last Night’s Best Dressed: Cannes-a-rama!

It may be Friday 13th, but us frock-watchers are in serious luck this morning. Oh yes, three cheers for the Cannes catwalk that has offered up yet another glitzy dose of delights for our swooning pleasure. So let’s delve in...

The first treat from t’uther side of the channel comes courtesy of our beloved Diane Kruger. Umm, super-sexy mermaid, much? Krugz's gold backless gown by Calvin Klein Collection is made up of teeny sequins and falls from her killer bod into a beautiful train. All that’s needed is Pacey Witter in a pair of Lanvin trainers, et voila!

From a bonafide fashionista to an up-and-coming style star, it’s Mia Wasikowska promoting her new film Restless. The elegant draping and tucking of her claret gown instantly tells us it’s the handy work of our pal Roland Mouret. One to watch, indeed.

Ooh, what have we here, TROUSERS on the Cannes red carpet?! That's right, folks, Rachel McAdams dared to buck the glamorous gown trend with a pair of tailored trews teamed with a gold bustier from Monique Lhuillier’s S/S ‘11 collection. It’s certainly a risky choice but considering Rachel treated us to feminine Marchesa lace the night before, can we blame her for mixing it up?

Ah, a familiar Best Dressed face! Alexa Chung was doing it for the Brits at last night’s Sleeping Beauty premiere, looking marvellous in a bridal-esque white frock with long, ladylike sleeves. She accessorised the look with her signature comfy flats (woop!) and a twinkling silver clutch, allowing that diamond Chopard necklace with a ginormous pear-shaped pendant to take centre stage.

Bringing her customary understated edge to the proceedings, Tilda Swinton sauntered up to the French Rivera in a billowing blouse and sleek high-waisted skirt, plus a pair of Roger Vivier heels accented with playful roses. Onto the evening premiere and Tilda turned to her trusty designer pal, Haider Ackermann for this custom-made outfit of sleek satin. That wrap-around haltered top and Olympia Le-Tan clutch is enough for a touch of her trademark quirk.

Oh, and did we mention Angelina Jolie’s arrived? Yippee! Although the Kung Fu Panda star hasn't made a red carpet appearance (yet), she did look brilliantly easy-breezy for the afternoon shenanigans. Sticking to her fave neutral palette, Ange chose a Salvatore Ferragamo flared dress worn with matching heels and a tan belt. And thankfully those emerald jewels from the Style of Jolie jewellery line (yup, designed by the lady herself, no less) provided a subtle colour pop and a hint of what Hollywood glam she’s got in store...

So Cannes Day 2 is done and dusted, which means it’s time to cast your savvy opinions. You did SUCH a marvellous job yesterday so more of the same, please!

Bollywood Actresses Without Make-Up

Article on Bollywood actresses without make up. About Bollywood actresses caught without wearing any make up. Includes Lara Dutta, Preity Zinta, Aishwarya Rai, Mugdha Godse, Tanushree Dutta, Sushmiita Sen, Urmila Matondkar, Karisma Kapooor.

We showed you what Bollywood actresses really look like in the article Bollywood Stars Without Make up, and we're at it yet again.
We bring forth a second batch of Bollywood actresses who carry the legacy of the previous batch forward. Here are the other Bollywood actresses without make up.

Mugdha Godse

The ‘Fashion’ babe turned heads with her glam look in the movie. However, she shocks everyone with her horrendous avatar in this picture. Far from a fashionable babe, Mugdha looks more like roadside model than a runway queen.

Lara Dutta

The ex-Miss Universe is known for her impeccable style everywhere. Sadly, Lara gets caught in a not-so-appealing get-up and we can surely say that this is a rare happening and she surely does not disappoint very often.

Preity Zinta

We can’t say that Preity looks ugly without make-up, but she definitely does not look as attractive. She seems stripped off her natural looking radiance.

Aishwarya Rai

Admitted that she is one of the most the most beautiful women, but that too has to be credited to her skilful make up. She does not exactly look ugly but her age shows without her make-up.

Tanushree Dutta

She not a regular starlet but she has always tried to portray a glamorous image. In this pic she looks like a lost case and she does not look very happy about it.

Sushmita Sen

Sush is our ultimate style diva and we always love her. However, Sush seems to be too caught in motherhood and her difficult career to pay too much attention to her make-up. She looks tired and lack luster without her make-up.

Urmila Matondkar

Urmila looks like she has just woken up after ages of hibernation. She has scared viewers with her horror films but she scares onlookers, this time around by presenting her natural look in public.

Karisma Kapoor

Karisma proves that looking good is in her family. Just like sister Kareena, she too looks radiant without a trace of make-up on her skin. Call it the bliss of new motherhood or naturally blessed genes, Karisma looks picture perfect with and without make-up.

Ganesh fails as director in 'Kool...Sakkath Hot Maga'

Film: 'Kool...Sakkath Hot Maga'; Cast: Ganesh, Sana Khan, Sharan, Sadhu Kokila, Sangeeta Shetty, Deepa Shetty, Ramakrishna, Dattanna, Kishori Ballal and Ganesh Rao; Screenplaywriter-Director: Ganesh; Producer: Shilpa Ganesh; Camera: Rathnavelu; Music Director: Hari Krishna; Rating: **
It seems Ganesh was destined to direct his second home production 'Kool'. As it happened within two days of the shooting, the film's director Mussanje Mahesh walked out of the project citing creative differences. Since the whole unit was in Ooty for the outdoor shoot, alternative arrangement were made immediately and Ganesh decided to wear the director's hat himself.
Ganesh is one of the top stars of the industry and it was a risk he had taken at that point of time. Nevertheless his fans had a lot of expectation from the film, mainly because his debut production venture 'Maleyali Joteyali' directed by Preetham Gubbi had become a hit.
Fans thought that the lovable romantic star will not fail this time as well. But 'Kool...Sakkath Hot Maga' couldnt' live up to their expectations.
What is wrong with Ganesh's first directorial venture? The first flaw is the story. Before the release of the movie, Ganesh had said in interviews that the writer, who is from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, wrote nearly 15 versions to get the right tone in the story. And Ganesh himself scripted screenplay and some dialogues.
The story, which has shades of Hindi film 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai', does not have a strong platform, the dialogues fail to make an impact and the screenplay is the weakest part of the movie.
Ganesh made a mistake by agreeing to make a film on a story that fails to engage the audiences. He has also included some unnecessary sequences to please the brand advertisers of the movie. The comedy scenes make a good start, but as the film progresses, they become irritating.
Despite having country's top technicians like Rathnavelu, who had worked for Rajnikanth's 'Robot' and Anthony, who edited 'Ghajini', the film fails to garner attention. Hari Krishna has composed some good tunes, which have been shot well in Jordan and on the sets.
In the movie, Rahul and his group of friends are disinterested in studies. They hangout in college campus and watch girls there. Rahul gets attracted to Kajal who is hot tempered. After initial hiccups, the two start liking each other.
The story takes an usual turn when Rahul dies. Following his death Kajol moves to the serene Hasiru Ghatta to deal with his death, but there she meets Manohar Jaraganahalli, a Rahul look alike.
Manohar falls in love with Kajol, but the lady says she can not love anyone other than Rahul. Finally, after several twists and turns it is revealed that Rahul, who had become a victim of a conspiracy, faked his death to unravel the secrets behind the murderous attacks on him.
As an actor Ganesh shines, but you miss the punchy dialogues which made him popular among moviegoers. His comedy timing remains the best in the film.
Bollywood actress Sana Khan doesn't fit the bill as she remains expressionless in most of the sequences. Sharan and Sadhu Kokila bring in a few laughs, but nothing new in it. Other veteran artists do not have much to do in terms of performances.
The technical crew has done their job perfectly, but nothing can be recognised much because of a bad story.
'Kool' fails to bring in some cool breeze in this hot summer. At the most it is just an average affair.

Sun, sea and Aishwarya

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