Swadeshi Science Movement provides patents up to 15 lakhs for socially viable models. This would be a platform for students to explore more in the field of robotics, talk to experts and learn more about the topic. Students from colleges across the nation can participate for this fest. From competitions, exhibitions, seminars and more, there is much for you to explore.

For more details, visit www.robocongress.com.

DJ Savyo is ready to treat you with unlimited music this Saturday. So head to ‘Ava Lounge’ at Hotel Dream where ‘Saturday Buzz’ will happen. DJ Savyo will spin the best music, and you can have an awesome party at Ava. DJ Lester, DJ Shamil, and DJ Pop will be doing the opening set. The party begins at 8 p.m.

So see you at Ava Lounge on the 25^th of February. Couples and girls can walk in free

How did your first movie ‘Rithu’ happen?

The director of the movie, Mr. Shyamprasad, was on the look-out for people who he could cast. He saw my pictures through a friend in Chennai and then decided to meet me. I had done a movie ‘Cycle Kick’ directed by Subhash Ghai. Fortunately, Shyam Sir’s son had seen that movie as he was studying at Subhash Sir’s institute. And so Shaym sir called me for the auditions. He asked me whether I could portray Sarath Varma (his character in Rithu) on-screen. I was a little skeptical, but he was confident. He even had an English version of the script for ‘Rithu’. So I could study the whole of it easily. That is how ‘Rithu’ happened.

You have worked with masters like Subhash Ghai, Sibi Malayil and Shyamaprasad. How was the experience like?

They are all experts in the field, and even I was tensed before starting to work with them. I believe, unless you have the willingness to learn, and unless there is a curious child in you, you can never grow. These experts showed me how simple and down-to-earth they are, and yet a master in their art. Sibi sir is always calm and composed, even if there is much tension around him. Similarly, everyone is different in their own way. I’m glad I could work with them and learn many things.

But don’t you think Malayalam movies haven’t been kind enough to you?

Well, you cannot expect all movies to make it big like ‘Rithu’. Every movie can’t be ‘Rithu’.  I’ve done very few movies compared to my contemporaries. Some directors can’t do justice, while others can. If it’s a story I like, I do that movie. ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’ is a movie I will be doing after a gap of one year.

Tell us something about your character in ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’?

I play the role of Rusthan, a North-Indian who comes to work in Kerala. I dubbed in my own voice for the movie, and the director Arun Kumar was particular about it. Malayalam is difficult to speak when compared to Tamil or Telugu. But I’ve always wanted to dub in my own voice for my role in a Malayalam cinema. Thanks to Arun Kumar, the dream has been realized!

Do you have plans to direct a movie, sometime down the lane?

I think you need immense patience to direct a movie, and I’m one amongst those restless people. But yeah, I might direct a movie later when I think I’ve matured enough as a person. I would love to.

You have been a part of Telegu, Hindi and Tamil film industries. Malayalam cinema is different. What do you think?

Film shootings are completed in one stretch here. The technicians are awesome. In Telugu industry, you get holidays on Sundays, public holidays etc. We don’t find all that here. Malayalam cinema has always been known for good reasons. We have beautiful scripts. Look at Priyadarshan sir’s movies! He has remade Malayalam movies which are nearly 20 years old. So that shows how powerful Malayalam movie scripts are. Malayalam cinema stands a class apart, and people worldwide respect our movies. I think we all need to live up to the expectations.

How was your experience as a student at Pune Film Institute?

I owe my entire life to my institute. I had the opportunity to get acquainted with masters in cinema like Naseeruddin Shah etc.

What are your upcoming projects?

‘Yaarkku Theriyum’ is a Tamil flick which is awaiting its release. It is directed by G. Kamaraj, and Kalabhavan Mani plays a role in it. It will be remade in Malayalam as ‘120 minutes’. I have shot for a Hindi movie ‘David’ starring Vikram, Tabu and Isha Sherwani. It is directed by Bejoy Nambiar. I have also worked for a period film named ‘Gramam’. ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’ is set for release on 24^th February.

Your message to Kochivibe Readers.

I believe in doing what my heart says. Youth is the pillar of our nation, so we need to act wise. Do what you want, but make sure you don’t hurt others. Dream big. Nothing is impossible. Every person has a USP. Know what it is, and work accordingly. There will be failures. But that’s how we learn things.

Don’t get into drugs, alcohol etc. You think they can solve your problems, but they will just add to it.

These paintings were already on display at a previously held art exhibition in Thripunithura, and the best ones have been chosen to be put up at the Bindi Art Gallery. Dry Pastel, Water Colours, Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, and Pencil have been used for the 24 paintings on display.

The exhibition will end on the 5th of March 2012. So make sure you drop in at Bindi soon!

The party will happen this Saturday, the 25th of February from 8 p.m onwards at the Vasco Da Gama Bar. Couples and girls can walk-in free. Entry shuts by 11 p.m. See you there, Kochi!!

The art works of the following artists will be on display- Bhaskaran Bhara, Anto George, Leon K L, Gipin Varghese, Bhagyanath C, Upendranath T R, Sebastian Varghese, Reghunadhan K, Sanam Narayanan and Suvitha K V.

For more details, you can mail them at padmini@davidhall.in, or call them at 0484- 2218298.

The paintings are simple, yet classic. And if you love art, this exhibition wouldn’t fail to stir your soul. For more details, contact them at 9895622930.

Hit start the weekend with the party happening at Club 11 Hundred, Ramada Resorts. DJ Arvee and DJ Shamnas will be spinning some good music for you. ‘Desi Beats’ will be all about unlimited music, dancing and fun. The party happening on the 24^th of February 2012, will start from 8 p.m.

DJ Arvee and DJ Shamnas need no introduction, they have entertained Kochiites with their heart racing music. So people, head out to Club 11 Hundred where the party is at!

Started by Palash Sen (the lead singer) and his friends, over a decade ago, the band has performed on national and international platforms. There are nine members in the band, and they have all proved their exceptional talents in music. Amborish Saikia (guitars), Debajyoti Bhaduri (bass), Kamakshi Khanna and Vaishali Barua (back-up vocals), Prashant Trivedi (tabla), Rakesh Bharadwaj (percussion), Ashwani Verma (drums), and Vinayak Gupta (keyboards) and Dr. Palash Sen (lead singer) will all come together to create a great evening filled with melodies and peppy numbers!

Their show will be on the 25^th of February 2012 at JT Pac, and will begin at 6. 30 pm. The show will be sponsored by the international hotel chain Le Meridian.

So Kochi, see you there!

The first set of auditions which were held last weekend saw models from across the country coming together. The panel of judges who were present at the auditions were experts in their own field. Choreographer Dalu, Designer Hari Anand, Former Miss India Arshita Saxena, International Model Sherin Sam were all in the judging team. The organizers are planning for a bigger fashion event this year, with more designers and models; and of course fashion at its very best. There were auditions for both men and women, and the judges have shortlisted nearly 12 of them from both the groups.

So Kochi, get set for the biggest fashion event in the city! Kochi International Fashion Week is hitting our town soon!!