Apple iPhone-3G: Too much to bear for Indians

DESARAJU SURYA
Hyderabad: Gadget-lovers had been eagerly awaiting the official launch of Apple’s iconic iPhone in India for some months now. But, the two mobile service providers, who tied up with Apple for delivering the iPhone to Indians, have virtually poured cold water on the hopes of millions of eager customers by fixing an abnormally high price.
Both Vodafone-Essar and Bharti Airtel have priced the iPhone-3G (8GB memory) variant at Rs 31,000 and the 16GB variant at Rs 36,100. Vodafone has started sending SMSes on Wednesday to its customers, who pre-registered for the iPhone, quoting the price and asking them to pay an advance of Rs 10,000 to ensure early delivery of the gadget.
Airtel has not yet formally announced the price but information posted on its website indicated that the price of iPhone gadgets would be the same as quoted by Vodafone.
These phones are locked by the respective cellular service providers and will work only on those networks.
As per the prevailing market rate, the price for a 8GB variant works to 708 US dollars and for 16GB 824 USD. Just a month ago, the iPhone-3G was launched in Japan for 214 USD (8GB) and 321 USD (16GB) by Softbank, but it was a bundle offer wherein customers are required to subscribe to that particular service.
In Europe, iPhone-3G is available for not more than 400 USD.
In the US, the 8GB variant comes for 199 USD and the 16GB for 299 USD. Of course, there too the gadget is locked to the AT&T network. An unlocked version too was made available in the US for 550 USD.
Comparing the price in other countries, the Indian customers will certainly feel let down by the two cellular service providers who are clearly trying to “exploit” the craze for the iPhone. Vodafone and Airtel would have done well to extend bundle offers to their customers and fix a much lesser price for the iPhone-3G. It would have been beneficial to both the service providers as well as the customers. But so far, neither Vodafone nor Airtel spoke of any such offers.
In fact, the high price may well turn into customer anger against the two companies who may not like to be taken for granted. People already started questioning the prices being quoted for the iPhone-3G at a time when the 3G (third generation) services are not yet available in India. It is expected that the 3G services will be formally be available in the country only next year after the Department of Telecommunications finalises the bids for spectrum and grant licenses to service providers.
In the absence of 3G services, the iPhone will best serve as a mobile phone clubbed with an iPod. Nothing more than that, certainly.
And in Indian prices of fancy electronic gadgets always witness a free fall. There is no guarantee that the iPhone-3G prices remain the same. Unless, of course, the two cellular service providers adopt dubious methods to secure their market.
Already, hundreds of iPhones – ‘imported’ from the US and elsewhere -- are being used by scores of Indians and many gadgets are readily available in the grey market. Given the technical expertise our people have, it is no deal to unlock an iPhone and it has already been done successfully.
So, any prudent one would as well choose to get one iPhone from abroad and get it unlocked here.
And, no body knows whether the 3G services will really click and what the tariffs will be. Given the high cost of securing 3G spectrum, one may obviously expect the service providers to fix the 3G tariff on the higher side. This too could act as a deterrent for customers to avail of the services, at least initially.
So, all such factors do really count. Whether iPhone-3G can really penetrate the Indian market as initially expected remains to be seen.

Living up to a role

DESARAJU SURYA

The year: 1993.
The film: Mutha Mestri.
Chiranjeevi plays a labour leader-turned-politician in the film directed by A Kodandarami Reddy. It was the only time that Chiru donned a politician’s cap in his 148 movies.
The character in the film Subhas Chandra Bose, a labour leader in a vegetable market, becomes a minister rather by accident. Bose, as a minister, tries to cleanse a system that had been depriving the poor of their livelihood. At the end, Bose is offered the Chief Minister’s post but he humbly rejects it and bids adieu to politics.
“Don’t think I am quitting politics in toto. I shall come back at an appropriate time to play a major role,” Bose asserts, as a parting shot.
Somehow, that role had cast a spell on Chiranjeevi’s fans. Ever since, they had been longing to see him as a politician to “cleanse” the “system.”
Chiranjeevi, who was at the peak of his stardom in the film industry, quietly used to brush aside all such talk.
The star, however, took up social service activities like blood donation and eye donation through his Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust and won acclaim from all quarters. He also was part of the Heroes AIDS awareness campaign along with Hollywood actor Richard Gere and Kamal Hassan. These activities have endeared him to the masses and made him an icon-of-sorts.
In 2003, there was widespread anticipation of Chiranjeevi taking a political plunge either by launching his own party or by joining the Telugu Desam, then in power. The silver jubilee function of his blockbuster movie Indra was supposed to be his political launch pad but Chiranjeevi belied all expectations.
Cut to 2008, 15 years down the line. At long last, Chiranjeevi bids adieu to films to take a political plunge. A “turning point” in his life, as he himself put it!

Chiranjeevi makes it, finally.

DESARAJU SURYA

Hyderabad, Aug. 17: Telugu Mega Star Chiranjeevi has finally turned a politician on Sunday after having kept everyone guessing for over 10 months now.
He has formally announced his entry into the political arena but reserved the launch of his yet-unnamed political party for August 26, the birth anniversary of Mother Teresa. A mammoth public meeting is being organized in Tirupati on August 26 where Chiranjeevi’s party will formally be launched.
He is the second film star after the late legendary Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, aka NTR, to launch his own political party in Andhra Pradesh. Of course, Chiranjeevi pales in comparison with NTR in every respect.
“This is an unforgettable day in my life, a day that has altered the course of my life. I am dedicating myself to the service of the people of Andhra Pradesh,”Chiranjeevi announced at a crowded press conference at his new party office in Hyderabad. It was a wonderful opportunity given by the people to serve them.
Claiming that his party would be “different” with a “pro-poor” agenda, Chiranjeevi said uplift of the poor and ensuring a better life for them would top his priorities.
“Former President A P J Abdul Kalam was the driving force behind my decision to enter politics. It would have been a historic blunder had I shied away from taking the political plunge,” Chiranjeevi said, adding that the late N T Rama Rao too had inspired him to take up public service.
“I am entering the political field with the only objective of serving the people and not with any ambition of securing power,” the Mega Star declared. The “shift” (from tinsel town to the murky world of politics) also gave him self-satisfaction.
Observing that it was a new role that he has chosen, Chiranjeevi said there was no scope for any action in politics. “I have to literally live up to the role,” he said.
Noting that he had no “political rivals” in the state, the actor-turned-politician remarked that everybody had inspired him in one way or the other. “Poverty and hunger are my rivals,” he said. When questioned about his “inexperience” in politics, Chiranjeevi said people were his teachers and he would learn from them.
On controversial issues like demand for a separate Telangana state, the actor said his party would discuss such “sensitive” issues threadbare and come out with a clear stand soon.
Reacting to the observation that he was too “sensitive” a person, Chiranjeevi remarked: “Sensitiveness is my asset. I can appreciate people’s problems better.”
Asked if he was a leftist or a rightist, he replied: “I am a humanist. Mine is humanism.”
On whether he had called it quits to films, Chiranjeevi said: “It’s a shift from the film world but I shall like to do roles that are educative and useful for the society.”
From where would he contest the next election? “It is for the people to decide. People from all regions of the state love me, so it’s difficult for me to choose a particular constituency,” Chiranjeevi replied.
Now, the focus shift’s to the Tirupati public meeting where the party’s name and agenda will be announced. The party’s flag will also be unveiled on the occasion.

The rise of a MEGA STAR

DESARAJU SURYA

Hyderabad: From a dynamic hero to a daring, dashing and dynamic hero to a supreme hero and then a Mega Star, Konidela Siva Sankara Varaprasad alias Chiranjeevi has indeed come a long way in his three-decade-long film career. Born on August 22, 1955, at Mogalturu in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Chiranjeevi obtained a bachelor’s degree in commerce before embarking on his filmy career. He went to Madras (now Chennai) in January 1977 on the pretext of pursuing ICWA course but instead landed up in the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce’s Film Institute. Acting was his passion and becoming a star was his ambition. Even as he was learning the nuances of acting at the Film Institute, opportunity came knocking on him in the form of a bit role in Punadirallu, directed by Gudapati Rajkumar, in 1978. And, he never had to look back again though he did not have any so-called Godfather in the Telugu film industry. His first film that hit the screens, however, was Pranam Kharidu in September 1978. His sharp eyes were the main attraction in Chiranjeevi that prompted many a producer and director to offer roles of varied shades in their movies. And, the roles landed in his lap one after the other in quick succession. Be it a villain (Idi Kadha Kadu, directed by K Balachander) or an anti-hero (Nyayam Kaavali, directed by A Kodandarami Reddy) or side roles in films like Manavuri Paandavulu (directed by Bapu), Chiranjeevi grabbed them all with the only objective of proving his mettle. In Nakili Manishi (1980), he played his first dual role – a hero and a villain – with effortless ease and won the industry’s acclaim. The same year, AVM Studios handpicked him for the lead role in their film Punnami Nagu which won him the first Filmfare award. By then Chiranjeevi had gradually established himself in the industry and offers never ceased to pour in. In the early years of his career, Chiranjeevi acted alongside all the top heroes of the time, including N T Rama Rao, Krishna, Krishnam Raju and Sobhan Babu, but had to wait a good 17 years to co-star with Akkineni Nageswara Rao. In 1980, Chiranjeevi married noted comedian Allu Ramalingaiah’s daughter Surekha. The turning point in Chiranjeevi’s career came in October 1983 when Khaidi was released. The angry young man’s character he played, coupled with some breathtaking dance movements, has catapulted Chiranjeevi into stardom. Though there were many other major hits under his belt in the latter half of his career, Khaidi still remains his best. In fact, Chiranjeevi himself rates Khaidi as his favourite film. Subsequent hits like Challenge, Pasivadi Pranam, Yamudiki Mogudu, Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu, Gang Leader, Swayamkrushi, Donga Mogudu, Vijetha, Kondaveeti Donga, Raakshasudu, Gharana Mogudu and Jagadekaveerudu Atiloka Sundari, Rowdy Alludu – to name a few – have firmly established him as the Number One in Telugu film industry for two decades. Chiranjeevi excelled in the portrayal of Lord Siva in films like Aapatbandhavudu and Sri Manjunatha. In his second innings as a hero, Chiranjeevi had mega hits like Annayya, Bavagaru Bagunnara, Indra, Shankar Dada MBBS and Tagore. Films like Indra and Tagore have given him a large-than-life image, though strictly speaking the real actor in him could not be found in those characters as he deliberately tried to build an aura around himself through such roles. Among his critically-acclaimed films are Subhalekha, Swayamkrushi, Aapatbandhavudu (all directed by K Viswanath), Vijetha and Rudraveena (K Balachander). The multi-faceted talent of Chiranjeevi could be found in these films. Chiranjeevi won the Golden Nandi award for best actor from the state government for Swayamkrushi, Aapatbandhavudu and Indra and also won six Filmfare awards among many others in his career. His first home production Rudraveena fetched him the Nargis Dutt award from the Government of India for the best film on national integration. Chiranjeevi also starred in three Hindi films: Pratibandh (remake of Telugu hit Ankusam), Aaj Ka Gundaraj (remake of his own Telugu hit Gang Leader) and Gentleman (remake of the Tamil hit).

Be all, Do all - CHIRU!

DESARAJU SURYA
Hyderabad: I am one of the millions of die-hard fans of Mega Star Chiranjeevi, the actor. I am, however, not euphoric as he dons a new role now – a politician.
In fact, I abhor to see him as a politician. This is not without reason, though.
Primarily, Chiranjeevi is a very good human being, totally down-to-earth. He loves people and the adulation he receives from them. He always strove to give his best in front of the camera – be it in dancing, fighting or plain acting. He has excelled as an actor far beyond expectations.
Through his three-decade-long film career Chiranjeevi was never found wanting and almost delivered what audiences expected from him. His focus was purely on excelling as an actor and reaching the pinnacle of glory. And, he succeeded in it through sheer hard work and dedication.
Cut this to the real life. Chiranjeevi is never known to take his own decisions and has entirely depended on his brother-in-law and Man Friday Allu Aravind – be it managing his call-sheets or finances, choice of films and practically everything. So much so that Chiranjeevi doesn’t – or simply can’t – do anything without the guidance of Aravind. Nobody should grudge this as far as Chiranjeevi’s personal affairs are concerned.
But when it comes to public life as a politician, who has his eyes set on the Chief Minister’s chair, Chiranjeevi is required to be the “be all and do all” man. Can he really be so? I strongly doubt his ability in this regard – likes scores of others do.
This precisely takes the sting out of the Chiranjeevi aura and puts him in a dark light. Even if Chiranjeevi tries to impress upon the people that no outside influence would act on him, it can’t be taken on face value. For, history is replete with examples of “external forces” who wield greater authority in the corridors of power than the powers that be. It may happen even with Chiranjeevi and all talk of his idealism and the “change” that he aims to bring about in the “system” will turn hollow.
We can’t really wish away the likes of Allu Aravind from Chiranjeevi’s life but the latter should be bold enough to show them their place in the public domain. It’s the only way he could reinforce his image in the hearts of the people, even as a politician.

An unrealised dream for Chiru

DESARAJU SURYA

Hyderabad: He played a villain, an anti-hero, lover boy, lawyer, dancer, ruffian, a Cowboy, politician, a sportsman, a thief, a cobbler, a murderer, professor, Lord Siva, IPS officer, industrialist, Charlie Chaplin, a woman and a host of other characters in the 148 films he has acted in, in a career spanning 30 years.
Konidela Siva Sankara Varaprasad, alias Chiranjeevi, however, could not play his dream role – the one that’s close to his heart.
Ever since he became an actor in 1978, Chiranjeevi wanted to don legendary freedom fighter and martyr Bhagat Singh’s role as the latter was always his “inspiration.” Sometime after his first mighty hit Khaidi was released in late 1983, Chiranjeevi himself had stated this in an interview to a film magazine. Years passed and he gradually was caught in a rigid image frame which did not allow him to do off beat roles like Bhagat Singh. Hence, it remained an unrealized dream for Chiranjeevi.
I had a chance meeting Chiranjeevi in December 1995 in Vijayawada when I broached the issue with him. “Yes, it is certainly my dream role but I am unable to don it because of my current image. People are used to my dances and fights and Bhagat Singh’s role certainly doesn’t have scope for this. I doubt if my fans would accept me in that role, so I am hesitant to do Bhagat Singh,” Chiranjeevi had admitted.
He was repentant but was equally helpless! A price he had to pay for being a Mega Star!
Interestingly, Chiranjeevi never again spoke about his dream role as he acquired a larger-than-life image as an actor.

Study into suicides

DESARAJU SURYA
Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government has commissioned a study on cause and effect of suicides in Ranga Reddy district.
A team of sociologists and psychologists of SwC Consulting will undertake the study and submit a report to the Planning Department in three months. Ranga Reddy has been chosen for the study as urbanisation is fastest in the district and it also has the right kind of urban, semi-urban and rural mix that could provide the right analyses for the growing number of suicides.
It is not just the farmers in rural areas who have been taking their own lives but many urbanites, particularly those in the so-called IT district, and students who are resorting to suicide of late.
One of the major causes for suicides is said to be a lack of social support system for those facing crises. Stress-related suicides are said to be on the increase in the recent past.
"There is a certain socio-psychological disconnect which is driving many to suicide as the social coping mechanism has failed," according to special chief secretary (planning) A K Goel. The psychological disconnect was being attributed to increased sociological stress and this was leading to suicides by urbanites. "The intensity of suicides is no less in urban areas as compared to rural. Earlier we used to talk about suicides by farmers, because of economic distress, but now even those well-placed in urban areas are increasingly resorting to such extreme acts," Goel observed.
Sociologist V Radha Krishna, who is piloting the study, pointed out that rapid urbanisation was one of the main reasons for the growing number of suicides. "There are many such factors contributing to suicides. As part of our study we would like to focus on the specific reasons and suggest possible preventive measures with special focus on social capital development," Radha Krishna said.
The Planning Department had previously studied the reasons that drove farmers in various parts of the state to suicide. Based on the study the government came out with a relief package to help the distressed families. "The latest study will help the government take appropriate enabling action to prevent incidence of suicides," special chief secretary Goel added.

Living in many roles

DESARAJU SURYA
Hyderabad: A photo exhibition greets visitors to the N T R TrustBhavan, the Telugu Desam Party headquarters in Hyderabad. The photo expo is a constant feature at the TDP office. Large-size pictures of TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu taking part in various party programmes and other engagements are put on display. And, the show is constantly updated as fresh pictures start pouring in almost daily. With Chandrababu Naidu on his Mee Kosam Yatra across the state -- meeting people, addressing meetings and doing practically everything to impress every section of the society – lensmen are having a field day. The TDP photographer who takes Naidu’s pictures on the tour, digitally transmits them to the party headquarters and the photos are uploaded immediately on the party’s official website. Besides, enlarged prints of the pictures are taken and put on display at the Trust Bhavan. There is otherwise nothing special about this entire exercise. But, the pictures of Mee Kosam Yatra are looking very interesting. During his Yatra, Naidu has been doing one too many things, much to the amusement of one and all. He tilled land, cradled infants, took to the wheel of a lorry, drove an autorickshaw, tried his hand at weaving, ironed clothes, cut paddy crop and what not… donned many an artisan’s cap to drive home the point that he was, after all, their man. Though he walked into a saloon, Naidu did not do anything except interact with the barber. All these pictures were promptly put on show at the TDP office after the newspapers prominently published them. While almost all pictures looked “routine,” one particular picture attracted everyone’s attention – and snide comments as well. Here Naidu was standing below a palm tree glancing at a toddy-tapper who was climbing down the tree. Naidu later sipped the toddy offered and thanked the toddy-tapper. He, however, did not attempt to climb the tree and try his hand at toddy tapping. “Why did he not climb the tree when he did everything else everywhere,” one wag wondered. Another scribe was quick to react with a sharp reply: “No advance security check was conducted on top of the tree. So, his security personnel did not allow Naidu to accomplish even this task as well.” Now, with Naidu’s yatra in its final lap, one wonders what other role is left for him to don!

Ganesha to sink in Hussain Sagar

DESARAJU SURYA
Hyderabad: It would be business as usual in the Andhra Pradesh capital this Vinayaka Chaviti season.
Thousands of Ganesh idols -- of all hues and sizes -- will find their way into Hussain Sagar this year too even as the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority will be taking up the Rs 316 crore Hussain Sagar Lake and Catchment Area Improvement Project, with a loan from the Japan Bank for International Co-operation.
The project is intended to clean up the rotting lake and lessen the pollution caused by industrial effluents, domestic sewerage and, of course, immersion of Ganesh idols. Last year, an estimated 25,000 idols of varying sizes were immersed in Hussain Sagar after Vinayaka Chaviti.
With Huda finally launching the lake improvement project this year after a delay of two years, everyone hoped that idol immersion would not be permitted in Hussain Sagar. But no alternative arrangements have been made to rid the Hussain Sagar of its annual quota of muck and hence the immersion process will continue in the main lake itself.
"The lake improvement project will begin with the construction of sewerage treatment plants at various locations from where sewerage and other effulents flow into Hussain Sagar. The main emphasis will be to reduce the discharge of effluents and sewerage into the lake and contain pollution," a senior Huda official pointed out.
The Huda planned to develop segregated ponds in about nine water bodies in and around Hyderabad exclusively for immersion of Ganesh idols. This proposal was in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board.A segregated immersion pond in 1.2 acres was built in the Safilguda lake using a coffer dam, also known as mini Tankbund, in 2006 as a pilot project exclusively for Ganesh idol immersion. More than 1100 huge idols of Lord Ganesha were immersed in the special pond apart from many smaller ones. Special arrangements were made to drain out the water after the immersion process, making it easy for clearing the debris.
The experiment was extended to Saroornagar lake, Rangadhamuni Cheruvu and Hasmathpet Cheruvu last year.
The Huda wanted to make similar arrangements in other lakes such as Mir Alam tank, Amber Cheruvu, Patan Cheruvu, Langar Houz Lake and Kapra. Besides, a portion of Hussainsagar in front of KIMS Hospital on the Minister's Road was also proposed to be converted into a segregated pond for idol immersion.
But so far the proposals have remained only on paper. "These ponds were proposed to be built as part of the lake improvement project but court cases have hampered our efforts," Buddha Purnima Project Authority officer-on-special-duty N Chandramohan Reddy said.
The Huda has been fighting cases for sometime now against those who encroached many lakes around the city. Till the litigations are cleared, the Huda will not be in a position to take up any works on the lakes. Hence the delay in construction of segregated immersion ponds, according to official sources.

Making amends

DESARAJU SURYA
Hyderabad: Fearing a negative fallout of the "stifling" regulations in the
different master plans under Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (Huda), the
Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department has amended certain provisions in the relevant rules but has not provided "required relief" to real-estate developers.
As developers cried foul over the "stifling" regulations in the revised master plan of Huda and also the master plan of ORR Growth Corridor, the MAUD sought to "ease" certain clauses even as a writ petition challenging the provisions in the master plan was slated for hearing in the High Court.
The MAUD came out with the amendments following representations made by builders, property developers and representatives of commerce and industry, who pointed out that the regulations would adversely affect the realty sector and make the projects unviable.
"After careful examination of the matter and having regard to the recent slump in the real-estate sector, these amendments are being issued," MAUD principal secretary S P Singh said. The amendments will also be applicable to the Development Promotion Regulations of Hyderabad Airport Development Authority master plan.
As per the amendments, developers will now be not required to "gift" five per cent of the developed area to Huda but instead will be required to pay for it in a different form -- 1.5 times the basic value of such land in lieu. The earlier rule stipulated that developers gift five per cent of land to Huda "for disposal for residential\commercial use." But now, the amended provisions say the said land was intended for "provision of master plan facilities." This condition will, however, be applicable only to sites located outside the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits.
Developers see this as a ploy by the government to avoid legal complications as the provision for "gifting" as such is against the Constitution.
The latest amendments also brought down the reservation of land for Economically Weaker Section housing from 10 to five per cent but another new provision has been added under the Group Housing Schemes wherein the developers will be required to part with three per cent of land free of cost to Huda for provision of master plan facilities.
The percentage of land to be reserved for Low-Income Group housing needs has also been brought down from 10 to five while reservation for Middle-Income Group has been done away with.
One relief which the developers have welcomed is the provision of incentives in the form of waiver of applicable fees and other charges on EWS plots or dwelling units. This besides the scope to develop land for EWS houses within a five-km radius of the existing site.
"The incentives are sure a relief for the developers but we primarily want the gift clause scrapped in toto and in every form," AP Builders Forum chairman C Sekhar Reddy asserted.