Latest news with #Premkumar
The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Chemancheri's legacy lives on in Kathakali
Four years after Padma Shri Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair's passing, his great-nephew Kalamandalam Premkumar is working to revive his legacy at the Cheliya Kathakali Vidyalayam in Koyilandy — a school the maestro founded 42 years ago to offer free Kathakali training to students. 'He was an extraordinary talent,' said Mr. Premkumar, recalling childhood days spent watching his uncle command the stage as Krishna. 'I was always fascinated by it, so I joined Kerala Kalamandalam right after Class X,' he added. The centre, which offers training in both Kathakali and Bharatanatyam, currently trains over 300 students in disciplines such as Kathakali Sangeetham (music), Chenda, Maddalam, Keralanadanam, and even the intricate art of Chutti (Kathakali makeup). Over the years, more girls have started learning Kathakali at the school, breaking into what was once a male-dominated art form — 'a positive change,' says Premkumar. The Union government currently provides financial assistance to the school. Once deeply rooted in temple festivals, Kathakali is now gradually disappearing from Malabar stages. To combat this fading public familiarity, the school organises the annual Kathakali Padana Shibiram (Kathakali learning workshop) during April and May. Eleven-year-old Thanmayi Renjith, a participant in the workshop, has now enrolled in the regular classes. 'Initially, I was reluctant to join, but once I started learning, I loved it,' she said. For Anagha M.S., it was watching Kuchelavrittam that inspired her to take up the classical dance-drama. 'I was awestruck by its grandeur,' she said. 'It takes hours to perfect the minute details. The costume, with its many layers and heavy headgear, can be difficult to manage. That's what makes Kathakali so unique,' Anagha added. 'The school is carrying forward Kunjiramettan's legacy,' said Vijayalakshmi K., a resident and Kathakali enthusiast, fondly remembering Guru Chemancheri, who passed away in March 2021 at the age of 104.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Prayagraj to host U-20 nat'l jr athletics c'ship from June 22
Prayagraj: The Sangam City is all set to host the Under-20 National Junior Athletics Championship for the first time. Scheduled from June 22 to 24, the championship will take place at the Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium, which was chosen by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for its upgraded infrastructure, including a newly laid international-standard synthetic track. The championship will witness participation from around 1,400 young athletes representing various states across the country. A wide array of events will be held, including sprints (100m, 200m, 400m), hurdles (110m, 400m), relays (4x100m, 4x400m), and middle and long-distance races such as the 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m, and 3000m steeplechase. Racewalking and field events like high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, javelin throw, discus throw, hammer throw, and shot put will also be featured. The heptathlon and decathlon will be part of the competition as well. To ensure the championship meets AFI standards, several key arrangements have been made at the venue, including a fully equipped doping control centre, digital timing systems, medical and rest facilities for athletes, and accurate measurement tools. According to Regional Sports Officer (RSO) Premkumar, comprehensive preparations, including technical inspection of the stadium, security measures, transportation, and accommodation for athletes, are underway. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The technical delegates from AFI will oversee the implementation of these standards to ensure a fair and smooth event. Coach Devi Prasad said that the championship would significantly boost Prayagraj's image as a national sports hub. Coach Satyendra Kumar highlighted the opportunity for local athletes to compete on home ground, which can boost their confidence and offer them exposure to high-level coaching and competition. The presence of AFI's technical delegates will further ensure the championship maintains high standards in track measurements, equipment checks, time accuracy, and record verification. Their role will also be vital in managing doping tests and resolving any disputes. This historic championship not only represents a leap forward for Prayagraj's sporting ambitions but also serves as a platform for nurturing the next generation of India's athletic talent, said the RSO. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
Periamet Machete Attack: Fatal Liquor Dispute Leads to Murder Charges Against Five
CHENNAI: The Vepery Police altered an attempt to murder case to murder after a 26-year-old man succumbed to injuries sustained during a machete attack in Periamet. The victim, , a resident of Stingers Street in the Periamet slum, died on 7 June while undergoing treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The incident occurred in the early hours of 5 June, when Premkumar and his friend Kapil visited the residence of a woman named Sumathi in the same locality, allegedly seeking liquor. When Sumathi refused, Premkumar reportedly verbally abused her. In response, Sumathi contacted her son Dheena and son-in-law Vijayanarayanan. The two men, accompanied by others, returned in an auto-rickshaw and attacked Premkumar with machetes before fleeing. Premkumar was admitted to the government hospital with severe injuries. Despite medical intervention, he died two days later. Based on a complaint lodged by the victim's mother, Amulu (50), the police initially registered a case of attempt to murder. A special team led by the inspector of Vepery Police Station arrested five persons identified as Vijayanarayanan (35), Jeeva (33), Dheena (24), (22), and Sumathi (44), all residents of Periamet. During the arrests, police recovered two machetes, a car, and an auto believed to have been used in the assault. The accused were produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody. Preliminary investigations revealed that the assault was rooted in ongoing personal disputes. Police sources said Premkumar had previously attacked Vijayanarayanan with a knife, contributing to the hostility. 'There were longstanding tensions between the parties involved,' an investigating officer confirmed. Following Premkumar's death, the charges were modified to murder under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. Further investigation is underway.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Director Premkumar rubbishes rumours around ‘96 Part 2' that Vijay Sethupathi has opted out of the project
Director , known for the poignant romantic drama 96, has issued a firm clarification regarding recent rumours circulating about its proposed sequel. Taking to Instagram, Premkumar called out the misinformation, stating that he had not approached to act in '96 Part 2'. 'This is just another example of fake news,' he wrote. He emphasised that if a sequel to 96 ever gets made, it would only feature the original cast, and , who brought magic to the 2018 film. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " Rumours claimed Vijay Sethupathi opted out Prem Kumar's clarification comes in the wake of social media chatter suggesting Vijay Sethupathi was not interested in reprising his role in the sequel. The same rumours alleged that Premkumar had approached Pradeep Ranganathan for the lead, but the 'Love Today' director-actor reportedly declined, citing concerns that the emotional tone of the story could impact his on-screen image. These claims created a flurry of speculation online, with fans and film circles debating the fate of '96 Part 2. ' New script with Pradeep Ranganathan unrelated to '96' sequel Premkumar clarified that his interaction with Pradeep Ranganathan was for an entirely different script unrelated to 96. 'It has nothing to do with the sequel,' he asserted. The director also expressed frustration over the growing trend of baseless speculation in the media and urged journalists to verify facts before spreading potentially damaging stories. 'It's becoming difficult to manage the spread of such misleading news,' he added, calling for more responsibility from digital platforms and media houses. Director urges media to curb baseless speculation Following the director's clarification, fans of '96' were relieved to know that any sequel would remain faithful to the original's tone and cast. The first film, which explored love, nostalgia, and heartbreak with great sensitivity, holds a special place in Tamil cinema, and expectations are high should a second part eventually take shape.
Pink Villa
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Will Pradeep Ranganathan replace Vijay Sethupathi in 96 Part 2? Director Premkumar breaks silence
96 is a Tamil romantic drama film that hit the big screens back in 2018. Despite nearly seven years since its release, the movie is still cherished by fans for the on-screen chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha. Earlier, director Premkumar confirmed that a continuation of the story is in development. Following this, rumors began circulating that Pradeep Ranganathan might replace the original lead. However, the filmmaker has now broken his silence on these speculations. Is Pradeep Ranganathan a part of 96 sequel? Director Premkumar clarified that the recent rumors about the sequel to the Vijay Sethupathi -starrer were entirely false. He stated that the second installment of the film could only be made with the original cast. He also mentioned that actor Pradeep Ranganathan had been approached, but for a completely different project. "This is a fake news as usual. 96-2 can ONLY be made with the original cast of 96. I also clarify that actor Mr Pradeep Ranganathan was approached for a different story altogether. It's got nothing to do with 96-2. Day by day dealing with these harmful fake news is getting increasingly difficult. I again reach out to the ethical press and media to establish the truth," he wrote. Check out Premkumar's post on Instagram below: What do we know about 96 Part 2? At an awards show, director Premkumar confirmed that a sequel to 96 is in the works. He said, 'I have written the story of 96. As for the cast, the actors who appeared in the first part will reprise their roles. There is no change in that.' Other details about the movie are still under wraps by the makers. About 96 96 stars Vijay Sethupathi as Ram and Trisha as Jaanu, while their younger versions are portrayed by Aadithya Bhaskar and Gouri G. Kishan. Set around a school reunion, the story unfolds as Ram and Jaanu reconnect after 22 years. Through heartfelt conversations and emotional flashbacks, they reflect on their unfinished love story. The film received critical acclaim for its direction and was also a commercial success.
