Latest news with #Revathi
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I am going to write my life's journey': Mother of billionaire Zerodha brothers Nithin and Nikhil Kamath shares heartfelt post
In a video recently posted on Facebook , Revathi Kamath—best known to the world as the mother of Zerodha co-founders Nithin and Nikhil Kamath—stands on a stage singing a soulful Kannada melody . But it wasn't just her voice that touched hearts—it was the story that accompanied it. In an emotionally resonant caption, Revathi revealed that she is writing her autobiography , an attempt to document the joys, struggles, and unseen sacrifices that shaped her life as a young woman, wife, mother, and more recently, a public figure celebrated for her humility and strength. 'During my college days, I used to sing lots of film songs!! After marriage, life's struggle started,' she wrote in the post. 'Within 10 months of marriage, my son Nithin was born and my life got completely dedicated to him and the family. Later, after a gap of 7 years, Nikhil was born. It was such a struggle to bring them up because they were not normal kids. Every day was a challenge.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I lost my wife, now my son is in danger, please help him! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo What may have started as a nostalgic memory quickly became something deeper—an invitation to the public, and especially to her sons, to understand the depth of her journey. More Than a Mother: A Life of Reinvention The post, though deeply personal, struck a powerful public chord. It resonated with netizens across generations who saw in Revathi not just a mother of billionaires but a woman who dared to rebuild her dreams one step at a time. One commenter called her 'a model for every lady… especially for this generation,' while another wrote, 'You radiate positivity around you! Keep rocking!' You Might Also Like: Zerodha Kamath brothers' mother once borrowed Rs 5,000 and carried flowers to Wipro. Today she is an inspiration to many Revathi's journey is not one solely of struggle. It's also one of reinvention. With a modest ₹5,000 loan, she began her floral decoration career, eventually founding Calyx , a company that went on to manage large-scale weddings and corporate events. Later, she shifted her focus to sustainability, planting over a lakh trees and reviving Somanahalli Lake—an act that helped recharge hundreds of wells and transformed 28 acres of land, as documented on her official website. A Mother's Memoir for Her Sons The forthcoming autobiography, Revathi hinted, is not merely a recollection of events. It is a legacy—one meant to inform, educate, and even surprise her sons. 'My sons must know what I used to feed them, how I brought them up and all,' she wrote. 'Please wait and watch to know everything.' This intimate glimpse into her past comes at a time when she has increasingly become a symbol of grounded living, despite her family's massive wealth. Just months ago, a photograph of her riding the Bengaluru Metro in a pink saree went viral. The image stood in contrast to her recent receipt of a luxury Mercedes GLS, gifted by her sons with traditional honours. Raised in a culturally enriched household in Shringeri, Revathi inherited her love for music from her father, N. Krishnamurthy, a veena player and legal professional. That musical lineage still thrives today. You Might Also Like: Her two sons are billionaires. But Zerodha's Kamath brother's mother Revathi takes a Bengaluru metro ride, standing
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
How trans woman activist A. Revathi uses theatre and literature to fight for Pride identity
When asked about the significance of Pride Month, Revathi said, 'Pride is not just a celebration — but a protest for survival, visibility and acceptance. From forced marriages to conversion therapy, queer people — especially those from working-class and rural backgrounds — fight to just exist without shame. We march to be seen, to affirm that our identities are not a disease or disorder.' Revathi published her first book in Tamil, Unarvum Uruvamum (Our Lives, Our Words) in 2004, followed by The Truth about Me: A Hijra Life Story, published first in English (translated by feminist historian V. Geetha) in 2010, which, a year later, was published in Tamil as Vellai Mozhi. This autobiography is now made into a play with the same name and was staged at Kulavai, a two-day festival held at Alliance Française in Chennai. Kulavai explored feminism, queerness and resistance in Tamil theatre. It also celebrated renowned theatre personality, A. Mangai's, four-decade journey in the field. It was amidst this that Revathi performed Vellai Mozhi to a packed audience. The play's power lies in Revathi's raw honesty, as she brings her life story to the stage by selecting deeply personal moments from her book — those that resonate with the audience. 'I use art — books, poetry, drama — to move hearts and spark a change,' she says. 'People must understand what I express. While some in the queer community reject sympathy, I see it as the first step. Sympathy can lead to support, and support can bring rights. Transforming society is not easy — it takes time, patience and persistence.' Revathi revisits painful chapters of her life, yet manages to convey queer joy to a largely cisgender, heterosexual audience. With wit and disarming honesty, she recalls the first night she slept in a woman's clothing — reflecting on the irony of how modesty demands women be fully covered, even when fully dressed. She ecstatically dances to film songs, celebrating a femininity once shamed and rejected by her family and society. LGBTQ+ activists often stress that joy is a survival strategy, not just a feeling — it is a refusal to be defined by pain alone. Her activism is grounded in the understanding that caste, class, religion, gender, sexuality, and ability overlap to shape people's experiences of discrimination or privilege. Revathi has consistently supported trans men and underprivileged cis-queer people, earning the love of the younger generation. In one scene, she highlights the public gaze transgender women endure — seen as a nuisance for begging, judged for their appearance, and denied respect in public. She flips the script, asking society: 'How dare you question us?' She exposes its brutal silence on child abuse, caste atrocities, honour killings, and acid attacks — crimes where those who speak out are often silenced or killed. Young queer people today worry about aging, haunted by fears of loneliness, lack of traditional support, healthcare discrimination and legal or emotional insecurity. In a society obsessed with heteronormative ideals like marriage, LGBTQ+ people often feel anxious about not finding a partner. Revathi shares a painful truth: parents do not always understand these struggles. Many push their children into lavender marriages to have children for society's sake. But, she reminds us, no child — biological or adopted — owes care to their parents in old age. Though she lovingly adopted her brother's children, now with families of their own, she refuses to rely on them for support. At 60, she lives independently, determined not to be a burden.' 'A partner should be for true companionship,' she says. 'Love can come from parents, friends, or even adopted children — connection is not limited to romantic relationships.' Her message to the youth: 'Education is key — studying and getting a job brings happiness and respect beyond sexuality or gender identity. Through work and social service, you can build supportive communities of friends and a chosen family. Do not limit yourself to work and education —nurture your talents, find creative outlets to keep your mind and spirit alive.' 'If I had let depression stop me, I would never have written the books that now reach so many students across universities. I may not know English, but I still stand in classrooms, share my story and fight for queer rights — because I refused to give up,' says Revathi, who was recently honored by Columbia University's 'Butler Banner Project', with her name displayed alongside iconic women writers, challenging the male-dominated façade of Butler Library and promoting inclusion in academic spaces. In a time when transgender rights are under attack and identities are being erased by those in power around the world, voices like Revathi's offer hope, strength and visibility to a community fighting to survive and be heard.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Time of India
Two child marriages foiled after teenagers raise alarm
1 2 Hyderabad: Two minor girls in Nagarkurnool district courageously stopped their own child marriages last week, aided by prompt action from police, child protection officials, and a local NGO. Acting on distress calls, rescue teams halted both ceremonies just in time—one on the eve of an engagement, the other minutes before wedding rituals began. In both cases, the girls' families were made to sign legal undertakings vowing not to proceed with marriage until the girls turned 18 . Although no FIRs were registered, the child welfare committee (CWC) will monitor compliance under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Midnight appeal In Pentlavelli village, Aparna (name changed), a first year Intermediate student home for the summer, overheard relatives finalising her engagement to an older cousin. She protested, but her objections were ignored. That night, she penned a desperate letter under the glow of a dim lamp, detailing her situation. At dawn, she handed copies to trusted classmates, pleading for help. They acted immediately, contacting Child Helpline 1098, local police and the NGO, Conservation of Nature through Rural Awakening (CONARE). "A joint team reached Aparna's house the same day," said MA Saleem, director of CONARE. "The family insisted it was only an engagement, but officials reminded them that any step towards marriage under 18 is illegal under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act," he said. The parents were taken to the local police station and made to sign a bond of 50 promising not to proceed. While no FIR was filed, the CWC will continue to monitor the case. Friends step in In Devuni Thirumalapur village in Peddakothapally mandal, 15-year-old Revathi (name changed) faced mounting pressure from her widowed mother, who is a farm worker, and extended family to marry during the May holidays. A bright student who had just cleared class IX, Revathi confided in her friends. On May 29, a day before the scheduled wedding, her friends alerted 1098 and also the NGO, CONARE. A rescue team comprising police, Child Helpline counsellors, and NGO workers reached the mandapam just minutes before the ceremony. Revathi was removed from the venue and shifted to Sakhi Centre in Nagarkurnool for protection and counselling. The following day, Revathi's mother and relatives were summoned by the CWC. After a detailed session on the physical, emotional, and legal risks of early marriage, they too signed a written undertaking not to proceed. The promise will be enforced through follow-up visits, CWC member Prasanna told TOI. "These girls showed exceptional bravery. Their cases are reminders that community awareness and grassroots coordination can truly change lives," said Prasanna.
New Indian Express
02-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Woman awaits late HM husband's retirement benefits for 11 years
SALEM: The wife of a late school headmaster in Salem has been awaiting his retirement and death benefits for 11 years from the state government. J Revathi of Fairlands in Salem said she has been running from pillar to post because educational officers of the School Education Department in Salem have been unjustifiably delaying the benefits due. The 61-year-old recently petitioned the School Education Secretary, urging him to ensure the payment of benefits and demanding action against educational officers. Revathi told TNIE that her husband, C Jothirlingam, who was the headmaster of a government-aided school in Salem, passed away in September 2014 and she received a gratuity of Rs 10 lakh in 2015. 'Except for the gratuity and pension, I have not received any death-cum-retirement benefits such as leave encashment, lifetime arrears, final closure amount etc from the state government so far,' she said, adding that, along with her, four other legal heirs have been struggling to receive their benefits from the education department.'No action has been taken by educational officers from the block to the state level despite repeated petitions to them,' Revathi stated.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
THIS veteran actress reunites with Thalapathy Vijay after 23 years in 'Jana Nayagan'
'Jana Nayagan' is an upcoming Tamil action-drama film directed by H. Vinoth , featuring Thalapathy Vijay in the lead role. The film is highly anticipated as it is reported to be Vijay 's final outing as an actor before he shifts his focus to politics. Actress Revathi is reportedly joining the cast of 'Jana Nayagan,' the upcoming film starring Thalapathy Vijay. This marks a significant reunion as Revathi is said to be acting in a Vijay film after a gap of 23 years. Fans and industry insiders are excited about her involvement in this much-anticipated project, which is directed by H. Vinoth. The film is currently in an active shooting phase, with several popular actors already on board. 'Jana Nayagan' promises to be a powerful farewell film for Vijay 'Jana Nayagan' storyline is still under wraps, but it is known that the film's cast includes big names like Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Bajaj, Priyamani, Gautham Menon, and Prakash Raj . The technical crew is also impressive, with Sathyan Sooryan handling cinematography, Anal Arasu as the stunt director, Selvakumar managing the art direction, and Pradeep Raghav editing the film. Costume design is by Pallavi, and publicity design is done by Gopi Prasanna. Sister to now portraying Vijay's mother, Revathi's transition Revathi has a special connection with Vijay from the past. In 2002, she played the role of Vijay's sister in the film Thamizhan, starring alongside Vijay and Priyanka Chopra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 국내1% 성분 마셨더니.. [기관지,폐질환] 사라져! 목구멍 끓는소리까지 벗어나..! magabogam Undo Now, reports suggest that in 'Jana Nayagan,' she will be taking on the role of Vijay's mother. This shift in roles symbolizes her evolving journey in the industry and adds a nostalgic layer for longtime fans of both actors. Fans await an official announcement While these reports are creating a buzz, the filmmakers have not yet made any official announcements about Revathi's casting. However, industry watchers expect an official statement to be released soon, confirming her participation. With the film progressing steadily, anticipation is building around 'Jana Nayagan,' which promises to be a memorable chapter in Vijay's illustrious career. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
