Priyamani pitted against Madhavan

National award winning actress Priyamani will play Madhavan's ladylove in Thangar Bachchan's forthcoming film.

To be produced by Ayngaran Internationals, the movie brings together Sathyaraj, Madhavan and Priyamani for the first time. The actress, who won the National award for best actress for her performance in 'Paruthi veeran', is currently acting in a movie made by veteran director Mani Ratnam. Up on completion, she would act in Thangar's film.

Interestingly, Madhavan plays Sathyaraj's son in the film. Sathyaraj and Thangar had earlier teamed up with Sathyaraj in 'Onbathu Roopai Nottu'.

'What's wrong in hiking salary?' - Priyamani

The actress who won the prestigious National Award for her performance as a rustic belle in the film 'Paruthiveeran' shot back at reporters when asked as to why she has hiked her remuneration.

'What is wrong in hiking my salary? Do you expect me to work for a fixed amount all through my career?' the actress questioned.

When asked if her remuneration was 40 lakhs now, she said, 'I don't want to disclose as to how much I am paid now, but I wish it was 40 lakhs', she laughed.

Priya Mani also made it very clear that she does not want to be typecast with a particular role. Ever since she made a successful portrayal of a village girl in 'Paruthiveeran', hordes of directors offered her similar roles.

'I played a glamorous girl in 'Malaikottai' after 'Paruthiveeran' because I want to be known as an all round actress', she says. Priya Mani is gearing up to work with Mani Ratnam and this could boost her career to tremendous heights.

Priyamani hits back at Cheran

Actor - director Cheran had launched a scathing attack on actress Priymani recently. In an interview to a magazine, Cheran said that she did not deserve the National Award and she had no interest to do quality cinema. Cheran had approached Priyamani to act in his 'Pokkisham' initially and as she declined, he reportedly roped in Padmapriya. In her retaliation, Priyamani said, ' Cheran did not approach me. One of his assistants sought me to act in 'Pokkisham'. However I was busy with a Telugu and a Malayalam film. Manirathinam's film in Tamil might commence at any moment. Hence I quietly declined Cheran's offer'. 'I am annoyed at his comments on me. It upsets me a lot. I worked hard in 'Paruthiveeran' and Ameer helped me come out with my best. Cheran's comments are unwarranted', she said.

'Paruthi Veeran' rules the roost at filmfare awards

It was a joyous moment for Tamil cinema as 'Paruthi Veeran' grabbed six awards including the awards for best actor and actress at the 55th annual Filmfare Awards held in Chennai on Saturday. Veteran film personalities Sivakumar and Jayapradha were conferred the lifetime achievement awards on the occasion.

Quite typical to any film award functions, the annual Filmfare awards at Chennai Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium witnessed variety dance performances by Poonam Bajwa, Rambha, Dhivya, Hanshika Motwani, Shobana, Namitha, Shriya, Raja and Vineeth. Members of dance master Kala's troupe accompanied them on stage.

The awards function was graced by the who's who of Indian cinema besides noted politician Amar Singh.

The list of awardees in Tamil:

• Ameer (best director – 'Paruthi Veeran')
• Karthi (best actor – 'Paruthi Veeran')
• Priyamani (best actress – 'Paruthi Veeran')
• Sujatha (best character actress – 'Paruthi Veeran')
• Saravanan (best character actor – 'Paruthi Veeran')
• K V Anand (best cinematography – 'Sivaji')
• A R Rahman (best music director – 'Sivaji')
• Pa Vijay (best lyricist – 'Unnale Unnale')
• Prem Rakshith (best choreographer – 'Azhagiya Thamizh Magan')
• S P Balasubramaniam (best male singer – 'Mozhi')
• Sadhana Sargam (best female singer – 'Kireedam')

Sivakumar was given lifetime achievement award by his sons Suriya and Karthi. It turned out to be an emotional moment as Sivakumar was almost moved to tears. Jayapradha was given the award by Amar Singh.

The glittering awards function was attended by Mohanlal, Ileana, Nayantara, Sarath Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Venkatesh, Madhavan, Rakshitha, Allu Arjun, Srikanth, Lingusamy, Vasanth, Ravi Theja, Swarnamalya, Sumalatha, Charmi, Vimala Raman, Sindhoora, Lakshmi Rai, Saranya, Poornima, Meena, Shaam, Naren among others.

Priyamani to be directed by Maniratnam

The dusky actress Priyamani celebrated her birthday earlier this week and get just about the perfect gift. News reached her that ace director Maniratnam had chosen her to play a very vital role in his next project.

The film that is to be made simultaneously in Tamil and Hindi will feature Vikram as hero in Tamil, while Abhishek Bachchan will feature in the Hindi version. Aishwarya Rai plays heroine in both versions.

Prithiviraj will be playing a role that has negative shades and Priyamani has been chosen to pair up with him. Maniratnam's handling of characters have always been mighty beneficial to his actors' image in the public eye and in that sense, Priyamani's career could very well be poised for greater heights.

Sources reveal that Priyamani was ecstatic once she heard the news.