With the wafer-thin majority of the UDF Government being narrowed down further to just one, serious thinking has dawned on all the top leaders in the front on how to plug the loose ends and hold ground. The strength of the UDF in the 140-member Assembly has come down to 71 with the demise of T.M. Jacob.
As for the Kerala Congress (Jacob), a crucial meet is slated for Tuesday after the funeral of T M Jacob. A formal demand will be made during the meeting to induct Anoop Jacob, the departed leader’s son and state president of Youth Front, as a minister.
The Kerala Congress (Jacob) has also resolved to launch Anoop as the party’s choice and UDF candidate in the Assembly bypoll from Piravom, which has to be held in six months.
The assessment is that the suave Anoop would be able to cash in on the sympathy wave and retain the seat held by his father for long, though the fact remains that he had scraped through in the 2011 polls with a majority of just 157 votes .
The prospect of the UDF Government positioned on a rickety wicket are sending jitters to many, especially with another senior legislator from its fold confined to a hospital bed for long time now.
“To move ahead with the support of the likes of Government Chief Whip P C George, who are perennial trouble-makers, is unthinkable,” a senior KPCC leader told Express.
The only breather for the UDF Government is that the Opposition LDF is not keen to topple the dispensation at the moment, despite rumours based on the recent statements of Opposition Deputy Leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan that a few UDF MLAs are waiting to cross over.
The LDF may not pursue a more vigorous political line in the Piravom Assembly bypoll either, since the choice is more or less stamped for M J Jacob, who lost the 2011 polls to T M Jacob, after routing the latter in the 2006 polls.
Showing posts with label Pookutty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pookutty. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Federal Bank, Oriental Insurance launch NRI mediclaim policy
Mumbai: Kerala-based private lender Federal Bank has partnered with Oriental Insurance Company to launch a mediclaim policy for the NRI community, 'Fed Oriental Pravasi Insurance'.
The scheme will offer NRIs a cover for normal hospital expenses and unforeseen events such as repatriation and accidents. The policy also includes a legal/litigation cover, hospitalisation cover, personal accident cover and a medical floater cover for family members, besides maternity benefits.
"This amalgamation will help us achieve our growth objectives and also provide our existing clientele with better investment alternatives. This step will enable us to make the most of the strategic opportunities offered by a dynamic and evolving market," Federal Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Shyam Srinivasan said in a statement.
The scheme will offer NRIs a cover for normal hospital expenses and unforeseen events such as repatriation and accidents. The policy also includes a legal/litigation cover, hospitalisation cover, personal accident cover and a medical floater cover for family members, besides maternity benefits.
"This amalgamation will help us achieve our growth objectives and also provide our existing clientele with better investment alternatives. This step will enable us to make the most of the strategic opportunities offered by a dynamic and evolving market," Federal Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Shyam Srinivasan said in a statement.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
CPM’s electoral partner a terrorist: Kerala govt
18 Dec 2009,
NEW DELHI: CPM-led Kerala government on Thursday did a political U-turn and described Soofiya Madani, wife of its ‘ally’ in the last Lok Sabha election, Abdul Nassar Madani, as someone with links to dreaded terror outfits.
The Kerala government, which opposed Soofiya’s bail plea in the Kalamasseri bus burning case, told the high court that the government cannot be lenient towards people connected with terror groups. Within minutes of the HC rejecting her bail plea, the state police arrested Soofiya.
The prosecution had told the HC that Soofiya was among the choreographers of the bus burning incident carried out by a group led by Thadiyantevide Nazir, the arrested South Indian commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba. “She was passing on instructions to Abdul Rahim, Majeed Parambai and Sabeer Tajudeen. A day after the bus burning incident, Soofiya had told Tajudeen to follow the instruction of Thadiyantevide Nazir.
Justice K T Sankaran stated that there was prima facie evidence of her involvement in the terror activity. He said there was evidence pointing to the petitioner (Soofiya) waging war against the country. The development is a major embarrassment for CPM, which had associated with Madani in the Muslim-dominated areas of the state in the Lok Sabha elections. CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan virtually forced the central leadership to endorse the association with PDP. Chief minister V S Achuthanandan and allies like CPI were opposed to seeking the help of PDP.
The chief minister used the revelations against Soofiya to assert that the decision of the party to cooperate with PDP was a mistake. “Even the relationship that was there in the past with PDP should not have taken place,” Mr Achuthanandan said.
NEW DELHI: CPM-led Kerala government on Thursday did a political U-turn and described Soofiya Madani, wife of its ‘ally’ in the last Lok Sabha election, Abdul Nassar Madani, as someone with links to dreaded terror outfits.
The Kerala government, which opposed Soofiya’s bail plea in the Kalamasseri bus burning case, told the high court that the government cannot be lenient towards people connected with terror groups. Within minutes of the HC rejecting her bail plea, the state police arrested Soofiya.
The prosecution had told the HC that Soofiya was among the choreographers of the bus burning incident carried out by a group led by Thadiyantevide Nazir, the arrested South Indian commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba. “She was passing on instructions to Abdul Rahim, Majeed Parambai and Sabeer Tajudeen. A day after the bus burning incident, Soofiya had told Tajudeen to follow the instruction of Thadiyantevide Nazir.
Justice K T Sankaran stated that there was prima facie evidence of her involvement in the terror activity. He said there was evidence pointing to the petitioner (Soofiya) waging war against the country. The development is a major embarrassment for CPM, which had associated with Madani in the Muslim-dominated areas of the state in the Lok Sabha elections. CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan virtually forced the central leadership to endorse the association with PDP. Chief minister V S Achuthanandan and allies like CPI were opposed to seeking the help of PDP.
The chief minister used the revelations against Soofiya to assert that the decision of the party to cooperate with PDP was a mistake. “Even the relationship that was there in the past with PDP should not have taken place,” Mr Achuthanandan said.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Paul murder: case diary produced in HC
Kochi: Police today produced the case diary relating to the murder of businessman Paul Muthoot George in the Kerala High Court.
Justice K T Shankaran was hearing the bail applications of four accused-- Sunil, Aneesh Kumar, Binoy Markose and Jain
Jose- when the diary was produced.
The judge posted the bail applications for October14.
The accused submitted that they were in judicial custody since August 23. Earlier, the Alapuzha sessions court had
dimissed their bail pleas.
George, Executive Director of Kerala-based Muthoot Group, was murdered by a gang at a deserted place near Alapuzha on
August 22.The group has interests in several areas including financing and hospitality industry. PTI
Justice K T Shankaran was hearing the bail applications of four accused-- Sunil, Aneesh Kumar, Binoy Markose and Jain
Jose- when the diary was produced.
The judge posted the bail applications for October14.
The accused submitted that they were in judicial custody since August 23. Earlier, the Alapuzha sessions court had
dimissed their bail pleas.
George, Executive Director of Kerala-based Muthoot Group, was murdered by a gang at a deserted place near Alapuzha on
August 22.The group has interests in several areas including financing and hospitality industry. PTI
Friday, July 17, 2009
Rains cause havoc in north Kerala
Wednesday,15 July 2009
Kozhikode (Kerala): Heavy rains and landslides have wreaked havoc in northern districts of Kerala, affecting vehicular movement and causing large-scale damage to property, a legislator from the the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said.
The main districts to be affected were Wayanad, Palakkad and Kozhikode.
The hill district of Wayanad has been cut off since Wednesday morning after the area witnessed landslides, affecting vehicular traffic. One person has been reported missing from Mepadi in Wayanad district.
"Three people who had gone missing after a landslide in Mepadi have been rescued. One person is still reported missing. There has been large-scale destruction of property and the extent of damage is being ascertained," P. Krishnaprasad, the CPI-M legislator from Sultan Battery in Wayanad district, told IANS.
All educational institutions in Wayanad district will remain closed Thursday.
Four members of a family who went missing from Nilambur in Malappuram district following a landslide Tuesday night were rescued Wednesday afternoon.
"In Kozhikode, several places have been disconnected because many bridges have come under water," Saju Chaly, a resident of Kodencherry in Kozhikode district, told IANS.
Kozhikode (Kerala): Heavy rains and landslides have wreaked havoc in northern districts of Kerala, affecting vehicular movement and causing large-scale damage to property, a legislator from the the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said.
The main districts to be affected were Wayanad, Palakkad and Kozhikode.
The hill district of Wayanad has been cut off since Wednesday morning after the area witnessed landslides, affecting vehicular traffic. One person has been reported missing from Mepadi in Wayanad district.
"Three people who had gone missing after a landslide in Mepadi have been rescued. One person is still reported missing. There has been large-scale destruction of property and the extent of damage is being ascertained," P. Krishnaprasad, the CPI-M legislator from Sultan Battery in Wayanad district, told IANS.
All educational institutions in Wayanad district will remain closed Thursday.
Four members of a family who went missing from Nilambur in Malappuram district following a landslide Tuesday night were rescued Wednesday afternoon.
"In Kozhikode, several places have been disconnected because many bridges have come under water," Saju Chaly, a resident of Kodencherry in Kozhikode district, told IANS.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Stage set for JDS entry to UDF
26 May 2009
Kozhikode: The JDS state committee which met here Tuesday has virtually given the green flag for the party to decide positively on joining UDF in the state.
The decision of the central committee will now be discussed in all the 14 district councils of the party. The final call will be taken on July 12 when the state committee meets again.
The consensus was on ensuring entry into the UDF coalition before the announcement of the local body elections. The meeting also decided to take strong action against leaders and party workers who take stand against this decision. The party also announced the expulsion of its vice-president N.M.Joseph, secretaries Gangadharan Nadar, C.K. Gopi and treasurer Mohammed Shah from the party.
Kozhikode: The JDS state committee which met here Tuesday has virtually given the green flag for the party to decide positively on joining UDF in the state.
The decision of the central committee will now be discussed in all the 14 district councils of the party. The final call will be taken on July 12 when the state committee meets again.
The consensus was on ensuring entry into the UDF coalition before the announcement of the local body elections. The meeting also decided to take strong action against leaders and party workers who take stand against this decision. The party also announced the expulsion of its vice-president N.M.Joseph, secretaries Gangadharan Nadar, C.K. Gopi and treasurer Mohammed Shah from the party.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
'Rahman was paid Rs.1.5 Cr for Jai Ho show'
6 May 2009
Kozhikode: Double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman was paid a whopping Rs.1.5 crore for conducting the `Jai Ho' live concert here on Sunday, organisers said. `We booked the show paying Rs.1.5 crore', P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP and Chairman of Kerala-based NGO `Keraleeyam', organisers of the show, said.
Touted to be the most expensive musical extravaganza held in recent times, it had netted sizeable profit, he said, adding the exact details could be made available only after the completion of audit of accounts.
A major portion of the proceeds had been earmarked for the rehabilitation of HIV-positive children.
Earlier, organisers had claimed that they had sold tickets worth Rs.seven crore for the programme, which was witnessed by music lovers from all over the country and abroad.
The `Jai Ho' live concert held here was the first of 39 such shows planned by the music maestro during the next five years in various destinations across the world with the next show scheduled to be conducted in Abu Dhabi.
Wahab said Keraleeyam, which was providing financial assistance to the tune of Rs.15,000 per annum to about 450 HIV-positive children, was now in a position to help another 1,000 children following huge flow of donations.
Rahman had also said that he would contribute a portion of the proceeds from the Abu Dhabi show, he added.
Kozhikode: Double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman was paid a whopping Rs.1.5 crore for conducting the `Jai Ho' live concert here on Sunday, organisers said. `We booked the show paying Rs.1.5 crore', P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP and Chairman of Kerala-based NGO `Keraleeyam', organisers of the show, said.
Touted to be the most expensive musical extravaganza held in recent times, it had netted sizeable profit, he said, adding the exact details could be made available only after the completion of audit of accounts.
A major portion of the proceeds had been earmarked for the rehabilitation of HIV-positive children.
Earlier, organisers had claimed that they had sold tickets worth Rs.seven crore for the programme, which was witnessed by music lovers from all over the country and abroad.
The `Jai Ho' live concert held here was the first of 39 such shows planned by the music maestro during the next five years in various destinations across the world with the next show scheduled to be conducted in Abu Dhabi.
Wahab said Keraleeyam, which was providing financial assistance to the tune of Rs.15,000 per annum to about 450 HIV-positive children, was now in a position to help another 1,000 children following huge flow of donations.
Rahman had also said that he would contribute a portion of the proceeds from the Abu Dhabi show, he added.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Resul Pookutty makes history
Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty hold the Oscars for achievement in sound mixing for their work on "Slumdog Millionaire"
Los Angeles: After winning the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), 36-year-old Resul Pookutty has created history by becoming the first Indian to bag the Oscar for best sound mixing for the critically acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire".
Pookutty shared the Oscar with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for their work in the Mumbai-based rags-to-riches drama directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle.
"This is unbelievable. I share this stage with two magicians...I dedicate this award to my country," Pookutty said while accepting the award here Sunday.
Pookutty, who lives in Mumbai with his wife and two young children, got his big break in Bollywood with the critically acclaimed 2005 film "Black" that was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
He subsequently engineered sound for productions like "Musafir" (2004), "Zinda" (2006), "Traffic Signal" (2007), "Gandhi, My Father" (2007), "Saawariya" (2007) and "Dus Kahaniyaan" (2007) apart from several others. He also designed sound for the 2008 blockbuster "Ghajini", starring Aamir Khan.
Pookutty is now looking forward to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film. But he is currently busy doing the sound of Rajat Kapoor's "Rectangular Love Story", Suarabh Shukla's "Pappu Can't Dance Saala" and new director Sharad's "Rangeen In Love".
Pookutty, who hails from Kerala, did his schooling in Malayalam medium. He was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days.
Though Pookutty's father was keen that he should become a doctor, he failed the medical entrance examinations.
After finishing his graduation, he took admission to a law course in 1990. Going against his father's wishes, he dropped out of law college in Thiruvananthapuram and joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune in 1995.
Los Angeles: After winning the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), 36-year-old Resul Pookutty has created history by becoming the first Indian to bag the Oscar for best sound mixing for the critically acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire".
Pookutty shared the Oscar with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for their work in the Mumbai-based rags-to-riches drama directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle.
"This is unbelievable. I share this stage with two magicians...I dedicate this award to my country," Pookutty said while accepting the award here Sunday.
Pookutty, who lives in Mumbai with his wife and two young children, got his big break in Bollywood with the critically acclaimed 2005 film "Black" that was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
He subsequently engineered sound for productions like "Musafir" (2004), "Zinda" (2006), "Traffic Signal" (2007), "Gandhi, My Father" (2007), "Saawariya" (2007) and "Dus Kahaniyaan" (2007) apart from several others. He also designed sound for the 2008 blockbuster "Ghajini", starring Aamir Khan.
Pookutty is now looking forward to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film. But he is currently busy doing the sound of Rajat Kapoor's "Rectangular Love Story", Suarabh Shukla's "Pappu Can't Dance Saala" and new director Sharad's "Rangeen In Love".
Pookutty, who hails from Kerala, did his schooling in Malayalam medium. He was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days.
Though Pookutty's father was keen that he should become a doctor, he failed the medical entrance examinations.
After finishing his graduation, he took admission to a law course in 1990. Going against his father's wishes, he dropped out of law college in Thiruvananthapuram and joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune in 1995.
NRI businessman surrenders in Court
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An NRI businessman involved in a case connected with a drunken brawl at the International airport here surrendered before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court on Tuesday.
Judge P Muraleedharan granted conditional bail to the NRI Madhil Reghu. The case was that Reghu along with one of his foreign friends Ahammad Muhammad Al Jalak had allegedly beat up the CISF security and immigration officials at the airport here on February 7.
The Court directed Reghu, hailing from Kollam district, to furnish a security of Rs Five lakh as condition for bail.
The local police had allowed them to go after registering a petty case. However, when the incident became a controversy and CISF complained about the manner in which the accused were treated by the local police, holding that the issue involved airport security, the government ordered a probe.
Later, the government suspended two police personnel including an assistant commissioner in connection with the incident.
Jalak surrendered before the police on February 11 and was on bail.
Judge P Muraleedharan granted conditional bail to the NRI Madhil Reghu. The case was that Reghu along with one of his foreign friends Ahammad Muhammad Al Jalak had allegedly beat up the CISF security and immigration officials at the airport here on February 7.
The Court directed Reghu, hailing from Kollam district, to furnish a security of Rs Five lakh as condition for bail.
The local police had allowed them to go after registering a petty case. However, when the incident became a controversy and CISF complained about the manner in which the accused were treated by the local police, holding that the issue involved airport security, the government ordered a probe.
Later, the government suspended two police personnel including an assistant commissioner in connection with the incident.
Jalak surrendered before the police on February 11 and was on bail.
Kerala government to honour Oscar winners with gold medals
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government will accord a civic reception to music maestro A R Rahman, lyricist Gulzar and sound engineer Resul Pookutty, for their Oscar-winning feat for the film "Slumdog Millionaire" and present them gold medals.
Announcing a cabinet decision in this regard, chief minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters that the date for civic reception would be decided as per the award winners' convenience.
The government would present each of them a gold medal, he said.
The cabinet also congratulated Rahman, Pookutty and Gulzar for winning the coveted award.
Earlier in the day, the state assembly also congratulated Rahman, Gulzar and Pookutty.
Showering praises on Rahman, Assembly Speaker K Radhakrishnan said the musician has been able to create new waves in Indian film music at a very young age by dint of talent and dedication.
Keralites were elated to hear about the honour for Pookutty as he is the first Malayali to win the paramount award of the film world, he said.
Announcing a cabinet decision in this regard, chief minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters that the date for civic reception would be decided as per the award winners' convenience.
The government would present each of them a gold medal, he said.
The cabinet also congratulated Rahman, Pookutty and Gulzar for winning the coveted award.
Earlier in the day, the state assembly also congratulated Rahman, Gulzar and Pookutty.
Showering praises on Rahman, Assembly Speaker K Radhakrishnan said the musician has been able to create new waves in Indian film music at a very young age by dint of talent and dedication.
Keralites were elated to hear about the honour for Pookutty as he is the first Malayali to win the paramount award of the film world, he said.
Kerala assembly congratulates Rahman, Pookutty
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala assembly Tuesday congratulated music maestro A.R. Rahman and sound technician Resul Pookutty of 'Slumdog Millionaire' for bagging Oscars at the 81st annual Academy Awards.
Speaker K. Radhakrishnan said the assembly is happy for Tamil Nadu's Rahman and Pookutty, a Keralite who grew up near Anchal in Kollam district. He congratulated the two immediately after the question hour came to a close.
'We are happy as this is an achievement for our country and more importantly they have dedicated this to the country,' he said.
Pookutty won the award for sound mixing while composer Rahman bagged two Oscars - for best original song and best original score
Speaker K. Radhakrishnan said the assembly is happy for Tamil Nadu's Rahman and Pookutty, a Keralite who grew up near Anchal in Kollam district. He congratulated the two immediately after the question hour came to a close.
'We are happy as this is an achievement for our country and more importantly they have dedicated this to the country,' he said.
Pookutty won the award for sound mixing while composer Rahman bagged two Oscars - for best original song and best original score
Monday, February 23, 2009
Shivratri gift to Malayalis: Pookutty
Anchal: The sleepy Vilakkupara village burst into cheers early morning when Resul Pookutty was declared Oscar winner for sound mixing.
His family members, neighbours and friends got into a celebration mood, hugging each other, distributing sweets as Resul Pookutty became the first Keralite to win an Oscar.
''It's a Shivratri gift to Malayalis,'' he told a Malayalam television channel after receiving the award.
Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, Culture Minister M A Baby, his colleagues in the film industry and people from all walks of life congratulated him for his success.
''Both Resul Pookutty and A R Rahman made the country proud by winning the Oscar,'' the Chief Minister said.
''Hard work pays off and this is going to be a great impetus for all in the film industry,'' Mr Baby said.
Cine actors Mammoottty and Mohanlal were among those who congratulated 37-year-old Resul in the greatest achievement in his career.
The youngest of eight children, Resul had a passion for films right from his young days. After passing out from the Film and Television Institute of India, he made his sound designing and mixing debut with Rajat Kapoor's film Private Detective in 1997.
He was the sound designer for offbeat films such as Rahul Bose starrer Split Wide Open, Deepak Tijori's Snip!, Rahul Bose's Everybody Says I'm Fine, Boom and critically-acclaimed Matrubhoomi.
He got his big break in 2005 with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black, which was followed by films like Bluffmaster, Zinda, Traffic Signal, Saawariya, Gandhi My Father, Dus Kahaniyaan and Woodstock Villa.
Then came Slumdog Millionaire, a project that brought him worldwide recognition.
His family members, neighbours and friends got into a celebration mood, hugging each other, distributing sweets as Resul Pookutty became the first Keralite to win an Oscar.
''It's a Shivratri gift to Malayalis,'' he told a Malayalam television channel after receiving the award.
Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, Culture Minister M A Baby, his colleagues in the film industry and people from all walks of life congratulated him for his success.
''Both Resul Pookutty and A R Rahman made the country proud by winning the Oscar,'' the Chief Minister said.
''Hard work pays off and this is going to be a great impetus for all in the film industry,'' Mr Baby said.
Cine actors Mammoottty and Mohanlal were among those who congratulated 37-year-old Resul in the greatest achievement in his career.
The youngest of eight children, Resul had a passion for films right from his young days. After passing out from the Film and Television Institute of India, he made his sound designing and mixing debut with Rajat Kapoor's film Private Detective in 1997.
He was the sound designer for offbeat films such as Rahul Bose starrer Split Wide Open, Deepak Tijori's Snip!, Rahul Bose's Everybody Says I'm Fine, Boom and critically-acclaimed Matrubhoomi.
He got his big break in 2005 with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black, which was followed by films like Bluffmaster, Zinda, Traffic Signal, Saawariya, Gandhi My Father, Dus Kahaniyaan and Woodstock Villa.
Then came Slumdog Millionaire, a project that brought him worldwide recognition.
When Resul Pookutty studied under a kerosene lamp
Los Angeles: Slumdog Millionaire has brought the best out of Kerala-born sound engineer Resul Pookutty.
Besides an Oscar, Pookutty has also won a BAFTA and a Cinema Audio Society (CAS) award for best sound mixing for the film.
But life wasn't always this bright for Pookutty. Hailing from a small village of Vilakkupara in Kerala's Kollam district which didn't have electricity, he studied under a kerosene lamp.
He then went to the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune from where he graduated in 1995.
The sound designer accepted the Oscar along with re-recording mixers Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke.
He made his debut in 1997 in Rajat Kapoor's Private Detective and went on to work in films like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black, Gandhi My Father and Ghajini.
His film credits include Saawariya, Zinda, Musafir and Amu.
He won the Zee Cine award for the best Sound Designer for Musafir while he won critical acclaim for his work in Black and won all the major awards in India.
Besides an Oscar, Pookutty has also won a BAFTA and a Cinema Audio Society (CAS) award for best sound mixing for the film.
But life wasn't always this bright for Pookutty. Hailing from a small village of Vilakkupara in Kerala's Kollam district which didn't have electricity, he studied under a kerosene lamp.
He then went to the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune from where he graduated in 1995.
The sound designer accepted the Oscar along with re-recording mixers Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke.
He made his debut in 1997 in Rajat Kapoor's Private Detective and went on to work in films like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black, Gandhi My Father and Ghajini.
His film credits include Saawariya, Zinda, Musafir and Amu.
He won the Zee Cine award for the best Sound Designer for Musafir while he won critical acclaim for his work in Black and won all the major awards in India.
When Resul almost walked out of Slumdog
Posted: Feb 23, 2009
The Oscar winner for sound mixing had almost walked out of Slumdog Millionaire after a tiff.
Resul Pookutty almost made the biggest mistake of his life during the making of Slumdog Millionaire. The sound mixer, who's just picked up an Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing at Los Angeles's Kodak Theatre, felt the Slumdog team wasn't giving sound its due importance. After a heated exchange with Danny Boyle, Pookutty walked out of the film, only to be wooed back by the filmmaker.
Just before he left for foreign shores, to pick up the trophies from the BAFTA and Cinema Audio Society (CAS) award and now the Oscar, Pookutty said: "I would have been crying now had I not been persuaded to join the project back."
"It was a difficult project and Danny was very demanding. It put a lot of strain on me emotionally and physically," Pookutty recalled. Since the film was shot in Mumbai, a "very noisy city", in motion, the sound designer had trouble recording the sound from the viewers' perception. In keeping with the film's flavour, Pookutty decided to record the soundscape of the city.
The sequences shot at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus were among the toughest. "Since I wanted to record the sound of city life, I positioned my assistants with mikes across the station," he said.
In fact, after a career spanning 13 years in the industry, Pookutty applied fresh tactics for this film. "I had to keep my usual techniques aside and constantly reinvent ways of getting the best possible sound," he revealed.
Like most, Pookutty said he didn't have much inkling Slumdog Millionaire would go on to become such a huge phenomenon, though he was a fan of Boyle after watching Trainspotting. "I even had a poster of Trainspotting in my room at FTII," he said.
When he first met Boyle, the FTII graduate was in awe of him. He was tongue-tied when the British director asked him to suggest some films he should watch to know about his sound designing style. The 36-year-old replied, "Watch any of my films, you will find my mark." When he met Boyle for the second time, Pookutty said, he found that the director had done his homework.
The Oscar winner for sound mixing had almost walked out of Slumdog Millionaire after a tiff.
Resul Pookutty almost made the biggest mistake of his life during the making of Slumdog Millionaire. The sound mixer, who's just picked up an Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing at Los Angeles's Kodak Theatre, felt the Slumdog team wasn't giving sound its due importance. After a heated exchange with Danny Boyle, Pookutty walked out of the film, only to be wooed back by the filmmaker.
Just before he left for foreign shores, to pick up the trophies from the BAFTA and Cinema Audio Society (CAS) award and now the Oscar, Pookutty said: "I would have been crying now had I not been persuaded to join the project back."
"It was a difficult project and Danny was very demanding. It put a lot of strain on me emotionally and physically," Pookutty recalled. Since the film was shot in Mumbai, a "very noisy city", in motion, the sound designer had trouble recording the sound from the viewers' perception. In keeping with the film's flavour, Pookutty decided to record the soundscape of the city.
The sequences shot at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus were among the toughest. "Since I wanted to record the sound of city life, I positioned my assistants with mikes across the station," he said.
In fact, after a career spanning 13 years in the industry, Pookutty applied fresh tactics for this film. "I had to keep my usual techniques aside and constantly reinvent ways of getting the best possible sound," he revealed.
Like most, Pookutty said he didn't have much inkling Slumdog Millionaire would go on to become such a huge phenomenon, though he was a fan of Boyle after watching Trainspotting. "I even had a poster of Trainspotting in my room at FTII," he said.
When he first met Boyle, the FTII graduate was in awe of him. He was tongue-tied when the British director asked him to suggest some films he should watch to know about his sound designing style. The 36-year-old replied, "Watch any of my films, you will find my mark." When he met Boyle for the second time, Pookutty said, he found that the director had done his homework.
Resul Pookutty makes history
Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty hold the Oscars for achievement in sound mixing for their work on "Slumdog Millionaire"
Los Angeles: After winning the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), 36-year-old Resul Pookutty has created history by becoming the first Indian to bag the Oscar for best sound mixing for the critically acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire".
Pookutty shared the Oscar with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for their work in the Mumbai-based rags-to-riches drama directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle.
"This is unbelievable. I share this stage with two magicians...I dedicate this award to my country," Pookutty said while accepting the award here Sunday.
Pookutty, who lives in Mumbai with his wife and two young children, got his big break in Bollywood with the critically acclaimed 2005 film "Black" that was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
He subsequently engineered sound for productions like "Musafir" (2004), "Zinda" (2006), "Traffic Signal" (2007), "Gandhi, My Father" (2007), "Saawariya" (2007) and "Dus Kahaniyaan" (2007) apart from several others. He also designed sound for the 2008 blockbuster "Ghajini", starring Aamir Khan.
Pookutty is now looking forward to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film. But he is currently busy doing the sound of Rajat Kapoor's "Rectangular Love Story", Suarabh Shukla's "Pappu Can't Dance Saala" and new director Sharad's "Rangeen In Love".
Pookutty, who hails from Kerala, did his schooling in Malayalam medium. He was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days.
Though Pookutty's father was keen that he should become a doctor, he failed the medical entrance examinations.
After finishing his graduation, he took admission to a law course in 1990. Going against his father's wishes, he dropped out of law college in Thiruvananthapuram and joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune in 1995.
Los Angeles: After winning the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), 36-year-old Resul Pookutty has created history by becoming the first Indian to bag the Oscar for best sound mixing for the critically acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire".
Pookutty shared the Oscar with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for their work in the Mumbai-based rags-to-riches drama directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle.
"This is unbelievable. I share this stage with two magicians...I dedicate this award to my country," Pookutty said while accepting the award here Sunday.
Pookutty, who lives in Mumbai with his wife and two young children, got his big break in Bollywood with the critically acclaimed 2005 film "Black" that was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
He subsequently engineered sound for productions like "Musafir" (2004), "Zinda" (2006), "Traffic Signal" (2007), "Gandhi, My Father" (2007), "Saawariya" (2007) and "Dus Kahaniyaan" (2007) apart from several others. He also designed sound for the 2008 blockbuster "Ghajini", starring Aamir Khan.
Pookutty is now looking forward to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film. But he is currently busy doing the sound of Rajat Kapoor's "Rectangular Love Story", Suarabh Shukla's "Pappu Can't Dance Saala" and new director Sharad's "Rangeen In Love".
Pookutty, who hails from Kerala, did his schooling in Malayalam medium. He was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days.
Though Pookutty's father was keen that he should become a doctor, he failed the medical entrance examinations.
After finishing his graduation, he took admission to a law course in 1990. Going against his father's wishes, he dropped out of law college in Thiruvananthapuram and joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune in 1995.
Tears, cheers and sweets at Pookutty's Kerala home
Anchal : His family was in tears, villagers crowding around a TV set in front of his house here cheered and plates of sweets did the rounds as Resul Pookutty became the first Indian to bag an Oscar for best sound mixing for critically acclaimed film 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
Tension had built up in the neighbourhood as the Oscar for sound editing did not go to 'Slumdog Millionaire', but shouts of joy broke out when Pookutty, 36, was declared the winner for sound mixing.
'We decided to place a TV in front of our home because since last evening the mood was building up. He (Pookutty) called me last night and said it is going to be tough,' said Byju P.T., the Oscar winner's elder brother.
The ones who could not hide their happiness were his two sisters who had tears rolling down their cheeks in Vilakupara village, about 50 km from the Kerala capital.
'We just can't hide our emotions and I don't know what to say,' said one of his sisters.
As Pookutty was set to make his acceptance speech in faraway Los Angeles, hundreds of villagers waited spellbound.
The minute the award was announced, plateful of sweets did the rounds among the ecstatic villagers who had been glued to the television since 6.30 a.m.
Saifuddin, another brother of Pookutty, thanked Allah for the honour bestowed on their family.
'We are humbled that this has happened in my family and an award many felt he would never won,' Saifuddin said.
Wishes poured in for Pookutty from Malayalam film stars and state ministers as well.
'He has reached the real heights in the film industry. Though he is a Malayali, he is yet to work in a Malayalam film. This is because sound has not got its due share here. Now things will change,' said Malayalam superstar Mammootty.
State Culture Minister M.A. Baby couldn't stop praising Pookutty.
'This is unbelievable for Kerala and for the country. Resul has got it at the prime of his youth ... this is what is more exciting. Hard work pays off and this is going to be a great impetus for all in the film industry,' Baby said.
Pookutty was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days. However, his father was keen that he become a doctor, but Resul failed the medical entrance examinations and went on to pursue his film industry dreams after studying at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. He has also got a degree in law.
Tension had built up in the neighbourhood as the Oscar for sound editing did not go to 'Slumdog Millionaire', but shouts of joy broke out when Pookutty, 36, was declared the winner for sound mixing.
'We decided to place a TV in front of our home because since last evening the mood was building up. He (Pookutty) called me last night and said it is going to be tough,' said Byju P.T., the Oscar winner's elder brother.
The ones who could not hide their happiness were his two sisters who had tears rolling down their cheeks in Vilakupara village, about 50 km from the Kerala capital.
'We just can't hide our emotions and I don't know what to say,' said one of his sisters.
As Pookutty was set to make his acceptance speech in faraway Los Angeles, hundreds of villagers waited spellbound.
The minute the award was announced, plateful of sweets did the rounds among the ecstatic villagers who had been glued to the television since 6.30 a.m.
Saifuddin, another brother of Pookutty, thanked Allah for the honour bestowed on their family.
'We are humbled that this has happened in my family and an award many felt he would never won,' Saifuddin said.
Wishes poured in for Pookutty from Malayalam film stars and state ministers as well.
'He has reached the real heights in the film industry. Though he is a Malayali, he is yet to work in a Malayalam film. This is because sound has not got its due share here. Now things will change,' said Malayalam superstar Mammootty.
State Culture Minister M.A. Baby couldn't stop praising Pookutty.
'This is unbelievable for Kerala and for the country. Resul has got it at the prime of his youth ... this is what is more exciting. Hard work pays off and this is going to be a great impetus for all in the film industry,' Baby said.
Pookutty was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days. However, his father was keen that he become a doctor, but Resul failed the medical entrance examinations and went on to pursue his film industry dreams after studying at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. He has also got a degree in law.
'It's like the Olympics or World Cup of films'
23 Feb 2009
PUNE: It took a while for Resul Pookutty and wife Shadia to register the fact that Resul's name had been announced as the winner of an Oscar for sound mixing. The award came as bolt from the blue, say the Pookuttys, speaking to TOI over the phone from Los Angeles at 4.15 am (US time). "The earlier category before sound mixing was that of sound editing for which the winner was The Dark Knight'. When we heard that, we became a bit apprehensive so that, when our award was announced, I just went blank. I did not know what was happening around me," says Pookutty.
Shadia, who accompanied Pookutty to the ceremony agreed. "For a second or two we kept telling ourselves that the name announced was Resul and that meant us," she laughed. Pookutty, a Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) graduate of the 1995 batch, admits that the award is big. It means a lot to him and the entire sound fraternity in India, he said. "The last couple of days have been strenuous, but now it is time for celebration. This is like the Olympics or World Cup of films. Now I have some idea how sportspersons feel when they win," he said.
The Oscar experience was great, says Shadia, "We had a wonderful time and meeting so many people was an experience in itself. Everyone was so humble and nice. Of course, what made it even more memorable was the eight Oscars that the film eventually won," she said.
Pookutty agreed. "One of the highlights of my experience at the Oscars was when Steven Spielberg and Brad Pitt came and congratulated me in the winner's gallery. The people we spoke to were also trying to learn about a culture that was alien to them," he said.
Pookutty said that though he had not prepared an acceptance speech in advance, he had a vague idea of what he would say. "I knew that I wanted to dedicate it to my country. Everything else came straight from my heart. Being up there was just great," he said. He said he was aware of making a few gaffes, one of them being the fact that he forgot to thank the FTII, the institute that shaped and made him. "I would like to thank them now. I owe a lot to the institute," he stated.
Asked how he planned to celebrate the victory, Pookutty said that he had no idea. "Right now I'm just enjoying the feeling of being on cloud nine and of course I'm talking to everyone in my family. I'm just living the moment for now."
PUNE: It took a while for Resul Pookutty and wife Shadia to register the fact that Resul's name had been announced as the winner of an Oscar for sound mixing. The award came as bolt from the blue, say the Pookuttys, speaking to TOI over the phone from Los Angeles at 4.15 am (US time). "The earlier category before sound mixing was that of sound editing for which the winner was The Dark Knight'. When we heard that, we became a bit apprehensive so that, when our award was announced, I just went blank. I did not know what was happening around me," says Pookutty.
Shadia, who accompanied Pookutty to the ceremony agreed. "For a second or two we kept telling ourselves that the name announced was Resul and that meant us," she laughed. Pookutty, a Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) graduate of the 1995 batch, admits that the award is big. It means a lot to him and the entire sound fraternity in India, he said. "The last couple of days have been strenuous, but now it is time for celebration. This is like the Olympics or World Cup of films. Now I have some idea how sportspersons feel when they win," he said.
The Oscar experience was great, says Shadia, "We had a wonderful time and meeting so many people was an experience in itself. Everyone was so humble and nice. Of course, what made it even more memorable was the eight Oscars that the film eventually won," she said.
Pookutty agreed. "One of the highlights of my experience at the Oscars was when Steven Spielberg and Brad Pitt came and congratulated me in the winner's gallery. The people we spoke to were also trying to learn about a culture that was alien to them," he said.
Pookutty said that though he had not prepared an acceptance speech in advance, he had a vague idea of what he would say. "I knew that I wanted to dedicate it to my country. Everything else came straight from my heart. Being up there was just great," he said. He said he was aware of making a few gaffes, one of them being the fact that he forgot to thank the FTII, the institute that shaped and made him. "I would like to thank them now. I owe a lot to the institute," he stated.
Asked how he planned to celebrate the victory, Pookutty said that he had no idea. "Right now I'm just enjoying the feeling of being on cloud nine and of course I'm talking to everyone in my family. I'm just living the moment for now."
Resul Pookutty wins Sound Mixing Oscar for 'Slumdog'
Mon Feb 23, 2009
NEW DELHI -Resul Pookutty won a Sound Mixing Oscar for his work on Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" on Sunday, capping an impressive tally of eight trophies for the rags-to-riches romance set in Mumbai's slums.
Pookutty, who shared the award with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke, joined a select group of Indians to have won an Academy Award.
Composer A.R. Rahman also won for Best Original Score and Original Song on a Hollywood night that put the spotlight on India.
"Thank you, Academy, this is not just a sound award, this is history being handed over to me," an overwrought Pookutty said on stage while accepting the Academy Award.
The Indian film fraternity rarely honours technicians for their work and Pookutty has previously said their work needs to be appreciated more in India.
"Technicians are the ones who work behind the scenes. Because of them, an actor looks good, presentable, he sounds good," Pookutty told Reuters when "Slumdog Millionaire premiered in Mumbai last month.
While "Slumdog Millionaire" was the Oscar front-runner, another film shot in India took home an Academy Award.
NEW DELHI -Resul Pookutty won a Sound Mixing Oscar for his work on Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" on Sunday, capping an impressive tally of eight trophies for the rags-to-riches romance set in Mumbai's slums.
Pookutty, who shared the award with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke, joined a select group of Indians to have won an Academy Award.
Composer A.R. Rahman also won for Best Original Score and Original Song on a Hollywood night that put the spotlight on India.
"Thank you, Academy, this is not just a sound award, this is history being handed over to me," an overwrought Pookutty said on stage while accepting the Academy Award.
The Indian film fraternity rarely honours technicians for their work and Pookutty has previously said their work needs to be appreciated more in India.
"Technicians are the ones who work behind the scenes. Because of them, an actor looks good, presentable, he sounds good," Pookutty told Reuters when "Slumdog Millionaire premiered in Mumbai last month.
While "Slumdog Millionaire" was the Oscar front-runner, another film shot in India took home an Academy Award.
'Slumdog' shines with 8 Oscars: 2 for Rahman, one for Pookutty
Los Angeles, Feb 23 (PTI) "Slumdog Millionaire", the rags-to-riches story of a Mumbai slum dweller, had a golden run at the Oscars today sweeping eight awards with two going to music maestro A R Rahman, the first Indian to achieve the historic feat.
43-year-old Rahman bagged Oscars for Original Score in the film, named the best at the 81st Academy Awards, and along with veteran lyricist Gulzar also won the Best Song award for the foot-tapping number 'Jai ho'.
"Before coming here I was excited and terrified. The last time I felt that way was when I was getting married," a beaming Rahman, dubbed as 'Mozart of Madras', said in his acceptance speech as he became the first Indian to win an Oscar in the mainstream section and the third after Bhanu Athaiya (costume design, 1983) and Satyajit Ray (lifetime achievement, 1992).
"The film is about optimism and the power of hope...All my life I had a choice of hate and love. I chose love and I'm here," Rahman, clad in a black suit, said about the low-budget movie based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel "Q & A".
Kerala-born sound engineer Resul Pookutty notched up an Oscar for Sound Mixing while Briton Danny Boyle was adjudged the Best Director.
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