Which performance made an actor famous, but which the actor later regretted forever?

 It's a well-known fact that Kate Winslet disliked her performance in Titanic. Of course, she probably doesn't feel too bad about the money she made from it, but that's another matter.

Winslet wearing a large hat in James Cameron's masterpiece.

Considering how hard she worked to get that role, it's surprising how much she came to hate working on Titanic.

Back in 1996, when the cast of Titanic was being announced , Kate, now a multi-award-winning actress, was a relatively unknown star who had only been on the Hollywood stage for a few years.

After reading the script, she decided the role had to be hers, so she got James Cameron's phone number from her agent and called him on his car phone (do you remember car phones?).

She contacted him while he was driving on the highway and

told him that she would be

"absolutely furious" if he didn't choose her for the role.

It worked, and she auditioned. Three days after telling James how she was charming, she sent him a bouquet of roses with a note that read, "More than your roses."

As they say, the rest is history. With Titanic, she became a huge star, and the international box office revenue exceeded $2 billion.

A person named Leo was also participating.

Winslet was nominated for Best Actress for her performance, and in an interview with The Telegraph, she spoke about her feelings regarding the role :

"Every scene was like, 'Really? Really? Did I do it like that?' 'Oh my god... I can't even hear my American accent. It's terrible.' 'I hope it's much better now. It might sound terribly self-serving, but actors tend to be very self-critical. It was hard for me to watch my own acting, but when I watched 'Titanic,' I thought, 'Oh, I want to do it again.'"

Can you share the stories or legends behind some of the most famous Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu?

 There are 75 Vishnu Kshethra out of 108 Divyadesa, revered by Alvars. There are 108 Siva temples revered by Nayanars in the surroundings of Kumbakonam. No need to tell about more than 1000 Siva temples in Tamilnadu. There are six main abodes of Subrahmanya Swami in Tamilnadu with the name Arupadaiveedu. (Where Kumaraswami killed Tarakasura in one place, married Devasena in another place, got Brahmagnana in another place... like that), excluding Marda malai near Coimbatore, with a great temple of Subrahmanya Swami. No need to tell about Kanchi Kamakshi, Madhura Meenakshi like temples which belong to Parvati Mata. Many famous temples of Narasimha Swami are also there in TN.

Every temple and it's Kshethra have a history and legend of which, one can get through Google. We had visited more than 200 temples in Tamilnadu though I am pakka Hyderabadi and a pure Telugu person who doesn't know how to talk and read Tamil. We used only maps to get there and read the history before the trip. Now I tell some interesting facts and rare temples in TN for you, though we have many such temples in our Telugu states also.

Madhura Meenakshi is the sister of Lord Mahavishnu with the name Azhagar or Kalazhagar, Who comes to do marriage ceremony of Meenakshi with Sundareswar every year. Because at first, Mahavishnu did this marriage ceremony of Meenakshi, the daughter of Pandyaraja alongwith Parameswara who came as Sundareswarar to marry her. Azhagar comes here by procession every year from Azhagar Koil, which is also a Divyadesa with a great legend. It takes 2 days to understand the largest temple of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. This temple has lotus pond, 1000 pillared Mandapam etc…

From Azhagar Koil, we can go uphill to Pazhamudhircholai (one of Subrahmanya Swami's Aruveedu Divyakshathras) and Nupura Gangai. These waters are used for the Brahmothsava of Meenakshi. While going to uphill from Azhagar Koil, turn head to see back the beautiful alaya Sikharam of Azhagar Koil. This Sikharam is called Somasundara Vimanam, brought by Indra. Tirupparakundram (one of Aruveedu) is also in Madurai, where Shanmukha Swami had celestial wedding with Devayani. Tirukkudal, the temple of Kudal Azhagar Perumal is also in Madurai, which is very unique in its style with three storeyed temple where Lord Vishnu lies in sitting, standing and sleeping postures.

Namakkal itself is very special place near Srirangam with Narasimha Swami and Anjaneya Swami temples. While returning from Himalayas to Lanka, a piece of Sanjivani fell from the mount, which had been lifted by Hanuman. Hanuman requested to see Narasimha Swami here. Meanwhile, Lakshmi Devi was doing Tapas to see Narasimha Swami in the same place. So Narasimha Swami appeared for both of them. One can observe very beautiful carvings of Narasimha Swami idols on the hill rock inside the temple. 18 feet Hanuman gives us goosebumps. A grand abhisheka is held to Hanuman for which 1000 eyes are not enough.

If you plan Rameshwaram don't forget to Visit Dharbhasayana (Tiruppulani), where Rama lied down for 3 days praying the Hindu Ocean to make the way to Lanka. The Ramasethu was built afterwards. One can see Rama here in three temples as Jagannatha (standing posture), Dharbhasayana (sleeping posture) and Pattabhisheka Murthi (sitting posture), side by side. One should not forget to bath in the sea at Dhanushkoti. I saw Guruvayurappan in Palani Murugan while watching early morning Abhishek here. Subrahmanya Swami looked like Guruvayoor Krishna.

Kanyakumari, Suchindram, Vaideeswaran Koil, Tirukkadiyur Abhirami temple (where the temple is bustling always with Shashtipurthi couples etc... One can get the lunch also here.), Srimushnam Adi Varaha Swami temple (the first foot of Varaha Swami on the Earth happened here), Siva temples in Kurthalam, Tirunalveli, Papanasam, Sankaran KOil etc.., are very famous temples with a great legend. Wherever you go you find a temple nearby your location. That's it.

Tiruppulani Dharbhasayana Perumal

Namakkal Anjaneyar

Subrahmanya Skandha Shanmukha Kamara Swami in Palani

Madurai Meenakshi

What are some famous Shiva lingams that are growing in size each year?

 I heard in few pravachanams ( religious discourses) that the Shiva Lingas at Bhuteshwar, the linga at Tekkali and Shukreshwara at Guwahati, Assam are growing in size every year.

But the Linga which I visited in my childhood and which was nailed to stop the growth is the Amareshwara Linga or Amaralingeshwara.

One day I and my dad were sitting in the Hall and watching TV. Then my brother came and complained that his trouser has become short( in length) and it is fitting only upto his ankle.

My dad : You are growing taller day by day, so all your trousers are becoming short to your height. I think we have to put a nail on your head so as to stop your growth, he said this and started to laugh

I was shocked to hear this and said “ Father, are you seriously going to put a nail on brother's head?

My dad : no child, I was just joking.

I : Why did you say about the nail, is there any story, wherein someone was nailed on their head to stop their growth ??

Dad :: yes, a nail was planted on top of a Linga, to stop it growing further

I : but dad, Shiva ( Linga) would have felt so much pain, how can anyone do this ??

Dad : yes child, now you Listen to the story ::

Once upon a time there lived a demon by name Tarakasur. He did rigorous penance for God Shiva and when Shiva appeared, he asked a boon that no one can kill him except Shiva's son. He cleverly asked this boon, as he knew Shiva was a vairagi, so He would never marry, so begetting a son by Shiva is impossible. Thus his death is ruled out completely.

Because of this boon Tarakasur became very powerful and almost immortal, he started to trouble all the devas. All devas wexed with him approached first Lord Brahma to help them.

Then Brahma instructed Indra to install a linga and pray for Mahadev to relieve them from the demon Tarakasur.

Then Indra installed a Shiva Linga at Amaravathi ( a town in Andhra Pradesh), since Indra and all other Gods took shelter in this place fearing Tarakasur. Indra prayed to God Shiva by doing meditation sitting in front of the Linga for many years. Shiva pleased with Indra devotion appeared and asked him to wish for any boon.

Indra says “ Hey mahadev, we are not able to bear the atrocities of Tarakasur, so please kill him”.

Shiva says “ Indra, you know that, it is possible only by my son. So you have to wait for that day, since goddess Shakthi has still not taken birth, but I promise you that Tarakasur's end is very near. You all reside in this place up to that time. I will take care of you devas, so I will be here in my Linga form. Shiva in order to bless Lord Indra and all the living beings, manifested himself as a Linga.

*** According to few Scriptures, Vindhya mountain did penance for Shiva by creating two Lingas, one with clay and other with sand. And did penance for many years. Shiva appeared before him and gave a boon that he would be the biggest mountain in the Universe.

Then Shiva manifested as two Lingas, since He was very happy with Vindhya devotion. And few say Shiva manifested as only one Linga but split the Linga into two halves, One half is called Omkareshwar Linga which is in Madhya Pradesh near Narmada River and the other half of the Lingam fell here in Amaravathi, near Krishna River. Since the Lingam fell here, it was growing continuously and so has to be nailed on its top ***

But the astonishing thing that happened was, the Linga was growing continuously and how much ever they tried, they could not stop its growth.

Then few sages suggested to nail the Shiva Linga. Then Indra planted a nail on its top and it stopped growing, but the shiva linga started to bleed, then all the devas performed Abhishekham with milk and then the blood stopped to ooze. The most amazing thing is those blood markings are visible as stripes on the Shiva linga even to date.

Later a temple was constructed for Amareshwara, situated on the southern bank of River Krishna. The consort of Lord Amareswara Swamy is Bala Chamundika.

The Sivalinga here is very tall that the archakas mount a pedestal platform, and perform the daily rituals as well as Abhishekams.

This Shrine of God Shiva in Amaravathi is named as Amara lingeswara deriving the name from the first worshipping deity Indra, who is the king of dieties, (Amara means immortal / devas and Eshwar means Lord, Lord to the devas is Indra).

For more details refer to Amaralingeshwara temple on Wikipedia.

What Kannada actors are famous in Tamil?

 Most of the Kannada Actors are famous in Supporting cast, villain role to cameos role, however several people unnoticed that few Kannada Stars also acted in popular tamil Film, but didn't get enough recognition when compared to Telugu film industry when they act.

1. Rajinikanth

Though he is primary a Tamil superstar he was born in Bengaluru, Karnataka, though his family is marathi speaking background, he can speak Tamil and Kannada very well.

During 1978–1979 Before finding massive success in Tamil cinema, he appeared in several Kannada films in the 1970s, including supporting roles, villains, and parallel leads., films likes Katha Sangama (1976), and Sahodarara Savaal (1977)

2. Upendra Rao

Very popular Kannada actor director,

He is known for villain or important roles in Tamil film.

Notable film:- Sathyam and later Coolie (combecack role)

3. Kiccha Sudeep

One of the most famous leading Kannada star, Sudeep played a role in Puli (Vijay’s film

4. Shiva Rajkumar

Elder Brother of Late actor Puneeth Rajkumar

He made is Kollywood debut in 2023 with a blockbuster action film jailer starring Rajinikanth. He also play the key supporting role in 2024 Tamil historical action drama captain Miller film, alongside Dhanush

5. Arjun Sarja

Arjun Sarja (Action King) is a leading actor, and also known for villains role cinema. He made his debut in the 1980s and is known for his fine performances in action-packed action sequences and socially responsible stories.

He has worked in several South Indian films like Kannada Tamil, Telugu Tamil and Malayalam. He is originally hails from Madhugiri in Karnataka and mother tongue is Kannada.

6. Prakash Raj

Many people assume that he is Tamil speaking actor, but no, he is originally from Bengaluru, Karnataka, family background is Kannada speaking

He is on of the famous supporting actors in Tamil cinema extremely active in Kollywood villain character roles and family drama and also father role

7. Suman Talwar

Suman was born in a Tulu- speaking Bilava family in Madras of present-day Tamilnadu.

His is known for iconic transition from playing sincere, action-oriented police officers in his early career to becoming one of the most formidable, stylish villains in blockbuster cinema.

7. Kishore Kumar

Kishore was born in Channapatna, town in the southern part of Karnataka. His father was a professor and mother, a homemaker. Kishore completed a major part of his schooling in Kunigal Karnataka, and college education in National College, Bangalore

He is one of the iconic villain actors in Tamil Cinemas, films like Arrambam, Thoongavanam

So as main leading Actor in Kannada film industry, Kiccha Sudeep, Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra Rao acted in Tamil Film in other roles when compared to other supporting cast actors from Karnataka.

Kannada actors often come as supporting or crossover roles, not always leads because Kollywood has very strong native star system (Vijay, Ajith, Dhanush, Suriya etc.)

Many act in only 1–2 Tamil films so they don't become widely recognised

So the exact reason we cant say that Tamil industry is avoiding any Kannada Actors to act in a film, many of them are already successful in Kannada film industry.

Who is the most accidentally famous person ever?

 

1. Yao Ming is a retired Chinese professional basketball player , He Wanted to become a famous player , but he didn't know he will become famous just by laughing loud ha ha ha ! His complete struggle of till now got into vain .

2 . One day , one girl decided , why should only boys wink ? And she winked to her to impress a boy beside her and then what happened ?… Leave that boy … All the boys in Country became her fan!

3 . One day one girl went to watch a Cricket Match ! And boys watched her … Yuup Girls !!!!! Always dress up nicely .

4 . The Success kid : No body knows How he became Successful ! The actual photo was snapped by his mother while eating sand 😶 I too ate sand but nothing happened

5 . One day Fufaji decided to dance in his wedding !

6 . A Chinese beggar 🥺 became fashion sensation( bas iska hi kami tha )

7 . The 12 year beauty Sharbat Gula ! Accidentally clicked in a Refugee Camp for news.

8 .one day a boy tweeted this just as time pass

And he got that popular that he got to feature in Katy Perry music video - Swish swish. 😱

9. One day mama papa forgot To use Protection and one accident happened !

Img Source- Google

Offcourse these are accidents , everyone else atleast did anything either good or bad to get trolled or famous 🤣

So, if you want to be famous, just keep trying. You never know, you could be the next accidental celebrity!! 💃

What once famous companies/business no longer exist?

 There was one business that happened between USA and India went extinct around 150 years ago.

Actually, when I first heard about that business, I thought it was impossible for such a business to have existed in the first place.

Any guess what the business was about?

It was the export of ice blocks from USA to India.

A guy called Frederick Tudor came up with the ingenious idea of harvesting ice from the lakes of boston and export it to tropical or equatorial countries.

India was a big importer of Tudor’s ice cubes. Tudor's Ships offloaded cubes of ices in the Madras and Calcutta ports.

Interestingly, most of the ice cubes reached the destinations without any significant melting thanks to the low temperatures of ocean water and insulation with sawdust.

Donny Trump was complaining a few months ago about how little business India did with US compared to what they do with us, but in nineteenth century India was importing tonnes of ice cubes from the USA.

The business flourished until the technology brought the ability to make ices anywhere in the world. The business finally ended around 1884 when Madras imported the last shipment of ice.

Vivekanandar Illam where the ice blocks were stored 150 years ago in Chennai/Madras.

Vivekanandar Illam (Vivekananda house) is a popular landmark in Chennai today. But around 150 years ago, the building was used for storing the ice that was imported and was then called ‘Ice House’. The building still exists today as the only witness to the business that once existed and thrived.

Are there other famous movies where the lead role was initially offered to big stars who turned it down, leading to a breakout for an unknown actor?

 Zanjeer (1973)

The film was destined for Amitabh Bachchan who before that had worked in 12 films out of which 10 were flops, one did average business and only one was a hit that too in a supporting role (Anand). So Amitabh’s career was by and large over when he was offered the film Zanjeer.

The script written by Salim Javed was initially bought by Dharmendra for 2500 but his cousin sister asked him to not to do the film because of bad working experience with Prakash Mehra in the past. Prakash Mehra approached many actors including Rajkumar, Devanand, Rajesh Khanna etc but all of them refused. Rajkumar didn't like the getup of Prakash Mehra and refused, Devanand refused because there were no songs picturised on the lead actor and Rajesh Khanna thought the story is very grim. Eventually Salim Javed suggested the name of Amitabh Bachchan based on a clip from Bombay to Goa where Amitabh was fighting while eating a sandwich. The scene impressed the writers for his swag and eventually Amitabh was cast for the film.

But since Amitabh was a flop actor no big heroine was ready to cast opposite her. At that moment Jaya Bhaduri who was also in relation with Amitabh at that time got ready to work with him despite being a bigger star. Even Amitabh's father Harivansh Rai Bachchan thought that Amitabh Bachchan has signed a B grade stunt films and refused to come to the premiere of the film. But eventually Zanjeer became one of the biggest hits of the year. Sold for 12 lakhs per territory (72 lakhs in total) the film ended up earning 60 lakhs per territory (3.6 crores in total). And the film made Amitabh the angry young man.

What is a famous building with a design flaw that most people are unaware of?

 Did you notice anything strange about this pyramid?

These are the pyramids of Giza.

Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that, unlike a typical pyramid with four sides, this one has eight sides.

Some argue that it is a structural design flaw because Egyptian engineers and designers cannot properly explain the weight distribution of the structure.

Others suggest that the mantle beneath was reinforced by the slight inward slope on each side, which helped to increase the pyramid's stability. Like many things about the pyramids, this remains a mystery.

The eight sides are easier to see up close, but the silhouette is particularly brightly rendered, making it even more effective when viewed from various angles.

And this is another reason why silly ancient alien shows are so popular.

Who are some famous spiritual babas in India?

 

(Jai Sita Ram)

Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj was a rare saint known for his faith, truthfulness and humility.

Faith : Baba Neem Karoli was known for his utmost faith in Ram.

He used to chant Ram Ram Ram for hours.

He was proverbially blessed by Lord Hanuman ji for his true faith.

(Hanuman shrine)

Truthfulness : This great mystic was known for his utmost truthfulness.

He was known for his rare clairvoyance. He used to predict past, present and future of a devotee.

Devotees claim, his Sathyanishtha (truthfulness) attracted devotees towards him.

(Kainchi Dham)

Humility : Baba Neem Karoli used to credit all events to his beloved Ram

He was known for yogic powers and divine experiences.

But, he used to live like a lay person , put on a woolen blanket, slept on wooden plank.

As Dakshina (alms), he asked all to stick to Sathya (truth), Prem (love) and Seva (selfless service)

(Maharaj ji)

Facts : Maharaj ji had never appointed any successor.

He didn’t allow his family members, acquaintances and devotees to misuse his faith.

Like a true mystic , he accepted all as his loving ones and showered his divine grace on them.

All his life, he renovated shrines , fed poor and counselled a distraught heart.

(Sri Guru Charan)

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai Jai Sri Ram Dhooth

Jai Sita Ram ji Maharaj ji !

Pic Credits : Google Images/ Web