''For the Bollywood film of the same name see ''Kshatriya (film)''

Kshatriya (, '''' from , '''') or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas (social orders) in Hinduism. It traditionally constituted the military and ruling elite of the Vedic-Hindu social system outlined by the Vedas and the Laws of Manu.

Etymology

In Sanskrit, it is derived from meaning "roof, umbrella, dominion, power, government" from a root "to rule, govern, possess". Old Persian ''xšaθra'' ("realm, power"), ''xšaθrya'' ("royal"), and ''xšāyaθiya'' ("emperor") are related to it, as are the New Persian words ''šāh'' ("emperor") and ''šahr'' ("city", "realm"). The Thai word for "king", ''kasat'', and the Malay word for "knight" or "warrior", ''kesatria'' or ''satria'', are also derived from it. The term denotes aristocratic status.

History

Initially in ancient Vedic society, this position was achieved on the merits of a person's aptitude, conduct, and nature. The earliest Vedic literature listed by organization of function, not of caste, the Kshatriya (holders of , or authority) as first in rank, and the Brahmins second (priests and teachers of law), before the Vaisya (Cattle-herders, merchant-traders, farmers and some artisan castes), and the Sudra (labourers, some farming castes and other artisan castes).Manusmriti assigns cattle rearing as occupation of Vaisya, however there are references in available literature that Kshatriyas also owned and reared the cattle and cattle-wealth was mainstay of their households.Emperors of Kosala and Prince of Kasi are some of many examples.

Movements of individuals and groups from one class to another, both upward and downward, were not uncommon; a rise in status even to the rank of Kshatriya was a recognized reward for outstanding service to the rulers of the day. Over the years it became hereditary. In modern times, the Kshatriya varna includes a broad class of caste groups, differing considerably in status and function but united by their claims to ruler-ship, the pursuit of war, or the possession of land.

The legend that the Kshatriyas, with the exception of the Ikshvakus, were destroyed by Parasurama, the sixth reincarnation of Vishnu, as a punishment for their tyranny is thought by some scholars to reflect a long struggle for supremacy between priests and rulers that ended in victory for the former. By the end of the Vedic era, the Brahmins were supreme, and the Kshatriya had fallen to second place. Texts such as the Manusmṛti (a book of Hindu law) and most other dharmashastras (works of jurisprudence) report a Brahman victory, but epic texts often offer a different account, and it is likely that in social reality rulers have usually ranked first. The persistent representation of deities (especially Vishnu, Krishna, and Rama) as rulers underscores the point, as does the elaborate series of ritual roles and privileges pertaining to kings through most of Hindu history.

Vedic origin

In the Rig Veda the varnas are not rigid and were related to ones actions. The Rig Veda refers to the ways in which Gods four body parts make up the four classes, depending on the nature or values that the human holds. The Brahmans were to signify spiritual and intellectual values and were to be in charge of teaching the Vedic Sanskrit, thus are made up of his head. The Kshatryas were the warriors who protected the countries and thus are made up of his arms. The Vaishyas were the farmers and merchants in the production nature and thus are made up of his belly and the Shudras were the laborers who perform menial chores of farming, labor, artisans and all the jobs required of a society and thus are made up of his legs. This was interpreted as meaning that no one caste is more important than the other and that society cannot survive without all parts working together.

According to Vedic theology , Manu is considered the law-giver and progenitor of humanity. He had over 50 sons. Manu was both king and priest and his children (and thus all of humanity) are considered highborn. Due to the eventual differences in occupations, people ended up in different jātis and castes. Those who studied the Vedas became known as Brahmins, those who practised trade became Vaishya, those who labored became Sudra, and those who took up martial arts became Kshatriyas.

According to popular myth/lore Rajputs/Thakurs came into being in 6th century AD through a of yagya done by Sage Agastya, though this might refer to Yagya done to provide regal legitimacy to certain warrior tribes. As Jats, assimilated many Surya, Chandra, Nag and Yaduvanshis into their being, same way Rajputs increased their vansh by assimilating same clans of Kshatriyas. Most Yaduvanshis became part of Jat and Rajput clans. For example, Bharatpur's Jat kingdom belong to Sri Krishna's Vrishni clan. Many Gurjar clans like Bhati got divided between Rajput, Jat and Muslims.

Most of the Gurjars (or Gujjars) believe to have descended from Suryavanshi Kshatriyas (Sun Dynasty) and connect themselves with Shri Ram Chandra. Historically, the Gurjars were Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the Sun-god (God Surya).Their copper-plate grants bear an emblem of the Sun and on their seals too, this symbol is depicted. Also the Gurjar title of honor is Mihir which means Sun.

Varna-Jati-Caste

There is confusion between Varna, Jati and Caste. While the term varna refers to the four broad different classes in society, the term jati refers to the different specific endogamous sections of the Hindu Society which are known as castes. Varna means "color" as well as "veil". It shows the four different ways in which the Divine Self is hidden in human beings. In the context of color people have confused it to mean race but it actually represents the distinct qualities (guna) that the four functional classes possess in their hearts and minds. The four different qualities of human beings:

#If a person possessed the qualities of purity, love, faith and detachment, seek true knowledge and have a spiritual temperament, they would be represented by the color White (sattva = truthful). Those that belong to this color, belong to the Brahman class. #If a person possessed the qualities of action, will, aggression, and energy, seek honor, power, status and have a martial and political temperament, they would be represented by the color Red (rajas = energetic; the color of blood, sacrifice). Those that belong to this color belong to the Kshatriya class. #If a person tried to seek communication, interchange, trade, business and possessed a commercial temperament they were represented by the color Yellow. They make up the Vaishya class. #For those individual in society who love of growing crops (nature) the love of arts(shudra)(farmers and artisans) they were represented by the color Black (tamas = inert, solid). Those belonging to this color are shudras

The use of 'color' in this sense is metaphorical, however over time racialist interpretations, most notably the 'martial races' theory of the British Raj, gave way to the concept of 'heritable dharma', family castes, and the present divisions in Indian society.

Panchjanya, meaning five people, is the common name given to the five most ancient Vedic kshatriya tribes. It is supposed they are all descendants of the Turvasu. They are Yadu, , Puru, Anu and Druhyu. For example, Yadav is descended from the Yadu; Saini is descended from Shini and Shoorsen both of whom were Yaduvanshi kings, Paurav is descended from the Puru; etc.

Theories of origin

Historians generally agree that caste became hereditary around the time of the rise of Buddhism and Jainism based on archaeological, literary, and artistic evidence of the communities that existed in India. Gautama Buddha and Mahavira are two Kshatriya sages who made a lasting impression on the world. They did not believe in the pre-eminence of the Vedas and taught to the masses, not keeping spirituality to an elite few. Ashoka Maurya became ardent follower of this faith and promoted it throughout the Mauryan empire. This resulted in the decline in status of the Brahman order.

Two camps exist about the importance of these texts. One camp is similar to the literalists of the Christian faith who believe that their holy texts are verbatim documentation of real people, events and dates and that modern society is descended from them. The other camp believes that the holy texts are not meant to be taken literally and should be used symbolically as examples of the proper way to live.

Those who believe the ''Mahabharata'', ''Ramayana'' and ''Puranas'' were verbatim documents feel that modern Kshatriyas are descended from the Vedic Kshatriyas . The reason for the controversy is that we do not have any physical evidence of their existence. There are no bones, forts, weapons, coins, monuments, pictures etc. discovered to state unequivocally that they existed. However the clans as mentioned in Mahabharat for certain castes has existed as it is since time unknown, and provides the basis for belief in these texts.

The literalists believe that most of the Kshatriya communities descend from Surya, Chandra, or Agni. The Surya descendants claim descent from the Sun Dynasty (Suryavanshi). Rama also belonged to this dynasty, and the Suryavanshis, who trace this lineage via Rama's son, Luv) trace their linage back to him. The Chandra descendants claim descent from the Lunar Dynasty (Chandravansh). Krishna is believed to be born in this dynasty. Chandravanshi Kshtriyas consider him as an ancestor. This is mentioned in the Rig Veda and other Puranas as well as in Great epics, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Raghuvaṃśa.

Social status

Past

File:Rajpoots_small.jpg|thumb|right|350px|An 1876 engraving of Khokar Rajputs of Punjab from the ''Illustrated London News''. rect 0 0 1000 751 desc bottom-left In the past people looked upon Kshatriyans to protect them from all dangers. Kshatriyans were kings and warriors in the army, all soldiers knew basics of Kshatriyan martial arts. The folklore talks of some great Kshatriyans and legends. The status of Kshatriyans was clearly exalted. Legends tell that Kshatriyan could be told by sight because of his tall, strong and muscular male look. They were supposedly able to fight blindfolded and archers could hit a target by just sound in the dead of the night. Stories of exemplary courage still circulate by word of mouth and are recorded as folk-tales. Teachers of Kshatriyans never accepted non-kshatriyans, for example see the story of Ekalavya.

Present

Families consider it as a status symbol or a decoration to have the famous two crossed swords in a shield symbol of a Kshatriyan hung in their house. The Kshatriyan is still a great name and older generation of rural India still attach a great value to it. South Indian Kalarippayattu gurukal teach the old martial art still. The Kalarippayattu is seriously being revived but the old tradition of accepting only Kshatriyans to learn Kalarippayattu has been dropped. The Marathas in Maharashtra and central India attach great pride and command a sense of respect among common people by their lineage while Rajput in Rajasthan.

The situation has changed in modern times and Kshatriyas do not have much to gain or lose in status by their Kshatriya lineage. One area where the Kshatriya heritage has been prominent is the Indian Army.

Kshatriya regiments make up a large portion of the Indian and Nepali Armed forces. Notable among them are Punjab Regiment, 9th, 16th and 17th Battalions of Madras Regiment (Nair), Maratha Light Infantry (Maratha), Rajputana Rifles (Mainly of Rajasthani Rajputs, Gurjars and Jats), Jat Regiment, Dogra Regiment, The Garhwal Rifles, Kumaon Regiment and Rajput Regiment.

Demographics

According to the 1891 Census of India, Martial Races made up more than 10% of the population of British India. This percentage might have decreased over the years. An example is that of the Nairs in Kerala who were decimated during the Mysore invasion of Kerala. Nairs constituted more than 30% of the population of Kerala during the 1854 census, but decreased to 14.41% in 1968 and further decreased to 12.88% in 2000. Frequent warfare was the main cause for demographic decline during early years, but low fertility is the main problem nowadays. (In Kerala, the Malayala Kshatriyas are having a fertility of 1.47 children per women, while the Muslims are having 2.97 children per women).

Specialties

The Rajputs were known to make deft political maneuvers to consolidate their kingdom or to defeat an enemy. They are also known to follow certain codes of war to fight a battle. They are recorded in history as a kind of fierce warrior clan who make brave attempts within their war codes to retrieve a lost kingdom or defeat a dangerous enemy. They are also legendarily said to have untiring persistence to attain their goal as in the case of Maharana Pratap. The rajputs are considered to be most revered and persistent Kshatriyas.

Praiseful references of might and administration of the Gurjars can be found in Arab records as well as Indian inscriptions.Kupadvanj inscription of 910A.D. mentions them as ''Roaring Gurjar''.Arab records say that the Gurjar king maintained numerous forces and no other Indian prince had so fine a cavalry.Arab invaders referred Gurjars as their greatest foe.

The Maratha warrior and emperor Shivaji Bhonsale, born April, 1627 (also Shrimant Rajaram Shivaji Raje Bhonsle - Chhatrapati Maharaj) had his own army specialized in guerrilla warfare and a particular tale of valor is also a historical fact. It is the tale of Sinhagad Fort. Jats employed guerilla warfare in Bharatpur, which was very close to the stronghold of Mughals. They were able to fight successfully against Mughal ruler Aurangzeb 30 km from Agra.

South India, particularly Kerala also has its own share of Kshatriyans who are better known as members of Raja-Kudumba's or royal families. They practice the worlds oldest martial art known as Kalarippayattu. The Kalarippayattu has something commonly known as Marma Kalai or Varma Kalai where the Marmam is attacked which instantly disables or kills the enemy without making any externally visible injury.

Kshatriya Dharma

Kshatriya Dharma is the rules to be followed by a Kshatriyan to do justice to his caste and status. it still exists in more logical and evolved forms.

Kshtariya Dharma is specifically described in the Mahabharata:

Symbols associated with Kshatriya

In rituals, the Nyagrodha (Ficus Indica or India Fig/Banyan tree) danda, or staff, is assigned to the Kshatriya class, and along with a mantra, intended to impart physical vitality or 'ojas'.

The Nyagrodha or Banyan tree, (not to be confused with the Pipul, Ficus Religiosus or Sacred Fig), with its hanging, branch-like root-trunks which can grow to several acres, is considered symbolically equivalent to the Kshtariya. Where the Nyragrodha is fastened to the ground and supported by its downward growths, the Kshatriya is thought of as supported by the larger society 'beneath' it.

In the Manu Smriti, or Laws of Manu, the Kshatriya caste is given the Varna (Color) red.

Kshatriya lineage

The major branches of Kshatriya varna are: Suryavanshi (solar line), claiming direct descent from Ramachandra, and descent from Surya; Chandravanshi (''lunar line''), claiming descent from Yadu, as Yadu was himself born in a Chandravanshi dynasty, and descent from Chandra; Agnivanshi, claiming descent from Agni; and Nagavanshi, claiming descent from the Nāgas.

Suryavanshi

The ''Suryavanshi'' or Solar dynasty lineage claims descent from Surya. Suryavanshis also claim descent from Rama, who was himself born into a Suryavanshi dynasty. Out of the 36 major clans of Rajastani Rajputs, 10 belong to the Suryavanshi lineage (Shekhawat, Rathore, Sisodia, Kachwaha.etc.)

Chandravanshi

The ''Chandravanshi'' or Lunar dynasty lineage claims descent from Chandra. Chandravanshis also claim descent from Yadu, who was himself born into a Chandravanshi dynasty.

Agnivanshi

The ''Agnivanshi'' lineage claims descent from Agni. Clans like Bhadauria, Chauhan, Parihar, Panwar & Solanki are of Agnivanshi lineage.

Nāgvanshi

The Nāgvanshi or Serpent dynasty is a sub-clan of Suryavanshi kshatriyas. They adopted Naga as their symbol and worshipped Lord Shiva in various forms. Nāgvanshis include most of the Nair and Bunt clans as well as some Rajput (Saharan Rajputs, Bais Rajputs, Naga Rajputs, Takshak Rajputs. etc.) and Jat clans. The Nāgvanshi (or Nāgbanshi) are known for ruling Chhotanagpur. Most important among the Jat clans which are of Nāga origin includes Bachak Jats, Kaliramna Jats, and Katewa Jats. Outside India, the Balinese Kshatriyas claim descent from Nāgvanshis. In South West India, the Naga Sendraka rulers of Nayarkhanda (Nagarkhanda) were feudatories to the Chalukyas. The Sindas of Bastar were also of Nagavanshi origin.

Others

Velirs/Vellalars, Tamil gentry, ancient feudal landlords. Chera/Chola/Pandya, Tamil royal lineage linked to the Velir/Vellalar caste. The alien hordes that did not follow priestly customs or traditions (Shakas, Kushans, Indo-Greeks, Hunas and Parthians) were stated as Vratya Kshatriyas in Manusmriti. The Meitei of Manipur were recognized as Kshatriyas by the Bengali and Assamese Brahmins as they are thought to be the descendants of Lord Arjuna. Gurung and Magar ethnic groups are recognized as Kshatriyas in Nepal by the Bahun, along with other Kshatriya groups such as Thakore and Chhetri. Shrestha subdivision among ethnic Newar is recognized as Kshatriya in Nepal.

See also

Indian caste system

Forward Castes

Jāti

References

Further reading

History and Culture of Indian People, The Vedic Age, p 313-314

Category:Varnas in Hinduism Category:Sanskrit words and phrases

am:ክሻትሪያ bn:ক্ষত্রিয় cs:Kšatrija de:Kshatriya es:Chatria fr:Kshatriya gu:ક્ષત્રિય ko:크샤트리아 hi:क्षत्रिय id:Ksatria it:Kshatriya kn:ಕ್ಷತ್ರಿಯ lt:Kšatrijas ml:ക്ഷത്രിയൻ mr:क्षत्रिय nl:Kshattriya ja:クシャトリヤ pl:Kszatrija pt:Xátria ro:Casta Kșatriya ru:Кшатрий sa:क्षत्रिय: simple:Kshatriya fi:Kshatriyat sv:Kshatriya ta:சத்திரியர் te:ఆంధ్ర క్షత్రియులు uk:Кшатрії zh:刹帝利

name	K. S. Ravikumar
birth name	K. S. Ravikumar
birth date	May 30, 1954
birth place	Madras, Madras State, India
yearsactive	1990-present
occupation	Film actor, director, screenwriter }}

K. S. Ravikumar (; born May 30, 1954) is an Indian film director and actor, primarily working in Tamil cinema. He has directed numerous films ranging from comedy and drama to action thrillers. His film ''Dasavathaaram'' (2008) went on to gross $16 million worldwide in the first four weeks and eventually became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Ravikumar began his career as an assistant to director Bharathi Raja and subsequently directed his first film ''Puriyaadha Pudhir'' (1990).

Filmography

As director

''Puriyaadha Pudhir'' ''Aagraham'' ''Purusha Lakshanam'' ''Nattamai'' ''Muthukulikka Vaariyala'' ''Avvai Shanmugi'' ''Pistha'' ''Kondattam'' ''Sneham Kosam'' ''Thenali'' ''Samudhiram'' ''Villain (2002 film) ''Paarai (film) ''Aethiree'' ''Saravana'' ''Dasavathaaram'' ''Aadhavan'' ''Jaggubhai'' ''Rana (film)

Year	! Film	! Guest Role	! Notes
rowspan="1"	1990	''Cheran Pandian''	Villain
rowspan="2"	1991	|	Photographer
''Putham Pudhu Payanam''	Villain
rowspan="3"	1992	|		Telugu language>Telugu film
''Pondatti Rajyam''	Hero's neighbour
''Oor Mariyadhai''
rowspan="3"	1993	|	Photographer
''Band Master (film)	Band Master''
''Suriyan Chandran''
rowspan="2"	1994	|
''Sakthivel''
rowspan="3"	1995	|	Army Officer
''Muthu''	Kerala's Villager
''Periya Kudumbam''
rowspan="2"	1996	|	Praiser
''Paramparai''
rowspan="2"	1997	|	Guitarist in Rock band
''Dharmachakkaram''
rowspan="2"	1998	|	Photographer
''Natpukaaga''	Nondi Swamiyar
rowspan="5"	1999	|		Telugu film
''Suyamvaram''
''Padayappa''	Dance in "Kicku erudhe" Song
''Minsara Kanna''	Art Buyer
''Paattali''
rowspan="1"	2000	|	Himself
rowspan="2"	2001	|	Dance in "Vidiya Vidiya" Song
''Bava Nachadu''
rowspan="2"	2002	Villain'' ||	Guest appearance
''Panchathantiram''	Flight Captain
2003 in film	2003	Paarai'' ||
2004 in film	2004	|	Young Bachelor
rowspan="2"	2006	|	Train Passenger
''Varalaru (film)	Varalaru''	Family Doctor
2008 in film	2008	|	Dance in "Ulaga Nayagan" song	Filmfare Best Director Award (Tamil)>Filmfare Best Tamil Director Award
2009 in film	2009	|	New servant	Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite FilmNominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Director
rowspan="2"	2010	|	Airport Supervisor
''Manmadan Ambu''	Himself
rowspan="1"	2012	Rana'' ||

As actor

''Madhumathi'' (1995)

''Pagaivan'' (1997)

''Ponnu Veetukaaran'' (1998)

''Kannaal Pesavaa'' (2000)

''Thamizh'' (2002)

''Arul'' (2004)

''Thalainagaram'' (2006)

''Thottal Poo Malarum'' (2007)

''Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya'' (2010)

References

External links

Category:Indian film actors Category:Tamil actors Category:Indian film directors Category:Tamil film directors Category:Tamil-language film directors Category:Tamil screenwriters Category:Living people Category:1954 births

fr:K. S. Ravikumar mr:के.एस. रविकुमार ta:கே. எஸ். ரவிக்குமார்

name	Deepika Padukone
birth date	January 05, 1986
birth place	Copenhagen, Denmark
occupation	Actress, Model
years active	2006–present
spouse	}}

Deepika Padukone (born 5 January 1986) is an Indian actress and a former model. She appears mostly in Hindi as well as Tamil and Kannada language films. Born to Badminton player Prakash Padukone, she chose to become an actress and not pursue a career in sports.

Padukone made her acting debut in the 2006 Kannada film ''Aishwarya''. The following year, she made her Hindi film debut in the blockbuster ''Om Shanti Om'' opposite Shah Rukh Khan, which earned her the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award. It also remains her biggest commercial success so far. She subsequently appeared in films such as ''Love Aaj Kal'' (2009) and ''Housefull'' (2010). While the former earned her a Filmfare nomination in the Best Actress category, the latter emerged as a commercial success.

In addition to acting, Padukone is also the ambassador of prominent brands such as Tissot, Sony Cybershot, Nescafe and Kingfisher Airlines.

Early life and background

Padukone was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her father, Prakash Padukone, is a former badminton player of international repute, and her mother is a travel agent. Her father was then training in Denmark in the sport and when she was eleven months old, her family moved to Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Padukone also has a younger sister, Anisha, born on 2 February 1991.

Padukone attended Sophia High School in Bangalore, and completed her pre-university studies at Mount Carmel College Bangalore. While in high school she played badminton at the state level. However, she was not keen on pursuing a career as a badminton player. During the time of her film debut she was enrolled with the Indira Gandhi National Open University in Bachelors of Arts (Sociology).

Career

Modeling

While in college, Padukone pursued a career in modeling. She was spotted in a ramp competition in NLS, Bangalore. Over the years, she has modeled for such Indian brand names as Liril, Dabur Lal powder, Close-Up toothpaste and Limca, and has been "brand ambassador" for the Jewels of India retail jewelry show. The cosmetics company Maybelline made her its international spokesperson.

At the fifth annual Kingfisher Fashion Awards she was awarded the title "Model of the Year". Shortly afterward, she was chosen as one of the models for the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar for 2006 and won two trophies at the Idea Zee Fashion Awards: "Female Model of the Year - (Commercial Assignments)" and "Fresh Face of the Year". Padukone was also chosen as the brand ambassador of Kingfisher Airlines and later Levi Strauss and Tissot SA. In addition, she appeared in the music video for Himesh Reshammiya's song ''Naam Hai Tera''.

Acting

In 2000, Deepika Padukone did a small cameo appearance in the tamil flick ''Snegithiye'' with actress Jothika and Sharbani Mukherjee in the lead, before her cinematic debut in Kannada with '' Aishwarya'' opposite Upendra. She later made a successful Bollywood debut in 2007 with Farah Khan's blockbuster ''Om Shanti Om'' opposite Shahrukh Khan. The film was a re-incarnation melodrama, featuring her in a double role. Her performance was well received, earning the actress a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award as well as her first Filmfare Best Actress nomination. Taran Adarsh from ''indiaFM'' noted, "Deepika has all it takes to be a top star — the personality, the looks and yes, she's supremely talented too. Standing in the same frame as SRK and getting it right is no small achievement. She comes as a whiff of fresh air!" About being cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan, she said, }}

Padukone was then seen playing a feisty, modern-day Indian woman, Gayatri, in Siddharth Anand's romantic comedy ''Bachna Ae Haseeno'' alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba. The film, which released on 15 August 2008, performed reasonably well at the box office, but her performance drew flak. Adarsh wrote, "Deepika is a sore point. Her role isn't convincing and that's the reason why this performance doesn't work. The only consolation is, she looks gorgeous."

She played a double role again in her next film, ''Chandni Chowk To China'', which released on 16 January 2009. The film, directed by Nikhil Advani, also featured Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty and Ranvir Shorey in the lead. It was a critical and commercial disaster, with Nikhat Kazmi of The Times Of India commenting, "Deepika looks lost and forlorn for most of the film."

Padukone's fourth release ''Love Aaj Kal'', released on 31 July 2009 and proved to be one of the biggest hits of 2009. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film documented the changing value of relationships among the youth. Padukone played the role of Meera Pandit, a practical and head-strong career woman opposite Saif Ali Khan. Of her performance, NDTV's Anupama Chopra wrote, "Deepika looks fabulous but she isn’t a strong enough actor to breathe life into the character." Despite this, she received her second Filmfare Award for Best Actress nomination. The same year, she teamed up with Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan once again for an item number in the Irrfan Khan-Lara Dutta starrer ''Billu''. She also made guest appearances in the Telegu film ''Love 4 Ever'' and in Sohail Khan's ''Main Aur Mrs Khanna''.

Her first release in 2010 was Excel Entertainment’s ''Karthik Calling Karthik''. The thriller featured Farhan Akhtar as Karthik, a troubled schizophrenic man, and Padukone as his supportive girlfriend, Shonali Mukherjee. This time, Anupama Chopra wrote, "Padukone finally seems to be thawing in front of a camera." The film, however, was a commercial failure. She then featured in Sajid Khan's multistarrer ''Housefull'' with Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Lara Dutta, Arjun Rampal, Jiah Khan and Boman Irani . She played the role of Soundarya Bhagyalakshmi Venkateshwari Baassappa Rao, Kumar's girlfriend and later fiancée. The film became a blockbuster in India, with a net gross of INR 95 crores in the first week itself. As for her performance, Taran Adarsh mentioned that "Deepika is a surprise. She carries her part with amazing confidence...''Housefull'' is the film that would make people notice her talent as well as beauty".

She then appeared in her second Yash Raj production, ''Lafangey Parindey'' which was directed by Pradeep Sarkar. She starred opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh as Pinky Palkar, a blind girl, hell bent on winning a skating competition. Upon release, Sudhish Kamath, of The Hindu wrote, "This really is Deepika Padukone's film though. She exercises considerable restraint, dances, skates, makes you cry and smile." Her next release was Kunal Kohli's syrupy romance ''Break Ke Baad'' opposite Imran Khan, where she played Aaliya Khan, an impetuous brat. The film was not a commercial success, but won Padukone favorable reviews. Nikhat Kazmi noted, "Padukone's climactic act seems to be the best performance in her entire career: completely spontaneous, crazy and cute."

Her final release of 2010; Ashutosh Gowarikar's ''Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey'' top-lining Abhishek Bachchan, met with scathing reviews and was declared a flop. The period drama was a retelling of the 1930 Chittagong armoury raid, with Bachchan playing the revolutionary leader Surya Sen and Padukone playing Kalpana Dutta, his lover and confidant. A review carried by The Hollywood Reporter, however, mentioned her portrayal of Dutta as "impressive".

She began the year 2011 with an item number in Rohan Sippy's ''Dum Maaro Dum'' starring Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu in the lead. Her song was a remixed version of Zeenat Aman's iconic song from ''Hare Rama Hare Krishna''. The raunchy lyrics and suggestive dancing received mixed reviews. The Deccan Chronicle mentioned her moves as "mechanised gyrations", while Adarsh wrote, "Deepika scorches the screen in the title track. " Next, she featured in Prakash Jha's reservation melodrama, ''Aarakshan'' starring alongside Amitabh Bachchan, as his daughter, and Saif Ali Khan, as his love-interest. Pratim D. Gupta noted, "Deepika, though, is again the refreshing thing about a movie. Both her scenes with Bachchan — one where she revolts and the other where she redeems herself — show how she has come of age as an actor."

She will next be featured in Rohit Dhawan's ''Desi Boyz'' alongside Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Chitrangada Singh; Homi Adajania's ''Cocktail'' opposite Saif Ali Khan, Soundarya Rajnikanth's Tamil film ''Kochadaiyaan'' opposite Rajnikanth and ''Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani'' opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

Other work

Philanthropy

As part of NDTV's Greenathon Campaign, Padukone adopted Ambegaon, a village in Maharashtra, that was facing a major electricity crisis.

In The Media

In 2009, Padukone started writing weekly columns for ''HT City'', the lifestyle supplement of ''Hindustan Times''. These columns appear online on social network, Desimartini.

She appeared on the cover of lifestyle magazine ''Vogue'' on May 2010 and 2011. She also walked the red carpet at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

On November 2010, she appeared on ''Koffee With Karan'', a popular chat show along with Sonam Kapoor. Her comments on ex-flame Ranbir Kapoor lead to a lot of controversy among Bollywood inner-circles.

Personal life

In March 2008, Padukone began dating Ranbir Kapoor, her co-star from the film ''Bachna Ae Haseeno'' (2008). After her high profile break up with Kapoor in November 2009, Padukone has decided to keep her personal life away from media attention.

Awards and nominations

Filmography

Year	Film	Role	Notes
2006		Aishwarya
2007	''Om Shanti Om''	Shantipriya/ Sandhya (Sandy)	Filmfare Best Female Debut Award Sony Head N Shoulders Fresh Face of the Year Award Nominated—Filmfare Best Actress Award
2008	''Bachna Ae Haseeno''	Gayatri
2009	''Chandni Chowk to China''	Sakhi (Ms. TSM)/ Meow Meow (Suzy)
2009	''Billu''	Herself	Special appearance in the song "Love Mera Hit Hit"
2009	''Love Aaj Kal''	Meera Pandit	Nominated—Filmfare Best Actress Award
2009	''Main Aurr Mrs Khanna''	Raina Khan	Special appearance
2010	''Karthik Calling Karthik''	Shonali Mukherjee
2010		Sandy
2010	''Lafangey Parindey''	Pinky Palkar
2010	''Break Ke Baad''	Aaliya Khan
2010	''Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey''	Kalpana Datta
2011		Herself	Special appearance in the song "Mit Jaaye Gum (Dum Maaro Dum)"
2011	''Aarakshan''	Poorbi Anand
2011	''Desi Boyz''	Radhika Awasthi
2012		Veronica	Post-Production (Releasing on July 13, 2012)
2012	''Kochadaiyaan''
2012	''Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani''		Filming
2012	''Race 2''		Filming (Releasing on November 30, 2012)
2013

See also

List of Indian film actresses

Notes

External links

Category:1986 births Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian female models Category:Living people Category:Kannada film actors Category:People from Bangalore Category:Hindi film actors Category:Indian actors Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Konkani people Category:Indira Gandhi National Open University alumni

az:Dipika Padukone bn:দীপিকা পাড়ুকোন bg:Дипика Падуконе da:Deepika Padukone de:Deepika Padukone fr:Deepika Padukone gu:દીપિકા પદુકોણે hi:दीपिका पादुकोण it:Deepika Padukone kn:ದೀಪಿಕಾ ಪಡುಕೋಣೆ ml:ദീപിക പദുകോൺ mr:दीपिका पदुकोन ja:ディーピカー・パードゥコーン no:Deepika Padukone pl:Deepika Padukone ru:Падуконе, Дипика sa:दीपिका पडुकोणे fi:Deepika Padukone ta:தீபிகா படுகோண் te:దీపిక పడుకొనే th:ทีปิกา ปาทุโกณ uk:Діпіка Падуконе zh:荻皮卡·帕都恭

name	Soundarya Rajinikanth
birth name	Soundarya Rajinikanth
birth date	September 20, 1984
birth place	Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
othername	Soundarya Ashwin
yearsactive	2002-present
spouse	Ashwin Ramkumar (2010-present)
occupation	Graphic designer, film producer, director
website	}}

Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin (; born 20 September 1984) is a film graphic designer, producer and director in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India who has contributed in several Tamil films. Soundarya Rajinikanth is most popularly known for her work in ''Anbe Aaruyire''. She is the younger daughter of film actor Rajinikanth and entrepreneur, Latha Rajinikanth.

Career

Soundarya is also the founder and chief executive of Ocher Picture Productions. In 2007, Ocher Studios signed an agreement with Warner Bros. Entertainment to partner up in producing and distributing Tamil films.

Personal life

Soundarya is the younger daughter of Rajinikanth and his wife Latha Rajinikanth. Soundarya married Ashwin Ramkumar, an industrialist, on September 3, 2010. Soundarya and Ashwin Ramkumar have known each other for about 4 years. Their marriage was held at Rani Meyyammai Hall in Chennai. Her elder sister Aishwarya Rajinikanth is married to actor Dhanush, and the couple have two sons, Yathra and Linga.

Filmography

As graphic designer

Year !! Film !! Notes
2002	Baba (2002 film)>Baba''	Title only
rowspan="4"	2005	''Anbe Aaruyire''
''Majaa''
''Sandakoli(2005 film)	Sandakozhi''
''Chandramukhi''	Title only
2006	Sivakasi (film)>Sivakasi''
rowspan="2"	2007	''Chennai 600028''
''Sivaji (film)	Sivaji''	Title only
rowspan="2"	2012	Rana (film)>Rana''
''Hara (film)	Hara''	DelayedAlso director and producer

As producer

Year !! Film !! Notes
2010	Goa (film)>Goa''
rowspan="2"	2012	Rana (film)>Rana''
''Hara (film)	Hara''	DelayedAlso director and graphic designer

As director

Year !! Film !! Notes
2010	''Hara''	DelayedAlso producer and graphic designer

As actor

Year !! Film !! Role !! Notes
2008	''Kuselan''	As herself

References

External links

Category:Living people Category:Tamil actors Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian film producers Category:Indian film directors Category:People from Chennai Category:Indian women film directors Category:Tamil film directors Category:1984 births

ml:സൗന്ദര്യ രജനികാന്ത്

name	K.S. Rhoads
background	solo_singer
birth name	Kevin S. Rhoads
born	August 7, 1976
years active	2007—
associated acts	Erin McCarleyTen Out of Tenn
notable instruments	}}

K.S. Rhoads (born August 7, 1976) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, composer, music-producer, and performer.

Early life

Rhoads was born in Tucson, Arizona, the younger of two sons. He moved to Denver, Colorado soon after he was born, and many places thereafter, eventually settling in Fort Myers, Florida. At age 15 he began focusing intensely on music, learning many instruments including bass, piano, and harmonica. He bought his first 4 track recorder in 9th grade, and began recording his own songs. He graduated high school in 1994 and moved to Fort Worth, Texas where he attended Texas Christian University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He moved to Nashville in 2001, but it was not until 2007 that he started work on his debut album ''Dead Language'' with producers Robin Eaton, and Lij Shaw.

Career

Solo Artist

Dead Language was released in 2007 and received excellent critical reviews. ''American Songwriter'' called it "an exhibition in style, grace and limitless possibilities..." Listen! Nashville says: "Rhoads has the perfectionism and musicianship of Roger Waters, as well as a similar political chip on his shoulder, making him a force to be reckoned with." He toured as the opening act for Marc Broussard, Ari Hest, Butterfly Boucher, and Erin McCarley. In January 2010 he performed at the prestigious ASCAP music cafe at Sundance Film Festival, as well as SXSW in Austin, Texas. He is currently recording his second album. His songs have been featured on the shows ''CSI: Miami'', and World of Jenks on MTV.

Erin McCarley

K.S. Rhoads often plays piano and acts as music director for Universal recording artist Erin McCarley. With McCarley he has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Together they have performed with and/or opened for many artists including: Chris Isaak, David Gray, Ray Lamontagne, Guster, Brett Dennen, Jeff Beck, Paolo Nutini, and James Morrison.

Ten Out of Tenn

K.S. Rhoads has toured and recorded with fellow Nashville musicians for a project called Ten Out of Tenn. He, along with the other artists in Ten Out Of Tenn, is the subject of documentary entitled ''Any Day Now''. The film was runner-up in the Nashville Film Festival. It is the story of 10 musical artists on tour together for one summer in 2008.

String Arrangements

Third Day - Move

By The Tree - Invade My Soul

Erin McCarley - Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing (unreleased)

Phillip Larue - Let The Road Pave Itself

Trent Dabbs - Decade Fades

We Are The Emergency - Whispers & Fragments

Albums Produced

Mia Carruthers And The Retros - We Will Grow

Erin McCarley - I Saw The Light (single)

Farther & Faster - (unreleased)

Sara Donaldson - Leaving Winter

Ten Out Of Tenn - Christmas

References

External links

Official Website

Category:Living people Category:1976 births Category:American musicians Category:American singer-songwriters Category:American composers