Pranayam (Malayalam: പ്രണയം; English: Love) is a 2011 Malayalam romantic drama film written and directed by Blessy.^[1] The film revolves around the love bound between the characters of Mathews (Mohanlal), Grace (Jaya Prada) and Achutha Menon (Anupam Kher). The film's plot is similar to Paul Cox's Australian film Innocence.^[2][3]

Plot[link]

The film begins with Achutha Menon (Anupam Kher), a man in his late sixties arriving in the city to stay with his daughter-in-law and grand-daughter after suffering a heart attack. He was a football player who had got selected in the State team but could never play for the team. He moulded his life and career to accommodate the romance in his life.

One day Menon sees his former wife Grace (Jaya Prada) in the elevator and collapses. Grace, who is staying in the same building with her husband, daughter and son-in-law, arranges for him to be taken to the hospital and even pays the deposit for the emergency treatment. Slowly their relationship is revealed as she is very anxious about his condition.

Grace's husband Mathews (Mohanlal) is a philosophy professor who has his own philosophy of life. He is now bedridden and requires his wife's help to accomplish the most basic day-to-day tasks. Their physical intimacy is an indication that they may have led a fulfilling life as a couple before the tragedy struck.

The children start acting up as the old couple revive their acquaintance. In the later half of the film, even Mathews joins the former couple with Achuthan helping Grace in manoeuvring her husband's wheelchair in rough terrains. The three take a trip to a beach resort together.

At the resort, Mathews has a stroke and is rushed to the hospital. At the same hospital, Grace has a heart attack and dies, while Mathews survives.

Cast[link]

• Mohanlal as Mathews
• Jaya Prada as Grace
• Anupam Kher as Achutha Menon
• Anoop Menon as Suresh Menon
• Niyas as Saji
• Aryan as Achutha Menon (junior)
• Niveda as Grace (junior)
• Sreenath as Arun
• Apoorva Bose as Megha^[4]
• Dhanya Mary Varghese as Asha
• Navya Natarajan as Aswathy

Production[link]

Blessy has gone through almost 25 years of hibernation for Pranayam. He says: "For so many years I have been carrying the subject in me as a writer, journeying with it as visuals and words. I have now transferred that to the characters. It's like letting go of something that was your own until now. And that is painful."^[5] Blessy had discussed the storyline with writer-director Lohithadas, during the making of his Joker, in which he was the associate director. Lohithadas had told Blessy about how he had envisaged Mathews. After Bhramaram, Blessy had starting writing a story based on a few youngsters but didn't feel excited about it after a while as lots of similar stories were flooding theatres. Suddenly the story of Pranayam came back into his mind. About the scripting, Blessy says: "The interesting thing about this script is that even before I started writing it, what I had in my mind was its last frame. So I started developing the journey back from the last frame and completed it."^[6]

P. K. Sajeev and Anne Sajeev are the producers of the film under the banner of Fragrant Nature Film Creations. Aneesh Jacob is the executive producer. The film's first schedule of shooting started on 16 February 2011 at Cheranallur in Kerala.^[7] Mohanlal joined the set from 23 February.^[8] The second schedule started on June first week in Kochi. The film was shot from various locations including Ernakulam, Fort Kochi, Valinokkam, Kullu Manali and Rewari.^[9] Satheesh Kurup wielded camera for the film. "There is an invisible spark that flashes just seeing the look or a smile of a person and when the beauty within him is revealed to you. You don't need to see a bio-data or wade through his past work. You just connect with him," explains Blessy on his decision to hand over the camera to a novice like Satheesh Kurup.^[5]

The film released on a credit as Mohanlal's 300th film. It is the third time Blessy and Mohanlal signing a bond together after Thanmathra and Bhramaram. The film will have credit of reuniting Mohanlal and Jayaprada as a couple after Devadoothan. Mohanlal and Anupam Kher are on the screens again after Praja and Indrajaalam.^[9] Asked about his experience and challenges that he faced while working in an unfamiliar language, Anupam Kher said "Acting in a different language film is like being thrown into a swimming pool without knowing how to swim. Blessy being a good trainer, acting in Pranayam didn't pose a challenge."^[5]

The movie's official website was launched by Anupam Kher on 29 August 2011 at a Meet the Press programme organised by the Trivandrum Press Club.^[5]

Music[link]

The four songs in the movie were done by the rare combination O. N. V. Kurup (lyrics) and M. Jayachandran (music).^[10] There is also an English song sung by Mohanlal, "I'm Your Man",^[11] written by Dr. Leonard Cohen.^[12] The singers are P. Jayachandran, Mohanlal, Shreya Ghoshal, Sharreth and Vijay Yesudas. The music launch of the film was held on August 9 in Kochi. The function was attended by the film's cast and also by the music director, M. Jayachandran.^[13] Manorama Music has released a Music Special Website which welcomes reviews from the audience.

Reception[link]

The film released coinciding with the festival of Onam on 31 August 2011.

It received mixed to positive critical reviews. A critic from Sify.com said, "Pranayam is in an entirely different league, far above most films that we come across in Malayalam, but still it falls short of being a brilliant one. It has some fine moments, but you will need some patience to find those, in between!".^[14] Shameem Faruque of Yentha.com said that the movie "is an experience in itself for those who connect with it."^[15] Veeyen of Nowrunning.com said, "Pranayam does strain hard to achieve the nuances of an enchantingly sublime love, but ends up being a literal minded love tale, with one among the three lovers oddly left out."^[16] Paresh C. Palicha of Rediff.com who published an overall negative review concluded it writing: "Pranayam, that claimed to be an unusual love story, has to depend on its protagonists to work as it lacks depth and is much below expectations from a director of Blessy's calibre."^[17] A reviewer from Malayalamnet.in gave the movie a positive review and said "lack of entertainment and seriousness may let the movie down at the box office but still the movie is good.Serious movie lovers can have a definite go for this one. If you are looking for entertainment just stay apart from this serious good stuff."^[18]

Anupam Kher, who has done more than 400 films, has chosen Pranayam as one of the seven best films of his career. He says: "Pranayam is one of the seven best films of my career. It has been a great learning experience for me.".^[5][19] The film was widely appreciated for great performance made by Mohanlal, Anupam Kher, and Jaya Prada.

Film displayed yet another brilliant acting by actor Mohanlal who was nicely supported by Anupam Kher and Jayapradha.

Accusations of plagiarism[link]

It has been accused that a very similar script was originally written by music director Mohan Sitara based on his own life and he wanted to direct the film on his own. Mohan Sitara says: "I can only say I’m unlucky. But, I’ve no complaints against Blessy." Blessy replies: "I know Mohan had a similar experience in real life. But, I’d never seen his script. There’re no similarities."^[20]

Awards[link]

Asianet Film Awards^[21]

• Best Film
• Best Actor - Mohanlal
• Best Lyricist - O. N. V. Kurup
• Best Music Director - M. Jayachandran
• Best Female Playback Singer - Shreya Ghoshal
• Special Jury Award - Jaya Prada

Kerala Film Producers Association - Surya TV Film Awards^[22]

• Best Film
• Best Actor - Mohanlal
• Outstanding Performance - Jaya Pradha

Viewers Choice Awards^[23]

• Best Film
• Best Actor - Mohanlal

Vanitha Film Awards

• Best Lyricist - O.N.V. Kurup
• Best Actor - Mohanlal

Mathrubhumi Film Awards^[24]

• Best Film
• Best Lyricist - O.N.V. Kurup
• Best Actor - Mohanlal
• Best Music Director - M. Jayachandran
• Best Supporting Actress - Jaya Prada

Nana Film Awards

• Best Actress - Jaya Prada
• Best Makeup Artist - Ranjith Ambady
• Special Jury Mention - Mohanlal

Ramu Kariat Awards

• Best Actor - Mohanlal^[25]
• Best Music Director - M. Jayachandran

Reporter Film Awards

• Best Actor - Mohanlal^[26]

Vygha Media Best of 2011 Awards

• Best Actor - Mohanlal^[27]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Pranayam at the Internet Movie Database
• Official website
• Pranayam Music Special Website

Shreya Ghoshal
Shreya Ghoshal at X Factor Finalists Introduction
Background information
Birth name	Shreya Ghoshal
Born	(1984-03-12) March 12, 1984 (age 28)
Origin	Durgapur, West Bengal, India
Genres	Ghazal, Filmi, Hindustani classical music
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Sagarika
Website	shreyaghoshal.com

Shreya Ghoshal (born March 12, 1984) is an Indian singer. Best known as a playback singer in Hindi films, she also sings in other Indian languages including Bengali, Assamese, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya,^[1] Gujarati, Tamil and Telugu.

Ghoshal's career began when she won the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contest as an adult. Her Bollywood playback singing career began with Devdas, for which she received National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer along with Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer and Filmfare RD Burman Award for New Music Talent.^[2] Since then, she has worked in more than 180 films and received four National Film Awards, four Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer and four Filmfare Awards South.

Biography[link]

Early years[link]

Ghoshal was born on March 12, 1984 to a Bengali Hindu family in Durgapur, West Bengal. She grew up in Rawatbhata, a small town near Kota, Rajasthan. Her father, Mr. Biswajeet Ghoshal, works as a nuclear power plant engineer for the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, whereas her mother is a literature post-graduate.^[3]

From the age of four, Ghoshal accompanied her mother on the harmonium. She got training in Hindustani classical music in Kota with Maheshchandra Sharma.^[4]

As a child, she won the children's special episode of the Sa Re Ga Ma (now Sa Re Ga Ma Pa) contest on Zee TV. Kalyanji, who also judged the competition, convinced her parents to move to Mumbai.^[5] She trained with Kalyanji for 18 months and continued her classical music training with Mukta Bhide in Mumbai.^[4]

She studied at Atomic Energy Central School (AECS) at Rawatbhata and Anushaktinagar (Mumbai). After graduation she enrolled at SIES College.^[3]

Career[link]

Shreya Ghoshal caught the attention of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali when she participated in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa for a second time, this time as an adult.^[2] In 2000, he offered her the opportunity to be the voice of Paro, the lead female character of the film Devdas, who was portrayed by Aishwarya Rai.^[2] Ghoshal sang five songs in the film. Her performance won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer, as well as Filmfare's RD Burman Award for New Music Talent. She also won the National Film Award for the song "Bairi Piya".^[6]

She has received Filmfare awards in Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada industries and State Film Awards from Malayalam, Tamil industries. She debuted in South through the song "Yen Chellam" in Vasantha Balan's Tamil film Album and got noticed after singing "Munbe Vaa" from Sillunu Oru Kaadhal under composer A. R. Rahman.^[7] She debuted in Malayalam through a studio album of composer Alphons Joseph and later gave voice to his song "Vida Parayukayano" from Big B.^[8] Her songs in Malayalam film Anwar became huge hits in South India and topped many charts for weeks. In 2010, Shreya sang for the English independent film "When Harry Tries to Marry"

She has also been a judge for Star Voice Of India-Chhote Ustaad with singer Kunal Ganjawala and composer Pritam.^[9] Ghoshal was one of the three judges in X Factor (India) with Sonu Nigam and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.^[10]

Discography[link]

• Bendhechhi Beena (1998)
• O Tota Pakhi Re (1998)
• Ekti Katha (1999)
• Mukhor Porag (2000)
• Rupasi Raate (2000)
• Banomali Re (2002)
• Jabo Tepantor (2003)
• Akasher Mukhomukhi (2002)
• Swapner Pakha (2003)
• Thikana (2006)
• Ustad & the Divas (2006)
• Krishna Bina Ache Ke (2007)
• Kanadau Vitthalu (2007)
• Big B (Malayalam,2007)
• Jete Daao Amay (2008)
• Mazhi Gaani – Shreya Ghoshal (2008)
• A Tribute to R. D. Burman (2010)
• Ei Aakash Tomari
• Milan Piyasi
• Rim Jhim
• Tumi Bolo Ami Shuni

Screen[link]

• 2003: Ghoshal made an on-screen appearance in the Saaya film song "Har Taraf"
• 2011: First advertisement for jewellery store Joyalukkas in 5 languages (Hindi,^[11] Kannada,^[12] Malayalam,^[13] Tamil,^[14] Telugu^[15])

Awards, nominations and recognitions[link]

National Film Awards^[16]

• 2003: National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Bairi Piya" (Devdas – Hindi)
• 2006: National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Dheere Jalna" (Paheli – Hindi)
• 2008: National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Yeh Ishq Haaye" (Jab We Met – Hindi)
• 2009: National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Jeev Rangala" (Jogwa – Marathi) & "Pherari Mon" (Antaheen – Bengali)

Filmfare Awards^[16]

Won

• 2003: Filmfare RD Burman Award for New Music Talent
• 2003: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (shared with Kavita Krishnamurthy) – "Dola Re" (Devdas)
• 2004: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai" (Jism)
• 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Barso Re" (Guru)
• 2009: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Teri Ore" (Singh Is Kinng)

Nominated

• 2003: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Bairi Piya" (Devdas)
• 2006: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Agar Tum Mil Jao" (Zeher)
• 2006: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Piyu Bole" (Parineeta)
• 2007: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Pal Pal Har Pal" (Lage Raho Munna Bhai)
• 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Yeh Ishq Haaye" (Jab We Met)
• 2010: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Zoobi Doobi" (3 Idiots)
• 2011: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Bahara" (I Hate Luv Storys)
• 2011: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Noor-e-Khuda" (My Name Is Khan)
• 2012: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Teri Meri" (Bodyguard)
• 2012: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award – "Saibo" (Shor in the City)

Filmfare Awards South^[16]

Won

• 2006: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Tamil) – "Munbe Vaa" (Sillunu Oru Kaadhal)
• 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Kannada) – "Ninna Nodalenthu" (Mussanjemaatu)
• 2010: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Malayalam) – "Kizhakku Pookkum"(Anwar)^[17]
• 2010: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Tamil) – "Un Perai Sollum" (Angadi Theru)^[17]

Nominated

• 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Kannada) – "Aakasha Bhoomi" (Mussanjemaatu)^[18]
• 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Kannada) – "Moggina Manasali" (Moggina Manasu)^[18]
• 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Tamil) – "Then Then" (Kuruvi)^[18]
• 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Telugu) – "Merupulaa" (Chintakayala Ravi)^[18]
• 2009: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Tamil) – "Oru Vetkam" (Pasanga)^[19]
• 2009: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Kannada) – "Hoovina Banadhande"(Birugali)
• 2009: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Kannada) – "Yenu Helabeku" (Maleyali Jotheyali)
• 2009: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Malayalam) – "Chandhu Thottille" (Banaras)
• 2010: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Kannada) – "Eradu Jedeyannu"(Jackie)^[20]
• 2010: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Kannada) – "Yello Jinugiruva"(Just Math Mathalli)^[20]
• 2010: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Malayalam) – "Manju Mazha Kaattil"(Aagathan)^[20]

IIFA Awards^[16]

Won

• 2003: IIFA Best Female Playback Award (shared with Kavita Krishnamurthy) – "Dola Re" (Devdas)
• 2004: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai" (Jism)
• 2008: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Barso Re" (Guru)
• 2009: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Teri Ore" (Singh Is Kinng)

Nominated^[21]

• 2006: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Piyu Bole" (Parineeta)
• 2007: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Pal Pal Har Pal" (Lage Raho Munna Bhai)
• 2008: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Yeh Ishq Haaye" (Jab We Met)
• 2008: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Thode Badmash" (Saawariya)
• 2008: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Mere Dholna" (Bhool Bhulaiyaa)
• 2010: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Zoobi Doobi" (3 Idiots)
• 2011: IIFA Best Female Playback Award – "Bahara" (I Hate Luv Storys)

Zee Cine Awards^[16]

Won

• 2003: Zee Cine Award Best Female Playback Singer (shared with Kavita Krishnamurthy) – "Dola Re" (Devdas)
• 2006: Zee Cine Award Best Female Playback Singer – "Piyu Bole" (Parineeta)
• 2008: Zee Cine Award Best Female Playback Singer – "Barso Re" (Guru)
• 2012: Zee Cine Award Best Female Playback Singer - "Saibo" (Shor in the City)

Nominated^[21]

• 2007: Zee Cine Award Best Female Playback Singer – "So Jaoon Main" (Woh Lamhe)
• 2012: Zee Cine Award Best Female Playback Singer - "oh la la" (The Dirty Picture)
• 2012: Zee Cine Award Best Female Playback Singer - "Teri meri" (Bodyguard)

Screen Awards^[16]

Won

• 2004: Screen Award for Best Female Playback – "Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai" (Jism)
• 2006: Star Screen Award Best Female Playback – "Piyu Bole" (Parineeta)
• 2008: Star Screen Award Best Female Playback – "Barso Re" (Guru)
• 2011: Star Screen Award Best Female Playback – "Bahara" (I Hate Luv Storys)^[22]
• 2012: Star Screen Award Best Female Playback - "Oh La La" (The Dirty Picture)

Nominated^[21]

• 2007: Screen Award for Best Female Playback – "O Saathi Re" (Omkara)
• 2008: Star Screen Award Best Female Playback – "Yeh Ishq Hai" (Jab We Met)
• 2009: Star Screen Award Best Female Playback – "Teri Ore" (Singh Is Kinng)
• 2010: Star Screen Award Best Female Playback – "Zoobi Doobi" (3 Idiots)
• 2011: Star Screen Award Best Female Playback – "Noor E Khuda" (My Name Is Khan)

State Film Awards^[16]

• 2006: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback – "Munbe Vaa" (Sillunu Oru Kaadhal)
• 2009: Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer – "Chandhu Thottille" (Banaras)

Apsara Awards^[16]

Won

• 2008: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Barso Re" (Guru)^[23]
• 2009: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Teri Ore" (Singh Is Kinng)^[21]
• 2010: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai" (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)^[24]
• 2012: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer - "Teri Meri" (Bodyguard)

Nominated^[21]

• 2005: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Piyu Bole" (Parineeta)
• 2008: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Yeh Ishq Hai" (Jab We Met)
• 2009: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Aahista Aahista" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
• 2010: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Aaj Dil" (Blue)
• 2011: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Bahara" (I Hate Luv Storys)
• 2012: Apsara Award for Best Female Playback Singer - "Saibo" (Shor in the City)

Global Indian Film and Television Honours

Nominated

• 2006: Global Indian Film Awards for Best Playback Singer (Female) – "O Saathi Re" (Omkara)^{[citation needed]}
• 2007: Global Indian Film Awards for Best Playback Singer (Female) – "Pal Pal Har Pal" (Lage Raho Munna Bhai)^{[citation needed]}
• 2011: The Global Indian Film And Television Honors for Best Playback Singer Female – "Bahara" (I Hate Luv Storys)^{[citation needed]}

Winner

• 2012: The Global Indian Film And Television Honors for Best Playback Singer Female - "oh la la" (The Dirty Picture)

Asianet Film Awards

• 2011: Asianet Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Manjumazha" (Aagathan)
• 2012: Asianet Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer - Pranayam, Rathinirvedam

Other Awards^[16]

• 2003: Sansui Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Dola Re" (Devdas)
• 2003: Stardust Award – New Musical Sensation (Female) – (Devdas)^[25]
• 2004: Indian Telly Awards – Best Title Singer for a TV Show (Ye Meri Life Hai)
• 2005: Anandalok Puraskar – Best Playback Singer – (Manik)
• 2005: ETV Bangla Film Awards – Best Playback Singer – Female
• 2006: Bengal Film Journalists' Association – Best Female Playback Award – Shubho Drishti
• 2008: Zee Astitva Award – Excellence in Music
• 2009: Mirchi Music Award – Best Female Playback Singer (Kannada) – "Na Naguva Modalene" (Manasaare)^[26]
• 2009: Mirchi Music Award – Best Female Playback Singer (Malayalam) – "Chandhu Thottille" (Banaras)^[26]
• 2010: BIG Bangla Music Award – BIG Bangla singer of the year (Female)
• 2010: Gulf Malayalam Music Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Anuragavilochananayi" (Neelathamara)
• 2010: Star Anando Sera Bengali Award
• 2011: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Manjumazha" (Aagathan)^[27]
• 2011: Vijay Award for Best Female Playback Singer – "Mannippaya" (Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa)^[28][29]
• 2011: Vijay Music Awards – "Mannippaya" (Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa)^[30]
• 2011: Swaralaya Yesudas Award^[31]
• 2012: Big Star Entertainment Award for Best Female Singer - "Teri Meri" (Bodyguard)
• 2012: Maa Music Award for Best Female Singer - "Chali Chaliga" (Mr. Perfect) and "Seeta Seemantam"(Sri Rama Rajyam)

See also[link]

• List of Indian playback singers

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Shreya Ghoshal

• Official website
• Shreya Ghoshal at the Internet Movie Database
• Shreya dislikes being called 'playback'
• Reality shows, all commercial: Shreya Ghoshal
• Playlist: Best songs of birthday girl Shreya Ghoshal