NEW DELHI: India, the world’s largest democracy, was set to count on Saturday millions of votes cast in Lok Sabha elections even as leading political parties continued to hunt for new allies to make up the numbers in a fractured parliament.

While both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) voiced confidence that they would be the single largest group in the 545-seat Lok Sabha, their strategists began contacting smaller and regional parties that are expected to play a key role in government formation.

Exit polls and projections at the end of staggered five-phase polling Wednesday showed that the Congress could get 145-160 seats in the hung Lok Sabha and be the single largest party, followed by the BJP’s range of 135-157. They said the UPA could bag 185-205 seats and NDA 165-208 seats.

With the Third Front tipped to score around 100 seats, a new government would become near impossible unless two formations gang up or key sections of one alliance decide to prop up another coalition.

The BJP immediately scrambled to assert that Nitish Kumar was still with the NDA while the Congress pointed out that it had given substantial funds to the eastern state.

With the NDA bagging the TRS and eyeing the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, the Congress opened secret channels with AIADMK-ally PMK and actor-politician Chiranjeevi in Andhra Pradesh besides Orissa’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which only months ago divorced the BJP after 11 long years.

Political sources said the hunt for numbers that lead to the majority mark of 272 would continue through the night. “This will accelerate once the results are known tomorrow,” a Congress leader said. “If one party or alliance crosses the 200-seat mark then that party or alliance will be in the driver’s seat.”

Officials meanwhile said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would resign on Sunday in line with constitutional provisions but remain in office until a new government is formed.

BANGALORE: Multilingual actor Prakash Raj says he has been offered the role of LTTE chief Vellupillai Prabhakaran in a Tamil film and that he will be doing it.

“I would like to perform the role according to the dictates of the script and requirement of the director. I will not do any homework or prepare for this role in details as I think spontaneity will provide better results than anything,” said the actor at an interactive session organised by the Karnataka Film Journalists Association.

“Acting career is like a journey to me. Acting has been a process of learning to me. You learn many things while interacting with many people. I think any actor will gain confidence and maturity with experience. Working with different directors and the best of the actors make you determined to give the best shot,” he said.

Prakash Raj also worked with Bollywood megastar Amithabh Bachchan in two Hindi films - “Khakee” and “Zamanat“ and is all praise for him.

“He is truly a legend. He is extremely patient. He used to call me ‘Kalaakar’ and I enjoyed working with him. Despite his stature, he doesn’t question the decision of a director. I saw him agreeing for the eighth take for director Raj Kumar Santhoshi while shooting for ‘Khakee‘. I was really impressed with his professionalism,” he said.

The actor also produces films in Tamil and is known for making quality films like recently released and much appreciated “Abhiyum Naanun“.

His film “Mozhi“ won many awards and was also a box office success. “I have made ten Tamil films so far. I would like to take up projects which have a good story. I want to encourage younger talents who want to prove their mettle with their stronger scripts with novelty elements. I’m happy that young directors like Priya, Guhan and Radha Mohan are established names today,” said Prakash Raj.

Indian Premier League is all set to commence on April 18 at South Africa. The second season of IPL is ready to entertain us. IPL is played in a entertaining T20 format which is adored by all the cricket lovers.The teams to participate in IPL are : Chennai Super Kings, Kolkatta Knight Riders, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Hyderabad Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Dare Devils, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab. Get Ready for the exciting tournament. IPL rocks!!!

IPL Matches Schedule 2009

Date Matches
Apr 18 Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings - Cape Town
Apr 18 Rajasthan Royals vs Bangalore Royal Challengers - Cape Town

Apr 19 Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab - Cape Town
Apr 19 Deccan Chargers vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Cape Town

Apr 20 Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers - Port Elizabeth

Apr 21 Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Durban
Apr 21 Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians - Durban

Apr 22 Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Deccan Chargers - Cape Town

Apr 23 Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Daredevils - Durban
Apr 23 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals - Cape Town

Apr 24 Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Kings XI Punjab - Durban

Apr 25 Mumbai Indians vs Deccan Chargers - Durban
Apr 25 Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Cape Town

Apr 26 Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Delhi Daredevils - Port Elizabeth
Apr 26 Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals - Cape Town

Apr 27 Deccan Chargers vs Chennai Super Kings - Durban
Apr 27 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians - Port Elizabeth

Apr 28 Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals - Pretoria

Apr 29 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers - Durban
Apr 29 Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians - Durban

Apr 30 Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Daredevils - Pretoria
Apr 30 Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings - Pretoria

May 1 Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders - East London
May 1 Kings XI Punjab vs Bangalore Royal Challengers - Durban

May 2 Deccan Chargers vs Rajasthan Royals - Port Elizabeth
May 2 Delhi Daredevils vs Chennai Super Kings - Johannesburg

May 3 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab - Port Elizabeth
May 3 Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Mumbai Indians - Johannesburg

May 4 Chennai Super Kings vs Deccan Chargers - East London

May 5 Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab - Durban
May 5 Delhi Daredevils vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Durban

May 6 Deccan Chargers vs Mumbai Indians - Pretoria

May 7 Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Rajasthan Royals - Pretoria
May 7 Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings - Pretoria

May 8 Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians - East London

May 9 Deccan Chargers vs Kings XI Punjab - Kimberley
May 9 Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals - Kimberley

May 10 Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers - Port Elizabeth
May 10 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils - Johannesburg

May 11 Rajasthan Royals vs Deccan Chargers - Kimberley

May 12 Royal Challengers vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Pretoria
May 12 Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab - Pretoria

May 13 Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers - Durban

May 14 Royal Challengers vs Chennai Super Kings - Durban
May 14 Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals - Durban

May 15 Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils - Bloemfontein

May 16 Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians - Port Elizabeth
May 16 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Deccan Chargers - Johannesburg

May 17 Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers - Johannesburg
May 17 Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils - Bloemfontein

May 18 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings- Pretoria

May 19 Delhi Daredevils vs Royal Challengers - Johannesburg

May 20 Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Durban
May 20 Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab - Durban

May 21 Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Daredevils - Pretoria
May 21 Deccan Chargers vs Royal Challengers - Pretoria

May 22 Semi Final 1 - Pretoria
May 23 Semi Final 2 - Johannesburg

May 24 FINAL - Johannesburg

Directed by K.V. Anand, whose earlier directorial credit includes Kana Kandein. Ayan has Surya paired up with Tamannah. Anand recently turned to direction leaving his decade-old career as a successful cinematographer. Surya seems to have retained his six-packs in Ayan that he had earlier acquired for Vaaranam Aayiram.The music Scored by one of the leading music directors of the south, Harris Jayaraj, the album has five sound tracks, which is already topping the charts.

The entire crew has did a terrific job and it is widely expected that this film will be a sure shot hit for this year. This film by all means will be a great entertainer for the whole mass of the south India. Let’s convey our best wishes to this film “Ayan” for its successful run.

Anushka, the dusky damsel of Tollywood has got much of fame and is flying high with this movie Arundhati’s success. She’s made a great career for herself and it looks like she’s here to stay. Her film, Billa, with Prabhas is ready for release on Thursday.

In Billa she is likely to wear two piece bikini as Nayanthara.

The movie is a remake of Billa Tamil version. Actress has agreed the offer in Telugu version of Billa but reportedly she charged Rs 1 crore as remuneration. Actress Anushka will be the second highest paid actress in following Illeana, sources said. She is now flooded with roles.

Arundhati

She’s the sexy gal is competitor to Nayan. This is because of Anushka’s act in the Telugu version of Billa playing Nayan’s role . But in Arundhati, releasing on March 20 in its Tamil dubbed version (from the original Telugu), Anushka is playing quite a different character, vastly at variance with her glam image.

Launched in Tamil by Sri Thenandal Films and Prasad Reddy, the film also stars Sonu Sood and Manorama in important roles. However it’s the heroine who is the centre of attraction despite playing a non glam role. The story is a thriller, based on a re-birth theme with black magic galore and the curse of a kula deivam thrown in.

For Anushka, the film played a vital role in boosting her image in the Telugu industry, with the film reportedly grossing over 70 crores, breaching all records.

In Tamil, the gal has Rendu to her credit and will soon be seen in a spate of Tamil films with producers eager to sign her up now. Lets see if Arundhati will prove lucky for her in the Tamil version as well.

My Convocation Day…the day I dreamt about.

On morning march 2nd 2009, I went with my parents in car to college at 9.30 am…may be we are the last one to come to college as usual…The function started at 10 am… we went to the office and picked up the robe and seated on the stage…

After 10 am chief guest SHRI. E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN, Minister of State - Commerce & Industry-Government of India, arrived.

After the prayer, the welcome speech was given and chief guest addressed the function it was very nice speech…

After that, they distributed our degree. They called us by our name one by one … it was a nice experience after four years of enjoyable days. They remembered that we are now a responsible citizen of India…

After the distribution of our degree we took our pledge …

Next is our photo session…

We all waited for the function to finish, after that we went to our class to take photo. It was a nice memory…we all were back in our class and had a fun…we had nice memories of our college days…

then we took some photos… So many photos are taken in seconds. Within 10 mins we would have taken more than 100 photos…

After few hours function was over… all tends to return back ….

It was a nice day to be remember…

The $62.5 billion group finally had to shift its factory to Sanand in Gujarat after cascading politically-motivated protests over land acquisition from farmers raised questions over the company's ability to stick to its launch deadline, informally set for October 2008.

Showcasing its prototype last year, Tata Motors had announced that it will cost all of Rs.100,000 ($2,000) at factory gates - the lowest cost for any car so far. The group has said the booking process and specific details on the retail price will be announced Monday afternoon.

Tata Motors hope to start from the second week of April advance bookings for the 624-cc jellybean car, which has a snub nose, a sloping roof and just about room for five to squeeze in.

Company officials said arrangements were being made to accept bookings with the existing dealers of Tata Motors, at Westside apparel chain and Croma appliances stores promoted by the group, and select branches of the State Bank of India.

Touted as the next revolution in automobiles after the legendary Model T, The Nano will be available in three variants - standard, deluxe and luxury. The base model will have no air-conditioning.

The four-door, five-seat car has a small 33-bhp engine at the rear and is targeted at the strong Indian middle class population that aspires to trade its two-wheelers for a much safer vehicle at an affordable cost.

With a length of 3.1 metres, a width of 1.5 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, Nano also has adequate ground clearance and can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas.

"Let me announce today that the dealer price for the car will be Rs.100,000 only," Ratan Tata, chairman of the group, had said last year, standing in front of the automobile he had promised to deliver four years ago, taking the project as a personal challenge.

"A promise is a promise," Tata had said, seeking to drive home the point he will deliver the car at the same price as he had set four years ago, despite major escalations in input costs.

BOSTON/WASHINGTON: The prospect of staid IBM merging with brilliant but troubled Sun Microsystems could spark a bout of antitrust scrutiny in the United States and abroad as customers and suppliers raise concerns about competition.

The merger would give the combined company 65 percent of the $17 billion Unix server market, according to market researcher IDC. These are the big servers that major companies, the government and others rely on for their most critical operations, according to IDC. International Business Machines Corp and Sun Microsystems Inc were the top two players in 2008, with 37 percent and 28 percent of the market, respectively. Hewlett-Packard Co was third, with 27 percent.

While Sun and IBM's machines run incompatible versions of the powerful Unix operating system, IBM is likely to persuade developers to write new software for its machines, said IDC analyst Matt Eastwood. As more programs become available for IBM's Unix fleet, businesses might be persuaded to chose those servers over HP's systems, Eastwood said.

"You will have IBM so dominant that over time that it would be easier to squeeze HP, just by sheer presence," Eastwood said, adding he expected both the United States and Europe to scrutinize the transaction. IBM and Sun have declined to comment on the deal, but the Wall Street Journal said IBM was offering between $10 and $11 a share, double Sun's closing price of $4.97 on Tuesday, or over $6.5 billion. High end storage is another area where IBM and Sun dominate.

One business that may come under scrutiny is Sun's StorageTek unit, which provides tape storage for mainframe computers, said Charles King, an analyst with technology research firm Pund-IT. Sun bought StorageTek in 2005 for about $4 billion, with the result that, together, IBM and Sun control the vast majority of that market, he said.

Ed Black, head of trade group Computer and Communications Industry Association said members were concerned. "There are numerous companies in the industry that are worried about this consolidation, from storage to servers," he said. "Clearly, the withdrawal of a major competitor in those markets means they would have much less choice."

Black also argued that both IBM and Sun were critical to innovation in "cloud computing" -- where a consumer stores information on the web rather than on a desktop. "That's a growing area. That's a big area. It is not an area that you want dominated by a couple of companies," he said. Andrew Chin, who teaches antitrust law at the University of North Carolina, argued that Clinton era regulators had challenged deals on the grounds innovation would be lost.

"Another potentially problematic aspect is that innovation will come from one source rather than two," he added. "Monolithic servers are giving way in the big think of service oriented server architectures to this idea of cloud computing. IBM and Sun are both trying to innovate their way into that."

Evan Stewart, an antitrust expert with Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, forecast antitrust regulators worldwide would approve the deal. "They're (U.S. regulators) going to be thinking about how's IBM going to leverage this into new products that we can't even identify right now," he said.

"IBM is a very significant presence there (in China and Japan) and is viewed as a good corporate citizen. "In Brussels, the issue is what's the impact that this is going to have on competitors. They're going to be less receptive to it. Are they going to ultimately say no to it? I find that hard to believe," he added.

William Lefkowitz, options strategist at brokerage firm Finance Investments in New York, said some options traders are buying puts on the assumption regulators would kill IBM's pursuit of Sun. "There is some concern that IBM might have some antitrust problems in attempting to acquire Sun," he said. "If that occurs, Sun Micro could go all the way back down toward $4 a share and these investors will make a killing."