Private bus operators in Kerala to go on strike

Thiruvananthapuram, June 25 : With diesel prices hiked by Rs.3 a litre, private bus operators in Kerala Saturday demanded a rise in bus fares and called for a token strike Wednesday.

The Private Bus Operators Coordination Committee has said the bus owners have no option but to demand an immediate hike in fares and Wednesday's strike would be a token one.

"If the government fails to act, then we will have no other option but to go on an indefinite strike," the office-bearers of the committee told the media.

The last time bus fares were hiked was on April 3 last year when the minimum charge went up by 50 paise to Rs.4.

There are more than 30,000 private buses operating in the state, while the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has just 5,115 buses.

Actor Mohanlal gets bail in defamation case

Thrissur (Kerala), June 17 (IANS) The faceoff between Kerala's veteran writer Sukumar Azhikode and thespian Mohanlal took another turn as the actor appeared in a court here Friday and secured bail in a defamation case filed by the writer.

The Thrissur chief judicial magistrate granted him bail on the basis of two sureties.

A huge crowd had gathered after news spread that the superstar was to appear in court.

The war of words between the two broke out when Azhikode came in support of thespian actor Thilakan who was served a show cause notice by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and subsequently sacked him on grounds of indiscipline.

Azhikode attacked Mohanlal, who was an office bearer of AMMA, saying that the actor has become old and should limit himself to roles matching his age and figure. He also criticised the actor endorsing a jewellery brand.

The actor retorted, saying Azhikode must be having some "hallucination" and that he considered Azhikode's statements as some "aged uncle's joke".

The superstar allegedly said the writer may be mentally deranged to make such statements, following which Azhikode filed a defamation suit.

Pranchiyettan bags 3 Vellinakshatram Awards

Cochin, June.17 (NR): Ranjith directed 'Pranchiyettan and the Saint' bagged three awards at the Vellinakshatram Film Awards for the year 2010.

The film bagged the Best Film award, as well as the Best Actor (Mammootty)and Best Director Award (Ranjith).

Kavya Madhavan was adjudged the Best actress for her role in 'Gaddama'. 'Malarvadi Arts Club' directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan is the Second Best Film.

The Best Music Director is M Jayachandran for his musical score in 'Shikar'.

Salim Kumar, Salim Ahmed, Padmapriya and R Sukumaran would be given special awards by the jury.

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