TOP 10 BEAUTIFUL PLACE

1. Red Rock Country (Sedona, Ariz.)

Ever since the early days of movies, when Hollywood has wanted to show the unique beauty of the West, it has gone to Sedona, a place that looks like nowhere else. Beginning with The Call of the Canyon in 1923, some hundred movies and TV shows have been filmed in and around town. We fell under Sedona's spell, too, and while debating our No. 1 spot kept returning to it for the same reasons Hollywood does: The area's telegenic canyons, wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West -- and the central place that character holds in our national identity. There's a timelessness about these ancient rocks that fires the imagination of all who encounter them. Some 11,000 years before film cameras discovered Sedona, American Indians settled the area. Homesteaders, artists and, most recently, New Age spiritualists have followed. Many cultures and agendas abound, but there's really only one attraction: the sheer, exuberant beauty of the place. People come for inspiration and renewal, tawny cliffs rising from the buff desert floor, wind singing through box canyons, and sunsets that seem to cause the ancient buttes and spires to glow from within.

2. Nighttime view from Mount Washington in Pittsburgh

In a nation with a wealth of stunning cities full of compelling stories, ranking Pittsburgh as the No. 2 beauty spot is perhaps our most surprising choice. But the Steel City's aesthetic appeal is undeniable, as is its very American capacity for renewal. Standing atop Mount Washington, the steep hill that rises giddily on the city's south side, sightseers enjoy the unforgettable panorama of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers flowing together to create the mighty Ohio, that waterway so essential in the nation's settlement. The rivers cup downtown's lustrous Golden Triangle, where landmark skyscrapers thrust upward like rockets. At night, lights twinkle on no fewer than 15 bridges. Almost as breathtaking as the vista itself is the urban renewal that made it possible. A century ago, a pall of smoke lay so thick over town that streetlights burned all day. As Pittsburgh continues an evolutionary course that has taken it from trading post to transportation hub to industrial goliath, we salute its reinvention into one of America's most scenic and livable communities. In the life of a city, there's nothing more beautiful, or inspiring.

3. The upper Mississippi River

For third-place honors, we turn to an area less celebrated than others, but nonetheless packed with the unique beauty our nation abounds in. Its low profile makes it all the more charming. To truly appreciate the Mississippi, we leave the familiar territory of Huck and Tom and take a spin on the Great River Road as it runs alongside Old Muddy's upper reaches through Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. One of the nation's most scenic routes, it winds over hills, atop towering bluffs and through one 19th-century river town after another. The sites along the way read like chapters in American history. Ancient Indian burial mounds punctuate rolling parkland, sidewheelers ply the river, and villages on either bank present fine examples of Steamboat Gothic, the ornate architectural style born in the heyday of river travel. In Galena, Ill., 85% of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. At Trempealeau, Wis., the Trempealeau Hotel has offered haven to watermen since 1888. The whole laid-back region's real draw is the river itself. Steady and timeless, it makes one fine traveling companion as it rolls toward the Gulf.

4. Hawaii's Na Pali Coast

At the country's extreme western edge, half a world away from the cradle of the American Revolution, we gain a flash of insight into the restlessness that drove our forebears from New England to the Pacific Ocean and beyond. They pushed west in search of paradise. Amid the coral reefs, beaches and mist-shrouded volcanic peaks of Hawaii's oldest island, they surely found it. Along the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coast of Kauai, verdant mountains plunge 4,000 feet into the sparkling Pacific. A short hike inland, where Hanakapi'ai Falls pours into a crystal pool and tropical flowers dapple the lush hillsides, the play of color and light creates the effect of an Impressionist painting gone native. Experience the splendor at your own risk: The hardest thing about a trip to Kauai is boarding the plane to go back home

5. Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Engineering marvel, art deco icon, monument to progress: The Golden Gate Bridge does much more than connect San Francisco to Marin County. Named for the strait it spans -- the 3-mile passage between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific -- the bridge is a grand symbol of one of the world's most striking cities. Completed in 1937, the $35 million structure of concrete and steel embodied a city's unquenchable spirit -- and, by extension, the nation's. Set off by its signature orange paint job, twin 750-foot towers that seem to disappear into the heavens and spidery cables that stretch like harp strings, the Golden Gate was unlike anything else ever built. At 4,200 feet, the main suspension span was easily the world's longest. (Almost 70 years later, it ranks seventh.) Facts and figures tell only a partial story: Admired as a practical feat, the bridge is beloved as a work of art, one of the greatest the 20th century produced in any medium

6. Grafton, Vt.

Had the French explorer Samuel de Champlain arrived in Vermont in the autumn of 1609 instead of summer, he never would have dubbed the land "Vert Mont." In fall, the foothills of the state's namesake Green Mountains blaze red, yellow and orange. Among the choicest spots to take in nature's annual art show is Grafton, right, one of the state's prettiest hamlets and, thanks to the efforts of the non-profit Windham Foundation, arguably its best preserved. The foundation has rehabilitated more than 50 historic buildings, including the Old Tavern at Grafton, a one-time stagecoach stop. Other man-made attractions include the award-winning Grafton Village Cheese factory, a pair of graceful New England churches, a nature museum, a smattering of art galleries and the almost obligatory covered bridge. But the compact village of 600 isn't really about picturesque buildings. It's about the Yankee virtues of simplicity, modesty and saving things that matter. Past and present harmonize sweetly in this vital community. Come fall, you'd swear you can hear the brilliant hillsides singing

7. Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

America has older mountains than the Tetons, and higher ones. But it has none more dramatic. The jagged range was formed 6 million to 9 million years ago, when grinding pressure along the Teton Fault caused two massive sections of the Earth's crust to come unhinged. On the rift's west side, a block reared up to form the Teton range. On the east, a separate block buckled under, creating the valley known as Jackson Hole. This geologic violence is what makes the Tetons so spectacular: Forgoing the nicety of foothills, a dozen 12,000-foot peaks shoot abruptly from the valley floor, literally an eruption of granite. Amid the grandeur lies glittering Jenny Lake, left. Named for the Shoshone bride of a 19th-century trapper, the pristine, 2.5-mile-long body of water mirrors the mountains' glory. Beloved by canoeists, hikers and honeymooners, lovely Jenny is also popular with elk, moose and trumpeter swans. Small and dazzling, she is one of the true jewels of our glorious national park system

8. From Key Largo to Key West in Florida

So little actual land, so many associations: coral reefs, Key deer, manatees, pirates, Key lime pie, silver palms, Bogart and Bacall downing gangsters in Key Largo, Hemingway downing mojitos at Sloppy Joe's in Key West. Florida's freewheeling Keys, it has been said, is where things settle when you pick up the continent and shake it. This much is certain: In the Conch Republic, as Key West is sometimes called, a spirited sense of American individualism prevails. Skipping down the fragile, ribbon-thin 110-mile archipelago on U.S. 1, visitors see things that exist nowhere else in the country. With a peak elevation of 18 feet, the land mass can seem but an afterthought to the shimmering Atlantic on one side and the blue-green Gulf on the other. In places the only thing separating them is the roadway itself, panoptic water enchanting travelers with the deliciously disorienting sensation that they've become one with the sea. Along with famously colorful residents and fauvist sunsets, it's one more Key reason to visit this beguiling place.

9. Clingmans Dome along the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Winding through 14 states as it makes its rugged way from Georgia to Maine, the entire Appalachian Trail ranks high on any list of scenic gems. First proposed in 1921 by hiking enthusiast Benton MacKaye, the trail came into service as a continuous footpath across the Eastern states in 1937. A monumental achievement, and one that has given countless Americans fresh appreciation for the vastness of the land, it rewards exploration of every well-trod mile. Clingmans Dome, at Tennessee's eastern edge, rises to 6,643 feet, the highest point along the 2,172-mile trail. The surrounding Smokies support more than 4,000 species of plants, 230 types of birds and some 65 mammal species. From a lookout at the summit, hikers gaze upon a fog-streaked wilderness and see the East as it existed hundreds of years ago, lush forest stretching unbroken in every direction. Among the clouds, one feels doubly awed: by our county's magnificent nature,

10. The squares of Savannah, Ga.

In this charmed city, the urban and the pastoral gracefully mingle in a uniquely Southern way -- that is, with gentility and a generous dollop of mystery. Shaded by live oaks, perfumed by magnolias and surrounded by historic buildings, 22 enchanting public squares (including Columbia Square, above) beckon like secret gardens. Feasts for the eyes, balm for the soul, the vest-pocket parks serve as gathering places, serene retreats and tourist attractions all rolled into one. Spanish moss romantically drapes Pulaski Square, named for Revolutionary War hero Gen. Casimir Pulaski. At Chippewa Square, lorded over by a statue of Georgia's founder, James Oglethorpe, pay respects to the man who drew up Savannah's triumphant 18th-century street plan. Forrest Gump had the right idea: He contemplated life from a bench in Chippewa Square.

The day the earth stood still

The day the earth stood still has the nice story line which has the nice story line which will be a exciting stunt in this film. the film running successfully in the theatre. There is a nice message in this movie.

Aamir's ghajini movie review

GHAJINI one of the awaited movie by me. i am a great fan of amir khan who inspired me by his acting. His hair style in ghajini movie as become very famous.The story line of ghajini in tamil version is actor suriya name sanjay ramaswamy is a world's richest man. He is foced to forget everything in his life then he have to find the enemy this is the story line of ghajini movie in tamil verson.

yuvraj movie review

After some big gap salman film is going to hit the theatre. the film is casted by salman, katrina, and anil kapoor. The film is like romance movie. where salman looks great in the movie. katrina also looks charming in this movie. most of the salman fans eargerly waiting to see the movie.

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INDIA VS ENGLAND

: India overcame a wobbly start and some anxious moments before beating England by 16 runs via Duckworth-Lewis method in a closely-contested third cricket one-dayer to take a comfortable 3-0 lead in the seven-match series in Kanpur on Thursday.

Chasing 241 for a victory, the hosts were less dominating but were conscious of the Duckworth-Lewis requirement as they scored 198 for five in 40 overs before fading light necessitated an early end to the game.

India needed to score 183 for five in 40 overs under the D/L method and were declared the winners when bad light came into play.

For the hosts, Virender Sehwag topscored with 68, while Yuvraj Singh scored a brisk 38 off just 31 balls. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni remained unbeaten on 29 to steer the team to victory in a more keenly contested tussle at the Green Park stadium.

After the early morning haze delayed the start and reduced the tie to a 49-overs-a-side affair, England captain Kevin Pietersen won the toss and had little hesitation in opting to bat first.

India now need to win the next match in Bangalore on Sunday to clinch the series by taking an unassailable 4-0 lead.

A rejigged batting order saw Ravi Bopara (60) walking out to open with Ian Bell (46) and the openers put on 79 runs before England lost the plot in the face of some disciplined bowling by the Indians and folded for 240 in 48.4 overs.

For India, Harbhajan Singh stood out, scalping three for 31, joining the 200 ODI wicket club in the process. For the home team's in-form and awe-inspiring batting order, the target of 241 should have been a stroll in the park. However small the target, they still needed to score those runs but a jittery start jolted them out of complacency.

A reckless Gautam Gambhir (14) and Suresh Raina (1) perished in quick succession and for India, reduced to 34 for two inside 10 overs, the chase for a modest target wasn't a cakewalk anymore.

Andrew Flintoff banged his fifth delivery short and Gambhir charged out only to guide it to third man where a grateful Broad pouched the catch.

Flintoff tormented Suresh Raina (1) as well but it was Broad who got the left-hander when the batsman, rooted in the crease, dragged a ball onto his stumps.

Sehwag read the situation well but did not allow it to bog him down. Boundaries still came thick and fast and Sehwag enjoyed the fortune of the brave as well when Samit

Patel almost caught him off his own bowling before the ball popped out of the left-arm spinners’ palm. Sehwag celebrated by clobbering Graeme Swann for a six to complete his fifty and raised 67 runs with Rohit Sharma (28) to lend some stability before trouble came in pair and both the batsmen returned in quick succession.

Rohit once again failed to convert the start and fell to Swann and then an airborne Paul Collingwood silenced the choc-a-bloc stadium by pulling off a stunner at point off Flintoff. Sehwag left unhappy with himself, having scored 68 off 75 balls with eight fours and a six in it.

England nemesis Yuvraj Singh walked amid thunderous applauds and joined by captain MS Dhoni and the duo had just steadied the ship before Flintoff again turned the game on its head by removing the left-hander.

In deteriorating light, Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan (12 not out) played smart cricket to keep the team ahead in the Duckworth-Lewis chart before bad light interrupted match.

Earlier, for the first time in the series, England got off to a strong, if not spectacular, start with the Bell-Bopara duo raising 79 runs for the first wicket inside 15 overs.

It was a marked improvement by the visitors, considering the fact that the opening stand had yielded 12 and six runs respectively, in the last two matches.

With Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel maintaining a claustrophobic line, runs were not easy to come by, let alone boundaries. To their credit, Bopara and Bell did not panic.

The run rate was nothing to write home about but England crossed the 50-mark in 11 overs without any loss. Bell greeted the erratic Ishant Sharma with two boundaries in the first over, upsetting his rhythm by repeatedly stepping out of the crease

INDIANS ATTACKED BY THE PIRATES

An Indian Navy warship deployed in the Gulf of Aden has destroyed a vessel of the Somali pirates. A statement released by the Indian Navy on Wednesday (November 19), said that INS Tabar retaliated in self defence and opened fire on the mother vessel. As a result of the firing by INS Tabar, fire broke out on the vessel and explosions were heard, possibly due to exploding ammunition that was stored on the vessel.

Naval officers on board the warship said that they spotted Pirates roaming on the upper deck of the vessel with guns and rocket propelled grenade launchers. Two accompanying speed boats sped away after the main vessel was blown up late on Tuesday.

India deployed stealth frigate INS Tabar, in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy surveillance and patrol operations. It would also escort the Indian ships after many shipping firms complained that they were losing $450,000 a month on cost overruns and delays in meeting deadlines. Crew members, fearing attacks by pirates, are reluctant to sail in the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's most important sea trade routes.

AUSTRALIA VS NEW ZELAND

Katich was unbeaten on 67 as the home side ended play on 131-6 in their second innings, a lead of 189.

A total of 16 wickets fell in the day with New Zealand earlier bowled out in 50 overs for just 156.

Ross Taylor's 40 was the top score as left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson returned figures of 4-30.

The tourists had the better of the opening day as they bowled Australia out for 214 but their batting line-up was also found wanting on a seamer-friendly surface.

Stuart Clark made an immediate breakthrough when his first delivery of the day bounced awkwardly and accounted for Aaron Redmond, who was caught by Ricky Ponting at second slip for three.

Redmond's opening partner Jamie How was bowled by Brett Lee for 14 and all-rounder Shane Watson then had Jesse Ryder caught behind for 30 as he tried to square cut.

Johnson picked up his first wicket in the following over when Brendon McCullum was taken by Ponting for eight froma ball angled across him towards the slips and only Taylor demonstrated any kind of fluency for the Kiwis as he collected seven boundaries.

But his 51-ball cameo came to an end when he was adjudged lbw to Lee and after Watson bowled Grant Elliott for nine, the last four wickets fell for 13 runs in the space of four overs.

Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee and Iain O'Brien all fell to Johnson before Clark bowled last man Chris Martin with a yorker, leaving Daniel Flynn high and dry on 39 not out.

Australia's delight at earning a 58-run advantage quickly turned to concern at the start of their second innings as Martin found the edge of Matthew Hayden's bat and the big opener departed for a first-ball duck.

Worse followed when O'Brien dismissed Ponting and Mike Hussey in the same over, Ponting caught by Redmond for 17 after mis-timing a pull shot and Hussey given out caught behind to register only the second nought of his Test career, although TV replays suggested he was unlucky with the decision.

The home side could not afford the needless run out of Michael Clarke, who was beaten by Redmond's direct hit from square leg after making only nine, but Katich and Symonds managed to steady the ship by adding 56 for the fifth wicket.

katich finally brings decent score to the australia.

Katich reached his half century off 86 balls but the partnership came to an end when Symonds, on 20, tried to hook a short ball from Martin and edged to McCullum.

There was more good news for New Zealand shortly before the close as Martin (3-52) had Watson lbw for five, leaving the match intriguingly poised

vijay's stills in villu

The film villu which is directed by prabhu deva and casting vijay and nayantara. this is the second film for vijay and prabu deva joining together and also second film for prabhu deva directing in tamil film. This film expected to be release during pongal 2009. This is the most expected film by the vijay fans.

Program testing..

The logical and syntax errors have been pointed out by program testing. syntax error is the error occurred in the program will run a program. an improper defined field dimension and omitted keyword are common syntax error. these error show through syntax error generated by computer.the compiler will not detect the logical errors so the programmer must generate the output. condition testing excercise the logical conditions contained in the module. the possible condition include a boolean operator , boolean variables. A relational operator or on arithmatic expression. condition testing method focuses on testing each condition in the program the purpose of condition testing is to deduct not only condition errors in a program but also other errors in the program.
security testing attempt to verify the protection mechanism built in to a system well. the security testing protect the system from improper penetritation. the system security must be tested for invulnerability from rear attack. During security , the tester places the role of individual who desires to penetrate system.

HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM

This isn’t really a Hollywood museum, so much as it is a museum located in the heart of Hollywood.

The Guinness World of Records is a new attraction located right on Hollywood Boulevard, just a block east of the Chinese Theatre.

Given the sad state of affairs on the Boulevard back in 1994, we were grateful when anything new opened on that formerly faded thoroughfare. And at least this new museum contains a special section about Hollywood. It is also housed in the historic Hollywood Theatre, which was built in 1938 (although most of the theatre’s exterior is now hidden behind a gaudy new facade.)

As you might expect, the new Guinness museum is devoted to the same kind of world records that you would find in the famous Guinness Book of World Records - from the world’s heaviest man, to the world’s largest apple. Its displays include records set in sports, eating, architecture, the animal kingdom… you name it.

For the most part, the Guinness museum does not try to exploit the bizarre and freakish aspects of life, as its neighbor Ripley’s does. While you may see displays about the world’s tallest or heaviest people here, you will find nothing to compare to, say, the disgusting bottle of “fetal mice wine” which is on display at the Ripley’s next door. There are, fortunately, no shrunken heads or six-legged pigs here.

And the Guinness museum is neither musty nor dated like the Hollywood Wax Museum across the street (despite the fact that both museums are owned by the same people). This new exhibition is professional, spacious, bright, colorful, clean, and modern.

Alas, all of that said, Guinness still leaves a lot to be desired.

Despite the occasional use of multimedia, computers, sound effects and video screens, The 15,000-square foot Guinness World of Records Exhibition is, at heart, basically a walk-through book, and a rather dry one at that.

This is hardly surprising, since the museum’s inspiration is the famous Guinness Book of World Records - an all-time best-seller. The Guinness book itself can be a fascinating reference book, and there would seem to be great potential in the idea of bringing those words and feats to life. But unfortunately, most of the time, this museum settles for simply presenting the words and facts in written form. Visitors walk from one poster board to another simply reading about various world records.

However, there are a few notable exceptions to that rule in this two-level museum.

There are several life-size figures representing record holders such as Elvis Presley (”most successful solo artist”), Michael Jackson (wearing Jackson’s actual black leather jacket), and Henri LaMothe (he made the world’s “Highest Shallow Dive” - from 28 feet into 12 inches of water). But these mannequins are not particularly lifelike, and there is no animation involved. They are just simple wax figures - probably made at the nearby Hollywood Wax Museum.

And believe me, they could use a little action here… The closest they come to animation is in a figure of the man who lost a record amount of weight. His likeness fluctuates between 802 and 232 pounds.

The most interesting of these life-size figures is a pairing of 8′, 11 1/4” Robert Wadlow (”The World’s Tallest Man”) and the world’s smallest woman, Lucia Zarate, who stood only 26 1/2 inches high and weighed only 13 pounds. A TV monitor broadcasts an old B&W interview with the late Mr. Wadlow.

Nearby, there is a large step-on scale, next to a figure of Robert Hughes the “World’s Heaviest Man” (who weighed 1,069 pounds), so visitors can compare the combined weight of their entire family with that of this one obese gentleman.

There are also touch-screen computers, which let you select which record you wish to read more about…

The museum is divided up into several themed sections, including “The Human World,” “The Animal World,” “Planet Earth,” “Structures & Machines,” “Sports World,” and “The World of Entertainment.”

One portion of the museum is devoted to a salute to Hollywood. It includes a small 9-seat “theater” where a video tells about famous Hollywood record-breakers (such as “Ben-Hur,” the movie that won the most Oscars), and there are a few Hollywood props scattered about. This section also includes a figure of Mickey Mouse sitting atop a huge pile of mail bags (Mickey holds the record for receiving the most fan mail of any star), as well as a car “crashing” through a wall (to demonstrate the most destructive car chase scene on record, in a movie called “The Junkman“). Elsewhere, you’ll find a flying figure of “Superman,” and a modest display about Indiana Jones.

The most lively exhibit is probably a simple three-screen mini-theater which presents a colorful video showing one million dominoes being toppled in a fascinating sequence (visitors watch from seats shaped like giant dominoes.) At least there is a sense of motion and vitality here that is sadly missing from most of the museum’s other tame exhibits.

But for the most part, the facts about these many world records are simply printed in large letters on poster board, accompanied only by simple illustrations or photos. So a visit here is not unlike strolling through a large book. In essence, the experience essentially amounts to walking about reading what you would read in the Guinness Book of World Records. Occasionally, this reading can be interesting and informative. But it frequently proves rather tiresome, and you have to wonder how they spent the $6 million it supposedly cost to create this museum.

Finally, there is the admission price to be considered. At $8.95 each for adults and $6.95 for kids, I suspect that most families will feel that it simply isn’t worth the cost of admission. The actual Guinness book costs less than $6.95 in paperback, so you might be better advised to just buy the book and read it at home at your leisure.

Of course, since this is a museum about world records, and world records are constantly broken, the exhibits will have to be updated regularly. For instance, by now their display on the “Indiana Jones” Trilogy (for record box office success) should be updated to reflect the recent success of “The Titanic” and/or the “Star Wars” trilogy. Which means that you will never be certain just what you’ll see here. As such, this review might already be out of date…

rajini with his fans

It was a meeting that his fans were yearning for. When he made his entry around 10.05 a.m. on Monday, Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam thundered in applause and cheer with the fans screaming “Thalaivaa..!!” and “Nalaiya mudalvar.”

Actor Rajinikanth proceeded to the dais in his typically swift gait and sat on the sole black chair, smiling at his fans. As he came up to the podium, the applause grew louder, with fans getting almost hysterical at the very sight of the ‘Superstar.’

Attired in a brown-grey kurta, the actor was there to answer questions from the fans across the State. His friend V.M. Sudhakar read them out one by one.

“It would be foolish to think that one is successful in politics due to sheer capability, experience and hard work. It is all a question of time and circumstances. If the time is not right, nothing can help,” he said responding to a fan’s question on his entry into politics. “Something that is forced upon an individual will not work out. Everything is in the hands of destiny and God’s will. I will go only by that.”

“The media often accuses you of not having a stable mind. They say you are perpetually confused. I feel bad, thalaiva. Why do you give room for this,” a fan asked.

“Everything is an experience and we learn from experience. I am aware that one has to think of the repercussions of a statement before making one. Sometimes, I tend to speak my mind. I say what I believe is true, but it could possibly be read differently if seen from different perspectives. However, I have not said or done anything with selfishness.”

“There have been different reports about your response to the severe criticism on your remarks on the Hogenakkal issue. Did you actually express regret or an apology,” another fan asked.

“I wish to go forward, but you won’t let me proceed, is it?” he responded in jest, before explaining: “Be it any issue pertaining to Tamil Nadu, the first repercussion seen in Karnataka is at theatres screening Tamil films. I am also a human being and I got quite angry while I spoke at that meeting. When I said we should beat them up (udaikkanum), I should have qualified the statement as ‘beat up those who are creating trouble at theatres’. Since I didn’t, it was misread. I later expressed regret, not an apology.”

Responding to a question on Kuchelan’s failure, he explained the processes that led to decisions on distribution and added: “All this apart, if the destiny of the film was such, we cannot help it.”

On his future plans, the actor said he was currently focusing on Shankar’s ‘Enthiran’.

“It is a very good project. No such film has been made in India. I am sure that the whole nation will talk about it once it is released.”

Another question read: “I have been you fan for years together. What have you done for me?”

After a thoughtful smile and a pause, Mr. Rajinikanth said: “You see, when I entered the industry, I was keen on doing off-beat films and weighty characters alone. I studied at the film institute and came under the guidance of KB (K. Balachander) sir. In most of my initial films, all my roles were like that. Later, you wanted me to fight, I did action films. You wanted me to dance, I danced. You wanted me to try out comedy, I did that too. As an actor, haven’t I done my duty by giving good films and pleasing my fans?”

Family first

To questions on the actor’s plans for his fans’ associations, he said: “I will definitely let you know what I intend doing.”

The actor said he would later meet fans at exclusive meetings for fans from each district and promised to take photographs with them individually. He would organise such meetings with fans every year from now, he added. “Remember that it is always your family first. Perform your duties well and expect appropriate returns,” he said.

A section of fans who expected major announcements from their ‘thalaivar’ seemed a little disappointed that none was made.

“Anyway, we got to see him and be with him for nearly an hour. I can’t ask for more. He will tell us what to do at the right time,” said D. Rajini Selvam, a fan from Chennai.

A few others proceeded to the stage after the actor left and took photographs with the chair he sat on. “I could not take a picture with him. Let me at least take one with his chair,” said another ardent fan.

TEST MATCH ENDS IN DRAW

Australia have faced Indian spinner Anil Kumble for the last time after the Indian captain decided to retire at the end of the drawn third Test in Delhi.

The Australians were happy to leave the Feroz Shah Kotla ground with a draw and the chance to square the series 1-1 by winning the final Test in Nagpur, after India threatened to claim the series by charging to 7-613 declared on a pitch that gave plenty of assistance to the spinners as the match went on.

Responding with a first innings of 577 shepherded by Michael Clarke's eighth Test century, the tourists were fleetingly able to entertain thoughts of a miracle victory when India lost early wickets in their second innings.

But staunch batting by Sachin Tendulkar (47), Gautam Gambhir (36) and man of the match VVS Laxman (59no) allowed the home side to wriggle to safety at 5-208 declared.

Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich then played out Kumble's last spell in Tests, Hayden striking the spinner's final ball, an uncharacteristic full toss, to the straight boundary.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting had plenty of praise for Kumble, but also acknowledged the hard work ahead of his side if they are to level the series in Nagpur.

"I think we've proven in this game that our batting's certainly up to scratch in these conditions, there's no doubt about that," Ponting said.

"The challenge ahead is to take 20 wickets in Nagpur," Ponting said.

"We've got to look long and hard at the guys on the sidelines, Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle, and Jason Krejza and see if we think they can add anything to our bowling group.

"We probably need to look at Jason a little bit closer, he was named in the 12 here and believe me he came very close to playing in this Test match here.

"So with a bit more work this week he'd certainly come into consideration."

Kumble said he was looking forward to some time out of the game but would stay with the Indian team as a spectator and motivator for the final match.

The teams fly from Delhi to Nagpur on Monday afternoon.