Daily Archives: November 30, 2017

Jatayu Earth Centre and adventure park opens in Kerala

Jatayu Earth Centre Concept Art

The Jatayu Earth Centre has finally been opened to the public after a long delay. Built at Chadayamangalam in Kollam, Kerala, the tourism centre or nature park has taken over two years and is still being built. Therefore visitors will have access to only certain areas.

The nature park became famous because of a massive statue built to remember the mythical demigod, Jatayu, from Ramayana. Chadayamangalam’s Jatayupura is already a big tourist spot because of its links to the epic Ramayana. The new sculpture, developed by filmmaker Rajiv Anchal only adds to the attraction. It is 70ft tall and 200 ft long. It is reportedly world’s largest bird sculpture. It depicts Jatayu’s heroic fall when he fought Ravana, who was returning to Lanka after kidnapping Sita.

Apart from the sculpture, the Earth Centre also offers adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, rifle shooting, and paintball. Offering more than 20 activities the nature park also has an Ayurvedic resort, a digital museum and what it claims to be a 6D theatre, and cable cars for those are not so adventurous. Visitors will have to pay Rs 2500 for entry.

According to a report in India.com, the project is the first ever build-operate-transfer model private-public partnership in the tourism industry in Kerala.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Lifestyle / by DNA Web Team / Thursday – November 30th, 2017

Noted Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Abi passes away

Actor Kalabhavan Abhi | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

His performance as an aged Muslim character named ‘Amina Thatha’ made him a household name.

Noted mimicry artist and actor Abi died in Kochi on Thursday morning.

The 52-year-old was declared brought dead at a private hospital where his family had taken him at 10.15 a.m. According to hospital sources, he had been undergoing treatment for reduced blood platelet count.

Colleagues and friends from the television and movie industry dropped in at the hospital to pay last respects. As per initial reports, the body will be laid to rest at Muvattupuzha Central Juma Masjid on Friday afternoon.

Abi rose to fame with his impeccable mimicry skill. His performance as an aged Muslim lady named ‘Amina Thatha’ made him a household name. He had also acted in around 50 films.

Abi, who had won first prize in MG University Youth Festival twice, was also known for his ability to mimic popular film actors, including Amitabh Bachchan.

His son Shane Nigam is also a popular film actor.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by M.P. Praveen / Kochi – November 30th, 2017