Chinese Lantern Festival, Toronto

Last weekend at the Chinese Lantern Festival, Toronto, Canada.

This is really a wonderful attraction to visit in Toronto. Set up right at the Ontario Place, they have played extremely well with colors. If you are in Toronto, don't miss it this weekend. This weekend, I guess, this wonderful festival ends. Learn more at Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Here is a picture collage of few of our snaps at Las Vegas from our 2005 US trip.
Famously known as the Sin City, this is the center of gambling in the US. But more than the casinos, I was amazed by the City's architecture. As your flight descends into the city, you see how beautiful this place glows amidst the dry desert! Few facts about the pictures here:

1. The top left is picture from inside the Las Vegas Airport
2. The picture next to it is in front of Wynn, a 5-Star Casino Resort that was opened the year we visited Vegas (2005). We loved the LE RÊVE show here. It runs for 1hr15mins and is worth every moment!
3. Top Right picture - The white statue is actually a live person!
4. Picture on left - Person in black striped dress and hand waving - He just came from no where, into our picture. We were amazed by some wonderful Raj Kapoor's songs that he played for us, on his accordian.
5. Center Pictures - All in Medieval dresses are real people and not wax models
6. Center picture in last row - Backdrop is the famous Gondola (Venetian Boat) ride at the Venetian Hotel Canal. This Hotel also hosts a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, just if you have missed the New York one. The NY museum is a much better one though. As I write this, another Madame Tussauds Museum just opened today near the White House in Washington DC.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

At the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, during our 2006 US trip. It was the largest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1937. Today, it is the second longest suspension bridge in the US. Even though it was scorching summer, it was extremely chilly out there when we went.

Dr.S.P.Balasubrahmanyam's Family

My family with Sri.S.P.Balasubrahmanyam's family at their house. To my daughter's right is her best friend, Drushanthi. At the backdrop are couple of his awards and a picture of Sri.S.P.B. with Former US President Clinton and Hillary Clinton.

Hoover Dam

At Hoover Dam, also known as Boulder Dam, located at the border between the US States of Nevada and Arizona. Hoover Dam was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. This was on our way to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

Niagara Falls, Buffalo, NY

At the Niagara Falls from Buffalo, New York side in 2005

Atlantic City Boardwalk

At the Atlantic City Boardwalk, in front of the Trump Plaza Casino.

New York from New Jersey

Me with my husband and son-in-law on our way to Statue of Liberty. At the backdrop is the New York downtown. It's disheartening to think that before 9-11-2001, the twin towers stood tall right amongst these skyscrapers.

Statue of Liberty

Me and my husband at the Statue of Liberty, USA

Former NASA Astronaut Jon McBride

With Former NASA Astronaut Mr.Jon McBride at the Kennedy Space Center near Orlando, during our US trip in 2005.

You can learn more about him at the NASA site - Astronaut Bio: J.McBride

Kannadathu Kili Saroja Devi

With one of my favorite actresses of yesteryears, legendary Padmashri Smt.B.Saroja Devi. To my right is another renowned actress of yesteryears, Smt.Raja Sulochana.

Renowned Multifaceted Gangai Amaran

Me and my family with Gangai Amaran at his house.

I have always been amazed by Mr.Amar's sense of humor. It is quite a remarkable talent that you cannot miss to notice even during a casual conversation! He has set up a wonderful Pooja room for Pondichery Mother, at his house.

Nagaichuvai Nayagan S.Ve.Shekher

Me and my family with S.Ve.Shekhar, at our home.

He has been a wonderful friend for around 30 years now. He has not changed even a bit from the first time I ever saw him. His father, Mr.Venkataraman was a real nice person. One peculiar thing I would always remember would be the unique greetings that we receive every year from him. My daughter, Radhika, had spoken one of her first Ads at their recording studio, at the age of 3 :)

Another interesting snippet is that Shekher's father had done the ever memorable interesting character of Arvindswamy's Boss in the movie Roja, where he keeps asking for Vella Paniyaaram to actress Madhu.

Chinna Kuyil Chitra

A sweet personality with a sweet voice - Chitra, at her home.

Legends P.Leela, P.Susheela, Chitra

With Legendary singers Smt. P.Leela, Smt. P.Susheela & Chinna Kuyil Chitra

Actor Rahman

Me and my family. With Rahman and his wife at his house.

I would call them a very sweet couple. Both of them were extremely humble and friendly. His wife was a bit shy to pose for a photo. But Rahman convinced her and guess we were just lucky to have her on the picture.

Isai Puyal A.R.Rehman

Me and my husband Sriram. With our dear Rehman.

Read more about my association with Rehman at my Blog.

Padmashri Dr.Padma Subramanyam

With legendary Bharata Natyam dancer, Padmashri Dr.Padma Subramanyam.

I got this wonderful opportunity to be personally associated with this great legend, through my Guru, Dr.SV.Ramanan, her brother. Through decades, I feel honored to have known her closely as a very dear, lovable and humble personality.

Superstar Rajinikanth

Receiving an Award from Superstar Rajinikanth

Ace Cinematographer/Director, Rajiv Menon

Me and my husband with our dear Rajiv.

I have been associated with Rajiv for around 2 decades now. I have worked for innumerous Ads produced by RMP (Rajiv Menon Productions), his Ad agency. I have also known his mom, Mrs.Kalyani Menon personally for around 30years now. Based on Rajiv's personal request, I also acted in a scene with Ajit in Kandukondein Kandukondein. You can read more about Rajiv in one of my blog posts soon.

Iyakkunar Sigaram, K.Balachander

Me and my husband with legendary Movie Director, Thiru.K.Balachander

Veteran Actor, Nagesh

Me and my husband, Sriram. With veteran Indian comedy Actor of Tamil Film Industry, Mr.Nagesh

Singer/Actor, K.P.Mohan

With singer/actor, K.P.Mohan. I have been associated with Mohan for decades now. We have worked together on innumerous songs and advertisement jingles. He is more than a brother to me.

Mellisai Mannar M.S.Viswanathan

My family with Isai Peraringnar Thiru. M.S.Viswanathan and his grand daughter

Late Mr.G.K.Moopanar

Receiving the prestigious Madura Award from H'ble Late Tamil Maanila Congress President Mr.GK.Moopanar. To my right is Kalaimamani V.K.T.Balan, Chairman & Director, Madura Travel Service (P) Limited.

Melody Queen, P.Susheela

With Melody Queen, P.Susheela

Padmashree Dr.S.P.Balasubrahmanyam

With Padmashree Dr.S.P.Balasubrahmanyam

My Guru, Dr.S.V.Ramanan

Kalaimamani Dr.S.V.Ramanan, Director, Jaishree Pictures, Chennai.

Around 30 years back, he is the one who introduced me as a Singer to the Advertisement field. I value him the most as my Father, Mentor, and Wellwisher, all through my career. I am always indebted to him for the wonderful exposure he has provided me with.

This picture was taken during one of the functions at his office. Playback Singer Sundarrajan is to my guru's right.