In a shocking development, eminent proponent of Yakshagana, Keremane Shamhu Hegde passed away on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest. Hegde was 71. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Hegde was also the President of the Janapada Academy, a member of the Central Sangeet Natak academy and a member of the governing body of the South Zone Cultural Centre. Apart from winning various awards, Hegde was also the recipient of the prestigious Rajyotsava award. He also received Sangeet Nataka Academy award and the Karnataka State award.

Indian equities, which ended positively on Tuesday (Feb 03), belled today’s session on a higher note tracking global market trends and on expectations of an US economic stimulus plan.

The 30-share index, BSE Sensex opened after gaining 76.90 points, at 9,226.20.

Heavy buying interest has emerged in the majority of segments with metal, banking and capital goods leading the gains.

After the successful completion of the reality singing show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Challenge 2009’, Zee TV has started TV’s biggest reality dance program, Dance India Dance on January 30.

The reality dance show started in association with UTV brings expert choreographers and dance talent together.

As the pioneer in talent searches in India, Zee TV is poised to successfully take this talent hunt to another popular entertainment genre.

Sounds strange, but it is true!

Delhi-6 director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has decided to gift 51 different kinds of pickles to Abhishek Bachchan on his upcoming birthday on Feb 5.

When he was asked about this, Mehra said, “During the making of Delhi 6, I realized that Abhishek has a taste for Indian food. He used to gorge on local delicacies. That’s how this came to my mind.”

It is believed that the director had ordered the pickles from Khadi Bauli, which is considered as the biggest achaar market of the country.

When it comes to endorse products on TV, no one seems to be closer to King Khan aka Shah Rukh Khan.

According to the latest report presented by TAM AdEx, SRK occupies the No. 1 position in the country’s Top 10 list of celebrities endorsing products on television.

Karvy Stock Broking Limited has maintained ‘buy’ rating on ACC stock with an intraday target of Rs 535.

According to Karvy, interested traders can purchase the stock between Rs 510-515 with a strict stop loss of Rs 505. If the stock market remains on positive track, the stock pricing becomes more attractive, and reach above Rs 540.