Taiwan's Cutting-Edge Tech That Transforms the Way We Live

In the rapidly advancing era of technology, smart home devices have become a symbol of convenience and efficiency. Taiwanese companies have been at the forefront of this revolution. The country has long been recognized as  tech-first, with a strong commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society. By embracing innovation and investing in research and development, Taiwanese companies have consistently delivered groundbreaking solutions. From smart homes to healthcare, Taiwan has been instrumental in improving people's lives globally. 

To further encourage these companies, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, established the Taiwan Excellence Awards in 1993. This award recognises brands that are shaping industries worldwide. Every year, selected brands are subjected to a rigorous and stringent selection system that covers four major aspects of “R&D”, “Design”, “Quality” and “Marketing” to identify outstanding products that offer “Innovative Value” while satisfying the key criterion of being “made in Taiwan”. Products that win the recognition then serve as examples of the domestic industries and are promoted by the government in the international market in order to shape the creative image for Taiwanese businesses.

Two remarkable products that exemplify this commitment are Zyxel’s NWA50AX WiFi 6 and AIFA's i-Ctrl Pro smart remote. Clubbed together, these products bring the idea of a smart home to life.

Zyxel’s NWA50AX WiFi 6 is a Dual-Radio PoE Access Point that showcases Taiwan's expertise in revolutionizing wireless connectivity. This cutting-edge device combines the power of WiFi 6 technology with dual-radio capabilities, ensuring seamless, high-speed internet access throughout a smart home. Supporting both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies, this device offers the best benefits of WiFi 6. With its robust PoE (Power over Ethernet) feature, the access point eliminates the need for multiple power sources, simplifying installation and reducing clutter. Its ability to support numerous connected devices simultaneously makes it an ideal choice for home, offices, small hotels, coffee shops, or retail stores, where the demand for bandwidth-intensive applications continues to rise.

With uninterrupted connectivity, the time has come to operate traditional devices remotely too. And this is now possible thanks to AIFA's i-Ctrl Pro Smart Remote. This intelligent remote is designed to seamlessly integrate with various smart devices, allowing users to control multiple devices with a single interface. Intuitive design and advanced compatibility of the device empowers users to effortlessly manage their entertainment systems, lighting, temperature, and more. The A.I. smart scenario feature enables setting up a variety of smart scenarios. This allows the device to operate on behalf of a user thus creating a personalized and comfortable living environment.

In the realm of smart living, Taiwanese technological innovation shines brightly. The above mentioned products exemplify the country's commitment to improving living standards through technology. As Taiwan continues to lead the way in tech innovation, the world can look forward to more remarkable products and solutions that enhance our everyday lives.

Do visit -> 

https://www.taiwanexcellence.org/en 

Finance at your fingertips with PLANET APP

 

Managing your finances has always been a task. It is tedious even for a commerce graduate as it needs a lot of traits and nuances. While this is one aspect, when it comes to applying for a personal loan due to some emergency or various needs, it is even more cumbersome. This is mainly because of the presence of various companies/brands out there which try to lure you with various offers and schemes. What one may not realize is how these are misleading in some of the cases where some pointers are given in real small print in the offer document.

There is no point in regretting after availing the loan since you may end up paying more than what you have actually budgeted to pay. This is when I stumbled upon PLANET APP. This stands for Personalized Lending & Assisted NETworks. What makes it more appealing is PLANET APP is a part of L&T Finance which is a leading brand in the NBFC space. This is a one-stop shop for all your lending and servicing needs which includes:

1. Consumer Loans
2. Two-Wheeler Finance
3. Farm Equipment Finance
4. Micro Loans
5. Housing Finance
6. SME Finance

What I liked the most is its user-friendly interface. Even a novice with basic knowledge can access the details of the loan with ease. The fact that this has reached 3+ million downloads within a year of launch shows its popularity and reach coupled with confidence and trust entrusted on the brand by the consumers (public).

You may be from any part of India which would not act as a deterrent to use this app which enjoys 4.3-star ratings on Apple Store and 4.4-star rating on Android play store. Since the PLANET APP is available in 10 vernacular languages apart from Hindi and English, this makes life easy for the public as a whole.

Some of the reasons why this stands apart from others:

1. Easy loan payment options
2. Pay through UPI, Debit Card, Net Banking, Wallet etc.,
3. Mandate Swap to easily manage auto-debit details without having to visit a bank/branch physically.
4. Access to loan documents where you could get the details of disbursed and outstanding loan amount details, transaction history, repayment schedules, NOC, Interest Certificates and others.

The main USP of the PLANET App is to offer loans in no time. Would you believe me if I say that you can get your loan in 7 minutes? Yes. You read it right. By avoiding extensive documentation, you could get the loan in no time in case of an emergency. What more do you need?

On the PLANET APP, you can easily manage your personal information. Now let us check the security aspect. The app needs a 4-digit pin and a biometric login. Without these, no one could access the details. This ensures that your details are well protected.

In addition to this, you could also get to check your Credit Score for FREE. What makes them unique is their wellness insurance plan offering.

While farmers may be ignored a lot, PLANET APP has addressed this as well through the Mandi Price option. Through this, they could check the price of the farm products which helps them to make a better decision when it comes to selling their produce. By going through the comparison of prices across various mandis, they can choose the one that offers a better deal apart from taking the crucial decision of when to plant and harvest their crop, based on market conditions which would help them in making a decent profit.

Through EMI reminders, you can also be assured that no payments are missed which would help you in maintaining a healthy credit score.

 

As a consumer, you would have a requirement for one which can be utilized for marriage, vacation, home renovation, buying gadgets among others. One need not have to postpone their dreams since making them a reality can be done in no time. Also, when it comes to time critical events like Festival Sale where you can save a good amount of money on gadgets, this would come handy. In some of the cases, the money you save may be more or less equivalent to the interest that you have to pay on your loan. Doesn’t this sound interesting and appealing?

What are you waiting for?

Download the PLANET App  here -> https://planetbyltf.onelink.me/ffgr/uvfmbbj5

You can also follow them on their SM handles:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l&t-finance/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LnTFS/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LnTFSOnline

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lntfinance/

Scan the below QR code, download and enjoy the power of finance at your fingertips, today.

 

Press Release - Kingmakers IAS Academy Successfully Hosted the Dr Kalam Excellence Awards 2023 and Celebrated its 10th Anniversary

Chennai 11th June 2023: Kingmakers IAS Academy, a pioneer in comprehensive coaching for the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) examinations, is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the prestigious Dr Kalam Excellence Awards 2023. The grand ceremony, held on Sunday, 11th June 2023, recognized the exceptional students who triumphantly cleared the civil service exams, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming accomplished IAS officers.

 

The event was a momentous occasion as it also marked the celebration of KingMakers IAS Academy's 10th Anniversary, coinciding with the outstanding achievements of its students who successfully cleared the highly competitive civil services exams. The academy took immense pride in highlighting the exceptional accomplishment of its student Ishitha Kishore, who secured the coveted All India Rank 1. This remarkable achievement underscores the dedication and perseverance demonstrated by the academy's students, who overcame immense challenges to emerge victorious in one of India's toughest examinations.

 

The civil services exam is renowned for its rigorous nature, demanding unwavering commitment and determination from aspirants. Kingmakers IAS Academy has played a pivotal role in transforming aspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from economically disadvantaged rural areas, into accomplished IAS officers. Through comprehensive training programs, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, the academy has empowered these students to achieve remarkable success. This year alone, the academy witnessed 151 candidates clearing the civil service exam, contributing to a total of 650+ successful candidates in the last decade.

 

The Dr Kalam Excellence Awards served as a testament to the extraordinary efforts and commitment demonstrated by these exceptional students. The prestigious ceremony was a celebration of their remarkable journey, from determined aspirants to successful civil servants. During the event, the academy honored and felicitated around 30+ candidates who displayed outstanding performance and emerged as shining stars in the civil service exams.

 

Expressing his joy and pride, Mr. Boominathan, the driving force behind KingMakers IAS Academy, said, "I congratulate Ishitha Kishore and all the successful candidates for their remarkable achievements. At KingMakers IAS Academy, we believe in nurturing talent and providing the best possible guidance to our students. We remain committed to our mission of transforming aspirants into successful civil servants and contributing to the betterment of our nation."

 

Speaking on the occasion of the academy's 10th Anniversary, Mr. Boominathan added, "On this momentous occasion, as we rejoice in the exceptional achievements of our aspirants, including the outstanding All India Rank 1 achiever, I am filled with humility and profound gratitude. This remarkable milestone reaffirms our commitment to nurturing talent and empowering dreams. Together, we have created a legacy of excellence, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every student, faculty member, and supporter who has been part of our incredible journey."

 

Congratulating the Academy on successfully entering its 11th year, Mr. Annamalai, TamilNadu BJP President and Former IPS officer expressed his admiration, stating, "A significant proportion of successful candidates in the Civil Service exams of 2022 have emerged from KingMakers IAS Academy. This feat is particularly noteworthy as it includes several individuals who secured positions among the top 10 All India Toppers.”

 

The Dr Kalam Excellence Awards ceremony was graced by the presence of more than 50 eminent personalities, including renowned individuals from the civil service and various fields across India.       Distinguished guests such as 

🌟 C RANGARAJAN - Former Governor RBI

🌟 PADMA SUBRAHMANYAM - Classical Dancer, Padma Bhushan Awardee, President Nrithyodaya

🌟 MM RAJENDRAN - Former Odisha Governor

🌟 G PRAKASH IAS - Commissioner Archives

🌟 G BALACHANDRAN IAS - Former Additional Chief Secretary of West Bengal

🌟DGP S. R. Jangid (Rtd)

🌟DGP PC Dogra (Rtd)

🌟DGP Mourya (Rtd)

🌟T K Viswanathan Secretary General (Rtd), Lok Sabha

🌟Arun Prasad IES Ministry of labour and Employment 

 

The presence of these distinguished guests highlighted the significance of the awards and the incredible achievements of the awardees. Their success stories undoubtedly inspired and motivated future generations of civil service aspirants.

 

About Kingmakers IAS Academy: Kingmakers IAS Academy is a leading institution in providing comprehensive coaching for the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) examinations. With a proven track record of transforming aspirants into successful IAS officers, the academy is renowned for its exceptional training programs, experienced faculty, and commitment to nurturing talent. Started in 2013, the academy takes immense pride in being the only one of its kind, the founder along with a team of service-minded IAS and other Civil Service Officers who wholeheartedly committed to the best interests of every aspirant associated with them throughout their journey of becoming civil servants. The academy has revolutionized IAS training by introducing the concept of “IAS training by IAS officers.” With a team of experienced faculty and a commitment to the best interests of every aspirant, the academy has earned the trust and admiration of students from Chennai and across India.

Technology gives tools to people with diabetes for effective glucose monitoring

People with diabetes need to manage their condition effectively so that they can lead healthy and happy lives. Being diagnosed with diabetes used to mean finger pricks to test blood for glucose levels. But Continuous Glucose Monitoring has changed all this, making the process of checking glucose levels accurate, informed with data based evaluation.

What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Continuous Glucose Monitoring helps a person with diabetes track their glucose levels in real-time. Freestyle libre from Abbott is CGMS or Continuous Glucose Monitoring system that has a handheld reader and a sensor that can be worn on your arm. The sensor lasts 14 days, is disposable and you can buy a new one to replace it.

The reader can scan the sensor to get your glucose readings without the need of a finger prick.

Glucose levels are measured continuously by the sensor through the interstitial fluid.

Not only is a CGM device pain-free as compared to BGM or Blood Glucose Monitoring but also reliable and accurate.

 

Tech meets convenience

The sensor can be worn while bathing, showering, swimming or exercising. The sensor should not be taken below 1 metre (3 feet) of water and should not be submerged in water for more than 30 minutes. The adhesive is designed to keep the sensor securely and comfortably in place for up to 14 days.

The reader can take the reading even through clothing which makes it discreet enough to be used in public settings.

Basically, you can get your glucose readings anytime, anywhere and as many times as you want, once you have applied the sensor.

 

Glucose data at your finger tips

A scan takes as little as 1 second and is painless. Here is the data that you get:

Current glucose reading.

Trend arrow that shows the direction your glucose levels are headed to, whether high or low.

Trend graph based on the last 8 hours readings.

A target range for your glucose over time.

Additionally, you get historic data visibility with availability of 90 days of glucose data. It also gives you the daily percentage of time spent in target range.

 

Do More with CGM

Daily Patterns

Graphs give you the variability of glucose levels over multiple hours and days

Time in Target

Time in Range or Time in Target graph shows how much percentage of time the sensor readings were above, below or within range.

Low Glucose Events

When glucose readings are lower that 70mg/dL for longer than 15 minutes, these are recorded as low glucose events.

Informed decisions with CGM

Using a CGM device like Freestyle libre empowers the person with diabetes. Accuracy and reliability make it a big hit. The data can be used to make informed decisions regarding diet, exercise and medication.

The pros of the device includes being compact and lightweight. It also has a built-in test strip port for blood glucose and blood ketone testing. With proven reliability and accuracy, CGM is revolutionary in providing care to people with diabetes and their caregivers.

Know more about Continuous Glucose Monitoring here. 

To buy Freestyle libre, check this.

The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive/for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information 

Any photos displayed are for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted in such photos is a model. 

#Sponsored post

Mortgage Calculator - An engaging website

 We come across various websites from time to time. As a kid, there were no computers, let alone laptops. During those days, I use to read a lot of books and play games through hand-held games or on TV by connecting the deck with the cartridge. Those were the days when PSP or X-Box was unheard of.  As and when the day progress, we see a shift in technology that has shrunk the world. This has made things that were considered impossible, possible.

We do not see handheld video games these days. Due to the cheaper prices for the Internet, the so-called "Internet Cafes" is almost extinct now. To recall, when the internet was first introduced, I use to connect to the internet through a dial-up connection. Then came the direct connection. I am an internet user right from when they were in 2G. Thankfully, we now have 5G. One can even download a movie in no time. As you could see, I have always loved playing games. When I use to wear Video Game watch to school in the 90s, I use to give it to my friends in my class as well.

When it comes to games, I loved various genres which include simulation games, games that involve money like Trade, and other fun games. This is when I stumbled across an excellent site that not only offered various games but also information on mortgages in general.

The name of the site is Mortgage Calculator. Let me share a couple of games that I liked the most of all. Firstly, it was Cash Back. So, you get to see an inquiry on the left side where the shopper purchases a product and you have to return the change. This is a time-bound game and the faster you play, the faster you earn. There are three levels - Easy, Medium, and Difficult.

As you could see on the top, I got out faster and I earned only $11 with 2 sales but on the next attempt, I scored $77 with 13 sales. This helps you to sharpen your brain and help you in making calculations faster. 

The next game is Cashier Simulator

In the above-mentioned game, you need to consider yourself a cashier. A shopper will come and buy a few products. We need to calculate and get the payment/make the payment. 

What I liked about these games:

1. Easy to understand and play.

2. Does not occupy much memory while you are playing and can be played on a basic laptop too.

3. Since these are online games, you need not have to download them.

4. Colorful visuals.

5. Nice music and it differs for each game.

Doesn't this sound interesting? I am sure you would like it since it has various games under various categories. Indulge yourself during your free time and do introduce the same to your family and friends.

How will I not mention the website which gave me so much pleasure and joy?

 Click Mortgage Calculator to go to the site.

Book Review - பயம் தேவையில்லாத மர்மங்கள்

 

Title - பயம் தேவையில்லாத மர்மங்கள்

Author - K. Chakravarthi 

Genre - Fiction

You would have come across books of various genres namely crime, thriller, fantasy, and sci-fi within the broader aspect called fiction/non-fiction but I am sure you wouldn't have come across a collection of short stories like this.

To start with, this book is a collection of 16 short stories. The approach taken by the author is a novel and noteworthy one. It's been a while since I read short stories and when I started reading this book, I was in awe. This was because of the approach mentioned earlier. Please be informed that this book is written in Tamil. If you are a lover of Tamil books/languages, this is something you wouldn't want to miss.

Well, what is the unique approach taken by the author?

The book tends to create interest in various day-to-day topics that we would encounter/face. It may be about parents suspecting their kids of having an affair, the arrival of a new family member, an old lover returning during the marriage making the bride think that he has come to blackmail, and much more.

The author has not made life complicated by using numerous characters in his stories. They were few which makes it easy to remember. When I say this, there is a story even on "remembering". This fresh approach makes all the stories more compelling and intriguing. When you were expecting something different as the outcome, that doesn't happen. As the title itself says, it is "Fear coupled with unwanted mystery". Though the author has used the posters from yesteryear movies, they do not have any connection with the story but was merely used since they were the title(Movie names) for each of the story.

If you are also having some unique ideas like the author and want to see your ideas take shape as a paperback, you may refer to the Walnut Publication page.

Author Info:

K. Chakravarthi is an engineer by profession who started writing in his early 40s. Although his passion is to write a full-length novel for a movie, he is currently focusing on short stories. With two books already under his belt, he is now working on his third. K. Chakravarthi is an avid reader and movie enthusiast, and he plans to spend more time on writing in the future.

Eat Right, Stay Fit with Saffola Fittify

 Life has become a fast-paced one. We hardly get time(at least during the weekdays) to prepare some good and healthy food or one that could complement it. What we eat may not give us all the nutrients essential for our daily life. This is where the renowned Saffola from Marico comes into the picture. I was browsing casually and was stunned to see that this popular FMCG company has launched so many products which would help us without compromising on taste and quality. I decided to try a few of their products, to start with.

We all need to have a quick and tasty breakfast in the morning. I usually prefer bread toast since it is easy to prepare and eat. Hence I ordered peanut butter. Even in this, there are few varieties and I zeroed in on Saffola Fittify Original - Omega 3 - Peanut Butter - Extra Crunchy and Saffola Fittify Tasty - Dark Chocolaty - Peanut Butter - Extra Crunchy flavors.

As we all know, peanuts are a rich source of protein. I must admit that it tasted really good. My day has begun with a healthy breakfast.

Then comes lunch. For this, I decided to have something which is rich in fiber. For this, I zeroed in on Saffola Fittify Hi-Protein Steel Cut Oats. I also added some dry fruits and cherries to it so that it tasted really good and delicious. Just make a note that it would be good if you soak these oats at least 30 minutes prior so that it becomes soft and helps you to cook with ease.

For the evening, I packed some salads. To make it more wholesome, I sprinkled some Saffola Aura Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top of it. Olive oil is a good source of various vitamins and has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.

I finally end my day by mixing the Saffola Immuniveda Golden Turmeric Milk Mix in a cup of milk. As we all know that turmeric is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and has so many other goodnesses packed in it. 

I found my way to lead a healthy and happy life. You may check here to see the range of products Fittify has to offer that make you healthy as well.

Book Review - Never The Butterfly

 

Title - Never The Butterfly

Author - Ankur Ashta

Genre - Fiction

Publisher - Good Times Books P Ltd

ISBN - 938404385-0

A unique novel that gives importance to the language namely "English". Though the story may seem like a usual one, it isn't one. I loved reading this novel for the kind of approach route it has taken which I have not come across to date.

Mohan, the protagonist was an English wizard. Burkha Singh was his close friend. He initially falls in love with Saanjh but when he meets Aaradhya, whom he nicknamed "Ms. Beautiful Legs", he gets distracted. However, this was short-lived since Aaradhya moves out of the country, after the demise of her father.

Their first date at Bawaji Coffee Shop was so beautifully described that it would connect to many of us out there, who had fallen in love, at least once. The introduction of Mohan itself was unique.

A few English words that give a different meaning altogether, if not used in the right context are given below:

Crack Vs Crank

Amazed & Disgusted

Oxymoron. The plural is not Oxymorons.

Baklava Vs Balaclava

The scene of Mohan eating non-veg for the sake of Saanjh reminded me of the scene of Madhavan eating it in the movie "Minnale"

Emotions played a vital role in this novel. These were captured so vividly. Gestures and teasing would be much welcomed by the present generation, who I feel, is mostly in Love.

I wouldn't call this a triangular love story since Mohan was in love with Saanjh who in return was in love with Burkha but Aaradhya who Mohan liked initially was in love with him.

Who finally succeeds in getting who would have been a usual story line. This is where Ankur differs since the story has an unexpected ending. Pick your copy to know how the story unfolds. 

This book is available on Amazon

Chennai loves new book on Sivaji Ganesan's friend, actor Sanjeev Kumar

 

Maestro Sudha Raghunathan presided over a talk on author Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta's book 'Sanjeev Kumar- The Actor We all Loved' at Crossword Chennai. The discussion was around Sanjeev Kumar's deep personal connection with Chennai and the music of his films that lent him a perennial appeal across the country. A question posed by Sangita Kalanidhi Sudha Raghunathan was about  why Sanjeev Kumar is compared to Sivaji and not any other stalwart actor of his time – MGR, Gemini Ganesan, etc; 

To answer this, Gupta outlined several reasons; for eg., the Tamil film  Bharatha Vilas (1973) in which Sivaji Ganesan and  Sanjeev Kumar were seen together. To the delight of the audience, Sudha Raghunathan sang a line of the song 'Indhiya Naadu' from the movie and said, "Sanjeev Kumar's music continues to be loved in the South".  

Gupta added that Sanjeev Kumar's yin and yang with Sivaji Ganesan is well known.  Sanjeev Kumar enacted a character role in Ganesan's home production Gauri (1968) which was a remake of Ganesan's own Shanti (1965). Sanjeev Kumar's Mausam was remade in Tamil as Vasanthathil Oru Naal featuring Shivaji Ganesan. Both were super hits. Sivaji Ganesan's 'Avan Thaan Manithan' was remade as Shaandaar, and Gnana Oli was remade as Devata - both featuring Sanjeev Kumar. 

Further, in an article called 'Naan Sivajiyan Maanavan' ( I am a student of Sivaji's), written by Sanjeev Kumar, the late actor said, "I first met him when I was an extra on the sets of Gauri. One look at me and he said, ' In the future, you will be a very accomplished actor.' His words were like God's own words and he blessed my career. Whenever a Sivaji Ganesan movie had to be remade in Hindi, all of us actors would worry plenty. His prowess inspired fear. We would see the Tamil print, again and again, to observe his performance and learn! At a personal level, whenever I visited Chennai, I would seek his blessings. I am grateful for all the love he has given me. If he sees me as one of the finest actors in Hindi Cinema, it is my honor."

Sudha Raghunathan, a Padma Bhushan awardee who believes in the power or all art added, "they were different in their 'style' and yet the same in their ‘power.’ She also expressed that Sanjeev Kumar’s songs continued to be popular in Chennai as ringtones. 

Profile of author Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta

Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta is a prolific biographer, reviewer for Network18, and a bibliophile. She is credited with the acclaimed Red Dot Experiment, a decadal six-nation study on how culture impacts communication.  She has been a part of several public health campaigns such as "beti bachao beti padhao " and "Ek chammach Kam." A polyglot, she speaks five languages. In 2018, she wrote ‘Rescript Your Life’, a self-help autobiographical narrative. In 2021, she released ‘The Stranger In the Mirror’ the biography of BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Thereafter, 'Sanjeev Kumar- The Actor We All Loved was released in 2022.'  Her fourth book "Savitri and Fatima" is to launch in July 2023.

Social media handles: Instagram: @OfficialReetaGupta I Twitter: @OfficialReetaRG I LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeta-ramamurthy-gupta-33774948/

Here's an extract from the book that testifies to the deep relationship between Sanjeev Kumar and the south.

The Southern Connections

In the late 1960's, a very important relationship in Hari's life started taking shape.

It was one of mutual respect with the legendary actor of Tamil cinema, Sivaji Ganesan. Hari was given a character role in Ganesan's home production Gauri (1968) which was a remake of Ganesan's own Shanti (1965).

An article of unknown provenance titled 'Naan Sivajiyan Maanavan' ( I am a student of Sivaji's),  obtained from Hari's family archives quotes him as follows.

I first met him when I was but an extra on the sets of Gauri. One look at me and he said, ' In the future, you will be a very accomplished actor.' His words were like God's own words and he blessed my career. Whenever a Sivaji Ganesan movie had to be remade in Hindi, all of us actors would worry plenty. His prowess inspired fear. We would see the Tamil print, again and again, to observe his performance and learn! At a personal level, whenever I visited Chennai, I would seek his blessings. I am grateful for all the love he has given me. If he sees me as one of the finest actors in Hindi Cinema, it is my honor.

The mutual admiration between Sivaji Ganesan and Hari and the latter's own quiet, easygoing nature eventually played a major role in Hari's success. When South Indian producers and directors wanted to remake their Tamil or Telugu films in Hindi, they often chose Hari. These remakes typically had long dialogues and demanded good histrionics and this further augmented Hari's 'actor' tag.

For example, Sivaji Ganesan's Avan Thaan Manithan was remade as Shaandaar, and Gnana Oli was remade as Devata - both featuring Hari. Among the Telugu films, Takkar was a remake of N.T. Rama Rao's Devudu Chesina Manushulu with Hari in the lead role. The winds blew the other way too. Hari's Mausam was remade in Tamil as Vasanthathil Oru Naal featuring Shivaji Ganesan.

The other important southern connection was L.V. Prasad. Hari scored a hat-trick of hits with him - Raja aur Runk (1968), Jeene Ki Raah (1969) and Khilona (1970).