ADHM Articles Archive - Page 2

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Aisa Des.. is in for a new makeover and plot

Aisa Des Hai Mera on Sony is all set to be revamped as channel heads feel the story just isn't catching on with the audiences and is lagging behind its rival Zee's Kasamh Se. "The serial is neither popular, nor is it giving good numbers," says an industry expert. "And given the fact that Sony as a channel is quite shaken up at the moment. It's imperative that such measures are taken up."

The show, which promised to avoid the usual saas-bahu sagas is now being forced to adopt TV's proven formula due to lack of TRPs. The first in the series of over-done twists-n-turns will be an incident where a father will shoot his daughter on the day of her wedding. "The incident will be the turning point for the entire serial. In fact, I can say it will lead to a new beginning," says producer Manish Goswami.

Sources further reveal that there are lots of other changes which are being lined up. So audiences can be prepared to watch a lot more drama instead of the original plot which revolved around an NRI girl trying to find her roots in India.


For Comments visit: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/aisa-des-hai-mera/338668/aisa-des-is-in-for-a-new-makeover-and-plot

'Television... was an obvious choice'

Soumya Tandon of Aisa Des Hai Mera fame, spells out the good points of working on television and discusses her goals for her future with with PREMA K

A little about Aisa Des Hain Mera.

It's primarily the story of a father-daughter relationship. It was a very different kind of story when it started. It revolved around Rusty, a half-Brit girl brought up in London. She's an orphan whose roots are in India (as she has an Indian father). She finds herself drawn to India. She's very bitter about the fact that her father had deserted her mother as his family had not accepted her. Initially, she hates him but later realises that he's not a bad person. She takes it up as a challenge to win over his family. So it's the story of a father-daughter journey together. Now there's lots of drama as his Indian wife feels very jealous of her and is insecure as she's his first wife's daughter. It's about how Rusty adjusts in the Indian family.

Did you have to go through a makeover to get the character look?

Not much, except that I had to lighten my hair colour. I have light eyes and am quite fair naturally. I loved the look. Now, I've shed my Brit image and have got an Indianised look. My hair had to be blackened and I'm wearing a salwar-kameez. I also had to drop my Brit accent.
In a way, it's good because it's difficult to emote with a put on accent. Even the audience prefers this image.

Are you the jeans and T-shirt or salwar-kameez sort of person in real life?

I'm into jeans, T-shirt and jackets. I find it more comfortable on a day-to-day basis. Occasionally, I do wear a sari when I attend family functions. Ultimately, it's all about viewers' choice and so I'm content wearing salwar-kameez in the show.

What attracted you to the show?

n I liked the father-daughter relationship in the story. It's a beautiful relationship and hasn't been really explored on Indian television. I'm not saying that it's been fully exploited on this show, but it has been exploited to a certain extent.

What is it about your character, Rusty, that you like?

n She's very innocent and is yearning for love from her family. She's not a Goddess or someone who doesn't make mistakes but she accepts her mistakes. So in that way, she's a real character. She's open to emotional blackmail as well and although she has her values, she doesn't preach.

Do you relate to her?

No, I don't! Rusty is very impulsive. I'm a very cautious person in real life and wouldn't want to make mistakes.

Will there be drama in your love track as well?

The next couple of weeks will see a lot of focus on my love track. There's going to be lots of drama in it.

What attracted you to television?

Television is a big medium today and so it was an obvious choice. I was offered a couple of shows earlier, but somehow, I didn't like them. Television offers good money and exposure. Unlike films, one does not have to be bold on television. Here I can do what I'm comfortable with. Besides, one needs a godfather in the film industry. I came to Mumbai to shoot some ad campaigns. My pictures reached Manish Goswami's office through my co-coordinator. They were looking for a girl with an international look for the show. They liked me and I was called for an audition. That's how I was on 'Aisa Des Hain Mera'.

Does this mean exposure and smooch scenes are out for you?

Absolutely! I'd never do them.

Are you choosy about the television shows that you'll take up?

Let's see. I'd love to do good work but let's see how my career shapes up after this show. Currently, I'm concentrating on this show. It's a daily and so it gets very hectic. I'd also like to do a film if it's good and where I don't really have to compromise.

How about a Balaji show?

It's every actor's dream to do a Balaji show. They know the success formula. So it's a quick route to name and fame. I'm open to any good show that comes my way after this.

How about theatre?

I've done a few Hindi plays before and would love to do more plays whenever I have the time.

How would you want to see yourself a few years from now?

Maybe still acting but I'd love to get back to writing. It was my father's last wish. He felt that I belong to writing. I wrote a book titled 'Meri Bhavnaein', which was an anthology comprising self-written poems. I was in school then. My book was nominated for the 'Young Writers' National Award'. Getting back to writing is a goal that I've set for myself.


For Comments Visit: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/aisa-des-hai-mera/339026/tv-was-an-obvious-choice-rusty-interview

The life and times of Rusty

Soumya Tandon, the light-eyed protagonist of Aisa Des Hai Mera, divulges some well-kept secrets about life before and after playing Rusty.

Aditi Jayakar Kane


LIFE BEFORE RUSTY

I was a regular college girl living with my mother in Delhi. My sister is married and lives in London, my father has passed away. I had friends with whom I used to go shopping and have weekend parties. I also enrolled for an MBA programme as I felt I had a very good sense of business - even after a long day I still sit and work out calculations in my mind. I did a lot of modelling and anchoring, and even acted in a couple of short corporate films in Delhi. Then I came to Mumbai for an ad campaign and circulated my pictures here. Six months later I auditioned for Aisa Des Hai Mera and got selected! At first I was a bit apprehensive about signing a two-year contract and shifting base to this city, but I love acting and I loved the script, so I decided to take the plunge.

THE PAINS OF BEING RUSTY

I have to shoot, shoot and shoot some more. I don't really have much of a life really. I shoot sometimes from 7 in the morning, till midnight! In fact when I was shooting in London, I had absolutely no time to take in the sights although I would have loved to do so. I rushed frantically to do some shopping and managed to buy a pair of expensive boots. But guess what! The boots turned out to be from India after all!
So it's work, work and more work. I don't have a social life really. I would love to find a life partner and get married too but there's no time to even chat with my mom, leave alone date someone. My screen character is often sad, so my mother once asked me, "Why do you look so sad these days?" (Laughs) I hope I don't change much.

THE PLEASURES OF BEING RUSTY

I love the people on my sets; everyone is extremely sweet and we are like family. Everyone brings some food from home every day, like shrikhand and gulab jamun and biryani and we have a huge party. I don't think I am a celebrity yet because I haven't had the time to interact with people outside. But it feels nice when people smile at you sometimes when they recognise you. I also love acting as it makes you very mature. You begin to open up and allow yourself to experiment with a range of emotions and thoughts. I think I've expanded emotionally after playing Rusty.

SOUMYA v/s RUSTY

In a lots of ways I can identify with Rusty. We're both innocent and sensitive. But the real me is very cautious, while Rusty is impulsive. I'm a desi too at heart, like Rusty is, and would never like to live outside India. I am a Punjabi like the character I play but I love Gujarati food. I also love watching desi comedies like the Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Sarabhai V/s Sarabhai. And we both seem to have travelled far from the place we've been brought up in, all for a dream!


For Comments visit:https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/aisa-des-hai-mera/337984/the-life-and-times-of-rusty-article

Water way to go


Gunjan Walia claims she was pushed into a lake by an invisible force. Do we believe her?


Aditi Jayakar Kane


The pretty, talkative Gunjan Walia, who was seen first in Sindoor and now plays the role of Candy in Aisa Des Hai Mera, has a horrifying story to tell. Some time back, after her track with Sindoor was over, Gunjan signed up for a Punjabi music video which was being shot in Latiyani, a place in Himachal Pradesh. The music video was picturised on a young couple in love, whose dreams are shattered when the girl meets with an accident and is paralysed neck down.

Gunjan says, "During the last shot of the video, my co-star and I had to go down a hill. I was on a wheelchair, and an assistant on the sets was manoeuvring it from behind. There was a lake at the bottom of the hill and the director wanted me to stop when I got near it. I did as he told me, but when I got to the edge of the water I felt someone push me hard. I fell into the water and went right down. It was a deep lake and I didn't know how to swim. I swallowed so much water that I became unconscious. In those few minutes, my entire life flashed before my eyes. I had earlier only read about such things, but this time, I was experiencing it myself."

Luckily, someone from the sets jumped in and pulled her out but she says she remained unconscious for twenty minutes, and when she came to, she felt disoriented.

Her parents, brother and sister-in-law, who were on the sets, were petrified. "We later learnt that there was a crematorium near the lake. We've heard that spirits are attracted to red bangles, and my sister-in-law, who was recently married, had them on. In fact she felt as if someone pushing her too, but she fell on my brother. We live in Ludhiana, and after this incident, my parents were reluctant to send me to Mumbai," she says.

Apparently, Gunjan still feels a chill every time she passes Juhu Beach and sees the water. Well, well...


For Comments visit: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/aisa-des-hai-mera/337983/water-way-to-go-gunjan-candy

Pawan Shankar, better known as the small screen's Siddhant, has learnt to play the flute and the tabla, and feels music and acting are correlated.

I realised this while doing Siddhant; a knowledge of musical notes helps in voice modulation, especially when you are doing court scenes. To prove a point, you have to be high-pitched and then suddenly, you have to calm down.

Corporate avatar

The actor learnt to play musical instruments in his hometown, Allahabad, for over a year.

It was in those days when I was doing a corporate job (he's worked with Triveni Engineering and Essar Telephones) in New Delhi; I was posted back in Allahabad for a year. I always had an inclination for music, so I made the most of it.'

When Pawan chucked up his job in favour of acting, music again took a backseat. 'But now in Aisa Des Hai Mera, my character is shown playing the flute, so it's time for me to brush up,' he says.

It's different

After the end of the legal drama Siddhant, Pawan was missing from the small screen. 'I did one story of Darna Zaroori Hai (Star One), but wanted to take on something starkly distinct from Siddhant,' he explains.

He found that difference while playing the character of Ajit Singh Gill, in Sony daily Aisa Des Hai Mera. Though he is the male lead, he enters the scene only tonight. Yes, that was the deal. I will be in the show only after 17 or 18 episodes.

Burnt out in Canada, my character is shown returning to Punjab. Ajit is a disc jockey, but in Punjab, becomes a farmer and sports coach, who loves to play the flute. Ajit is the love interest of Rusty (Soumya Tandon) in the show.

Pawan claims that after Siddhant, he received several offers from big production houses, but nothing excited him. Besides Aisa Des Hai Mera, he is also looking at another show, and, more importantly, at anchoring.

That is something I want to explore,' he says.

Pawan facts

Made his acting debut in BAG Films' Siddhant. Producer Anurradha Prasad put him through an audition round, and finally wanted him to play the title role.

Began as a producer, making 'morale-boosting' short films for Doordarshan.

His wife, Yukti, is a fashion designer. They have a 17-month-old son, Devasya.


For comments, visit: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=290787&K W=Pa wan

Pawan Shankar has added another feather to his cap! He will be felicitated at a show organised by Hum Aawaz an NGO on Saturday, 27 May.

The charitable trust works with destitute patients, students and public at the receiving end of natural calamities. Hum Aawaz is organising a musical entertainer cum fund-raising campaign titled Aaja Nach Le on the evening of Saturday, 27 May at Bhavan's college campus in Andheri in subirban Mumbai to raise awareness and generate funds for their social service work.

Pawan Shankar will be the guest of honor at the show. The NGO will also take the opportunity to felicitate him for his outstanding performance in Siddhant. World renowned Hindustani classical singer Tulika Ghosh and eminent educationist Nikhat Kazmi will also be honored for extensive contribution to community service through music and education.

Aaja Nach Le will be anchored by actress Shruti Ulfat and Raju Shrivastav will provide the laughter quotient. The other prominent guests to attend the musical extravaganza are Mihir Mishra with wife Maninee De, Nandita Puri, Mangal Dhillon and Mouli Ganguly.

For Comments, visit: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=291645&K W=Pa wan

It must have been a tough decision! To say no to a big banner and to do so when

Pawan Shankar: Viraasat...not mine!

one is just one show old! But Pawan 'Siddhanth' Shankar is not regretting his decision. Pawan just declined an offer that has Amar Upadhyay excited and Aman elated! Aman Verma will now play the character that was originally offered to Pawan in Ravi Chopra's star studded Viraasat to be aired on Star Plus.

"I declined it because it was a negative character and I didn't want to do such a black role at this point in my career. I had told them this about 20-25 days ago," says Pawan.

The show that has big names like Sangeeta Ghosh, Rohit Roy, Kiran Kumar, Amar Upadhyay and Sanjit Bedi will air on Star Plus at end of the year.

The actor seems to have no qualms about missing out on the show as he feels that his time will come and there is no reason to hurry.

"There were no hard feelings and I know it's a big banner project, but I believe that a person is known by the quality of his work and not because of big banners. If I do good work, I will be recognised. There is still some time before I do a character that has a 10 year old son," laughs the actor, who has carved a niche for himself by playing the suave lawyer in the Star One courtroom drama, Siddhanth, which is slotted to go off air mid-November.

Bollywood offers not withstanding, the actor wants to concentrate on good work on the small screen rather than do B-grade movies. Pawan, who will start work again from December, is taking a well deserved break at the moment.

For comments, visit: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=300412&K W=Pa wan

Soumya Tandon plays Rusty in the Sony show Aisa Des Hai Mera. Here are 10 things about her...

When is your birthday and what is your star sign?
November 3. My star sign is Scorpio.

Do you believe in astrology and numerology?
No. I am a very rational person.

Where were you born and which school did you go to?
I was born in Dubai. I attended St Mary's Convent in Ujjain (MP).

What was your first job? And how much was your first paycheck?
When I was 12, I recited poetry at a kavi sammelan for an Allahabad radio station. I was paid Rs 700 for it.

One thing you are really bad at doing?
I can't be pretentious. I cannot hide my feelings and emotions.

What is your favourite smell?
Smell of fresh flowers.

Where in Mumbai would you rather be living?
I am new to Mumbai so I'd like to live somewhere by the sea, may be Carter Road.

What cell phone do you use?
The slim MotoRazr.

What car do you drive?

Hyundai Getz.

Whom do you regret losing touch with?

I have always kept in touch contact with people whom I value in life. There have been ups and downs, but I've sustained relationships. There are no regrets so far.

For comments, visit: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/aisa-des-hai-mera/356990/take-ten-soumya-rusty

Pawan Shankar better known as Siddhant will soon be seen in an Ekta Kapoor serial. The actor has been cast opposite Smriti Iraani in Thoda Si Zameen, Thoda Sa Aasman on Star Plus. The actor, who had disappeared post his lawyer act, is suddenly keeping busy. He has not only signed the serial with Smriti, but is also a part of Aisa Des Hai Mera. "Luckily there has been no dearth of offers for me post-Siddhanth, but I prefer waiting for the right roles than rushing in for everything that's coming my way," says Pawan. Meanwhile, the actor has another reason to rejoice. His serial Siddhanth of Star One has been nominated to the final round of the 34th International EMMY awards for the drama category in the international semi-final round. No mean feat considering, it's after ten years that an Indian entry made it to the finals. "The feeling is similar to what the cast and crew of Lagaan would have felt at being nominated for the Oscars," says an excited Pawan. The actor hopes to be present at the ceremony to be held in Los Angeles. "Whether we win or lose is secondary. What's important is representing the Indian television industry globally," he adds. Going by the roles the guy is grabbing, looks like it has certainly been worth the wait for Pawan!
Contributed by Harshada Rege

For Comments, visit: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/aisa-des-hai-mera/355694/pawan-to-star-opposite-smriti-ajit-of-sh

Rare honour for courtroom drama

It is ironical that the channel may have pulled off Siddhant due to low viewership ratings, but it has garnered an Emmy nomination. The Star One drama has been nominated in the drama section of the 34th International Emmy awards. The ceremony will be held in November in New York.

Says the show's producer, Anurradha Prasad of BAG Films, "It is a matter of honour not only for us but for the television industry. In the last 10 years there has been no Indian nomination in the drama category."

As good as an Oscar

Pawan Shankar who played the title character says, "An Emmy for a TV serial is as good as an Oscar for a film! So naturally, I am very thrilled about it and I am sure Siddhant will make us all proud in New York very soon.

BAG Films understands the responsibility and contribution of the media towards development of the society. With Siddhanth making it to the final rounds of the EMMY, it clearly indicates that we are heading in the right direction."

Siddhanth is the saga of a lawyer, who finds himselfcaught in a web of lies, deceit, and downfall. Some of which was a result of his own doings in the past.

Mumbai calling

The Emmy Awards nomination process held over the weekend in the city saw a 19-member jury scan entries in four categories — comedy, non-scripted entertainment, drama series and children and young people.
Present at the event was Sandy Clark, director, Judging, International Emmy Awards, New York.

Anil Wanvari, founder Indian Telly Awards, says, "I am responsible for hosting the judgement process in India, which began last year. However, unlike only two categories last year, this time entries made for four categories. This benefits Indian television. Officials and actors from Indian television fraternity get exposed to international standards."
Telly folk

The jury members included telly folks like Abhimanyu Singh, Anurradha Prasad, Archana Puran Singh, Ashwini Yardi, Asit Modi, Deeya Singh, Jamnadas Majethia, Ketki Dave, Mandira Bedi, Monisha Singh, R D Tailang, Ravi Kiran, Ram Kapoor, Raveena Raj Kohli, Roshan Abbas, Sailesh Dave, Sanjeev Sharma, Shristi Arya, Siddharth Kak, Smriti Irani, Supriya Pathak and Tony Singh.

Wanvari adds, "The Indian Telly Awards paved the way for this judgement process to happen in India. They have faith in the Indian Telly Awards and they know that I can put a jury together, which is committed and sincere."

Yeh Emmy kya hai?
Touted as the Oscars for the small screen, The Emmy Awards are United States television productions awards. Having various technical as well as acting nominations, the Emmy's are the most coveted trophies that television actors vouch for. This year the awards are slated to be held on August 27 .

For comments, visit: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/aisa-des-hai-mera/356995/siddhant-bags-emmy-nomination