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Ekta

@Eksie

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#21

Star One attempts to set Limca record with 24-hour 'Antakshari'

Indiantelevision.com Team

(8 February 2007 6:40 pm)

MUMBAI: On the eve of the Star One's Colgate Maxfresh Antakshari - The Great Challenge, the network rounded up avid fans to sing their way into the Limca Book of Records with a 24-hour Antakshari that started at on 7 February at 3 pm and eneded on 8 February.

The show will premiere on 9 February at 8 pm and will invite KBC host Shah Rukh Khan to cheer the teams on, while musical talent show host Shaan will introduce the show. The opening act has been choreographed by twinkle toes Shiamak Davar.

As a build up to the launch, the 24-hour non-stop Antakshari featured four teams from different parts of the country. According to the criteria assigned to them, the teams were allowed to take a half an hour break every three hours. The final announcement of whether they have accomplished the feat will only be confirmed by the Limca Book of Records committee in two weeks time.

Limca Book of Records marketing manager VVR Murthy said that other factor they will consider is that the teams showed no signs of fatigue and continued singing their hearts out.

Star India EVP Ajay Vidyasagar said, "We at Star One always believe in doing things differently and hope to achieve milestones with every initiative. This challenge of playing Antakshari for 24 hrs non stop is a step towards activating a pulse amongst our viewers. I really hope we make it to the Limca Book of Records!"

Murthy added, "Till date, there is no record of such an event in the Limca Book of Records. If this is completed successfully, it will be the first entry into the Limca Books. I sincerely hope that they will make it and I wish all the participants the very best of luck."

The challemge culminated with host Annu Kapur felicitating the participants for the efforts.

Edited by Ektaj - 18 years ago

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#22

Ready for the challenge?

Get ready for Colgate Maxfresh Antakshari - The Great Challenge on STAR One. Here's more update on what's in store, the first episode...

Colgate Maxfresh Antakshari - The Great Challenge premieres on 9 February, 2007, 8 PM on STAR One. The opening will be with King Khan who will introduce the first episode along with celeb guest Shaan!

The wait is finally over... Colgate Maxfresh Antakshari - The Great Challenge hits television screens every Friday to Sunday from 9 February, 2007, 8 PM onwards.

The first episode on Friday will be introduced by none other than Shah Rukh Khan who will get the audience and the contestants rocking to the tunes of Antakshari-The Great Challenge! Joining him, will be celeb guest Shaan, who will sure get the energy levels soaring to new heights with his musical notes!

Produced by Gajendrra Siingh, the show will now be seen in a snazzier avatar with new inclusions to the format and an exciting reality aspect!

Annu Kapoor, the man synonymous with Antakshari, would host this musical extravaganza with none other than Juhi Parmar (Kumkum), the young and vivacious telly queen.

With the theme of the first episode being 'Family'- contestants need to be from a blood relation (siblings, mother-child, uncle-nephew etc). The show kick starts with a dazzling display of performances by the four zonal teams.

Starting 9 February, from Friday to Sunday at 8 PM, tune your vocal chords and brush up on your music knowledge as the thrill of antakshari unfolds... Only on STAR One!

http://www.indya.com/news/so_antakshari1.html

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Monika

@monika.goel

Sparkler

Posted: 18 years ago

#23

Antakshari participants stranded
By: Tushar Joshi
February 14, 2007

After severing ties with Zee TV, producer Gajendra Singh has taken his popular show Antakshari to Star One.

But it seems he forgot to renew one crucial aspect of the show. During his stint with Zee, Singh would always house his participants in a building called Spanish Villa in Jogeshwari for the duration of the show.

However, this time he wasn't allowed to do so and his participants were left stranded in the middle of the night.

Annu Kapoor and Juhi Parmar in Antakshari
House full

Apparently, Singh landed up at Spanish Villa in the middle of the night with participants from Antakshari.

He wanted to accommodate them in the same place he had reserved last year. However, that wasn't possible since Zee had already accommodated their Cinestars Ki Khoj contestants in those very same apartments.

A source reveals, "Singh stormed into the building in the middle of the night and said that his participants needed to be put up there immediately.
There were several young boys and girls with their bags and other luggage in hand."

After being denied entry into the vicinity, there was a ruckus between him and the man in charge of the place.

Adds the source, "He was told to take his participants to another location since Zee had already booked the building."

Tejas Jogani, who is the landlord of Spanish Villa and coordinates the housing, confirms the incident saying, "Gajendra Singh has housed several of his participants with me earlier.

When he came this time, I was not able to help him. He got lots of people in the middle of the night saying he wanted to house them at Spanish Villa. But since there was no occupancy, I had to refuse. I would not like to say anything more on this subject."

Sources from Zee claim that the channel was miffed with Singh's demand to house his contestants in the apartment. "How can he expect to accommodate his people there, especially when he knows we already have our participants living in the same building?

These things need to be booked way in advance. You can't just show up in the middle of the night and expect rooms to be given to you."
We tried to contact Gajendra Singh but he was unavailable for comment

Edited by monika.goel - 18 years ago

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Ekta

@Eksie

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#24

Lights on! Lights off!

Is Antakshari being sabotaged? The show's director-producer Gajendrra Siingh answers

It's exactly a week since Antakshari-The Great Challenge (Star One) went on air and it's already seems to be embroiled in a controversy. The man behind the show, producer-director Gajendrra Siingh, is rattled about reports of cable black-outs in some areas in Mumbai when the show was premiered last week and also, that he is supposed to have barged into Span ish Villa, a guesthouse rented by Zee to house his contestants. On rumours of a cable black-out, Siingh says, "Yes, many viewers from Ghatkopar, Mira Road, Borivili, Kandivili, Andheri (west), Ban dra, who were eager to watch the show, called me to say that Star One went on the blink for over 15 minutes on this February 9. I dismissed it as a one-off case because of some technical fault. "Surprisingly, this was repeated on Saturday and Sunday too. Then I realised that it couldn't be passed off as a technical fault. Since we have decided to show viewers something new, I know that any attempts to reduce the reach of my show will only get more people to watch it," he asserts. On being asked if he went to Spanish Villa at midnight and created a ruckus asking for accommodation for his out-station contestants, Siingh retorts, "I reached my set this morning for the shoot and that's where I learnt that an absolutely untrue grammes have always been frontrunner shows on their channel? "No, I parted from Zee on good terms. I don't see why they would stoop down to such mischief," says Siingh. Tell us something about the show? "Every day is a different excitement with rounds that test your knowledge in music and make it a thrilling contest. The idea in the first segment is to involve families from across India to participate. I am happy that I have brought a great deal of freshness to an age-old concept," he ends. report had been published. I consider it irresponsible journalism and these are mere attempts to malign my name. We are all professionals and should work similarly."

Where are your contestants staying? "They are staying at Manish Nagar in Andheri. It's a plush apartment and it has been rented two months ago. Star has been very supportive from day one. It's ridiculous that I would take the contestants anywhere, when all their needs are met with in a flat that has five-star facilities." The East Zone contestantsPratik and Pratush Sen- say, "It is rubbish. We are well taken care of in our flat in Manish Nagar." Do you think Zee has a hand in this, considering your pro This week features Alka Yagnik Ujjaini and Vineet Sangeeta Ghosh

Edited by Ektaj - 18 years ago

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norzar

@norzar

Trailblazer

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#25

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k7/feb/15feb/weekahead_star.ph p

Antakshari - The Great Challenge with Alka Yagnik

Colgate Maxfresh Antakshari - The Great Challenge enters its 2nd round from

Friday, February 16 to 18, 2007 with 'Queen of Melody' Alka Yagnik. The show will kick start with dazzling performances by Annu Kapur & Juhi Parmar. With energy levels soaring to new heights, Alka Yagnik will cheer on the participants as three new teams put in their best efforts to challenge last week's winning team - East Ki Aan.

Engaging a wide cross section of audiences, the first round enthralled one and all promises to increase the experience from episode to episode. The final 8 contestants from the 4 zones this week are :

- West Ka Maan : Soumya Srivastava & Kalpana Verma
- East Ki Aan :Pratyush Sen & Pratik Sen
- Central Ki Jaan : Sachin Dave & Amit Sehgal
- North Ki Shaan : Tarun Saxena & Ashwini Kumar

Produced by Gajendrra Siingh, the show is seen in a snazzier avatar with new inclusions to the format and an exciting reality aspect! Annu Kapur, the man synonymous with Antakshari, hosts this musical extravaganza with none other than Juhi Parmar, the young and vivacious telly queen.

Tune your vocal chords and brush up your music knowledge as the thrill of Antakshari - The Great Challenge unfolds on Star One!

Watch the 2nd round on 16-18 February at 8 pm on Star One

norzar

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#26

Non-stop Antakshari
Star One's Antakshari - The Great Challenge's 24-hour non-stop rounds with four teams from across the country had three participants each, singing to different tunes. Each team scored five with the correct answers and no negative markings. The teams played on from Wednesday, February 7 at 3 pm and stopped only at 3 pm the next day i.e. Thursday February 8. Ajay Vidyasagar, EVP, Star India said, "We, at Star One, always believe in doing things differently and hope to achieve milestones with every initiative. This challenge of playing Antakshari for 24 hours non-stop is a step towards activating a pulse amongst our viewers. I really hope we make it to the Limca Book of Records!"

The 12-member team was very excited to be a part of this record, "We don't believe that we have been able to achieve this great feat. We all initially wondered if we would be able to play for 24 hours non stop but the fact that we have been playing Antakshari since our childhood made us very comfortable." Says VVR Murthy, Marketing Manager, Limca Book of Records, "Till date, there is no record of such an event in the Limca Book of Records. I sincerely hope that they will make it and I wish all the participants the very best of luck. " Amongst cheers and a huge ovation from the audience, Annu Kapur felicitated the jubilant participants after their record.The show is being aired Friday to Sunday at 8 pm beginning February 9.

http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=14935

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Ekta

@Eksie

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#27

"I am actually a farmer, I don't know how I landed here!"

I am on the sets of Star One's Antakshari- The Great Challenge to meet the one and only Annu Kapur, who has delighted viewers with his rather off beat anchoring style for twelve long years. So much so, that Annu and Antakshari are almost synonymous in the Indian context.

He reveals, rather nonchalantly, "I am actually a farmer, I don't know how I landed here! I love to grow mogras and look after my mango orchards in Badlapur." It's extremely difficult pinning him down, as Annu loves to philosophise, find meaning in simple things, and counter question things we take for granted. "I love to read Osho Rajneesh who had a different perspective to all things in life, and when you read Mein Kampf You discover that Hitler was actually a painter."

For me this perhaps sums up Annu's success formula in life, which is to 'look beyond the obvious.' Much credit goes to him for converting 'a national time pass called Antakshari into a charting busting musical game show.

"I am a patriot actually, and I love it when contestants relive our Indian culture by choosing to sing old classics," he says.

A highly charged person, Annu's full of life on the sets of Antakshari. Exuberant to the point of being overwhelming, extremely restless, one moment you find him vehemently thumping his hand to get across a point and the next perhaps break into a jig.

Excerpts of a interview with Annu Kapur.

"Music gives me energy "

You've been associated with Antakshari for more than a decade now. What gives you the energy to keep going?
Music gives me energy. I believe it's God gift to mankind. It's a stimulant for many people and personally I think music contributes a lot to our lives. In the olden days, there were some coummunities which banned music but then they didn't grow.

This is really your second innings on the show. How differently are you to project yourself this time?
Ab mein boodha ho gaya hun… (I am old now) (laughs). I am 51 now, and find it very difficult to jump on the sets, come on my knees and do all the stunts to keep the show going. But, of course, I am enjoying myself to the hilt. It's a different part of my professional phase of my life. Its about doing things to the best of ones ability. I love to emote on the sets, cry, laugh, dance and just be myself. I get a high when the contestants perform well and display their knowledge about the Indian culture and traditions.

Are you finding it difficult to cope up with the schedules?
Oh, we have very tight schedules. The auditions happen over Monday and Tuesday. We shoot on Tuesday and Wednesday as the episode goes on-air by Friday. It's a great challenge to find the right contestants to play the game, who have the right musical talent and knowledge.

Whom would you attribute your success as a host Antakshari?
I share an extremely good chemistry with Gajendra Singh. I think this has helped me a long way into making the show what it is today. I am more of an elder brother to him. He respects me and takes my point of view. Also, I am a compulsive learner, I keep learning on the show. Probably at this point when I am chatting with you, I'll learn what is it that I should not be doing on the show.

But tell me is there a method in the madness? How much do you study and research to make sure that you get it right?
I try to concentrate on the larger picture. It's about adding in a new meaning to your existence. On the sets, its all about reacting and interacting with the contestants. I keep looking for moments on the show which can help us enhance the drama and movement. The 'ah ha' moment is when we find contestants who are knowledgeable and the audience responds spontaneously. I don't prepare so much for it, but I like to perform to the best of my ability. I tell myself that even if I have to clean a bathroom, then I should do it well. Or maybe join a political party… (chuckles) but then which political party I am not sure about that.

"I always dreamt of becoming a surgeon."

How do you look back at the journey so far?
I started my struggle at the age of 14. I was born in a slum and have seen the worst of poverty and travelled in bullock carts. I scored a record percentage of 93 per cent in my 10th, but somehow my father couldn't afford my college fees. I always dreamt of becoming a surgeon. But somehow acting just happened to me.

Surgeon, why is that?
In the small towns and villages of India, people respect doctors. I have heard people saying things like 'bhagwan ke baaad sirf aap ho' (it's only you after God). Even today, I wish I could be a surgeon.

What do you think of Zee TV's new show Antakshari?
Well, I don't watch television. So, I don't know what the show is like.

Come on, I am sure you've seen it, at least out of curiosity?
No, I really haven't seen it.

Were you scared to take up Star One's Antakshari?
The higher you climb, the fall can be that much greater. But mujhe yahain apni baat kahne ka mauka milta hain. (I get an opportunity to speak my heart out) As a creative person I thoroughly enjoy this show.

How involved are you creatively with the show?
Oh, to a large extent. We've added a new segment called Loose Control which was my idea. Also, there's a basic script but I don't really stick to it all the time. I add my own creative inputs.

Have you heard of reality shows like the Indian Idol and Fame Gurukul which are an attempt to look for the right singing talent in the country?
I wouldn't call them talent hunts, but these reality shows are all about how much business you can do; things are all set between the telephone operators and the channel. There could be just one person making more than 150 smses so then what are we talking about.

Edited by Ektaj - 18 years ago

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Ekta

@Eksie

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#28

Smriti Irani on Colgate Maxfresh
Antakshari-The Great Challenge

Colgate Maxfresh Antakshari - The Great Challenge enters its 3rd round!

After Kunal Ganjawala creating 'dhammal' on February 23, 2007 it's the turn of special guests Hemchandra & Arpita of Sa Ra Ga Ma Pa fame and celebrity guest, the Queen of the silver screen Smriti Irani to cheer the participants. Catch Smriti Irani interacting with the participants on Sunday Feb 25, 2007 as she shares her experience of being an Antakshari fan. That's not all; Hemchandra & Arpita tuned their vocal cords to belt out songs giving the participants interesting clues on Saturday Feb 24, 2007.

Engaging a wide cross section of audiences, Antakshari has enthralled one and all promises to increase the experience from episode to episode. The final 8 contestants from the 4 zones this week are:

East Ki Aan: Raina & Madhu Kshetry
Central Ki Jaan: Arpita & Amrita Vaishampayan
West Ka Maan: Saumya Srivastava & Kalpana Varma
North Ki Shaan: Roopak & Deepak Jain

Produced by Gajendrra Siingh, the show is seen in a snazzier avatar with new inclusions to the format and an exciting reality aspect! Annu Kapur, the man synonymous with Antakshari, hosts this musical extravaganza with none other than Juhi Parmar, the young and vivacious telly queen.

Edited by Ektaj - 18 years ago

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Ekta

@Eksie

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#29

Locked in musical combat

(Posted on 24 February 2007)

The programming team at Zee is probably congratulating itself for trouncing the rival Antakshari on Star One in the ratings game thus far, with its own version made sans the guiding hand of Gajendrra Singh.

Although the refurbished Zee Antakshari made its entry a few weeks before the one launched on Star One (produced by Gajendrra Singh, who recently defected from Zee), the comparisions are becoming apparent now. Zee has gone the celeb way, getting its soap stars to compete against each other, a sure fire way of ensuring eyeballs in these times of consuming viewer interest in all kinds of tinsel stars.

Star One has shrewdly gone in for the classic Antakshari touch, and has four strong teams from various regions of the country, all well versed in Hindi films and music. Thus far, the ratings have favoured Zee, which has been synonymous with the Antakshari brand for a decade. But what Zee does not have this time round, is ace host Annu Kapoor. Cocky to the point of often being labelled arrogant, Annu is nevertheless the soul that lifted the show above a mere song n dance routine.

Zee's new host Sunil Pal may be an ace comedian, but as the host of a music show, he has miles to go. The Sa Re Ga Ma finalist Himani is competent enough to provide the tunes when the show needs it, but Pal's obvious lack of knowledge in that direction strikes a discordant note. More so, when the viewer has been used to years of Annu Kapoor breaking into song at the least provocation and coming armed to the contest with formidable knowledge of Hindi films, songs and their components. Although Annu, as always, overshadows his female co host (this time, actor Juhi Parmar, spritely and willing to march in step with Annu) he is brilliant when it comes to what he knows best. Both shows have tried innovations this time, like allowing the competing teams to raise objections to songs sung, which keeps the proceedings lively.

Still, it is segments like Loose Control in the Star One show, where Annu fires impromptu rapid fire questions based on the participant's last answer, that make you want to applaud Annu's capabilities as much as the participant's knowledge of film music. On the other hand, Zee has been running an ad this week saying that the Kolkata auditions for Antakshari have been postponed for unnamed reasons. Not very auspicious, is that?

****

Edited by Ektaj - 18 years ago

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Ekta

@Eksie

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#30

'Why should I unnerve my co-anchors?'

Host of 'Antakshari-The Great Challenge', Annu Kapoor insists that he's been supportive of them, including Juhi Parmar.

'Antakshari—The Great Challenge' (Star One) isn't a reality show, which provides fresh talents to the music industry.

Why do we have to live in a false world? Let's make no bones about it. Whether it is 'Indian Idol' (Sony) or other so-called reality shows, they are not discovering new talent. Rather we are increasing the bank balance of the channel as well as the mobile service provider because six rupees is shared for every sms sent as a vote for a candidate.

Is it true that you work without a script?

Yes. I do not depend on any script but a brief given to me by Gajendra Singh (producer-director of the show).

There are allegations of you unnerving your co-anchors.

It is just that—an allegation. Why should I unnerve my co-anchors? It is my duty and responsibility to fully support them and make them feel comfortable. Ask Juhi Parmar whether I end up frightening her!

How was it acting with Farhan Akhtar in 'The Fakir of Venice'?

I play the title role of a fakir called Abdul Sattar Sheikh. The film is set against the backdrop of Bollywood. Farhan plays the role of a production controller. It is an Indo-Italian co-production and is based on a real-life incident involving a fakir, in Mumbai in 1999. I advised Farhan to make original films instead of remaking old hits like 'Don'.

Which is the film that you recently enjoyed?

I have seen just two films in the last 17 years—'Lagaan' and 'Dil Chahta Hai'. I think that in 'Lagaan' Aamir Khan's was the most kamzor performance as compared to the others. Not many realise that a good role does not necessarily mean a good performance.

There are rumours about you taking to farming.

I own a farmhouse in Ratholi village in Badlapur, which is spread over five acres of land. I have been growing a lot of fruits and vegetables there for the past nine years. I trade as a farmer on a small scale.

Name two people who have inspired you the most.

Guru Nanak and Osho Rajneesh. I admire Osho for his modern thinking and Guru Nanak for discovering the most modern religion.

Edited by Ektaj - 18 years ago