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Fire on BBB sets


A fire erupted on the sets of the Star Plus drama, Baa Bahoo aur Baby, at Swati Studios, Goregaon (East), on Sunday. It was caused due to a short circuit. The presence of mind, shown by the three light boys, resulted in the fire being brought under control with no extensive damage.

Kishori, Rajesh and Noor, who were perched on the overhead planks, ran towards the studio lights that were in flames and immediately doused the fire.
"These three boys are the real heroes on our sets," says producer Jamnadas Majethia, better known as JD in telly circles.

"The studio is well-equipped with fire-fighting apparatus. The trio was able to extinguish the flames with the help of it, before it could spread further," he said.

JD, who was present during the incident, says, "We were shooting as usual. Suddenly, sparks began emitting from one of the studio lights. The cloth covering it was in flames, so was the light umbrella. The light boys took charge and told everyone to remain calm," says JD.

"Risking their lives, they ran on the planks, towards the firefighting apparatus. These planks are extremely narrow and at a height; there was the added danger the boys could have fallen off, causing serious injuries."

The fact that the cast and crew kept their calm helped a great deal in handling the situation. "I told everyone not to panic and rush around, as the light boys took charge of the situation. A commotion could have resulted in injury to the rest," adds JD.

A major cause of concern was the satin fabric and decorative materials made of cloth on the sets that day. "Had the light boys not reacted, the fabrics was just inches away from being gutted within seconds."

Cake for the stars

After the event, JD ordered a huge cake to celebrate and laud the achievements of the three saviours. "I asked then when their birthday was; they said they didn't know. So I decided to order a cake, which the three cut, as the rest of us cheered aloud. They are now stars in their own right on the sets."

Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, which airs after Kaun Banega Crorepati 2 on weekends, is the story of Godavari Thakker and the idiosyncrasies of her family. The show is produced by JD, along with Aatish Kapadia, the names behind serials like Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, Instant Khichdi (both Star One) and Batliwalla House No 43, which is now Kudkudiya House No 43 (Sony).
The cast includes Sarita Joshi, Rajeev Mehta (Praful of Instant Khichdi), Rajesh Kumar (Roshesh of Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai), Devan Bhojani, Lubna Salim, Vaishali Thakker, Suchita Trivedi, Benaf Dadachanji, Kamalika Guha Thakurta and Gautam Rode.

Interestingly, the Thakker family has been shooting for their own version of the Nach Baliye dance contest, with every member trying to out-step the other.

Instant Khichdi will return

The dysfunctional Instant Khichdi family on Star One, comprising Babujee (Anang Desai), Praful (Rajeev Mehta), Hansaben (Supriya Pathak) and Jayshree (Vandana Pathak) will be back as soon as producers, JD and Aatish Kapadia, feel the audience is ready for another serving.

"Though the show was popular, we decide to take a season's break. We didn't want to make it stale. The channel has told us that they are ready whenever we are," informs JD.

There are times in all our lives, when we desire the need for divine intervention; times, when life refuses to acknowledge the seemingly obvious and decides to take refuge in a world that is far away from ours. A world that gives the body and mind the spiritual healing that it yearns for. We, at Tellychakkar.com decided to delve deeper into the lives of our favourite stars and know a little about their lives beyond the obvious.

He plays the mom-obsessed son and slightly effeminate Rosesh in Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and has already won many fans with his distinctive falsetto! But what not many are aware of, is that Rajesh Kumar is quite a serious guy at heart, and believes immensely in God. Here he is, taking a break from his shoots and talking to Riya V Anandwala about the ups and downs in his life.

Strong Believer

I stoutly believe in God. I believe in doing my pujas everyday. I also read the Hanuman Chalisa every single day. When anything new happens in my life, I also carry out a havan. There hasn't been any day that's passed without me praying or remembering God.

Turning Point

This Diwali, I and my wife went out for dinner, and we have this small table at home, where our mandir is done up and that caught fire. One of the diyas was responsible for this.
The whole table got blistered. But fortunately the idols were made of silver, so nothing happened to them. At the corner of the table there's a Ganpati made of wood, and nothing happened to it at all! This made me powerfully believe that God is definitely there and miracles too happen.

Also, once I was in Delhi and was driving a Maruti 800 which toppled. And no one will believe it that I didn't even get a scratch on my body. It was never that I didn't have faith in HIM, it's just that it doubled.

My path to Ayodhya…

I worship all Gods and there is nothing like believing in any particular deity. Well! I am certainly more inclined towards Ayodhya, that is Ram.

"I don't fast"

I have not read the Geeta as yet, but yes, I have read the Ramayan. Actually, this has come from my parents, they used to read the Ramayan and I used to listen to them. My mother is over religious. 80 per cent of her day is spent praying to God and reading Ramayan. And I don't think that there is anything wrong in being over religious, it's just an offering. I have never kept fasts, I only keep Navratri.

Rajesh gets philosophical

I get so much of mental happiness when I talk to God. It is a very different relaxation which I experience talking to God. Whenever I am depressed, I talk to Him and it takes me off my depression. We want many things in life but we don't get everything, so being with God helps us come out of it.




Posted on 14 December 2005 6:25 pm

Surprise packages of the year


No one expected them to outshine their peers, but they did, and how! Tellychakkar.com takes a look at the underdogs, the unknowns and the unsung at the beginning of the year, who turned up heroes at the end of 2005!


Qazi Toqueer


20 October, 2005 was a day that will be remembered in the entertainment industry as the day Qazi Toqueer was crowned King! The guy with the disheveled locks, a confused aim in life and a surprising lack of sur and taal was declared the winner of Sony's reality show, Fame Gurukul. In a few months time, the frank and outspoken Qazi became the heartthrob of millions, even outshining Rex D'souza, who had made quite a mark with his performance and charisma. If this was not all, Qazi's name has now becone synonymous with the X-factor!!!!

Rajesh Kumar


Rajesh Kumar was last seen as Kkusum's good for nothing bro in Sony's show of the same name. But this year was bonanza time for the actor, who not only bagged Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, but has also become a rage with his portrayal of the upmarket spoilt rich mamma's boy, Rosesh. After playing a psycho in Sony's Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka and an almost forgettable character in Kksum, this is Rajesh's first real brush with stardom! And his crowning glory is his role in Ba Bahoo Aur Baby in which we can see the actor in an altogether different character! So Rajesh definitely qualifies as one of the most sought after surprise package of the year!




Rupali Ganguly
Rupali Ganguly seems to have perfected the art of illogical banter! She has re-discovered herself as the babbling dim witted Monisha in Star One's Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and this is one act that's got everybody talking! Daughter of acclaimed director, Anil Ganguly, Rupali has no doubt made the transition from the wily Dr Simran of Sanjivani to the middle-class bahu! What more could an artiste ask for?

Pooja Ghai Rawal



Suhasi of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, had disappeared from the small screen for quite some time. But now the lady is back with a vengeance. Besides hosting Sony's recently concluded Shikhar, Pooja has some very interesting projects in her kitty, including Aroona Irani's Rabba Ishq Na Hove, and also a powerful cameo in Jassi and not to forget she was the new face in Siddhanth as a lawyer's love. With more serials coming her way, the young woman's career is rocking like never before. When Suhasi's track didn't work out in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, without losing hope she waited and endurance showed. Within a year's time, Pooja Ghai has reached the peak of her career.


The Great Indian Laughter Challenge



Nobody ever thought of a show like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge before Star One hit upon the idea. Now, it has set the stage for others to catch on with the trend. The show is the brain child of Pankaj Saraswat who has designed and executed the entire content. A number of shows have started walking on the same path now. The episode telecast on 16 October 2005, crowned Sunil Pal of Nagpur as the Comic King. Joined by the inimitable Navjot Singh Sidhu and Shekhar Suman, The Great Indian Laughter Champions will most probably in future too, make viewers laugh and giggle till they cry.

I was so nervous



Says Rajesh Kumar aka Rosesh of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai of his first meeting with wife Madhvi's parents



Shweta Teotia



I wish something had gone wrong on a date instead of the day when I went to meet my wife Madhvi's parents. We had been courting each other for over three years when Madhvi suggested that I come over to her place for a cup of coffee and meet her parents. Upon reaching her house in Dadar, I was overcome with nervousness.

Anyways, we met and all was well until I started to feel edgy again and repeatedly thanked them for the lovely coffee. Imagine my embarrassment, when they said, "Arre, it's not coffee, it's tea." Well, I did not know how to save my face.

Madhvi's sisters were exchanging looks and she seemed to be taken aback too. That time I did not even have a stable career and was quite insecure and thought to myself that I had lost my chance. But I guess all's well that ends well. I managed to convince her parents and in May 2005 we got married.

Rajesh with wife Madhvi

Interview: GAUTAM RODE





The 'Me' Man!

Women just love his company. Twenty-eight-year-old Delhite, Gautam Rode is a cute Punjabi lad who plays 'Me' in the film U, Bomsi & Me. Living in Mumbai for the past six years, he has made a name for himself. And is set to achieve a bigger one.

Isn't film U, Bomsi & Me your third film?
No, it's my second. I began with Anarth as an undercover cop with a starcast like Suneil Shetty, Sanjay Dutt and Preity Jhangiani. I have also done a movie titled Wow that was shot in London with director Raju Kher, Anupam Kher's brother. The movie is complete and I play the lead in it. It should be released very soon. That will be my third film. The movie is made by Spice Tree Entertainment, the very company that produced Chocolate.

What else have you done?
I began my career doing TV commercials like Close- up, Ruffles, Centerfresh, Lifebuoy, Toyota, Titan, and many more, not forgetting the famous Coke commercial I did with Aamir Khan (the one with the Sherpa). I've also done scores of music videos. The last I did was singer Abhijeet's video. Abhijeet the Bollywood playback singer! His album was called 'Tere Bina' where I did six music videos. The album got an award at the MTV Asia Awards in Singapore. I think that really got me international fame. After that I did two more videos including 'Chod do acchal' by Abhijeet on T- Series. Recently I shot for a video for an old Shammi Kapoor song that has been remixed. I've also done three videos for Agan Nigam Kumar's album (Sonu Nigam's dad).

Did you always want to enter films?
No, never! It's just that when I came to Mumbai I began modelling for ad films and that's how this career in films came my way. In fact, my parents are in Delhi and my father was a broker and a member of the Delhi Stock Exchange, so I thought that even I would enter the same line. But it so happened that he retired and closed his business. So since I was a B. Com graduate and didn't want to study further, I decided to take up ad films in a bid for survival when I came to Mumbai. I didn't have any godfather around to help me, but I struggled and came up the hard way. Soon people started appreciating my performances, my talent for acting and one thing led to another and now I am full with offers around.

What character are you playing in U, Bomsi & Me?
I play the character 'Me' who is known as Sam Mac Patel, a half Gujarati-half Punjabi radio Jockey who also wants to be a writer and a famous one at that. The movie is about three married guys, U, Bomsi & Me, who work in an FM station as Operations, Sales and Programming heads respectively. All three of us are in our first three years of marriage. The story revolves around how best to deal with conflicts in married life and with professional pressures. This is coupled with the fact that we have a short, pot bellied, bald and bachelor boss who seems to have all the fun dating tall girls and driving fancy cars, which we all feel is not fair. It's a really funny Hinglish musical comedy about three couples who resolve to solve out conflicts by exploring romance within our married lives. In short, you could say it's about relationships and finding love within marriage.

How did you bag this role?
I knew a friend who was an assistant with this film and he told me about this movie. He put in a word and I got to meet the producer and director. They showed me the script and put me through an audition. The next thing I knew, I was selected for the movie.

Did you get a chance to choose your character or were you forced onto something you did not like?
Actually, I was first given the script. I went through it and then asked them if I could play Sam's character (i.e. Me) and they agreed. In fact, it so happened that they had the other characters already lined up and were looking out for someone to play Sam.

How do you like your role as a Disc Jockey? Ever been one?
I liked the role very much. I have to be chirpy as a radio jockey and it's okay since I am the same in my real life. When I got the script I really liked it very much. We rehearsed for four or five days and then went on to shoot the film. The film is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes long.

You are also into television serials?
Yes. I act in a serial called Baa Bahu aur Baby (Star Plus) which airs everyday at 10.00 pm. I play the lead character. I play an NRI who comes from abroad and lands into a Gujarati family. The plot is all about how the family starts liking me etc. I plan to stick to TV serials for sometime until I sign big banners. Anyway, television serials are as big as films. It will only be time before I make it really big on the big screen one day. Let's see how U, Bomsi… does at the box-office, then I'll really know where I stand.

Do you think it will be received well by audiences?
It's a cool film. There's a lot of hard work gone into its making. It's very light and has a simple storyline to it so it's easy to understand and at the same time will be fun to watch.

Actors Arvind Vaid and Vandana Pathak have been asked to audition for the roles of husband and wife for Hat's Off entertainment's new television serial Ba, Bahu and Beti. However, Vaid and Pathak have refused.

The show

The makers of comedy shows such as Instant Khichdi, Batliwala House 43 and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Hats Off productions is currently auditioning for its newest serial Ba, Bahu and Beti. It is produced by J D Majithiya and written by Aatish Kapadia.

Vaid had been picked to play the serial's main protagonist — a father with one daughter and five sons. For his wife's role, someone suggested, "Kichdi ki Jayshree ko bula lo." That's when the confusion started.

Vaid's version

"Although my role was substantial and nice, I would never accept the role if my daughter were to play my wife.

How can a father, who's placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder, place that same hand on her as her husband? No.

Several years ago, when I was performing a play in Ahmedabad, I had to play husband to Naina Raval — someone who was half my age. I was uncomfortable with that, so how could I handle my wife being my daughter?" says Vaid.

Pathak speaks

"I didn't get offered the role, but I was asked to audition for it. They wanted to test how I would look in Ba's role. I don't think the channel guys realised that we were father and daughter. It didn't strike J D and Aatish initially, I think they figured it out eventually. I refused to audition," says Ratna.

Regrets losing the role

"There really isn't a better role for most television stars and I regret not being able to do it, but I don't have a choice in this matter. Other than that, I'd rather not say anything about the role," she adds.

Never worked as father and daughter

The father-daughter duo hasn't ever played out their real-life relationship on the silver screen.

Says Vandana, "We have worked together in one episode of Khichdi. But even there, he was playing Hansa's father. We've also done Ek Mahal Ho Sapna Ka together and a couple of other Ahmedabadi serials — but none of them had us in the roles of father and daughter."

Producer denies it

J D Majithiya denies everything. "Nothing like this has happened. The serial is still in its planning stages, even the title hasn't been finalised. Now we will finalise the cast. I don't want to comment any further," he says

Actors Arvind Vaid and Vandana Pathak have been asked to audition for the roles of husband and wife for Hat's Off entertainment's new television serial Ba, Bahu and Beti. However, Vaid and Pathak have refused.

The show

The makers of comedy shows such as Instant Khichdi, Batliwala House 43 and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Hats Off productions is currently auditioning for its newest serial Ba, Bahu and Beti. It is produced by J D Majithiya and written by Aatish Kapadia.

Vaid had been picked to play the serial's main protagonist — a father with one daughter and five sons. For his wife's role, someone suggested, "Kichdi ki Jayshree ko bula lo." That's when the confusion started.

Vaid's version

"Although my role was substantial and nice, I would never accept the role if my daughter were to play my wife.

How can a father, who's placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder, place that same hand on her as her husband? No.

Several years ago, when I was performing a play in Ahmedabad, I had to play husband to Naina Raval — someone who was half my age. I was uncomfortable with that, so how could I handle my wife being my daughter?" says Vaid.

Pathak speaks

"I didn't get offered the role, but I was asked to audition for it. They wanted to test how I would look in Ba's role. I don't think the channel guys realised that we were father and daughter. It didn't strike J D and Aatish initially, I think they figured it out eventually. I refused to audition," says Ratna.

Regrets losing the role

"There really isn't a better role for most television stars and I regret not being able to do it, but I don't have a choice in this matter. Other than that, I'd rather not say anything about the role," she adds.

Never worked as father and daughter

The father-daughter duo hasn't ever played out their real-life relationship on the silver screen.

Says Vandana, "We have worked together in one episode of Khichdi. But even there, he was playing Hansa's father. We've also done Ek Mahal Ho Sapna Ka together and a couple of other Ahmedabadi serials — but none of them had us in the roles of father and daughter."

Producer denies it

J D Majithiya denies everything. "Nothing like this has happened. The serial is still in its planning stages, even the title hasn't been finalised. Now we will finalise the cast. I don't want to comment any further," he says

No child's play


Benaf in Ba Bahu Aur Baby…Popular appeal.

SHE might be the baby of the show but if her fan following is anything to go by, then Benaf Dadachanji could give many seniors a run for their popularity.

The Baby of Baa, Bahoo Aur Baby on Star Plus, Benaf says she's having a whale of a time doing the wacky serial that's notching high TRPs. "I've never done a portfolio nor have I made the rounds of studios. Work has just come to me," says the beaming teenager.

For those who don't know, Benaf is no stranger to the glamworld. In 1996, she won the Best Child Artiste Award in the International Children Film Festival in Hyderabad for her performance in the Hindi film Halo. Besides, she's been a star of a number of ad films including Parle-G, Hajmola and Sony and has done cameos in serials like Hello Dolly and Remix.

What if she'd not been on TV? " Then I'd be in films," says Benaf without a pause. " I've already worked in Chinagate and Nazrana but I am not signing any which roles that come my way. I want to do just intense performances." — NF

The lure of glamour and money has induced many aspiring starlets from all the corners of the country into this tinsel town. Only the defiant succeed. Here is one such name that is standing tall and attracting attention. He is Gautam Rode with Gautam as his screen name. Having a height of 5 ft. 10 inches, flamboyant physique, macho looks, he has all the ingredients to join the rat-race of stardom.

Hailing from Delhi, he finished his schooling and graduation over there. Observing him, he has the strength and confidence with unrivaled suave and elegance. He wanted to carry on with his father's business of stock broking in the share market. But destiny had other things in store for him. On a chanced visit to his friend's ad agency in Delhi, he bagged the modeling assignments for CloseUp and Centre Fresh Chewing Gums. That was just the beginning...

He came to Mumbai in 1998. Then started a series of modeling assignments like Lifebuoy Soap, Jai Soap, Ponds Cream, Titan Watches, Surf Excel, Smyle Throat Drops, Clinic Shampoo, Dr. Lips Lip guard, Ruffle Lays Chips, etc. As a model, he was never at ease with any ramp walks. Modeling in so many commercials gave him an edge into television. He acted in one hour soaps like Rishtey and Suspense Thrillers.

The thirst for acting increased in him. He added to his daily four hours work-out by learning fights from Moses master and dances from Dilip, who was a Chief assistant dance director to Ganesh Acharya. He had his sight for the big silver screen. His friend and Doctor Jitesh Shetty learning his this desire, introduced him to Police encounter specialist Prakash Bhandari, who then introduced him to Sunil Shetty. Sunil then was planning to start Celebrity Management, under his firm Popcorn Entertainment and was impressed with Gautam and took him under his wings. Sunil arranged his meeting with action director turned producerdirector Ravi Dewan, who was basking in glory on his successful debutante directorial venture Vinashak and was chalking, out plans in not only directing, but producing that film too. The film is titled as Annarth. Gautam was offered to play one of the male leads in the film. His joy knew no boundaries. And why shouldn't it be? He was acting along with veterans and stars like Sunil Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Ashutosh Rana, Johny Lever, Shweta Menon, Tinnu Anand and cricketer-turned-actor Vinod Kambli. That was not all, Preeti Jhangiani plays the female lead opposite him. What could have one asked for his debut film? The Film is almost complete and is being planned for November release. These days Gautam is on cloud nine and keeping his fingers crossed. Incidentally it was September, and he is giving his first interview in the same month, when he had arrived in this tinsel city with starry airs. Quite a co-incidence!

Before beginning his chat he was all up arms praising THE ALMIGHTY GOD for being kind. He is further grateful to Sunil Shetty and producer-director Ravi Dewan for reposing faith in him and giving him an opportunity. He is also thankful to all those friends who have been instrumental for channelising this golden opportunity, including the positive support of his parents and family members.

Speaking about the film, he terms it as an undercurrent of underworld. Ashutosh Rana is an ambitious underworld don. Sunil Shetty is his devoted brother and who carries out the order of his elder brother's nefarious activities unquestioningly. Sunil has grey shades in the film. Preeti Jhangiani is their sister, who is a famous model and music video actress. Vinod Kambli is a fun-loving and happy-go-lucky character. Gautam is Sunil Shetty's child-hood friend and they are the best of buddies. He takes a liking for Preeti. Gautam shifts away for further studies and brighter prospects to another city. After ages, Gautam comes back to his child-hood friend and also joins their gang of criminals. But things are not the same! Gautam and Preeti re-ignite their love. Sanjay Dutt appears in a very special appearance. He is in love with Shweta Menon but she has a boy friend. Sanjay out of jealousy kills her boy friend. On his release from the prison, he opens a pub, which is a joint for unsuccessful lovers. He is a good friend of Sunil Shetty too. Johny Lever is a video director of music videos and evokes laughter in many of his scenes.

Adding more on the film, he says there are mind-blowing action scenes and melodious music. The film has lot of emotions, melodrama and high voltage actions. Producer-director Ravi Dewan has left no stone unturned in making this film. He even had received lot of support from his co-stars like Sunil Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Ashutosh Rana, Preeti Jhangiani and Johny Lever too. They have lent Gautam their fullest co-operation and he will remain grateful for their kind doings. Sanjay Dutt treated Gautam like his younger brother and boosted his morale too.

A model is hardly considered a good actor. To this he replies that acting is GOD's gift. He did a crash course for around a month with Roshan Taneja's Acting Academy before starting shooting for Annarth.

His choice of roles: He is at ease when it comes to action and comedy scenes. But he would love to be known as a versatile actor. He believes in real hard work.

Here is one new star on the horizon to be watched for...

J D's unique dilemma
By: Shaheen Parkar
February 7, 2006

Producer-actor Jamnadas Majethia, better known as JD in telly circles, faced a unique situation recently. His wife, Nipa, delivered a baby girl on January 28. This is the couple's second child - they have a six-year-old daughter, Kesar.

However JD - the man behind shows like Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai, Instant Khichdi (both Star One), Baa, Bahoo aur Baby (Star Plus) and Kudkudiya House No 43 (Sony) - informed his family (including his Mathura-based parents) about the new arrival only today.

11-day puja

The reason behind this veil of secrecy was that his mother was in the midst of an 11-day puja, in which she could not be disturbed. The puja ends today, and early this morning, JD told his mother about the birth of his daughter.



"We are Vaishnavs, belonging to the Pushthi Marg. My mother does this special puja; if things like birth and death are told to her, she cannot continue with the puja. And it is my duty to tell her first about the new arrival, so we decided not to inform anyone till my mother was told," says JD.

Pious family

Incidentally, his parents shifted to Mathura 10 years ago for religious reasons. "They are extremely pious, and I have their blessings, which reflects in the success of my shows."

In Mumbai, JD lives in a joint family, along with his two brothers. "My family has nothing to do with the entertainment world. My brothers own a bookstall, College Book Centre, near Ruparel College, and one of them also does consulting. I am the first member of the family to get into showbiz."

Meanwhile for JD, celebrations for the new bundle of joy will begin in a big way from today. "Very few people know about the baby and most of our relatives were also unaware," he says. "I have not yet even distributed sweets. Everything will begin from today."

JD, who celebrated his birthday on February 5, considers his second born to be the best birthday gift ever. "My wife and newborn are fine. Now I am looking for a name for the baby. I am looking for something unique, and not too common," says the second-time papa.

shaheen@mid-day.com

J D's new show

"It will be on Star One, and extremely distinct from my current shows," says Majethia, who produces under his banner, Hats Off Productions, along with writer-director Aatish Kapadia. "We are in the process of working out the modalities," he adds.


http://ww1.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/february/130270.htm