Articles Archive - Page 29

They were household names, better known by the roles they played in daily soaps. Their daily soaps went on for years and they were also highly paid actors. But the end of K sagas not only made way for new programming, but the popular actors who were household names were replaced by a new breed. Some of them made a transition from daily soaps to reality shows while a few were seen in brief roles in soaps. But in a turn of events, many of the old timers are now returning in prime time soaps.

After a long hiatus, Saakshi Tanwar, better known as Parvati bhabhi, returned as the hostess of a crime show and is currently playing a long cameo in Balika Vadhu. Sanjeeda Sheikh is back as Radhika in Jaane Pehchane... Other prime time favourites like Sai Deodhar have made a comeback in Kashi and will soon be seen in Baat Hamari Pakki. Her husband Shakti Anand is back too with Godh Bharai. Varun Badola will soon be seen in Maan Rahe Tera'Pita. The one time poster boy of Balaji Telefilms, Hiten Tejwani too is back in Chhoti Bahu while Hussain who was away for 18 months has returned as the host of Indian Idol.

Have difficult days ended for the old timers, some of who tried their luck in films but didn't go places? Incidentally, most of them have returned in shows that are already on air for over six months or more. Some have also come in as replacements. Says Sanjeeda Sheikh, "One doesn't always need a new show for a comeback. Replacements, cameos and new entries are fairly common. What matters is the role."

Saakshi who enjoyed a long break after Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki says she was waiting for something really challenging. "I didn't think twice about playing Teepri in Balika Vadhu when I heard the role. It's a cameo but it's been written very well and I am very comfortable doing it," she adds.

There are several reasons why channels and directors are turning to the old guard. "The need for good actors is always there. But channels opted for new actors because most of the old faces were over-exposed. Since the audience's memory is short, these actors don't carry the baggage of their past roles," explains Do Saheliyaan director Sanjay Upadhyay. Also, after playing protagonists for several years, old timers were earlier reluctant to play character roles. Today they are more than willing to settle down for any good role, be it father, mother, uncle or a negative character.

"It's difficult for an actor to sit at home doing nothing. Apart from a survival issue it also makes you feel rusted," says Manish Goel who recently hosted Mahayatra and is looking for a comeback in serials soon. He adds that most of the previously highly paid actors are ready to work for lesser remuneration. "It makes good sense to do good work instead of waiting for a big role and big bucks," he adds. However, price is not so much an issue, feels Sanjay. "Channels had slashed down
budgets during the economic slowdown. Things have not impro-ved much. But good talent always gets its price though it depends on who needs whom," he reveals.
Whatever it is, the return of the old guard augurs well for TV because they bring in a lot of experience