~*~Dulhan's Article Archive~*~ - Page 16

Money. That's what drives everyone in the final analysis, whether in the glamour world of acting or the hard grind of scripting and producing. Cashin' In sits down with TV celebs to know well they handle their financial matters, and tracks their spending patterns.

As Sharad Malhotra's career is going great guns, he has his eyes set on the best things in life. This cool dude is the most chilled out person as far as financial matters are concerned, just the way he is about his personal matters.

How important is money for you?

(Laughs) It is the most important thing for having a comfortable and luxurious life but it is not more important than my peace of mind and my happiness.

Are you an impulsive buyer?

I am not an impulsive buyer but when I like something, I don't see the price tag. It is very rare that I get time to shop, so impulsive buying doesn't happen very often. I am a gizmo freak, so I usually pick up gadgets. I recently bought an Iphone on an impulse.

What are the investments you have made?

I have not made enough money to indulge in big investments. I want to save money for buying a house. I am planning to invest my money in something good. I am in talks with my chartered accountant for that.

What is your most expensive purchase?

My most expensive purchase is yet to come. I came to Mumbai for work only two years ago, so I have much more work to do and money to earn.

Do you feel financially secure?

No one feels financially secure. I am sure that even Mukesh Ambani wants to make more money. I am more satisfied financially than before but I have a long way to go.

Who handles your expenses?

I handle my expenses. I consult my brother in law and my dad at times.

What was your first salary? What you did with it?

It was Rs. 3,000 for a Reliance print ad. I earned it 3-4 years ago. I spent it on my mom but I don't exactly remember what I bought for her. I guess I took her out for a dinner.

How much money do you carry every day?

I generally carry credit cards as I don't like carrying cash with me. I do carry a couple of thousands for the sake of emergency. I keep them in my car to prevent it from being robbed.

Do you invest in the stock market?

I have invested in stock market in the past but it was not a good experience. I plan to make better and fruitful investments in the future. I am not interested in stock market any more.

Any advice for investors?

If you are investing your own money, then play wise and smart. If you are investing someone else's money, then you may do whatever you want.

Dulhann fans went into a tizzy after it was reported that the show could be going off air. However, they can now breathe a sigh of relief as nothing of this sort will take place. However, there's no denying that the show is currently going through a turbulent phase.

At the centre of the problem is the leading pair of Sharad Malhotra and Divyanka Tripathy. Reportedly, the duo has been throwing a fist on the sets. While there's uncertainly over their future, the show will go on.

Clearing the air, Shyam Bhattacharya, producer of the show, says, "How can the channel let go of their top rated show? Too much is being read into tales of actors reporting late to work. After all, they too get tired and besides this is monsoon so one is bound to get late at times."

Adding further, he says, "The existing reincarnation track was for 100 episodes and it's nearing its climax. However, we're now working on a new parallel track, for which we're contemplating on roping in some big names."

Will Sharad and Divyanka be part of this new track? Shyam replies, "Yes, they are the main protagonists of our show. "

We called up Kamya Punjabi, the main antagonist of the show, who replied, "That's complete bull s***t. The show is not going off air. The creative team is working on a new track and I'm very much going to be part of it. Some big names will be roped in. In fact, we actors too were also asked for suggestions."

Commenting on tales of Sharad and Divyanka's reporting late to work, Kamya chides, "I don't want to comment on it but there's no denying that we've been facing problems. At a recent meeting, all actors were told to give 12 hours a day. You can't cry foul over long hours. After all, when it comes to a daily, you have to slog it out. That's what you get paid for."

When asked whether Sharad and Divyanka be part of the new track, Kamya quips, "I think so. However, with a new actor coming on board, few actors will have less work to do."

Despite repeated attempts, Sharad Malhotra and Divyanka Tripathy remained unavailable for comment.

So for now fans can continue watching their fave soap.

The Dulhann ship is showing signs of wreckage. Though it's still the top rated show on Zee TV, it's not drawing the TRPs that it once did. A part of this decline has been attributed to the alleged starry attitude of lead actors Sharad Malhotra and Divyanka Tripathi. At least that's how it appeared in the media. These reports gained weight with one actor hitting out indirectly against Sharad and Divyanka.

Amidst all this, both Sharad and Divyanka chose to seal their lips. And when they did, what appeared on television was half-baked. After weeks of maintaining silence, Divyanka has finally come out of her shell to offer her side of the story. The recent events have taken its toll on the actress, who's once again laid low with a slip- disc. Nevertheless, Divyanka sounded upbeat when we called her.

Firstly, how's your back now?

It all started with a shoulder injury which later culminated into a slip- disc. Earlier, I was taking physiotherapy but it didn't help much and often I ended blasting the masseuse. I've now switched to acupressure and it's providing more relief.

Reportedly, you've been coming late to the sets and even throwing tantrums.

These reports are all false. It was even reported that I was making use of a dummy. No one bothered to find out the trauma that I was going through.

But it's alleged that you've been giving in less hours of work? Isn't it true that channel has issued a dictum for all actors to work 12 hours a day?

Jab hum athara ghante kaam kar rahe the toh acche the, (We were considered good when we were working for 18 hours). Now, that we're working less, have we turned bad?

Apparently, one of your co-actors has hit out against you. But why don't we see any retaliation from you?

Jisse apni izzat payri hai woh kabhi kuch nahi bole ga (A self-esteemed person wouldn't never resort to such measures). Those who blabber are the ones who are scared and talk ill of others.

Supposedly, the reincarnation track hasn't proved all that successful for the shows. The TRPs have dipped. What do you think?

Well, such dips in TRPs are part and parcel of a daily. It's not the first time that TRPs have dipped. The TRPs weren't that high when Sagar lost his memory.

It's also buzzed that Sharad and you could be phased out of the show?

If that's in the interest of the show then I have no hassles over it. There will be additions of new characters but I have no intentions of quitting the show.

Would be you comfortable if your character is to take a back seat?

Why would I be uncomfortable? In fact, the new characters should be given a grand entry. The question of feeling threatened simply doesn't arise as I've been part of the show since its inception.

How would you react if you're not part of Dulhaan tomorrow?

I've always believed that whatever happens, it happens for good. If I'm not there tomorrow then I'm sure God will present me with something better

There's an air of uncertainty surrounding Banoo Main Teri Dulhann these days. Well, there was a question mark on the show's future itself. Expectedly, the show's custodians were in denial mode. It's now been buzzed that antagonist Sindoora (Kamya Punjabi) will be killed.

If sources are to believed, Sindoora will be killed by lead male protagonist Amar (Sharad Malhotra).

A little birdie informs, "Yes, Sindoora's character will come to an end but it's yet to be decided on how it will be done. Probably, it could be Amar or both Amar and Divya (Divyanka Tripathy) who'll do the honours. There's also a possibility that Sindoora may not be killed but she'd be taken to court by Divya, who is a laywer."

When contacted, Kamya replied, "I'm sorry but we've been strictly told not to speak anything. All I can say is that something interesting is indeed coming up. However, I'm very keen on remaining with the show."

Producer Shyam Bhattacharya was quick to rubbish the news.

But isn't the current track nearing its climax? After all, the good always prevails over the evil. "Yeah, that's true but this is a daily soap and you can't do away with your leading characters. All, I can tell you is that the current track is headed for an interesting climax."

Though Sharad Malhotra was unavailable for comment he has said in an interview that he hated Sindoora so much that he wanted to kill her. He also added that the show was in for some major twists and turns.

How much this translates on to the screen remains to be seen.

Dulhann fans brace yourselves for a 'kahani main twist'. In an earlier report, the show's producer had hinted of a major twist in the show. It is now learnt that the twist will come in the form of actor Adesh Chaudhary posing as Divya's (Divyanka Tripathi) husband.

An actor who didn't wish to be named says, "Adesh Chaudhary, who plays Viren, jumps into the picture claiming to be Divya's husband. This will create tension between Amar (Sharad Malhotra) and Divya. This is a plot hatched by Sindoora (Kamya Punjabi)."

The current track has rubbished all theories of Sindoora's death. A source adds, "With Adesh coming to the show there's no question of Sindoora being killed. Nor is Sharad or Divyanka going to leave the show."

Adesh Chaudhary was earlier seen in Star Plus' Santaan and 9X's Veeranwali