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Vipul Gupta

Six months back, after I appeared in an Airtel and Indian Oil ad, I was driving across a petrol station in Delhi and an elderly woman was imitating me as I had appeared in the ad, looking at me from the side of her eyes and than she walked towards me and introduced herself.

She told me that she really likes me. I was taken aback, as she was quite old. Another incident was just a week back, when I was driving in the city and at the traffic lights, a bunch of school kids in a rickshaw were cheering, Adi rocks (that's the name of the character I play in India Calling). I was so happy and excited with what happened.

article taken from mid-day.com

Take Ten: Kanica Maheshwari
By: Sandipan Dalal
December 26, 2005
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Kanica Maheshwari
Kanica Maheshwari plays Ami who befriends Chandni (Mansi Parekh) in the daily soap India Calling (Star One). She debuted on television with Kabhi Aye Na Judai (Star Plus).

She also played cameos in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Piya Ka Ghar and Kavyanjali.

Presently, she can also be seen on Ek Ladki Anjani Si (Sony). As far as academics are concerned this 24-year-old has a diploma in advertising, public relations and vaastu shashtra.

When is your birthday and what is your star sign?
I was born on April 24 and I'm a Taurean.

Do you believe in astrology and numerology?
I'm open to the suggestions and advice astrologers give, but don't ardently follow them.

Where were you born and which school did you go to?
Born in Aligarh, I studied in LPS School, Delhi.

What was your first job? And how much was your first paycheque?
I earned Rs 20,000 for playing a character in the soap Kabhi Aye Na Judai (Star Plus).

One thing you are really bad at doing?
I can't easily appreciate anyone.

What is your favourite smell?
I love the smell of fresh coconut.

Where in Mumbai would you rather live?
Presently, I'm residing in Lokhandwala. I would prefer staying in Breach Candy.

What cell phone do you use?
I use a Nokia Communicator.

What car do you drive?
I drive a Hyundia Santro.

Who do you regret losing touch with?
My friend, Swetta Keswani.


taken from mid-day.com

"A person can't perform with a runny nose!" After umpteen ads on the telly, Vipul Gupta finally found his true calling in Star One's India Calling as the obnoxiously audacious Aditya Khanna. His looks are obviously his passport to his profession, and Vipul takes care to keep himself groomed all the time. From K Street Pali Hill to India Calling, Vipul's maintained himself quite well. Chikita Kukreja chats up with him to know the secret behind his masculine physique. What's more important to you - looking trendy or staying fit? "I wish to set trends and not to follow anyone else" Keeping fit, of course. A person can't perform with a runny nose. One needs to keep healthy and fit in order to set trends. What do you do to keep fit and healthy? Well, I try to go to the gym at least three or four days a week and on the other days, I jog. But I can't always stick to this routine because of my shooting schedules. And I have been an athlete all through my life. I have played in the under-16 cricket teams too long ago. All this keeps my level of fitness high. Why do you feel the need to work out daily? Exercising rejuvenates me. It's like - if I don't work out, I feel something is missing and incomplete in my schedule. Which gym do you work out in? I go to Zaf's gym in Juhu. What do you prefer- cardio or weights? I normally do a combination of both. I don't believe in doing heavy weights and each time I do so, I jog for at least 15 to 20 minutes. How many meals are essential for you every day, and which one of them is the most crucial? I have to have four meals a day, for sure. My lunch is the heaviest and most enriching meal. I eat any and everything I feel like in my lunch. On the other hand, I avoid my dinner or if I do have it, it's very light. "If I don't work out then I feel something is missing in my daily routine" What kind of a diet regime do you follow? I just avoid fat and junk, and nothing else. Actually, I have been this way for a very long time, as I have been a model before turning to acting. As far as sweets are concerned, I don't really have a sweet tooth, but yes, if ever I have an ice cream for dinner, I work out enough to compensate for it the next morning! Do you prefer to have any special kind of health drink? I do take a protein drink after my workout session. Does your profession hamper your health in any way? See, acting is a kind of profession, but it of course, demands more time and devotion. And yes, I am one of those who love to work out at least four days a week and therefore, I do miss this at times. Now let's see how things move in future. Do you believe in meditating or doing any kind of yoga exercises? For me, even praying for two minutes at night is a form of meditation, and I do it religiously. I also do breathing exercises which are a part of yoga too! This is more than enough for me right now!

taken from- http://tellychakkar.com/

Kirti Gaikwad plays the mystery Manisha on India Calling




The suspense is finally over. India Calling has finally found its Manisha. Playing the role of Chandni's (Manasi Parekh) sister is Kirti Gaikwad. Previously heard over phone conversations, and mentioned repeatedly on the show, this will be the first time that 'Mini didi' will make an appearance on India Calling.

Describing her look on the show, Kirti said, "Manisha is an out and out western girl, but at the bottom of her heart she is still a small town girl from Jallandhar. Her outfits are very hip and modern & she wears a nose ring. There is a curiosity factor about Manisha. You never know what she might be up to!"

Manisha's character is of a street-smart girl from Jallandhar who comes to Mumbai to pursue her dreams and make it big in the glamour world. She aspires to be a model. But soon she realizes that it's a tough world out there and she is just a small fish in the pond. In desperation to make it big she gets caught in wrong company. Although she is the elder sister of Chandni but at the same time she is not as strong willed as Chandni. Soon, the insecurities begin to take a toll on her… Will Chandni meet her Mini Didi this time???
By Televisionpoint.com Team

Nigaar quits India Calling



Khan leaves the show due to truncated role



Sapana Patil





As Kirti Gaekwad sets foot in Star One's new offering India Calling, Nigaar Khan prepares to leave the same.When asked about the reason for her exit, she first says, " Actually, I am acting in Ek Ladki Anjaani Si too and both are aired on the same time slot, so it was too much work for me."



Nigaar Khan


After a little coaxing, she spills the beans, "Actually the channel changed the story line, with the focus shifting to other characters. That left no scope for my character to grow. Shrishti (Arya, the producer) is a close friend, so she let me go. "

On being asked if the channel stopped her character from developing, she says, "I don't blame the channel, it happens in all serials." She makes it clear that she will not return to the serial.

Meanwhile, producer Shrishti Arya says, "Now the focus is on Chandni and her sister. Given the persona of Nigaar, it is not justified to make her sit around. Hence, Nigaar's character is on a sabbatical now. Her character is popular. I feel she should make a comeback." When contacted, Star's senior creative director Shailja Kejriwal refused to comment.

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/

Kabir disconnects the abusive call angrily and realizes that Vishesh has overheard it. He reprimands Kabir for behaving badly with a client.

Vidya and Beeji help Chandni get ready to go to the club. Amy is appalled that Chandni has decided to wear a salwar kurta to a club. Amy and Chandni are not allowed inside the club as they are not members. Varun, with the others, laughs at the thought of Chandni wanting a membership to the Nomad Club. This upsets Chandni. Amy gets the abusive caller at her terminal. She coolly takes her headphones off and waits patiently for the caller to be done with his catharsis. Aditya notices and tells Amy to just attend the call. Chandni and Amy see the tattoo of The Nomad Club on Aditya's arm...

from http://tellychakkar.com/y2k6/jan/31jan/weekahead_india.php

Himani Shivpuri


Transcript of LIVE INDIATIMES CHAT with A ctress , Himani Shivpuri at 12 noon on 16 Jan 2006 in Mumbai
Himani Shivpuri
Actress


"If not an actor I'd have been a professor of organic chemistry."

Sweety > Does being an actor means you don't get time for your family?
Himani Shivpuri > Whether you are an actor or attached to any other profession like doctor, pilot I feel one should (be prepared to) comprise where family is concerned. And for me, my family and son have been the most important, and being an actor I have made it a point to spend quality with my family.

Rachna > What are your recent assignments?
Himani Shivpuri > I am doing three shows on TV - Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, India Calling and Chamcha In Chief . In films - I am doing Umrao Jaan , Milenge Milenge, Chand Ke Par etc.

Shweta 123 > What comes more naturally to you - comedy roles or serious roles? What are you more comfortable doing?
Himani Shivpuri > Well, I am comfortable in either.

Kali > What do you think of the actors on TV and in films today? Don't you think they tend to over act while some look too made up? The focus is more on looks and throwing an attitude to show them seemingly confident.
Himani Shivpuri > I feel the actors are not to be blamed because audiences prefer a glamorous look. Ideally, I feel the look should be according to the role that they are playing. For e.g., if they have to go to the kitchen/bedroom there is no need for too much make up and wear excessive jewellery.

Verma > Are you very choosy about what assignments you take or, just take whatever comes your way?
Himani Shivpuri > I am definitely very choosy. I only take up those roles which excite me. The length of the role does not matter at all.

Ravi > Tell us more about the character of 'Biji' that you play in India Calling ?
Himani Shivpuri > She is a woman who is full of life and is always inspiring 'Chandni'(lead actress).I accompany her from Jallandher to Mumbai and how the small town people adapt to a metropolitan city. My character is full of life - I fly kites; I dance the Bhangra etc.

Giva > Do you identify with any of your onscreen characters? Which one and why?
Himani Shivpuri > None. Because whenever I am acting I am playing the role and that is very different from what I am.

Megha > How do you keep yourself looking so young and beautiful after all these years?
Himani Shivpuri > (Laughter). Thanks! Well, a little bit of yoga, walks and generally a positive outlook in life.

Deva > When did you realise acting was what you wanted take up as a career?
Himani Shivpuri > I was acting right from my childhood (school plays) but while doing my post graduation in organic chemistry I began doing theatre simultaneously. And I realised that I was happier doing theatre than sitting in the lab.

Suhas > What goes into enhancing the performance from the one that is given in the script?
Himani Shivpuri > No actor can rise above a script. But one can add a little personal touch in terms of speech or the look of the character and try to make it as natural and close to life as possible.

Alphajam > Hi Himani, I currently live in the US and been unable to watch any TV. But I remember your playful smile a lot. One story that comes to mind is the one you acted in along with Irrfan. It was really fabulous.
Himani Shivpuri > That was a short film called Ek Sham Ki Mulaquat and I really enjoyed working in it. Thanks.

Mil_15042k > Hi Himani! What is the most memorable role for you so far in Hindi films?
Himani Shivpuri > It's very difficult to say but I suppose I have a soft corner for the role I played in my first commercial film Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.

Angula > How do you improve on your acting?
Himani Shivpuri > Well, acting is something which only improves with practice and experience, and that goes for any kind of art. The more you do, the better you can be.

Bunty > As an actress, how have you progressed?
Himani Shivpuri > When I had graduated from the National School of Drama, I was more conscious of the technicality of acting. But later and gradually, I started to rely on my gut feeling.

Gayatri > Tell us about the off screen Himani Shivpuri.
Himani Shivpuri > Well, off screen, Himani Shivpuri is totally different from what you see on screen. Basically, I am a shy, introverted person who loves her solitude. My ideal time would be to listen to music, read a book, go for a walk and spend time closer to nature.

Viva > If Himani Shivpuri had not been a TV actor, she would be............
Himani Shivpuri > I would have been a professor of organic chemistry or may be doing some research and getting the Nobel Prize for some scientific discovery.

Ooo_me > Do you like this celebrity world?
Himani Shivpuri > I maintain myself as a normal human being whose professional job is to act. Yes, in a way, as it has its perks but there are some disadvantages like (forgoing) one's privacy.

Wajeeha > Hi! This is a bit serious one! Do you think acting can be learned or it has to be practiced in the company of good and learned people?
Himani Shivpuri > I think one has to have it in herself and practice is important, as it makes one a better actor.

Sign Off Message > It was lovely chatting with all of you. Live life to the fullest and be happy. Love, Himani.

http://chatinterviews.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1373696.cms

Transcript of LIVE INDIATIMES CHAT with TV actress, Manasi Parekh at 12 noon (IST) on Monday, December 26 2005, in Mumbai

Manasi Parekh
TV actress

"I am a classical singer too and I plan to release a music album next year"

Manu > How did you get into acting? What was your first serial? How did you get the role in it?
Manasi Parekh > My first serial was Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi . Balaji Telefilms had organised a talent hunt where I took part and got selected. That's how I got in to acting.

Szx > Which is your next serial coming soon?
Manasi Parekh > I play the character of 'Chandni' in India Calling. And I am busy with it right now. As of now, there are no new projects.

Chotu > Manasi Didi, I am your big fan? Aapko apna kaun sa serial sabse acha lagta hai ? (Which one of your serials do you like the most?)
Manasi Parekh > Thank you. My favourite is India Calling because I have a very cute role in it.

Buddy > Is it true that you are a classical dancer? Which classical dance do you know? Have you done any performances?
Manasi Parekh > I am not a classical dancer. I am a classical singer. I have performed on stage quite a few times. In fact, I just had a stage show in Surat.

Vins > What is your qualification?
Manasi Parekh > I have done my BA from St. Xavier's College (Mumbai) in English Literature and I have also done my BA in Indian classical music.

Ashu > Which role of yours do you feel is closest to your real self?
Manasi Parekh > Chandni in India Calling, as I can completely relate to the character.

Nikhil joshi > I want your email id please?
Manasi Parekh > musicmanasi@hotmail.com .

Swaroop_goodboy > Manasi, are you planning to enter Bollywood?
Manasi Parekh > I would only if I get roles which stimulate me creatively. Like the role Vidya Balan had played in Parineeta .

Swaroop_goodboy > Can I know your date of birth?
Manasi Parekh > 10 July.

Abhi > Hi Manasi, you are very sweet and I like your acting? I am a big fan of yours and want to wish you luck and success!
Manasi Parekh > That is so sweet of you. Thank you so much.

Zak_82 > Has being a classical dancer helped you in the industry in any way?
Manasi Parekh > I am not a classical dancer. I am a classical singer. It has helped, as singing is an expression of ones voice, while acting is an expression of ones face and body. So, it helps a lot as both are creative art forms.

Vani > Are you interested in modelling?
Manasi Parekh > Yes, I am and I have done a commercial for a cold cream. A couple of my advertisements will be coming out soon.

Dude > What according to you is the most important thing a person needs to get into for acting?
Manasi Parekh > One of the most important things is self confidence because to be in front of the camera we need to get rid of our inhibitions.

Dude > Why did you choose acting? If not an actress what would you be?
Manasi Parekh > I chose acting as it is a very interesting and creative field. And if not an actress, I would have been a singer. I also took part in the channel V pop stars (contest) and I was one of the six finalists in India. I plan to release a music album next year.

Man11 > Tell us about the off screen Manasi?
Manasi Parekh > The off screen Manasi is very much in to reading and loves to play the guitar whenever she has the time, she is full of life and very ambitious.

Qwr34 > Does casting cough actually exist? Have you experienced it? Please comment on the present scenario.
Manasi Parekh > Well, according to what a lot of people say..... the casting couch does exist. Personally, I believe it all depends on whether the person involved wants it or not. I have never experienced anything like this.

KK > We do not know much about you. Please tell us a little about yourself, your family etc.
Manasi Parekh > I am from Mumbai. I am the only daughter of my parents. I am a Gujarati. I love to eat though it never shows and I believe in having a good time always.

Gauravji > Well Manasi, I have seen your programmes. I have seen your dance also ( Nach Baliye ). Isn't your schedule so hectic?
Manasi Parekh > I did not take part in Nach Baliye . I think you are mistaken. But thanks for the compliment anyway.

Chotu1> Mansi didi, who is your favourite actress in Bollywood?
Manasi Parekh > Rani Mukherjee and Sridevi. Both are very spontaneous when it comes to their acting.

Somu > What is most important to you in your life?
Manasi Parekh > For me, the most important thing in my personal life would be my family and professionally, it would be a very satisfying career in acting and singing.

Sign Off Message > Thank you so much for logging in and please do watch India Calling and give me your feedback. Love, Manasi.

http://chatinterviews.indiatimes.com

Ayub Khan
actor


"I wish I were a fighter pilot; so much power under the ass!"

Sadzaf > Hello Sir, how are you doing? Tell us something about yourself, family, education and where are you from?
Ayub Khan > Hi, I was born in Nasik and basically, brought up in Mumbai. I have an older sister, a brother who passed away, and I am the youngest. I left college after the 12 th standard and joined the acting business in 1991. I have two daughters.

Reema > Hi, I read somewhere that TV disillusioned you. Why?
Ayub Khan > I was disillusioned, as people were not taking the projects very seriously. It seemed more like a money making racket with little attention paid to creativity of the programme.

Karishma > Hi, what advice would you like to give to new comers who are planning to join the Indian television industry?
Ayub Khan > Be ready for hard work and there are no short cuts, and have a lot of patience.

Higs > Why did you return to TV to act in the serial Kashish when you were not satisfied with the TV industry?
Ayub Khan > Ravi Rai (who directs the show) being an acclaimed director, and also I had seen a lot of his work which interested me. Hence, his name as a director inspired me to take on this project.

Karishma > How did you get into Indian television industry?
Ayub Khan > After the film, Mrityudanad I again started getting type cast with very typical roles, and after a point of continuously rejecting offers people also started to wonder whether I wanted to work in films. The TV boom was just in its infancy and I heard of this director called Naved Antulay. So, I went and met him and we struck a deal on my first TV serial called Muskaan . What kept me going on TV was the range of the character in a serial, which is far more interesting than films.

Clod > Why is it that despite acting with top Hindi film actresses like Madhuri and Raveena, you have remained on the fringes of stardom?
Ayub Khan > I presume there must be some shortcoming in the ability of my performance and hence I probably have to better my skills.

Aanisha_rocks > Hi, you said somewhere that everyone before dying should kiss the teacher he had a crush on. Did you have a crush on any of your teacher?
Ayub Khan > Yes, she was too tall. I couldn't reach her cheeks!

Megha > You are usually seen in negative roles on TV. Why? Do you prefer doing negative roles? What sort of roles would you like to portray?
Ayub Khan > I think, for most directors, a sort of an innocent face with a devious mind tickles them. Hence, I cashed on doing negative roles. I would love dark characters and also an out and out comedy. What I would actually love to do is the role that would be the ultimate, as well as be paid a million bucks for just my close up in a film.

Jaguar > You produced a film once. What happened to it? What was the name of the movie?
Ayub Khan > I didn't produce. I was getting in to directing a film and we were not sticking to the original story line so I opted out. The film was untitled and it was a comedy.

Sadzaf > Sir, do you think TV artists get proper recognition like cinema artists?
Ayub Khan > I think they are getting on par recognition. If you pick up any newspaper, you would get to see more TV artists splashed all over as opposed to film actors, not to leave out that they are constantly on TV while film actors are just seen in ads.
Soulmate_sujay > Ajay Devgan and you have become the blue-eyed boys of Prakash Jha (filmmaker). What is the secret behind your relationship?
Ayub Khan > I think Prakash Jha would be able to answer this question better.

Limited56 > Is Dilip Saab your mom's real brother or a cousin? Do you take guidance from him?
Ayub Khan > Dilip (Kumar) Saab is my father's elder brother, and in the beginning, when things were pretty rough, I did turn to him for guidance.

Rani > Have you come out of shadows of being known as Dilip Kumar's nephew or people still respond to you because of that?
Ayub Khan > I think I will always be known as his nephew. His is too big a personality to ever be shadowed. But yes, I have carved a small niche for myself. And work, after a point of time, is given on merit and not on relations.

Soulmate_sujay > Any new movies on the pipeline for you Ayub?
Ayub Khan > Right now there is nothing; there are just talks happening. Hopefully, something should work out soon.

Gayatri > What are the advantages and disadvantages of being related to a legend (Dilip Kumar)?
Ayub Khan > The disadvantage is that in the beginning you are compared to the legend and the advantage is the industry accepts you with open arms, in the beginning.

Momine > If not an actor, what would you have been?
Ayub Khan > I wish I were a fighter pilot; so much power under the ass!

Jigs > Initially, you played main lead in some of your films. Then most of your film didn't do well. Does that mean you are not a hero material?
Ayub Khan > I guess so.....

Kali > Can you tell me what's your education? And, I heard that your mom too was an actress. Is it true? What was her name?
Ayub Khan > My mom's name is Begam Para Khan. She, along with my father, was an actor. After she got married to my dad, she opted out of this profession. I left college when I was in my 12th standard, to make silver jewellery in Jaipur.

Uday436 > Why have you starred in a Bhojpuri movie?
Ayub Khan > Fortunately or unfortunately you will see a lot more of that. It seems to be the largest emerging market in the regional film industry and the actors from all over, including Hindi films, have been drawn towards it like moths to a flame.

Soulmate_sujay > Actor, Arshad Warsi reinvented himself by doing comedies and supporting roles. Why don't you do the same thing? We need a good actor like you?
Ayub Khan > It's very sweet of you to consider me a good actor. I agree with you. Hope, I can achieve some success in this endeavor.

Anisha_rocks > I read some where that you have a great sense of humour . Why don't you carry it to the screen, I mean why not do some comic roles. I just loved you in Kuchh To Gadbad Hai .
Ayub Khan > Thank you, Woh script Mein Kuchh to Gadbad tha and hence, we were given the liberty to perform, as we wished. Most times we do not have the luxury of exercising this liberty; the director is very serious about his comedy!

Sign Off Message > Thank you and keep watching me. Love, Ayub

http://chatinterviews.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1244305.cms