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11344

Hibernated

Posted: 19 years ago

#81

footie follies: Ayub Khan

Ayub's fashion disaster
Ayub Khan's appearances on the social circuit have been few and far between. But when the bloke does show up, he somehow passes muster on the fashion scales. However, when he got clicked at an event recently, we noticed something interesting. His silver mojris! We think the denims and kurti look doesn't quite go with what's on his feet. Which, by the way, are quite unexpected, too

Edited by kudi420 - 19 years ago

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11344

Hibernated

Posted: 19 years ago

#82

Masti in the monsoon

Television's leading lights share their take on what the monsoon means to them and what they do when the heavens open up.

Rohit Roy

Rohit plays the lead in Viraasat (Star Plus). He replaced Shaan as the anchor for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa: Ek Main Aur Ek Tu on Zee TV.

I was rushing to my shooting location in Mumbai when the monsoon first hit the city this time. That was a refreshing sight for me, as I love the rains.

For me, monsoon means romance. It's something that I really love. But, at the same time, we shouldn't forget the hardships it brings to people who are not equipped to handle the situation.

I like to be with my wife when it rains. We often go on long drives at this time. Madh Island is one of our favourite destinations in Mumbai. But my first preference during the monsoon is Goa.

For me, pakodas with tea is a deadly combination in this cool weather.

Shradha Nigam

Shradha anchors the Star One travel show Musafir Ho Yaron. She'll also be in the soon-to-be-launched Pakistani sitcom Rang Birange

I was in Egypt shooting for the Star Plus travel show Musafir Hoon Yaaron when the monsoon hit Mumbai. When Mom called me up and told me this, I felt bad about missing it, especially because we were shooting in 45-degree heat! Then when I landed in Mumbai on June 1, it was raining and that made my day.

I simply love the rains -- the sound, the cold, the wind, everything. I love to roam on the beaches when it's raining. Still, last year's Mumbai floods caused people a lot of hardship and we can't forget that. Even I had to spend a lot of time sitting in my car alone, and face the terrible sight of the water rising around me.

My favourite holiday destination during the monsoon is Lonavala. As a kid, I used to visit this place frequently to enjoy the rains. I also love to travel through the North during the monsoon. They say Kerala is enchanting during the monsoon, but I'm yet to set my foot there.

I simply love hot chocolate when it is pouring outside. But my favourite monsoon food is hot parathas and chutney. It's awesome.

Nigar Khan

Nigar stars in India Calling (Star One) and Ek Ladki Anjani Si (Sony). She's currently shooting for Lucky (Star One)

I was in Baroda shooting for the new Star One serial Lucky when the first rains graced Mumbai. For me, monsoon means relaxation, fun and greenery. It's really, really beautiful. The greenery gives an absolutely refreshing feeling. It charges me up to work harder!

I love to spend time with my friends during the monsoon. I have a great circle of friends and I never sit at home when it is raining outside! I roam a lot with my pals and we attempt various kinds of adventures when it's raining. Even sitting in a caf and sipping hot coffee is exciting during the monsoon.

Mirchi pakodas with hot tea is a package of pure delight during the monsoon. Being a Pune girl, I miss the city a lot. Pune is very beautiful at this time. I have never been to Goa, and this monsoon we're planning to hit the beaches of Goa!

Rajiv Paul

Rajiv is the lead in Twinkle Beauty Parlour (Sab TV) and acts as the anti-hero in Kkavyanjali (Star Plus). He also stars in the upcoming show Ishq Deewane for MTV.

I was in Mumbai to catch the arrival of the monsoon. I was travelling to town in my car, and as the first rains hit the city, my first reaction was that of anxiety – thanks to the bad memories of 26/7.

That apart, I really love the rains – I consider the monsoon as the epitome of romance; it rejuvenates everyone's hearts. I really love the smell of earth when it starts raining. If someone launches a perfume which has that scent, I would be the first to buy it.

I can't name any particular place as my favourite monsoon destination. I love any place where the atmosphere is cloudy and raining. I just love to be there, relaxing in the company of my family and friends. There's no match for a cup of tea and hot pakodas when it's raining.

I don't make any long-term holiday plans, and it's the same during the monsoon. When I get some time, I rush off to Lonavala or Matheran to enjoy the rains. This season, I might go to Alibaug or Kashid for a change.

Sai Deodhar

Sai stars in Kasauti Zindagi Kay on Star Plus

I was shooting in Mumbai when the monsoon hit. Then, while going back home, I got stuck in a traffic jam. Finally, when I reached home, there was no electricity and it was terrible. I was all alone at home and there was thunder and lightning outside. It was a real thriller for me; I was so scared.

That apart, I am very fond of the rains. I regard the monsoon as the beginning of new life. There's greenery all around, and that signifies the beginning of new things in life. The experience is magnificent.

I spend my time during the monsoon going for long drives and picnics. Our favourite holiday spots during this time are Goa and Mahabaleshwar. Last year, the monsoon started when we had finished a long and tiring schedule for the serial Saara Aakash, and we picked up our baggage and left for Goa to enjoy the holidays. That was awesome.

This is the time I indulge in anything hot and steaming. It could be vada pav or pizza.

Edited by kudi420 - 19 years ago

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11344

Hibernated

Posted: 19 years ago

#83

Pankkit shocked!

Jhatka lagaa! Pankkit Thucker with wife Praachi at their home in Malad pic/Sujit Jaiswal

The actor was shooting for India Calling when a high-voltage wire struck him senseless
Shaheen Parkar
shaheen@mid-day.com

Actor Pankkit Thucker got the shock of his life, literally. On the sets of the Star One show, India Calling, a high-voltage wire struck him, causing momentary numbness. "The electric current was so powerful that it took me quite a while to get back to my senses," says Pankkit, who plays the foreign-returned character of Shanty in the daily.
The incident occurred in the wee hours of Thursday at the Poonawalla bungalow in Madh Island where the serial was being shot. As a wedding sequence was being canned, the entire set was decked up in lights.
Mind-numbing
"It was about 1.30 am and the unit was taking a break. There was a red carpet laid out as part of the props under which there were several unit wires. As it had rained, the carpet was completely soaked. I had barely stepped onto the carpet when there a sharp stinging sensation ran through my legs. I stumbled and one of the unit hands passing by came to my rescue. For a moment, I thought I was dying. For a few seconds, I was completely numb. The unit hand took me aside and after some moments I regained my composure."
For Pankkit, this was some stinging experience. "Usually, when we receive even a mild shock, that stinging sensation is so powerful. Here it was a thick wire under the carpet, which was soaked due to the rains. Later, the electric unit folks on the sets told me that this was one of the main cable wires and was of a high voltage. Thank God, I was not electrocuted."
All in the family
After a short break, Pankkit was back on the sets shooting for India Calling. "I didn't make a fuss about it. It was only for those moments that I was in agony. But the thought that it could be fatal was scary enough," says Pankkit, who is also seen as Krish in the Star Plus show Kumkum.
Incidentally, Pankkit's wife Praachi is also an actor and has featured in shows like Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kagaz Ki Kashti and Tamanna. At present she is on a break looking after their toddler, Rakkshan.
Fact file
Played Ajay in Special Squad (Star One) and Dhruv in Tum Bin Jaaon Kahaan (Zee). Earlier featured in Kagaz Ki Kashti (SaharaOne), and Kabhi Souten Kabhi Saheli (Star Plus).

Edited by kudi420 - 19 years ago

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11344

Hibernated

Posted: 19 years ago

#84

There's mayhem in tellyland with no proper contract system in place. So, what's the solution?

Recently, a group of TV actors were thrown out of the serial Twinkle Beauty Parlour. This is not the first time something like this has happened. From throwing actors out, to the stars walking out of serials without any notice, the world of television has seen it all. The problem: lack of a proper contract system. Says actor Rajev Paul who was thrown out of Twinkle..., "How can actors be dumped without prior notice? What about the contract we signed?"

But producers say they are helpless. "We are content providers and have to make changes as per the demand of the channel airing our serial. That's probably why the contract system hasn't been effective," says producer Shristi Arya. She says as producers, even they face huge losses when an actor suddenly walks out.

Having bound contracts would help both the actors as well as the producers, says actor Rohit Roy. "The TV industry has grown so much in the past few years. Keeping this in mind, we need to get it organised in a more efficient manner."
Despite the recent boom, the industry still runs on the spoken word. "If a producer calls an actor for a serial and if he likes the role, we often discuss remuneration on the phone and start working," says Rajev.
Non-payment of dues is another problem that actors face, as Rohit points out, "A producer still owes me around 3.5 lakhs for a serial I did called Tujh Pe Dil Qurbaan."
However, very few actors or producers actually approach the Cine and TV Artist's Association to sort out their issues. That's because it takes a very long time. "I have approached the actors' association for my money, but even though the proceedings are on against the producer, he has no show on air right now that we can stall," says Rohit. So, is there a solution to this problem? Actor Ketki Dave, who left Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi years ago after she had a difference of opinion with producer Ekta Kapoor, says, "We need to have a concrete contract system in place and all have to abide by it." Rohit adds, "Actors have to be more careful while signing a contract. A person wronged must come forward and fight his case, be it an actor or a producer." Says Nigaar Z Khan, "The onus is on each individual. A contract must be honoured. That's the only way to get our TV industry more organised

Edited by kudi420 - 19 years ago

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11344

Hibernated

Posted: 19 years ago

#85

One has hosted a kids' show Junior Janab on radio the other, Hungama Sungama on Hungama TV. And now both Roshan Abbas and Karishma Randeva are pairing up to anchor a kid based reality show, John Aur Kaun on Hungama TV. The show is being produced by Roshan Abbas's production house Encompass Productions.

Kids from all over India will be auditioned on the basis of their acting skills from which two lucky winners will be selected. After polishing their acting skills, these kids will get a chance to act with Bollywood hottie, John Abraham, in his next film.

Roshan Abbas: Hosting shows, looking after production house and Radio academy

Besides, they will also win a modeling contract with Oral B.

"Zarina Mehta COO, Hungama TV called me to host the show and I didn't even bat my eyelid before signing it. I am thrilled to be a part of this show and love to interact with kids. I have a four your old son, so it makes my job easier ," says Roshan whose busy looking after his Radio Academy (in suburban Mumbai). Of late, Encompass Productions has also produced News Unplugged for Times Now.

Karishma had already set off to audition kids. "I am just back from Hyderabad where I selected kids for the auditions and will now travel to another four cities during the weekends to choose eight kids

Karishma Randeva: Hands full with three shows in her kitty

and get them to Mumbai. I love working with kids, they are really talented so it will be tough to choose two winners from the lot," smiles Karishma who has her hands full with India Calling and Suno Har Dil Kuch Kehta Hai. She has recently shot an ad film for Fem as well.

The production house has also zeroed in on big names like Poonam Narula, Delnazz Paul, Mrinal Kulkarni and Grusha Kapoor as the guru's who will train the the selected few kids in Mumbai(the Fame Gurukul style).

While Roshan will start shooting with Karishma from August, John Aur Kaun is slated to go on air in October.

Edited by kudi420 - 19 years ago

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Monika

@monika.goel

Sparkler

Posted: 18 years ago

#86

Saas-bahus to the rescue?

Serials which began with different storylines return to the family fold to snag higher TRPs

Ranjib Mazumder

A still from India Calling

They say, promises are made to be broken. Although serials like India Calling, Risshton Ki Dor and Suno Har Dil Kuch Kehta Hai tried to lure the audience with their different plots initially, the tracks eventually underwent a transformation and are now family dramas. Take for instance, India Calling on Star One. The serial started at the back drop of a call centre, but ended up as a clichd love triangle. Producer Shrishti Arya of India Calling says, "Initially we thought that a call centre set-up would be good idea and something different from the regular stuff being catered to the audience. We were amazed at the way these call centre guys work under so much of pressure. But for how long can you show people talking to foreigners? So, we introduced a new phase in the girl's life."

However, Arya is confident that the show will still appeal to the youth. "I don't think our target audience has changed. It is more about the journey of the lead protagonist Chandni and the ups and downs in her life and the younger generation has connected so well with new theme," she adds.

Risshton Ki Dor on Sony is following suit, drifting from its original track. The plot that harped on a brother-sister relationship, will now showcase serious stuff like a rape and a murder sequence. There will be some court-room drama too. Gautam Adhikari, producer of Risshton Ki Dor says, "We are not planning to deviate from the brother-sister plot, but are definitely adding new tracks for more drama element. Besides, stretching a single track often stagnates the storyline."

Recently, Suno Har Dil Kuch Kehta Hai on Sahara One underwent a metamorphosis too. The serial revolving on Ambika, a girl who can read the minds of men. But this too failed to maintain the track undiluted.

"The show is doing well after we turned it into a family drama. I believe unique concepts do well, only on weekends. But that's the advantage of working for television. One can experiment and dish out what the audience likes," explains producer Aditya Singh.

Edited by monika.goel - 18 years ago

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11344

Hibernated

Posted: 18 years ago

#87

Singing for their supper!

The title tracks of certain television serials have become some of the biggest melodies in recent times. So much so, that they've been turned into ring tones, caller tunes and even sell as records. But do the actors actually know the title tracks of their shows? Sandipan Dalal puts them to the test!

Shweta Tiwari
Show: Kasautii Zindagii Kay
Right track: Yeh aksar toot jaate hai
Kabhi asoon bahate hai
Kabhi chalte hai sahera main
Phir bhi muskurate hai...
Record tod: Yesh aksar toot jaate hai
Kabhi asoon bahate hai
Kabhi chalte hai sahera main
Phir muskurate hai...
Our impression: Shweta knows best. The actress loves to sing the theme song during her leisure hours. So it was not a tough task to crack.
Rating: ****

Rakshanda Khan
Show: Jodee Kamal Ki
Right track: Aiyi sitaron ki jodee wali raat hai
Tarein hai yeh, humein pyaare hain yeh
Honewali hai kuch aisi waisi baat re
Hum aise inkon na jaaane denge…
Record tod: (First attempt) Aiyi sitaron ki jodee wali raat hai
Tarein hai yeh… kuch aisi waise baat re…
Asks for a second chance
(Second attempt) Tarein hai yeh humein pyare hai yeh…
(The actress mumbles a few words and then goes blank.)
Our impression: The hesitant actress takes up the task. However, after much humming and brooding, she fails to get the right lines. When provided with the right lyrics, a seemingly embarrassed Rakshanda offers a few smiles.
Rating: **

Vikas Bhalla
Show: Shanno Ki Shaadi
Right track: Ek kudi ki hai yeh kahani,
Oh chadti jawani, oh aankh mastani hai
Dil pe raj kare ghar pe rani hai
Nazar na lage ise ki yeh marjani hai…
Record tod: Ek kudi ki hai yeh kahani,
Oh chadti jawani, oh aankh mastani hai
Dil pe raj kare ghar pe rani hai…
(He forgets the next line.)
Our impression: At the outset, he refused to take up the challenge but after much coaxing, he agreed to do it. Known for his daily riyaz in his car, this actor and singer did manage to rattle a few lines.
Rating: ***

Anita Hassanandani
Show: Kavyanjali
Right track: Woh mile the, yun mile the
Dekhne bas unhe waqt bhi ruk gaya
Woh pyar tha choone jise ek pal ke liye aasma jhook gaya…
Record tod: Woh mile the, yun mile the…
Our impression: This leading lady has conveniently forgotten the theme song of the show now that it's nearing the finishing line. Considering that the show made her a household name, she would have done good to remember a few lines.
Rating: *

Mansi Parekh
Show: India Calling
Right track: Ain zameen pairon ke talen jo
Aasman bhi touch kar lengi
I believe khud pe jo ainkeen ho
Chaand bina bhi hum ji lenge
Chali main, chali main…
Record tod: Ain zameen pairon ke talen jo
Aasman bhi touch kar lengi
I believe khud pe jo ainkeen ho
Chaand bina bhi hum ji lenge
Chali main, chali main…
Our impression: It's a lesser-known fact that Mansi was a finalist for the pop band, Aasma. So she readily takes up the task and sings out the theme song in her melodious voice. Thumbs up!
Rating: *****

Cezanne Khan
Show: Kasautii Zindagii Kay
Right track: Chahat ke safar mein
Dilon ke hauslen dekho
Yeh aksar toot jaate hai
Kabhi asoon bahate hai…
Record tod: Chahat ke safar mein
Dilon ke hauslen dekho
Yeh aksar toot jaate hai
Kabhi asoon bahate hai…
Our impression: Over the years this actor has mastered the title track of his only show on television. He remarks, "It's so easy. How can you even think of me not remembering these beautiful lines?"
Rating: ****

Iqbal Khan
Show: Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai
Right track: Andekhi anjani kya ye mohabbat hai
Chupke se milti dillon ki ye chaahat hai…
Record tod: Andekhi anjani kya ye mohabbat hai
Chupke se...dillon ki ye chaahat hai…
Our impression: This actor surely loves taking up challenges. He takes a few seconds to recapitulate the lyrics and then sings it aloud.
Rating: ****

Edited by kudi420 - 18 years ago

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11344

Hibernated

Posted: 18 years ago

#88

Chandni's secret vivah!

gohil, gohil, gone! Manasi Parekh with her real husband singer Parthiv Gohil

Even as she readies for her on-screen nuptials, few know that Manasi Parekh got married earlier this year
Shaheen Parkar
shaheen@mid-day.com

Though her character Chandni may be tying the knot with Aditya (Vipul Gupta) in the Star One daily India Calling, not many are aware that Manasi Parekh is married to singer Parthiv Gohil. The actress had opted for a quiet wedding in the city on April 17 this year and had refused to talk about her big day till now. "It was a personal moment and I did not want any media glare," she says.
Low key
Says Manasi, "There may be people unaware that I am married but I prefer it that way. I want to keep my personal life away from my professional life. I'd rather be low-profile and avoid unnecessary publicity."
She would rather talk about her screen nuptials, which she describes as "a big fat telly wedding with the works – an elaborate mehendi and sangeet ceremony being shot at Future Studios."
Hubby came calling
Manasi keeps her personal life so tightly under wraps that she prefers to be non-committal when asked about her hubby, who had dropped in on the India Calling sets a couple of days ago when she suddenly took ill.
She only admits that she was unwell. "I was terribly sick. Basically it was lack of sleep and irregular eating habits. My body has yet to get adjusted to the grinds of a daily shooting schedule."
Song of love
Manasi's husband Parthiv Gohil is a singer who has his own band called Aakruti. He belts out both popular and classical numbers. He had also staged Dosti concerts based on the friendship between the songs of two languages (Gujarati and Hindi). Parthiv has performed in shows here as well as abroad. Incidentally, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas had Parthiv render the alaap when the credits rolled as well as in several scenes throughout the film.
Manasi and Parthiv first met on the sets of Sa Re Ga Ma on Zee's Alpha Gujarati channel in 2000. Parthiv was the anchor and Manasi a participant. At that time, Manasi harboured aspirations of becoming a professional singer, an aspiration she still harbours. They kept bumping into each other at music concerts and were engaged in February 2005.
Offers on hand
Acting happened when Manasi took part in an MTV talent hunt and was pencilled in for the channel's show Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi. She played the yellow-haired Jo, followed by Sony's Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai where she was seen as the signer Tania. "I'm singing all the time. On the sets of India Calling, I am glued to the IPod and keep listening to music as well."
A while back, she had accompanied Parthiv for his US concert for a couple of days. "There are offers to sing in stage shows, but with a daily shoot schedule I need to take out time for it," she says.
The Rose Audiovisuals show India Calling has Chandni playing a small town character who learns the ups and downs of city life at her job in a call centre.

getting there: Manasi Parekh with reel hubby Aditya (Vipul Gupta) in India Calling

Edited by kudi420 - 18 years ago

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11344

Hibernated

Posted: 18 years ago

#89

Made for each other

Destiny's couple
Niharika & Ayub Khan

Niharika, the silversmith of the Akirahin chain, is married to actor Ayub Khan. Both come from diverse backgrounds. Niharika has Punjabi and Parsi influences in her family, and Ayub comes from a Pathan family. They are the proud parents of two daughters: Tahura (5 & 1/2 years) and Zohra (2 & 1/2 years). ShaadiTimes has a speedy chat with the celebrity couple on marriage and personal chemistry.

The love story of Ayub and Niharika Khan has many twists and turns. They were college sweethearts and married each other after 15 years of courtship. After college, Niharika went to US and found it difficult to continue with a long distance relationship with Ayub back in India. Both of them married their respective significant others, which did not last long. And after 11 long years of separation, they bumped into each other in a salon accidentally and rediscovered their lost love.

Will you marry me?
With a smile on her face, Niharika recollects, "It was a very special moment. Ayub had taken me to an Italian restaurant in Bangalore. We had a good time but he did not give me any hint of what he had in mind. On our way back, I was surprised to find a big bouquet of red roses in the car. It had at least 5 dozen roses and I found one fake rose in the middle of the bouquet. I said eeks and carelessly threw it away! When Ayub said that it had the engagement ring and that he wanted to propose to me, I started frantically searching for it. Finally it was fun and humour which took over everything else."

Poles apart
"We are like chalk and cheese," says Ayub. "But as the wise saying goes, 'Opposite poles attract each other'. I am very conventional while Niharika always votes for radical and new trends," he says. "We don't agree on a lot of things and have arguments. For example, Ayub is religious while I'm not. But that doesn't affect our relationship because it is based on the strong foundation of love and trust," chips in Niharika.

Do you believe in the institution of marriage?
"To live in a society you have to follow the norms of the society. You cannot fight the norm because if you do so you have to go on fighting throughout your life. And this will affect not only you but all your loved ones too, like your parents and children. Hence I think marriage is necessary to live an easy life. And if you plan to spend your life with someone why not make it a legitimate relationship and give a name to it?" says Ayub.

But Niharika has her own arguments too, "Given a chance, I would definitely have opted for a live-in relationship. Today we lead a very fast life and live-in relationships are more practical now. But keeping in mind the future of my kids, I have come to terms with marriage."

What makes your marriage work?
"Niharika is the one word answer for this," says Ayub. "Well, for a successful marriage you have to put in a lot of effort. You have to pay constant attention to your spouse, learn to accept each other's traits, habits and manners. You have to value her for the person she is and respect her views and emotions. The moment you start taking things for granted and become complacent, it will start affecting your relationship," says Ayub. "For me trust, communication and mutual understanding are the keys to a happy marriage," says Niharika.

Who calls the shots?
"Oh, I'm the typical good Indian woman and Ayub takes all the decisions," laughs Niharika. On a serious note, Ayub says, "We discuss everything before taking any step, so it is more of a joint decision."

Does love go out of the window after marriage?
"No, it just keeps changing with time and your preferences," says Ayub. "Love is very dynamic. It grows and changes to different degrees through the different stages of life," elaborates Niharika. "Memories play a very important role in sealing love forever. With time, a lot of other things get added to love, like trust, responsibility, children etc. So it cannot die out if you are true to each other," she adds.

To me Niharika is...
"Niharika is everything I want to be. I wish I could be like her. She is patient and loving, and I know she will always be my side through thick and thin. She doesn't impose her decisions. She is quite easy with life, much unlike me. At times, I can be quite irritable as I keep dwelling on the past and find it hard to get over. In those times she helps me to look at the positive side of life. I have learnt a lot from her," gushes Ayub.

To me Ayub is...
His best half says, "Ayub is the practical side to our relationship while I am the emotional or crazy side. He is my conscience and my best friend. He is the Man whom all my friends would love to have in their lives. He is the perfect gentleman with a charming personality and a kind heart. However, he is very stubborn at times and I am trying hard to change this trait of his personality. Motherhood and marriage has changed me a lot. Previously, I was like a tomboy with a bindaas attitude. I was very spontaneous and could be quite selfish and irresponsible at times. Ayub has taught me to be a woman."

Spending time together
"I am at the mercy of my producers for time. But I try to spend as much time as possible with my children. I want to be a part of their growing up and want to be a part of their lives," says Ayub.
"The saddest part is that because of our hectic routines, we hardly get time to spend with each other. But we both make it a point to spend time with our children. I think spending time exclusively with each other is the privilege of the youth. We are too old for that," says Niharika.

Most expensive gifts
"I don't shop for myself. I shop for my home, children and Ayub. In fact, I hardly remember if Ayub ever got an extravagant gift for me. When I was just starting my career and in the initial stage of my marriage, I had bought a Rohit Bal outfit for him which cost a bomb," says Niharika. Ayub, of course, doesn't mind her shopping spree and loves indulging at times.

Tough times
"Both of us have been through tough times in our lives. But they were learning experiences," says Ayub. "In those trying times, everything went topsy-turvy... my personal life, my career... but I always believed that times will change. I tried to find peace in every situation. I did not think much about the present and just let it pass. My strongest source of inspiration was my mother. I have seen how she had gone through the hard times when my father passed away and how she had not lost her cool and brought us up single-handedly. I think that these bad times helped to shape me up as a human being," he said.

"Long distance relationships are very difficult to live up to. This I have realised from my own life. Someone else comes and fills up the space. But finding the right guy is also a tough job. When I was going round with Ayub in my college days, my best friend said that I should marry him. But I did not pay much attention to it. Later, when we lost touch and my first marriage snapped, I was searching for him desperately. I did not have a clue about his whereabouts until we bumped into each other after 11 years!! It was such a bizarre incident. You can say fate or kismat had its way and united us," reflects Niharika.

Edited by kudi420 - 18 years ago