| When I told a collegian that I was going to meet Apoorva Agnihotri, she suddenly came alive and shot back, ?How cool is that! Give my love to Armaan Sir.? That?s what he is known as after the popular television show, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin.
The conventionally good-looking Armaan?s attraction for plain Jane Jassi (he hasn?t recognised her in her svelte new avatar) has filled up several episodes and fired up much debate.
In real life, Armaan alias Apoorva, is married to pretty Shilpa Saklani.
Sunday Mid Day talks to Apoorva Agnihotri about The Male Gaze in a bid to find out how diametrically different are his views on women vis a vis his alter ego, Armaan Sir. They say men don?t make passes at girls who wear spectacles. In Jassi?s case, it is spectacles as well as braces. Do you agree that men give a lot of importance to physical beauty?
That?s the hard truth. But it?s true not only of men but also of women. If women claim that they give more importance to a man?s heart than to his looks from the very onset, it?s not true. It all begins with getting attracted to a face; qualities like a sense of humour, et al, follow thereafter.
Incidentally when I was in college, I did find a bespectacled girl attractive. But I didn?t make a pass at her. That?s not me. Also, I would like to add that physical attraction can?t sustain a long-term relationship like marriage ? you have to start relating to the ?person? in a man or woman. What did you discover about your wife, a TV actor in her own right, after you were attracted to her?
There were no rude surprises. She was more or less as I had envisioned she would be. She is simple and real, there isn?t a trace of superficiality in her. Why did you resort to an arranged marriage in this day and age?
I think I would call it love-cum-arranged. After pack up one day, a common friend, Rakshanda, organised a meeting with her over coffee at a Barista outlet. She was very cool, very normal. I didn?t go out of my way to impress her either. I think at times guys try too hard and it backfires. It works at times and doesn?t, at others. Have you been in a relationship before?
Yes. But I have never been casual about my relationship. You think all men fall in love more than once in their lifetime?
From the age of 14 to the last day of your life, you keep falling in love. But once you have decided to marry, you have to be committed to the girl for the rest of your life. My father, a film writer, was my role model. He was an absolute family man even though he stayed in Mumbai, away from us, for most part of his life. What is the most blatant pass a woman has made at you?
At Enigma, a girl passing by pinched my butt. Can you understand Armaan?s soft corner for Jassi?
Yes. Armaan is an unpredictable man. Do you ever ask the director about Armaan?s motivation for wooing Jassi?
I do quite often, but in television, you create situations to extend the serial. There isn?t much room for logic and motivation. Jassi began as a confident woman but now she is dependent on Nina Gupta?s character to show her the way. Can?t women ever be self-reliant?
Of course they can, but then there is always a difference between real life and a make-believe woman. Does your male ego hurt at the thought that Jassi is named after the female protagonist and not you?
I am very happy it?s called Jassi (laughs) because I have to shoot only for 20 to 22 days; Jassi shoots for 30 days a month! What is your rapport with Mona Singh, aka Jassi?
She is a very sweet person. What do you expect from your wife besides companionship and love?
What do I need her for? (striking a pensive pose). I think this is a tough one because needs keep changing with time. I think? I know she will be there for me if and when I am down and out. You and Shilpa are a DINK (Double Income No Kids) couple. Eventually, when you start a family, who will take the back seat?
I think she will. And she can always come back after two to three years. Look, she?s not a very ambitious person, nor am I. If she was ambitious, we would have had our share of problems. What do you think of the way women are projected on TV?
I think they cry a lot. They look so suppressed. Women in real life, in sharp contrast to the women on TV, are far more in control of their lives. Does your mom expect your wife to be like the character Ganga she plays in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi?
No. Not at all. Women are not the only vain species. I can see that you have got your hair restyled.
I have done an extension, a treatment for the hair that increases its volume. I think it?s important to feel good about yourself because what?s within reflects externally. At what age did you become aware that you are different from a girl?
When I was probably 10 or 11. And who answered your questions, if any?
My father would talk to me, man to man. It was very embarrassing. Who had a greater influence on your life ? your dad or mom?
My mom. I am 70 percent like my mom and 30 percent like my dad. Tell me, has your fan following been affected by your marriage?
I think girls either like you or they don?t. Being married doesn?t impinge on your popularity; cheating on your wife does. If Hrithik Roshan cheats on his wife, it would impact his career.
It would hold true for me too. A lot of women like Shah Rukh Khan because he loves his wife and kids. They love him much more than someone who is single and is a Casanova. Are men subjected to the casting couch too?
Yes. But I haven?t had to confront it. Can you understand the psyche of a person who misuses power?
Essentially, people in power can?t digest it. My father often told me that it drives people mad. Would you ever raise a hand on a woman?
Never. Has any woman provoked you?
10,000 times (laughs). But I would never raise my hand on her, unless I am required to do so for the camera. Would you use such an acting opportunity as a catharsis? For instance, did you find a release for your pent up anger in the scene where you manhandle Mahima in Pardes?
No. At that point of time, I wasn?t anxious or angry (half smiles). ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------- Lassi for Jassi
By: Anita Raheja and Heena Agarwal March 20, 2005 | | | During winters, my family loves to drive out in the night for a kulfi. I also look forward to eating sarson ka saag with makai ki roti and lots of white butter.? ? Mona Singh | It was a national secret, but now it?s common knowledge that model Mona Singh plays the part of Armaan Sir?s clumsy secretary Jassi.
Mona admits that in real life too, ?I am very clumsy and keep banging into people wherever I go. I respect and value time and I believe in God strongly.
Like my character on the small screen, my parents are very important to me. They are my best friends. If they are with me, no one else matters.?
Even Mona is bewildered by the way in which Jassi has stormed the country.
?Recently, my mom said that at an inter-school fancy dress competition at Pune, a girl dressed up like Jassi and won the first prize.? Mona, who likes to wear only lipstick and a dash of koel, is simplicity personified ? even in her tastes in food. Thought for food
I am from Pune . I am a Sardarni. Since my dad was in the army, we have travelled a lot. After he retired, we settled in Pune. I came to Mumbai recently. I have always been special for mom and dad.
I begin the day with prayers . I need bed tea to bring me to my senses. I normally avoid breakfast, but if I am really hungry, I eat a sandwich or some fruit.
I prefer vegetarian food , especially gobi parathas, aloo parathas, rajma, kadhi. My favourite non-vegetarian dish is butter chicken, but I don?t like seafood.
When I am at home , I have very simple food ? yellow dal, rice, curd and some sabzi. I like to have raita with my meals.
In my school tiffin, mom would give me puri-aloo. I loved her parathas with jam.
If I?m in the mood to cook, I would probably make channa bhatura.
I eat unit food, which is also very simple . It comprises an egg masala or a chicken dish in gravy, dal, raita and kheer. I relish snacking on samosas in the evening.
I am very fond of sizzlers.
My favourite restaurant in Pune is Zaika . It?s known for its kali ma ki dal and kebabs. Coffee House serves good food, but I?m not very fond of South Indian food. I recommend China Room for Chinese.
I can?t call myself a restaurant person. I see going out to a restaurant as a family outing.
In Mumbai, I have been to Legacy of China and Noodle Bar , but the only eating place I frequent is Urban Tadka in Seven Bungalows. Their kali dal and Amritsari chicken has a Punjabi flavour.
My favourite cuisines are Punjabi and Chinese. In Punjabi food, my favourite fare is kali ma ki dal, good spicy chicken and gajar halwa.
In Chinese food , I dig egg fried rice and chilly chicken.
I am a big time dessert person. I like gajar halwa, kheer, rabdi and firni. However, I don?t like ice creams. I love chocolate chips and chocolates except those with a mint flavour. In pastries, I prefer black forest.
I drink a lot of sweet lassi . My favourite beverage is Aarey?s sweet lassi.
As part of my fitness regime , I ask the unit man to cook food in very little oil for me. I eat rotis without ghee or butter. I avoid rice. I drink lukewarm water all day. I have no time to go to the gym; I shoot for 15 hours, everyday.
I am a student of Saint Mira?s college, Pune . During my college days, I would hang out at Gobbles. The restaurant does not exist any more. Prem?s served excellent moon fried eggs.
I can gorge on vada-pav and sev batata dahi puri. I love the raste ka sandwich in Mumbai. I am not fond of burgers and pizzas.
I can make very good parathas ? egg, aloo, gobi, mutter, cabbage, chana dal parathas. I also cook stuffed bhindi and capsicum with aloo. My mom cooks amazing rajma and kadhi. I really miss her haath ka khana. I have learnt all my cooking from my mom.
Mangoes and custard apples are my favourite fruits.
In mocktails , I enjoy fruit punch. I had champagne once, but didn?t like it.
I give preference to the food rather than the ambience. Even a dhaba is fine as long as the food is good. In Mumbai, I have tried the Guru Ka Dhaba at Lokhandwala. It is famous for rajma chawal.
In the fridge, I don?t stack anything for myself. Come to think of it, I would like to stash away some chilled rice kheer.
My idea of a romantic dinner is Indian food, a softly lit place and a Jagjit Singh ghazal playing in the background.
On a rainy day , pakode and chai is an ideal combination.
During winters , my family loves to drive out in the night for a kulfi. I also look forward to eating sarson ka saag with makai ki roti and lots of white butter.
I like my food spiced with garlic.
My favourite gadget is the microwave. I am diet conscious and the microwave makes it easy to cook food in less oil.
The vegetable I resemble is a cauliflower. I feel Jassi is like a flower. ____________________________________________________________ | Interview with television actor Rajesh Khera | | | | | "Had Maddy been my first role, I would definitely have got slotted" | | | Posted on 7 May 2004 | | | | A Pune resident, Rajesh Khera came to Mumbai in August 1993, with Rs 600 in his pocket and acting on his mind. Once here, he started doing voice-overs and worked as a production trainee with an ad agency. Now after 10 years, the big break comes with Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin - as the effeminate chief designer Maddy- who has created a buzz for himself with his in-your-face portrayal of a homosexual. He is the insensitive bully gunning for Jassi. Catch Rajesh Khera in conversation with indiantelevision.com's Vickey Lalwani. | | | | Seems like you were very focussed on becoming an actor?
Yes, stage and drama were a part of my life right from my school days. I was quite passionate about acting, but along the way academics took over. I tried my hand at various things - hotel management, MBA, CA... but wasn't very successful. I realised that instead of half-hearted attempts, I must follow the path where my heart lies, which is why I began approaching producers for roles. | | | | Did the roles come your way easily?
I had no formal training in acting. So there was a little bit of a struggle initially. I got my first break when Vinod Pandey offered me a small, but meaty role in Reporter, which was telecast on DD1. Soon, other serials started coming in. I did Tara, Swabhimaan, Raahein, Raahat, Ithihaas and Saaya. Somehow, most of the roles I was offered were negative. At a certain point, I felt I was stagnating. Then, I decided to plunge into films. The bigger canvas excited me. Moreover, in films, one can experiment with subjects, unlike television. I did my first film- Govind Nihalani's Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa, followed by Josh, Taal, Tum Bin, Hu Tu Tu and Samay. | | | | Have you ever felt insecure in this profession?
Acting, thy name is insecurity! Why else do you think I am losing hair? (laughs). Seriously speaking, sometimes in television your track does not click with the audience and you are booted out. Like what happened with me in Devi and Aman Varma came in as the replacement. I tried talking to the people concerned, but to no avail. Still, I feel that the TV industry is relatively chilled out. At the end of the day, there is work for everyone. In films, you need a lot of luck, especially if you have no godfather in the industry. So, many talented actors end up playing trivial roles. Look at what happened to Ashutosh Rana after he switched over to films. Where is he today? Is Manoj Bajpai getting his due? I remember I had this prominent close-up of mine in Josh, when my character was introduced. Alas! It was left out at the editing table. Apart from that one close-up, which anyway didn't last more than 4-5 seconds, I had hardly anything to do in the film. | | | | How did 'Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin' happen?
Preeti Dayal, who is one of the co-writers of this show, recommended my name to the producers Tony and Deeya Singh. Looking at my track record of playing negative characters, they were apprehensive about me portraying Maddy - a soft character. But I was called. I knew that this was a tough role and it could do either make me or break me. I did some homework before meeting them. I tried to recollect all my interactions with people from the gay community and rehearsed their style of talking, sitting, walking... basically their entire body language. And my homework paid off. The channel officials were convinced that I would be able to carry off. | | | | "In films, you need a lot of luck, especially if you have no godfather in the industry. So, many talented actors end up playing trivial roles" | | | | | | What about the look of your character in the show? The 'frilly' hair style et al...
As you know, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin is an adaptation of the Hispanic show Yo Soy Betty La Fea. Maddy's character in the original show had a shaved head. But I thought that a wig would add to the character. It would make Maddy look even more gay. There were some difference of opinions, but I insisted. We surfed on the website of the famous Hollywood actor Billy Zane- he is a bald guy who I remembered had worn two lovely wigs in Titanic and Phantom. Then, we called a wig-maker. He came up with one of the wigs, which Tony just casually ran his fingers through. Suddenly, we saw that it had started looking frilly. Everyone loved the effect. Immediately, he called for the wigmaker and asked him to make some modifications so that the end result would be frilly (blushes). And that's the secret of the frilly hairdo that I sport. | | | | Did you work on your costumes?
Absolutely! I had to wear tight, body-hugging and colourful, fluorescent clothes, sleeveless stuff, like gays generally do. I started working out at the gym regularly. I can't afford to carry a paunch and a loose body. | | | | Don't you feel you might just get slotted?
Had Maddy been my first role, I would definitely have got slotted. Then, people might have even believed that I was gay. But I have been in the industry for ten years now. It's too late to get slotted now. | | | | What is the biggest problem playing a gay character?
It's very difficult to come out of it when the director calls 'Cut'. And if you are out of it once, it's very difficult to get in again when the director calls 'action'. | | | |
Picture Courtesy:vivekagnihotri.com
| "Where do TV actors have the time to go through the lines? Most of them are working 14-15 hours every day" | | | | | What has the role of Maddy given you?
My long lost due and respect in the industry. At last, people identify me wherever I go. Producers answer my calls easily, unlike before when they were invariably in a meeting or in the toilet. | | | | You seem to be literally pumped up with enthusiasm...
(Interrupts) It's great to succeed without having any love-triangles, family squabbles and sudden deaths, et al. People are talking about this serial in buses, trains, taxis, rickshaws, restaurants and kitty parties. We have managed to attract viewers from the lowest common denominator too. I think the audiences are tired of watching the Balaji type serials and Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin has provided a whiff of fresh air. | | | | Who has approached you? Any new serials and films you have signed?
Govind Menon approached me for a role, similar to Maddy. However, we could not strike a deal. He was offering me very little. Then, Gaurang Doshi approached me for Deewar- Lets bring our heroes home, but I had date problems. Satish Kaushik has also called me. I am doing a small, interesting cameo in Sanjay Upadhyay's debut directorial Taap (which stars Tina Parakh aka Shruti of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii). | | | | "Acting, thy name is insecurity!" |
Picture Courtesy:bollywoodpremiere.com
| | | | | Have your rejected any roles?
I have not rejected any role. Of course, I have been unable to do certain roles due to unavailability of dates. For instance, Balaji Telefilms have called couple of times. Unfortunately, I have been abroad shooting for some other serial or some film. | | | | It's natural for a newcomer to imitate some of his seniorsâŚ
(interrupts) It did happen early in my career, but I won't take names. Now, I am past that stage. Neither do I imitate anyone, nor can anyone intimidate me to do so. | | | | But there must have been occasions, when some actors try to throw their weight around?
You are not wrong, but that happens on rare occasions. On those occasions, I just look at the director, hoping he butts in. He then takes a hint and offers what should be done and how it should be done. | | | | Would you feel more comfortable if the serial's script was given in advance?
I don't think that would have made a difference. Where do TV actors have the time to go through the lines? Most of them are working 14-15 hours every day. | | | | How much of television do you watch?
More than enough, actually! But I don't see the regular kind of stuff- soaps, sitcoms, comedies. This has led me into lot of embarrassing situations many a times. Like I am sitting at Barista and two top actors from a Balaji serial are sitting across - but I fail to recognize them (bites his tongue)! Whenever I plug in, I am glued to National Geographic, HBO, Star Movies, Star News and of course BBC, which is my favourite. | | | | Where does 'Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin' go from here?
Ask Sony Entertainment Television. I consider myself as only an actor (laughs). | | | |
Book Talk
