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It was a sort of scoop which shook the entire production house and channel alike. And before we explain the entire episode, look at the headline once again. It's Preeta Jain and not Preeti Jain. The man too is not Madhur Bhandarkar, we are talking about Nitin Bhandarkar here.

This incident took place on the sets of Zee's laugh riot Johny Ala Re, which is famous for its spoofs on famous personalities. But for once, the latest spoof wasn't based on a famous personality. It so happened that the director, while casting his actors for a small skit involving a director who forces himself on a newcomer, didn't realise that the male actors name was Nitin Bhandarkar and girl was called Preeta Jain.

He realised this co-incidence only when he held the mike and started giving instructions on the micro-phone saying, "Arre Bhandarkar, Ms Jain ko aise nahin, waise pakad." And what followed was a hilarious situation wherein everyone present on the sets started laughing.

It was being predicted by the mathematicians that the virus Y2K would affect our computers with the dawn of the millennium year 2000. Their predictions may have gone wrong in the case of the computers. But our television sets are surely affected with the virus of the K serials which is still imbibed deeply into the world of Indian television.

Every other serial starts with the alphabet 'K' be it Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kasauti Zindagi kay etc from the Balaaji stable and even non-Balaji serials like Kumkum, Kabhie To Nazar Milao and the recent Kaajjal . An extra letter here and there is the order of the day. "Numerology is a 5000 year old science, which was was used for the first time in Rakesh Roshan's film Kaho Na Pyaar Hai , which was a huge success at the box office in early 2000. Rakesh (Roshan) later introduced us to Ekta (Kapoor) and the rest is history," says famed numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani.

In fact Sanjay Jumani's predictions are said to be have played a major role in the success of the production company. Today he is a key name in the television industry. More then half of the industry name their serials only after consulting him. But not every serial has the same success ratio. "Nothing in the world can give you 100 per cent success. We never misguide our clients. Numerology acts as a catalyst. It makes you feel positive and betters your success. Ultimately it's a blend of hard work and good fortune that counts the most," explains Jumaani junior.

Ekta Kapoor's faith still runs deep. She also consults her good friend astrologer Sunita Menon. Recently it was reported that owing to some of their serials not faring well, Balaji made the new rule of matching the kundalis of its actors and employees with that of Ekta Kapoor. Though she vehemently denied all rumours, such news can only be associated with hardcore astrology- numerology fanatic Ekta Kapoor.

Munisha Khatwani, actress and a tarot card reader herself also believes in numerology. She changed her name from Monisha to Munisha after consulting Sanjay B Jumaani. "It has surely affected every aspect of my life in a positive way," comments Munisha. Has tarot reading also become popular with time? "The predictions made with the use of tarot cards are coming true and that's what bringing it into the limelight," replies Munisha. Television stars like Mukul Dev, Rageshwari, Rajeev Paul and many others are part of her clientele list.

Another actress Aditi Shirwaikar has also changed her named to Addite Shirwakar. "I was suffering from a lot of health problems. This was the reason I consulted a numerologist. The help I got has not only improved my health but has also enhanced my career graph," says Addite Dheeraj Kumar, veteran producer, decided upon a special telecast for his new show Ghar Ki Laxmi —Betiyann according to numerology. "According to numerology 3-6-9 is a lucky combination for me.

The channel had given me a telecast date of September 25, which adds up to 7 (2+5). I requested the channel to air a special telecast of my new soap on September 24 that adds up to 6 (2+4) which is my lucky number. Numerology does work in your favour," comments Dheeraj. Looks like the celestial stars continue to rule the lives of our TV actors.

(Sampurn)

Vivaah being a Sooraj Barjatya film, your expectation must be very high!
Yes it is a very big film for me because his films like Maine Pyaar Kiya and Hum Aapke hain Kaun have carved a very special place in the hearts of the Indian audiences.

It looks like another family film. Will it bring back the glory of Hum Aapke Hai Kaun ?
Vivaah is not going to be like Hum Aapke Hai Kaun as that film had elaborate wedding ceremonies, mehndi, sangeet, etc. Vivaah is actually the journey from engagement to marriage, which is the best phase in any couple's life.

Let's talk about your make-up and costumes in the film. Did you add any inputs?
I had Anna Singh to do the costumes for me and she is a very senior designer. She has designed for all the top actresses. I have blind faith in her. She has given me a very nice look.

What about the extravagant sets, songs and dances?
No. People should not watch the film expecting to see another Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, because Vivaah is a very different film.

How was it working with Sooraj ji?
Sooraj ji has really taught me so much, both about acting and about life.

What are the other projects you are working on?
I'm going to do a film with E. Nivas very soon, the guy who had directed Shool. The shoot is going to start in November.

(Sampurn)

Manoj Bidwai created quite a stir recently when it was reported that he was sacked by Balaji Telefilms after Ekta Kapoor found out that his kundali didn't match hers making him ineligible to work with her. Manoj however is keen to let the world know his side of the story. He would rather prefer to work hard and be recognised for his acting rather than be talked about for his so called war with Ekta Kapoor. He vehemently denies all the talk.
"There's no truth in it. Nobody from Balaji has ever asked for my kundali. All these rumors are just created by the media," he says.

Then what was the reason behind his sudden exit from Kyun Ki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi ? "They wanted me to play the negative role (of Abir). But my good looks became a deterrent and I couldn't play a convincing villain. From any angle, I wasn't looking like a villain," he clarifies.

But didn't Balaji check this before selecting him. "They surely may have considered the idea. Their make-up man tried hard to make me look like a villain, but failed," he answers . But things took a serious turn when Ekta lashed back by saying that she doesn't need to ask for the kundali of a character actor, when she has never asked Smriti Irani, Sakshi Tanwar or other lead actors for theirs.

Won't this be a setback? "I, as an actor obviously feel bad about such a comment. She must have read the papers and felt that I must have made those comments. I think she has just reciprocated to the reports the media blew out of proportion. I hope the misunderstanding is cleared very soon," he says hoping for the best.

He wishes that the episode won't affect his career in a negative way. "I sincerely think it doesn't affect me in any way," he says positively. He even doesn't rule out the possibility of working with Balaji again. "Definitely. Why not? I know my heart is clear and I haven't made any comments about Ekta (Kapoor). No actor would ever say no to a Balaji serial. Ekta does full justice to each and every character in her serials," is all Manoj would say.
Manoj has his future strategies in place and seemed to have learnt his lesson.

"I will be more careful while talking to the media. They unnecessarily add things on their own without considering the after effects of bad rumours on a person's life. I just want to keep on working. I have done a South film with the production company Nimbus. Talks are going on for a Hindi film with director Subbu, who has also directed me in a pilot episode of Arranged Marriage . At present, I am shooting for a serial named Shaadi Street produced by Deepti Bhatnagar. It's going to be aired on Star. Talks are in progress for a serial with another production house also," he signs off. (Sampurn)

Rakhi Aali re!

Zee TV's comedy show Johny Aala Re is all set for a brand new anchor and it's in the form of comedy queen Rakhi Tandon in place of old hostess Swetta Keswani. Known best for the hilarious role of 'Sweetie' in Hum Paanch , Rakhi has started shooting on special sets for her anchor links, and she promises to add more laughs to the laugh riot.

"I have a lot of expectations from Johny as he's always been rocking. The TRPs are not bad. The show is doing pretty well. Besides hosting the show, I also have a lot of interaction with Johny. I'm a full-fledged part of the show," says an excited Rakhi. However, the fact remains that Johny Ala Re hasn't done that well and hasn't lived up to the expectations. Maybe that's the reason why Rakhi has been roped in. In fact, the anchor she has replaced, Swetta Keswani had this to say, "I don't want to talk about it. I left it even before the show began. I have repeatedly said this."

Shwetta seems pretty miffed about the very topic of Johny Ala Re . Looks like her experience was quite bitter. It's been said Swetta wasn't very happy about the payments.
Now what Rakhi does to make the show special is still one big question.

http://www.deccan.com/TV%20Guide/TV%20GuideDescription.asp#' Nobody%20has%20ever%20asked%20for%20my%20Kundali'