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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#31

Bad boys take over the soap box

Move over, TV vamps. Put away those blouses made from tiny net handkerchiefs. Throw away the truckloads of lipstick and eyeshadow. Take a sabbatical. Don't come back. Because the bad boys are taking over. Whether it is Aman Varma in Viraasat and Iqbal Khan in Karam Apna Apna (both on Star Plus) or Apurva Agnihotri in Kaajjal (Sony), the men are trading their halos for horns.

Aman Varma wants the downfall of the happily married Rohit Roy and Sangeeta Ghosh; Iqbal Khan swears to fill his bride's life with sorrow; Apurva Agnihotri wants to crush the spirit of the heroine of Kaajjal, played by Surveen Chawla.

But vamps or villains, some things remain the same. Everyone smiles evilly, everyone pulls horrible faces, and everyone plots and plans ceaselessly (when do they have the time to do the normal stuff that you and I do, like pay taxes or toil in the office?).

And everyone is shot in exactly the same way — the camera focuses on their face, then zooms in and out dementedly, while you feel increasingly seasick.

There's an equally demented background score — like an orchestra permanently on drugs. Perhaps the entertainment channels should distribute free anti-nausea pills to all viewers.

Everytime a new film is about to release/has just been released, television channels (particularly the media partners of the film in question) give us wall-to-wall coverage of the movie. I switched on MTV and found the Jaan-e-Mann stars all over the place. Cyrus Broacha was interviewing Preity Zinta and Salman Khan; some bimbette (sorry, can't remember her name) was interviewing Akshay Kumar.

At least Cyrus brought his own madcap humour to the interviews, the bimbette giggled and asked questions like, "Anupam Kher is playing a dwarf in the film. Must have been really tough. Did you feel like doing that as well?" Akshay Kumar looked at her as if she had just descended from Pluto and replied: "Why should I?"

Then I tuned into Channel V and found Don all over the channel.

Then I tuned into Aaj Tak and found a special report called Umrao Ka Aangan.

Then I tuned into Star News and found a special report on Umrao, sorry, Aishwarya's wedding plans.

I'm just about to tune into Animal Planet. Who knows what I will find there? Maybe a special report on Salman Khan and black bucks.

Away from family melodramas and movies, Star Plus has recently started a science fiction serial called Antariksh, apparently aimed at children.

Which is a good thing because I can't imagine any adults desperately keen to watch people in funny clothes moving around against lurid computer-animated backdrops. But at least it's not a family melodrama.

Sony's Jhalak Dikhla Ja has finally ended. Mona Singh was already a star thanks to her role as Jassi. But the show has also succeeded in turning Shweta Salve, just another TV actress till yesterday, into something of a star.

For Sony the show has worked, because it has got into the Top 100 (the only other show from the Sony stable to make it to this list is the long-running, rock steady CID). And despite the inevitable comparisons with Nach Baliye II (not all of them favourable), Jhalak Dikhla Ja has been the one of the most watchable things on Sony recently.

For me, the dance episodes were always much more fun than the result episodes which — as Cecil B DeMille famously said about Mehboob Khan's Aan — simply went "aan and aan".

And finally. Despite comedy being currently in vogue, one still has to hunt quite hard for programmes, shows, anything that can actually make one smile.

My vote this week for Most Enjoyable Viewing goes to the Lola Kutty Ma Baker and Daddy Cool music videos on Channel V. I have no idea when they might be shown next and you certainly can't spend all day watching Channel V to get a dekho (what a punishment), but if by chance you happen to catch them while surfing, don't go away. Watch. And laugh. Lola Kutty, you are too 'hote'.

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#32

Simple plays different shades!

Simple Kaul has her hands full for now with two Sony soaps Kajjal and Aisa Des Hai Mera. The actor entered both the shows recently wherein she plays a Radio Jockey in Kajjal and a spirited college girl in Aisa Des Hai Mera.

Simple Kaul: Playing not soo simple roles!

Talking about Kajjal Simple affirms "I play Niki, who's a negative character in the show. It's a continuing character and quite interesting. Niki is forever putting down and humiliating Kajjal (Surveen Chawla) whenever possible," chirps Delhi girl Simple who is waiting to sign a few more exciting shows coming her way.
While in Aisa Des Hai Mera Simple plays a positive character, that of a college girl. Elaborating on her role, she says, " I play Simi, who's a positive, energetic, bubbly girl from Gaurav Chopra's family. She is Kiran Kher and Pawan Malhotra's daughter. The current plot focuses on my relationship and bond with my mom. For the rest of my character to unfold, one will have to watch the show," smiles the actor who is having a fun time shooting with such veteran actors.
Simple was last seen in Twinkle Beauty Parlour and has also been doing a couple of cameos of late. She has also recently completed the 13 episode TV series in Dubai titled Barsaat Ki Ek Raat. The actor might also be called to Dubai for an interview (in November) along with Vikas Bhalla to be a part of renowned chat show.
On the personal front, Simple for now is waiting to shift into her newly rented apartment as and when she can manage some time out of her busy schedule.

So with positive and negative roles coming her way, now we think the actor should feel complete with another comic role in hand.

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k6/oct/30oct/news_simple.php

Edited by Manoj_Tina fan - 18 years ago

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#33

Akela to be relaunched; Mihir quits

Sony shows are known for its revamps and following suit is Akela, a weekly based on supernatural powers. The show which stars Sudhanshu Pandey, Aashka Goradia and Mihir Misra as leads promises an interesting relaunch.

The weekly is in for major changes in terms of everything, from track to characters. The production house is tight-lipped about most its developments while a source close to the show reveals, "It certainly is a relaunch but not a very dramatic one. The show will be repositioned, from Tuesday to Saturday." The source further elaborates, "According to the production house the show will be best suited to a weekend slot. Also, the changes would be in terms of making it more scary and spooky as people like it that way."

Sudhanshu Pandey who plays the lead on the show is very happy with this development, "Well, it's a unique show and relaunching it with more spice is definitely a very good idea. Sumeet and I have already shot for a new promo which will be on air in the coming week."

Someone who is not happy with these twist and turns is Mihir Misra who has unofficially quit the show. "I have not been shooting for months together, and I have no clue what is happening with my character. It certainly has not shaped to my expectations," asserts Mihir. He claims it to be a part and parcel of life and wants to move on. "I haven't officially parted ways with Akela, but one can interpret it that way," says the actor.

Mihir is concentrating on other offers right now. "I will be doing an episodic in Sshh...Phir Koi Hain and might just join hands with Sony for Kaajjal, which is not yet confirmed," says Mihir who is also playing a Doctor in Kumkum.

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k6/oct/30oct/news_mihir.php

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#34

Kaajjal goes AWOL?

Apparently the actress attended her brother's engagement at the cost of her work

Ranjib Mazumder

Surveen Chawla aka Kaajjal of Kaajjal Sabbki Aankhon Mein Basi gave a tough time to the production team recently. Apparently the actress left for her brother's engagement in Chandigarh, leaving the production team to manage without a required episode bank. The unit had to manage the shooting without their lead actress for five days.

Says a source from the production house, "We had a few episodes to run during Surveen's absence. But the writers had to change the track. Surveen being the lead actress was required in every episode, but the actress was adamant about going for her brother's engagement which resulted into a heated altercation between her and the production team."

When contacted, Surveen said, "My leave was not unexpected. I am aware of my responsibilities and had informed the production team about my leave in early August. And I kept on reminding them since then. Is it my fault if they decided to change the content at the eleventh hour? I couldn't afford to miss out on my brother's engagement. On returning to Mumbai, I went straight on the sets and shot till 4.30 am despite suffering from viral fever."

When contacted, Rajesh Pavitran, COO of the production house (Twenty Twenty Television) said, "Surveen had informed us about her leave, but the script had to be changed at the last minute. However, now the crisis is over and we have somehow managed to cover up her absence."

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=19&am p;sectname=Television&sess=991556664

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#35

Man of the moment

Sandiip Sikcand, Chief Creative Director, Sony, is the talk of the town. One, for parting ways with Ekta Kapoor and two for getting Balaji artistes to produce and act in Sony shows. Sandiip clears the air in this free-wheeling interview ...

How has your experience with Sony been so far?
So far so good. However, I must say it's a little unsettling that in the eight weeks since I joined the channel, controversies have been hounding me ...

That's because you have parted ways with Ekta Kapoor and many of the artistes working in her serials are being seen in the Sony office?
I think this is completely unfair. I am not smuggling or poaching Balaji artistes. All the actors have a mind of their own and decide their career moves. Moreover, I will never do anything against my parent company. But as a producer, I am interested in bringing on good shows and artistes which is strictly professional. If some of the actors are finishing their contracts with Balaji Telefilms and are looking at doing new shows what's wrong with that? For instance, Aamna Shariff and I go back a long way. When I joined Balaji I had to undergo training as the associate director of a serial and that was Kaahin To Hoga. She is a fantastic actress and working with her will be a nostalgic experience for me. I feel very positive about the show we will be doing with her. Even Smriti Irani is producing a show for you?
Yes, it's called Viruddh. A daily soap, it depicts a powerful and different kind of conflict. Back at Balaji I was handling Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii but I always admired Tulsi. There I never got a chance to work with her, so I am very excited about her show in which she will also be acting. She's an amazing person. Tell us about Renuka Shahane who's making a comeback through a serial on your channel.
If you notice, most of the soaps on air today are about and for young girls. I thought we should have a show which targets the married audience, the homemakers, the wives. Jeete Hai Jiske Liye, produced by Deeya and Tony Singh, is about a married woman's desire to be a mother. As for choosing Renuka, she's been a dream for me. I think she has a sunflower smile, the best in the industry. She is perfect for the role but we are still looking for a male lead opposite her. Besides her show, we have Anuj Saxena producing a soap, a love story set against the backdrop of Jodhpur.

Which other shows have you lined up?
We will be starting a talk-show in December. A one-hour weekly, the show will bring a smile to your face. Full of warmth and masti, it is about celebrating life. Everyone faces hardships and struggles but this show looks at the positivity. Is it an adaptation of an international show or homegrown?
It is an original show with a lot of Indianess. Who will be hosting it?
We are trying to catch a popular filmstar exclusively for the show. Kaajal is the first show that went on air after you joined the channel? What has been your contribution to it?
Kaajal was planned before I came on board. It's two weeks old and the audience response has been extremely positive. They have liked the freshness of the soap and Surveen Chawla. However, I think technically we need to pull it up and I am taking care of it. What according to you are Sony's strengths and weaknesses?
I think Sony's strength lies in its ability to experiment. The channel is always trying to bring in new stuff which may not always be fruitful. Yet, the channel is prepared for that. It doesn't get deterred from trying fresh or novel programming. The channel has a fine mixture of entertainment with soaps and reality shows. The negative points of the channel is that they tend to get carried away by the success of a show and bring on similar programmes thereby killing the factor of exclusivity. For instance soon after Indian Idol's unprecedented popularity, the channel immediately launched Fame Gurukul. The show though slightly different from Indian Idol was about singing and it became an overdose for the viewer. Now, we are going to take it easy and bring it on a seasonal basis. You have a lot of experience and expertise in dealing with family soaps. What is your take on reality shows and will Bigg Boss be your first big show?
Actually, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa is my first outing with a reality show. But I am looking forward to Bigg Boss which is a very exciting concept. In fact, I am calling it the reality soap. It has a blend of interesting celebrities staying in a house for 100 days with only the basic amenities. Their emotions, tears, anger or laughter is completely unscripted and unpredictable ... Will you reveal the celebrities?
No. I know there's a lot of speculation and names like Rakhi Sawant and Mika Singh have been mentioned in the media. I will not deny or confirm the names, all I will say is that the line-up is exciting and will be revealed on the launch day November 3. With the recent SIM card controversy surrounding Nach Baliye 2, do you think reality shows are becoming a farce?
Soaps and reality shows are different aspects of television. One will have to keep rotating between them. As for the controversy, there is no definite proof whether Manav and Shweta actually bought the cards. But it is important for the contestants to realise that it's just a competition. Don't let it overtake your lives. You will lose some, win some, let the audience decide. There was insinuation that some of the Jhalak Dikhla Jaa contestants also resorted to something like this?
I don't think so. Nothing of the sort was brought to my notice. What are your plans for luring viewers back to Sony?
In a couple of months we will be introducing a different band of shows in the primetime slot between 8 pm to 11 pm. What will be interesting about the soaps is that each one will be completely different from the other. My aim is to make Sony the most-watched channel. Which have been your favourite shows?
Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii which I was handling, Kasamh Se and two old Sony shows Hum Pardesi Ho Gaye and Alpaviram. Finally, tell us what led you to quit Balaji Telefilms and how is your relationship with Ekta today?
I was with Balaji for four years. They were fabulous, productive years. My parting with the company was sorrowful but the way things were going there I had to move on. As for my relationship with Ekta I would be lying if I say things are hunky-dory between us. No, there's no communication between us and I haven't met her since I quit.

Besides handling the creativities at Sony you are also involved in theatre.
Yes. Next month I will be flying to Delhi for Vikram Kapadia's play Black With Equal. Recently, I also acted in the Mukesh Bhatt's Woh Lamhe. For me work is passion. I am the kind of person who works 48 hours in 24 hours!

http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=14042

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#36

After losing its position to Zee, Sony TV is trying doubly hard to get back in the race. Now every project of theirs is crucial for them. The much ambitious Kaajjal starring Surveen Chawla, made on the lines of a Balaji soap is getting special attention from the creative team.

Recently all hell broke lose on the sets of Kaajjal when Surveen left for her hometown Delhi for some family function. The unit had to go through a lot of pain because of the leading lady's absence. Soon after Surveen returned, she fell sick. It was very difficult for the team and they had to re-telecast one full episode by filling with it flashback scenes.

However the team had a diplomatic answer to give. "Surveen was ill. She was in Delhi for a holiday, for which she had informed us in advance. We aren't re-telecasting any episode. Yeah, we had problems due to Surveen's unavailability. But she shot from 4 o' clock in the morning after she reached Mumbai," said Rajesh Pavitran, creative producer, K Sera Sera, the producers of Kaajjal.

The episode filled with flashback shots was a clever way to cover up the deficiency. Looks like the team is hellbent on proving themselves and trying their level best to get Sony grooving again. But one has to admit that there is as much drama behind the scenes in daily soaps as there is in front of it.

http://www.deccan.com/TV%20Guide/TV%20GuideDescription.asp#S ony%20feels%20the%20Kaajjal%20blues!

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#37

Actor Manish Goyal is the latest actor to join Kaajjal. He will play the new man in Kaajjal's (Surveen Chawla) life. Apurva Agnihotri is already the hero in the show so that makes it a love triangle between Surveen, Manish and Apurva. "Manish will play the role of Dhruv who is a friend of Apurva. He is a flirt and gradually falls in love with Kaajjal," says a close source to the production house K Sera Sera. Manish's entry isn't surprising because no soap heroine can have a smooth love life and neither can there be only one man who is crazy about her. So, folks watch out for lots of twists and turns.

http://www.deccan.com/Sunday%20Chronicle/Sunday%20ChronicleD escription.asp#Manish%20to%20play%20a%20flirt

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#38

Faint-o-meter

The television industry's backroom shows high stress levels, back-breaking schedules, day-and-night shoots. Our actors seem to be falling like nine-pins, trying to keep us entertained through daily soaps. We provide a headcount of those who blacked out under pressure

Surveen Chawla
The lead actress of Kaajjal Sabbki Ankhon Mein Basi passed out on the sets after shooting for 11 hours at a stretch. Surveen says, "I had gone to Chandigarh for my brother's engagement.I fell ill there. But I had to report for shooting as soon as I landed here. I shot from 4 pm to 5 am. The next day, I couldn't handle the pressure and collapsed."

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=19&am p;sectname=Television&sess=691732719

Edited by Manoj_Tina fan - 18 years ago

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#39

'Let the media do their work'

Surveen Chawla, who has caught the eye again in the title role of Kaajjal, doesn't let gossip affect her. By Alok Hisaria

Q: Can you tell us something about your character in Kaajjal?

I am playing the title role of Kaajjal who's a smalltown simple girl. She works as a radio announcer and is very famously known. She is very bubbly and talkative. She misses her dead mother a lot. The people whom Kaajjal loves the most are her father, her bua (aunt) and above all Gannu Bhaiya (Lord Ganesha) whom she treats as her best friend.

Q: How did you get this offer?

I was taking a break after Kahiin To Hoga. In this period of three to four months, the production house called me up to play this lead and I am so happy that everything has shaped up so very nicely.

Q: Why have all the characters portrayed by you until now met with untimely demises?

It's not true. I only died in Kahiin To Hoga. In Kasautii Zindagii Kay I was the one who opted out as the character wasn't going ahead and I needed a break too.

Q: Was it a bitter experience? Whom do you blame for the Kasautii experience?

Absolutely no one at all. At the end of the day, it's the serial's requirements that have to be dealt with.

Q: Are we going to see your character meet a sad end in Kaajjal too?

(Laughs) Of course, not! I'm playing the lead role here.

Q: You are looking extremely beautiful in the promos. Whom do you give the credit for your looks?

The credit for this look goes to the show's creative team who took the pains to study every little detail of a simple girl residing in Mussourie.

Q: How do you cope with the pressures associated while shooting for daily soaps?

The positive energy around me helps me out in handling the pressure associated with the daily shoot schedules. And in addition to that, I have fallen in love with this character of Kaajjal, which pushes me to work harder.

Q: Will you be seen in Balaji soaps again?

I don't think it will be possible in the near future to work with Balaji Telefilms or for that matter any other production house, as I am busy with the shoot of Kaajjal. I enjoy one project at a time.

Q: How was the experience working with a senior actress like Rita Bhaduri?

Great! Rita Bhaduri is extremely sweet and a wonderful person to work with. I have learnt a lot from her. She was always there to help me out in the scenes.

Q: What about your experience with Apoorva Agnihotri? Was he cooperative, too?

I haven't shot much yet with Apoorva. But the work we have done till now is good. We had a good rapport on the sets and mingled with each other very well.

Q: How was your experience shooting in Mussourie?

We shot for 15 days in Mussourie. It was a very nice and pleasant experience working with the beautiful scenery, the mountains and the greenery around. Even the locals there were very helpful.

Q: You have been the subject of a lot of gossip like your enmity with Aamna Shariff and link-ups. How do you cope with all this moreso since you reside alone in the city?

I don't let gossip affect my personal life. Let the media do their work and I will do mine. In my heart if I know that I am right, then nothing affects me.

(SAMPURN)

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061110/asp/etc/story_6950968. asp

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#40

Kaajjal to be trapped in triangle!

The story of Surveen Chawla's solo debut show Kaajal will soon encounter a shift in gear. A new love angle, Manish Goyal, has been added to the existing track between Kaajjal (Surveen) and Dev Pratap Singh (Apoorva Agnihotri).

Mannish, who is currently seen in Star One's Betiyaan Paraaya Dhan, will be seen playing the second lead in Kaajal, thus pushing the script towards a love triangle. This is a big career boost for this Delhiite who was looking for a meaty role post his exit from Bhabhi.

We hope this new pairing fetches the show some healthy TRPs!

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k6/nov/13nov/grapevine.php