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Bittersweet tell-all-tale



By HT
Thursday October 19, 09:33 AM
Television actor Ali Asgar not only resembles Rishi Kapoor but, like him, is also an underrated actor. Like Kapoor, he has always delivered, be it in comic, serious or negative roles.

In the industry for almost two decades, Asgar is currently seen as Kamal Agarwal, one of the sons of the Agarwal family of Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki. And in the six years that he has played Kamal, he has portrayed all the possible shades in the character, from comic to positive and intense to even negative. Now, with the serial poised to take another 20-year jump, his character is expected to have some more meat to chew on. Asgar will also be seen in Sachin Pilgaonkar's sitcom Kadvee Khatti Meethi.

The comedy show takes off from where the saas bahu comedy Tu Tu Main Main had left off. Asgar joins Reema and Supriya Pilgaonkar, the warring mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair. In the serial's new avatar, Asgar joins the cast as the grandson, who is "completely a grandma's boy. So obviously my mother is not very happy about it." He is caught between his wife (played by Sucheta Pawshe), his mother and his grandmother.

One wonders if Asgar has ever been caught between the devil and the deep sea - his mother and his real life wife? "I have been married for four years now and fortunately my mom gels very well with my wife. I haven't really found myself sandwiched between the two but on the sets here, I'm often caught between these three women."

Considering Asgar has a flair for comedy, doing a show like Kadvee and #8230; should be a God-sent opportunity, especially after playing heavy-duty scenes in Kahani and #8230; "Yes, it's great to do comedy, but then I have no complaints against Kahani and #8230; either. All these roles are like different vegetables in a thali - a little bit of everything. So my roles too have to be interesting and varied, only then acting ka mazaa aata hai."

Ali Baba...

Ali Asgar took a month-long break to help his son overcome sibling rivalry, after the birth of his baby daughter


Daddy cool: Ali Asgar with wife Siddiqueh, son Akbar and newborn daughter Ada



Actor Ali Asgar (Kamal Agarwal in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii) has worked without a break for six years. However, recently Ali was forced to take a month-long break. Reason? The actor's wife Siddiqueh delivered their second child, a baby girl. Says Ali, "I'm a workaholic and don't like sitting at home. It makes me feel sick and edgy."

But this time it was a paternal leave of sorts for Ali. "After the birth of our daughter Ada, our three-year-old son Akbar began to feel neglected. He thought that it was unfair on our part to shower so much love and affection on his sister," says Ali. Understandably, his wife was busy with the newborn baby. "I too was shooting round the clock. After a few days, I realised that my son had become quiet and withdrawn, and was not behaving like his normal self. The fact that he felt left out was evident from his behaviour, so much so that it started bothering us," he adds.

Ali then decided to take over and help his son get over his insecurity. "I requested the production house to grant me leave. Since my wife was busy with Ada, I had to take charge of my son. At this age, sibling rivalry is a common phenomenon. Every parent must have dealt with the problem at some point of time. So, I wanted to be there for my son and help him overcome his fears. Our life is incomplete without him and I tried to explain that to him. This kept me away from my work for almost a month. But I don't regret it," he says.

Swooning over Swapnil

As a teenager people used to call him Lord Krishna and touch his feet. Today girls swoon as Swapnil Joshi passes by because of his Aamir Khan-like good looks. An indya.com exclusive interview.


Starting his television career at the age of eight in Ramanand Sagar's Uttar Ramayan, Joshi became a household name when he starred in Sagar's Krishna. Despite his schoolboy looks, Joshi is already an old hand in television serials and plays. His 'good boy' image in serials, however, recently got a jolt when he portrayed a negative character in the serial Hare Kkanch Ki Choodiyan. Not to be stereotyped, he is coming back in a comedy role in actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar's new serial Kadvee Khattee Meethi.

Tell us a bit about your role in Kadvee Khattee Meethi…
It is a saas-bahu story and I play Arjun, Ali Asgar's younger brother (the new bahu's brother-in-law). I have worked with Sachinji earlier in Had Kar Di so he knows me. I liked the role he offered and it is always a great pleasure working with him.

After positive roles in Krishna, Des Main Nikla Hoga Chand, Amanat, and Bhabi etc what tempted you to do the negative role in Hare Kkanch Ki Choodiyan?
That's exactly why I did the role. I always wanted to do something different. I had to play a double role in this serial; the negative character was called Sunny. I am thankful to the director for offering me the part.

Are you undertaking any new Hindi or Marathi projects in the near future?
A Hindi serial will come on air this December but I can't give you any details about that. I have just completed a Marathi picture called Yere Yere Paisa directed by Sanjay Jadhav. I am also doing a play called Tea Coffee & Me. Its last performance is in January and I can't think of other plays before then.



Anything coming up with Aroona Irani or with Balaji Telefilms?
Not as of now, but I would definitely like to work with them. I am very fond of Aroonaji.

Would people actually touch your feet after the success of Krishna?
Yes, it's true and I used to think that they were crazy as I was only a kid. But later I understood their love for me. I even used to get lots of attention in my school from my friends, fans and my teachers. But my parents always taught me discipline and I was always good at studies. I have completed my Bachelor of Law degree and wanted to do my Masters but couldn't to do it because my acting career. I have always wanted to become an actor.

Your closest co-stars…
I enjoy working with Grusha Kapoor, Pallavi Joshi and Shishir Sharma.

When not shooting you usually…
Read, listen to music, and go for long drives.

You favourite role is…
I like all my roles. I can't name any one; it's like asking a mother who her favorite child is.

With your first payment you…
Bought gifts for my parents and put some money in front of God.

When people say you look like Aamir Khan…
I always feel flattered especially when girls say so.

In future you would like to…
Open my own restaurant.

Your favourite heroine is …
Rani Mukherjee

'Comedy is very serious business'




Swapnil Joshii, who had taken a month-long break, is back with a comedy



HARSHADA REGE


Actor Swapnil Joshii is back on the after a month long break. Swapnil is now part of Kadvee Khattee Meethi on Star One. "I have been working continuously for the last five to six years. So, I think, I deserved this break. I was ready to begin work when Kadvee... was launched. So, now I am back," says Swapnil.
Swapnil says that though Hindi serials bring a lot of popularity, he makes it to point to work in at least one Marathi serial. "I remember the time when I had three Hindi serials, but my grandmom used to tell people 'Look at him he is not doing any work. You can hardly see him on TV', which was very embarrassing. That's when I realised that there are people who watch only regional channels and hence I decided to do at least one marathi serial," he says. Right now Swapnil's Marathi serial Adhuri Ek Kahaani, which has been on air for over three years is still going strong. "That too without a generation leap," he laughs.
Swapnil says that with Kadvee... he gets to work with Sachin Pilgaonkar, who has made popular serials like Tu Tu Main Main and Hadh Kar Di. "Working with him is like being at home. The only challenge is to match the comic timing that actors like Supriya and Reema share," he says.
Swapnil enjoys doing comedies. He says, "Comedy is very serious business. People are so stressed that they prefer watching serials that provide them absolute entertainment and comedy shows do just that."
Besides serials, Swapnil keeps himself busy with his play Tea, Coffee or Me? "Doing a play is a different experience altogether. I am happy with the work I am getting. But I may sign one more serial in the future," he says.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/

Comedy cannot be taught, it has to come naturally to you: Sucheta

Interview of the week


She's best known for her comic roles in shows like Shubh Mangal Savdhan and The Great Indian Comedy Show and the afternoon drama series Vishwas will now be seen in the highly anticipated Kadvee Khatti Meethi, the second installment of the hit comedy Tu Tu Main Main. In this tete-a-tete, Sucheta Pawse talks about her great expectations from the show, the fantastic unit and much more.

Let's start with your role in Kadvee Khatthi Meethi?
I play the character of Madhu, who gets married to one of Supriya (Pilgaonkar)'s sons Karan, played by Ali (Asgar) and enters the home as the youngest bahu. Madhu is educated and has done her graduation in law.

She feels that she is the perfect daughter-in-law. She tackles everyone in the house other than her two mothers-in-law. She is sandwiched between the two of them. Supriyaji is confused and doesn't know whether to dictate or hear me. She is also the one who is great at having the cake and eating it too. Madhu is undoubtedly smart and intelligent.

Reema Lagoo and Supriya Pilgaonkar have already proved themselves as the saas-bahu characters in Tu Tu Main Main!
Yes, I am very much aware of that. I got through my first day feeling a bit nervous. But as the day progressed, I started feeling comfortable with my role. Besides that, Sachinji (Pilgaonkar) is a good director. He wouldn't say ok if any shot isn't up to his expectation. The script is also uncomplicated.

Your experience working with Sachin (Pilgaonkar)!
This is not the first time I'm working with Sachinji. In fact I got my first break under his direction. It was a film called Naam Kya Hai, produced by ABCL. But unfortunately due to some problems it didn't get released. Sachinji is my mentor and a superb person to work with. He has known me since I was 15. He only advised me to join acting classes at Kishore Namit Kapoor's acting institute.

What do you enjoy more — comedy or drama?
I enjoy comedy more. It's a challenge for every actor. Comedy isn't easy at all. It cannot be taught. It has to come naturally to you.

Will Kadvee Khatthi Meethi do as well as Tu Tu Main Main?
I had seen Tu Tu Main Main as a viewer. The concept of Kadvee Khatthi Meethi is different from that of Tu Tu Main Main. I just hope and pray that it does well. Eventually it's the audience who will make the final decision.

Your chemistry with your male co-stars…
It wasn't difficult for me to get along with them. I had performed a comic piece with Ali (Asgar) at an IT awards function. So I knew him. Swapnil (Joshi) was new to me. But both are very sweet and we have developed a good rapport.

Are there any other projects you are working on?
I'm doing another show, which would go on air in December. But I can't officially announce it right now.

Getting Khatti Meethi With Reema Lagoo!
[7 Dec 2006]



"I'VE NEVER BEEN INTERESTED IN SAAS-BAHU SERIALS. I CAN'T STAND SERIALS WITH REDUNDANT SUBJECTS"

THIS WAS WHAT YOU CALL AN ACCIDENTAL INTERVIEW. A CHANCE VISIT TO THE KADVEE KHATTI MEETHI SET TURNED INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A BRIEF YET HIGHLY INTERESTING TTE--TTE WITH THE ERSTWHILE REEL-LIFE MOTHER OF EVERY TOP FILM STAR IN THE COUNTRY. THAT OF COURSE, IS REEMA LAGOO. BE IT A YASHRAJ FILM, A DHARMA PRODUCTION AND VERY OBVIOUSLY ANY BARJATYA MOVIE, REEMA LAGOO HAS TO PLAY THE EVER SACRIFICING, ALWAYS READY WITH ADVICE, 'READY TO BREAK INTO TEARS AT ANY MOMENT' MOTHER, WHO SUPPORTS HER CHILD NO MATTER WHAT.

ST: You are hardly anything like your popular screen characterizations?

RL: In real time, I am as forthright as they come and have no qualms about calling a spade a spade. I have had my share of the limelight, and am no longer interested in chasing the 'monies' as they call it. It's all about doing quality work now. Why take up something just for the heck of it?

ST: Your Bollywood image is very much of the sweet, loving mother but your television audience remembers you as the saucy, insolent mother-in-law, always out to get your unsuspecting daughter-in-law (Supriya Pilgaonkar) in Sachin's Tu Tu Main Main. How do you feel about this?

RL: Well, the show is back, albeit in a new avatar, with an extended star cast and a new name to boot, Kadvee Khatti Meethi. And I am just as excited about it, as I was when Tu Tu Main Main had just begun. This has always been an interesting show for me, I enjoyed it then, and I'm enjoying shooting for it now too. It's the same set-up, similar environment, and except for a few new additions to the cast, everything's the same. It feels like family.

ST: Isn't there a feeling of dj vu? Like she's already been there and done that?

RL: Why would I feel that way? They haven't changed the format of the show but the situations will definitely change. As of now, it's not feeling repetitive. We'll be handling topics of the new generation, which should be fun.

ST: To whom the credit for the success of the show should go?

RL: I will attribute the immense success of the show to the amazing chemistry shared by the star cast and the writers and everyone involved. Over the years, our chemistry has just got better and better. Not only have we matured as actors, but also the tuning that Sachin, the writers and I share is amazing. Also, the language we use is so real, people can relate to it.

ST: But the most laudable chemistry is the one shared by
Reema and Supriya.

RL: You won't believe it, but we hardly ever rehearse. The script is read maybe once or twice, everything else is spontaneous. It's a very impulsive thing between us. I know exactly how she'll react and vice-versa, which means there's no need for us to plan everything out.

ST: Apart from Kadvee Khatti Meethi, why have you not taken up any television work?

RL: It's a conscious decision; I've always chosen to do very little work on TV. And nothing I've done has been substandard. If you've noticed, ever since Shrimaan Shrimati, I've only taken up selective work.

ST: The same would go for films because it's been quite a while since we've seen her on the big screen.

RL: I'm not doing any Hindi films because I'm looking for proper roles. I'm concentrating on Marathi films like Aai Shappath instead, where I'm getting to play characters which are different.

ST: Is that why she's not doing the Rajshri film, Vivah? Or is there something we don't know? RL: It's nothing like that. There was no role for me in Vivah. So what would I take up? When you'll see the film, you'll realize what I'm saying.

ST: But why hasn't she given a thought to popular saas-bahu shows?

RL: Because I've never-ever been interested in saas-bahu serials. I could never see myself in that set-up. Even though Tu Tu Main Main had Supriya and me arguing constantly, at the end of it all, there's love between us. And that's shown in the serial as well. I don't understand all the manipulation and scheming that happens in these typical saas-bahu shows. Very honestly, I can't stand serials with redundant subjects. I feel they send wrong messages to society. The only things you see are decked up women, in the kitchen all day, who have no other work, but to scheme and come up with dirty plans to ruin everyone's life. I'm much happier doing theatre where my energies are better channelized.

Ali in different shades!

Ali Asgar does not need any introduction to Indian television viewers. We know him not only because of Kamal of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki but also for his other popular roles. Catch him in an indya.com exclusive interview.


Starting his career with a serial called Ek Do Teen Char for Doordarshan in 1984-85, Asgar has done myriad roles since then in serials like Chunauti, Neeve, etc. He is now seen in actor-director Sachin's Kadvee Khattee Meethi.

How did your role in Kadvee Khattee Meethi come about?
I have worked with Sachin before. I had done a serial with him called Pratishodh. When he offered me the role I liked the subject and accepted it immediately. It is a comedy role but has different shades and emotions. It's a well written serial and has doses of everything.

I am playing a character called Karan, who is Supriya's (Radha) son. But he is completely a Dadi's boy. It is a story of how my character always gets stuck between his dadi, maa and biwi.

You have been working in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki six years now, how has it been?
I think Kamal in Kahani… is an interesting character. I have never played such a character before. It has all shades in it and I am happy I am doing something apart from comedy. I am also thankful to Ekta (Kapoor) for giving the role.

Kahaani… satisfies everyone who is working in the serial. It is close to my heart and the team is also good. The actors are real and there are no attitude problems between actors.

Will any characters change in Kahaani… after the leap?
Yes, there will definitely be changes in each character. Some positive characters may become negative and negative ones become positive.

How's Parvati's new look?
Well I can't say much about it as she is playing my bhabi but she is looking mind-blowing.

What's the new cast like?
I don't have any problems working with new people. With the newcomers there will now be lots of energy on the sets.

Tell us a bit about your favorite role…
It's from the serial Itihas. I played a don in that serial. At such a young age the role was a good experience for me. Ekta always helped me break my image and Gogi Anand, the director of the serial, taught me ABC of acting.




Anything new coming up?
I don't have time for new movies or serials right now but I am doing a film with David Dhavan called Partner. I am playing the role of a freelancer in an advertising agency.

Which co-star are you most comfortable with?
Sakshi always helps me to improve my performance. Over the last six years we have been working together so there is a good mutual understanding between us. She knows during scenes where I'll take a pause or how I will react.

You are playing Asrani's character in the Bhojpuri re-make of Sholay…
This is my third Bhojpuri film. I have done a film with Mahesh called Ghardwar and another called Hum Balbramhachari Tu Kanya Kuwari. But this role is big challenge for me. There character will be a bit different but the outline is the same. I don't yet know the details but I am excited about the role

How was it working with Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu?
I had done a serial for Urdu Etv for them and it was an amazing experience working with them. Dilipji is my idol; I have learned a lot from him. I still meet them and if they offer me a role I'll surely do that.

What do you do with you free time?
I liked cooking, sleeping and watching movies. I don't like partying. I also liked traveling and eating. But my favorite pastime is spending time with my son and wife. I usually take my son out for horse riding, to beaches, playland, computer games, as I hardly get time with them.

Are you satisfied with the money you are making?
Nobody is ever satisfied with whatever money they receive but I am happy with my pay package. I am also thankful to God as I always get much more than I ask for.

What did you do with your first pay?
I must have given it to my parents.

What would you have become if not an actor?
I would have become a chef as I have completed my catering course from Hotel Management Institute of Cadell Road, Mumbai.

Just one day to save your soaps
Saturday, December 30, 2006 00:51 IST

CAS for cable TV comes into effect tomorrow; there is no grace period NEW DELHI: It's official. The conditional access system for cable television comes into effect in the notified areas of Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata on December 31 and there will be no grace period to make the transition. The CAS enables a viewer to watch TV channels of his choice through a set-top box and pay only for those. For free-to-air channels (Rs77 plus taxes), set-top boxes are not required. From December 31, your pay channels will go blank unless you hurry up and get yourself a set-top box to enable the CAS. The option to stay connected to your favourite soaps and films is to subscribe to the direct-to-home (DTH) services offered by Dish TV and TataSky. According to Jagjit Singh Kohli, CEO, Wire & Wireless (of the Essel Group), "There is tremendous demand suddenly for set-top boxes for CAS." He said the combo schemes announced by Wire & Wireless, among others, have played a role in popularising the CAS. Estimates suggest that only around 20 per cent of 2 million cable TV homes in the CAS notified areas in the three metros will have set-top boxes by the cut-off date. But Kohli was confident that the numbers would rise to 80 per cent within a few weeks. Hathway Cable CEO K Jayaraman made a similar assessment. An industry source said that some broadcasters may make their pay channels free-to-air for a while to enable a smoother transition to the CAS. "Some popular pay channels turned free-to-air in Chennai some three years ago when CAS was implemented in that city," he said. For instance, STAR Vijay, a Tamil channel, is free-to-air in Chennai; elsewhere it is a pay channel. But a STAR TV spokesperson said there is no such plan. ESPN India managing director RC Venkateish also denied any such move. Some multi-system operators (MSOs), however, are offering discounted rates on pay channels and attractive rental schemes for the set-top boxes. Meanwhile, DTH service providers are seizing their opportunity. TataSky has announced a promotional six-month free subscription. One can avail of this offer till January 10. Ordinarily, the monthly tariff is Rs300. On Friday, the Essel Group's Dish TV matched the TataSky offer across metros. But the subscriber will have to pay Rs2,950 plus Rs200 towards the hardware and a month's tariff. Dish has also announced a rental scheme for DTH hardware in the CAS-notified areas.

Stars reveal their Bakri-Eid plans

Monday is Bakri Eid. Indya.com asks celebrities their festival plans.



Nausheen Ali Sardar (Ex-Kusum) "I will be in Europe on Bakri Eid celebrating it with my cousins. But I want to pass a message. Instead of sacrificing animals, we should give food to the poor."


Waqar Sheikh (Shantanu of Sollah Shringrr) "Bakri Eid celebration means Qurbani. Early morning all our family members will go for Namaz. There will be lots of non-veg in the house, friends will be coming at my place so on that day I won't be shooting. Even the next few days there will huge amounts of non-veg in the house. I won't be celebrating New Year's Eve."

Razak Khan (character actor Hello Brother) "I will be shooting in Hyderabad on Bakri Eid. Work is worship. But I do want to take the opportunity to say "Eid Mubarak" to everybody."


Hussain (Sumit - Kumkum) "I will be celebrating with my family. I will be shooting on Bakri Eid. To all my viewers I want to wish them, "Eid Mubarak" and Happy New Year".



Raza Murad "I will be celebrating with my family. We prepare Biryani on Bakri Eid. The whole 'mahoaul' is celebratory. We invite all our friends. This is for the first time that two celebrations are coming together on the same day...Eid and New Year's Eve, so I just want to convey my message to all my country men--Eid Mubarak, and Happy New Year.

Ali Asgar (Kamal - Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii) "I will do my morning namaz and after that I would be celebrating Eid with my family and friends. Of course the highlight of the day would be the food. Eid's special dish - Biryani."


Dhanashree Kulkarni
Sunday, 31 December, 2006