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Time factor

Will Raj do it?

We hear that Parmeet Sethi (Raj of Jassi) has been approached to play Jai Walia. Sethi confirmed to hitList that he had received the offer. "But I haven't met Balaji on this, yet," the actor said. Before Behl, Balaji had thought of Kumar Gaurav for the role. The deal with Gaurav did not materialise because of money issues.

Kasamh Se — a story of three sisters Bani (Prachi Desai), Pia (Roshni Chopra) and Rano (Arunima Sharma) — is scheduled to air next month.

Second time lucky

Although it's the "dweteeya" time for her, Saakshi is jittery. "It's so scary. It's like being on a cricket ground and facing googlies.

The whole ambience of Amitabhji's imposing presence, the red-light blinking on the camera and the prospect of lakhs of our TV serial fans watching globally, is so unnerving, We are both expecting to get roasted on the hot seat. And I am already petrified. Even if we cross the Rs 6.4 lakh hurdle, I will feel like an Olympic champion."

I'll call dad

"With no time to brush up our general knowledge — only a shower of good luck can save us. I wanted both my parents in the audience, boosting my morale, but they cannot make it. I didn't coax them because Thursday is Karva Chauth, and I wanted them to be together. During the game show, the moment I get the phone-a-friend option, I will speak to my dad in Alwar (Rajasthan) because he is well versed in current affairs. Even he is keen on speaking to Amitji.

Parents can't make it

When my mother watched the Preity Zinta-Saif Ali episode on KBC 2, she'd predicted that I would be called for one of the special episodes. And it happened! I wanted at least one of my parents to be on the show as my companion; but my father met with an accident recently, and avoids exerting his legs, and my mother, who went through a cardiac surgical procedure, has also been advised to refrain from hectic traveling.

Mommy's joy and pride

The biggest delight for Tanwar is that her mother will watch her laadli beti on KBC, in a glamorous appearance. "Ever since my character Parvati was widowed on Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, my mother was advised not to watch the episodes, as it makes her hyper.

But she could not resist and has been watching me religiously. When she sees me once again in my glamorous look, in a specially designed ravishing red sari, she is bound to be elated," says the doting daughter

What about TV?

"As far as TV is concerned, I have completed shooting for Piya Ka Ghar (Zee). Balaji Telefilms called me back for a few episodes of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (Star Plus) because my husband in the serial, Aditya Gujral, was killed. But I am now concentrating only on Kahaani," added the actress.

Corporate, to be produced by Percept Picture Company, stars Bipasha Basu, Kay Kay Menon, Rajat Kapoor, Samir Dattani, Harsh Chhaya and Payal Rohatgi.

Fattening fast

The actress had to take injections on the sets, during her shoot for Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai. "I am on the way of recovery now and in much better shape than before. I even kept a fast for the nine nights of Navratri, which I am breaking today." Was it a strict fast? "No, I would die if I didn't eat. Roshesh (Rajesh Kumar) and I kept eating sabudana preparations, and ended up hogging twice the amount of food we normally do."

Sarabhai family

At the moment, Rupali is hardly seen in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, making Sarabhai her only prime show. "I love Sarabhai — it's more fun and less work for me. We are like a family and miss each other like mad when there is no shoot."

But why isn't the actress taking on new shows? Says Rupali, "I am not being offered work I really want to do. I have never got myself involved in something I dislike. I would want to be totally convinced about it to take it on."

Double-edged sword

Gautam is both delighted, yet wary, about his character development. He finally gets his share of limelight in the serial. "It's a dicey situation," he says. "I am excited to finally come centrestage and take charge of the business.

After having allowed Parvati to be at the helm of affairs, there is a domestic tug-of-war between us. My screen-sister Chhaya is unhappy with Parvati becoming MD at my instance, so she poisons my wife's mind and uses her to convince me it was a wrong decision," he adds.

"Parvati's character takes emotional, not rational decisions. Like when there was a critical meeting scheduled with the bank regarding credit limits, she prefers to go elsewhere to probe into a blast incident. Despite her priorities being off, Gaurav supports her because he holds her in high esteem," explains the actor.

Loyal trooper

Nearly a dozen TV actors, including Deepak Qazir (Babuji), Shweta Kawatra, Sachin Sharma and the latest, Manasi Varma (Monalika) have walked out of Kahaani as they were unhappy with the way their roles were shaping up What made Gautam stick around for five years, despite being overshadowed by Om's character?

"One of the reasons is my sentimental loyalty to the Balaji camp. Much before Ektaji started her fixation with K serials, I had acted in several Balaji shows like Mano Ya Na Mano, Ghar Ek Mandir and Itihaas. Secondly, I enjoyed being part of the Agarwal parivaar.

Recently, my track had its due prominence when I shifted my loyalty to Pallavi and took revenge when my newborn child was killed by the girl who secretly loved me.

Actress Jaya Mathur is the fourth to play my wife Shilpa — the other three, Neelam, Surbhi and Sucheta Trivedi, quit half-way through. I have patiently stuck on because Ekta is aware of my potential," says Gautam.

Marital bliss

Gautam (as Gaurav) has a major female fan following and gets all kinds of fan mail, asking about his marriage plans.

"It would be disheartening for them to know that I am happily married to Martha. We met while studying in Poddar College; while I drifted into acting, she was literally flying high as an air-hostess. We have a four-year old son Arjun, and my wife is expecting our second child in December.

Game, set, match!

Gautam is an avid tennis player. "Playing tennis is my passion and my dream is to play a doubles game with Sania Mirza as my partner on the courts," enthuses the actor, who originally wanted to be an army officer and had even cleared the entrance exam. "There was a twist in my career and I was hijacked into acting by destiny," he laughs.

Not my first time, says Behl

Behl, who began shooting for the Star Plus show yesterday at the Aakraman Studios, Goregaon, makes an entry in tonight's episode.

"This is the first time I am working in a Balaji serial though I have worked with them earlier in their other projects," says Behl. The actor had featured in Ekta-Shobha Kapoor's film Kyoki Main Jhuth Nahi Bolte, directed by David Dhawan, starring Govinda.

"The character of Suyaash Mehra is not a replacement for Om (Kiran Karmarkar) post his death," emphasises creative director Sandiip Sikcand at the outset. "It is a totally fresh entry and Suyaash is a brand new kick-ass character," he explains.

At the helm of his business house, Atlantic Company, Suyaash has to enter into a contract with the Agarwals. "He is a very conscious businessman and wary about the reputation of those he enters into business with.

He finds certain shortcomings in the business deal with the Agarwals much to their consternation. This angers Parvati who unleashes her ire at him."

More than what meets the eye

Adds Behl, "It is a very interesting character; he is an extremely driven industrialist but there is also a hidden sight to his persona which unfolds later in the show."

Will it be a case of foes turned friends later with Suyaash being the new man in Parvati's life? "Just wait and watch," is all what Sikcand has to offer.

Behl, who was earlier seen in the daily Sanjivani- A Medical Boon (Star Plus) and in the weekly Devi (Sony), also anchored the game show Bachke Rehnaa (Sony) two years ago.

On the big screen, he will be seen in Mahesh Manjrekar's Life Ho To Aisi along with wife Ekta.

Gujju land

I was shocked to see the number of Gujaratis in Montreal. If I didn't know I was in Canada, it would have looked like Matunga.

The people there are so patriotic and loving, it was heartbreaking to come back. I left for Canada

I love my India

During the parade, all the Indians come out on the street in colourful, traditional outfits.

They sing and dance on popular film songs as well as patriotic songs.

Europe darshan

A lot of old Montreal has architecture like Europe — stone walls, beautiful churches and huge gardens.

I was surprised to see that everyone in Canada recognizes me as Garv (Kkusum) and not Sasha (Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii). Kkusum is a huge hit there, and they kept asking me about what will happen next on

Off to Malaysia

I am leaving for Malaysia tonight. Being a part of Fear Factor is something I am really looking forward to.

I love the outdoors and sports, so I hope there's scope to try a hand at both.

tushar.joshi@mid-day.com