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TV's favourite screen grandmoms
By: Soumya Menon
December 8, 2005

Nayan Bhat Which serial? Krishna in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki Are you a grandma off-screen? Yes, I am a nani. I have a grand-daughter. She is two years and four months old. Your average working day? I work for about 14-16 hours. If there was one thing you want to change about being a grandma, what would that be? I would want to play more with my grandchildren, be more loving and not the usual strict person. Favourite on-screen grandma Farida Jalal. Favourite on-screen grandchild I like so many of them; I can't name one particular person. One thing common between you and the character you play The relationship I share with Om (Kiran Karmarkar), I share the same relationship with my son. That's the similarity between Nayan and Krishna. Sudha Shivpuri Which serial? Baa in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Are you a grandma off-screen? No. Your average working day? 10 hours. If there was one thing you want to change about being a grandma, what would that be? A grandmother should be able to correct their grandchildren when they go wrong. She is so experienced, so, she should put that to use. Favourite on-screen grandma Leela Mishra, Durga Khote. Favourite on-screen grandchild Karisma Tanna (Indu Gandhi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi). She's a little chulbuli, a little crazy. I like her a lot. One thing common between you and the character you play I am 99% the same person on-screen and off-screen. Apara Mehta Which serial? Savita Joshi, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Are you a grandma off-screen? No way. I am very young. Your average working day? Is about 20 hours. If there was one thing you would want to change about being a grandma, what would that be? I actually haven't given it a thought, as I am not a grandmother yet. But, I would want people to take this thing off their head that grandparents are supposed to be tough and strict. I think if a person is loving and caring, they would remain the same when they grow old too. I am a fun-loving person and I would remain the same. Favourite on-screen grandma Baa (Savita Shivpuri in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) is the best. Favourite on-screen grandchild I don't have a favourite grandchild. I like anyone who is chulbula. One common thing between you and the character you play Nothing at all. Savita on TV is completely different from the actor Apara. I am a completely different person. Shoma Anand Which serial? Reshma in Bhabhi Are you a grandma off-screen? No, I have a 13-year-old daughter. Your average working day? It's usually 13 hours a day. If there was one thing you want to change about being a grandma, what would that be? There's nothing I would want to change anything. It is a good commanding role and I enjoy doing it. Favourite on-screen grandma Sushma Seth. Favourite on-screen grandchild Tina Parakh (Shruti in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki) One common thing between you and the character you play I am very emotional as well as commanding just like the character Reshma. Vidya Sinha Which serial? Dadi in Kavyanjali. Are you a grandma off-screen? No way, I have a 16-year-old daughter. Your average working day? I shoot for around 12 hours. If there was one thing you want to change about being a grandma, what would that be? A grandmother is usually portrayed as having grey hair, wearing spectacles and in a typical sari and blouse. I would want to change that. Today, all these details don't matter. Dadis can also be fashionable. Favourite on-screen grandma Sushmaji (Seth). She's definitely the best. Favourite on-screen grandchild Hansika Motwani (Bavri Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi). She is a nice girl and a good actor. One thing common between you and the character you play It is quite similar. I am the same on screen and off screen, though I am a little bubblier. Lily Patel Which serial? Dadi in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki Are you a grandma off-screen? I am a spinster. Your average working day? Acting is my food. I work for about 15 hours everyday. If there was one thing you want to change about being a grandma, what would that be? It's very difficult to change something about a grandmother. Jab ek baar woh dhabba lag jaata hain, toh usey mitaana mushkil hain. Favourite on-screen grandma Myself (she laughs). Favourite on-screen grandchild Kiran Karmarkar (Om Aggarwal in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki). One thing common between you and the character you play I am the same. Though I am not married, I am a very lovable woman, just like grandma in the serial and the entire unit calls me grandma. Farida Jalal Which serial? Nani in Shararat Are you a grandma off-screen? Not at all. Infact, I don't know why I am being slotted under the dadi category so soon. I am not that old. Your average working day? 12 hours. It is very tedious. Television is much more tiring than the big screen. If there was one thing you want to change about being a grandma, what would that be? There's nothing I would want to change. I like the character I play. I enjoy it. Favourite on-screen grandma Lalita Pawar Favourite on-screen grandchild Shruti Seth (Jeeya in Shararat) One thing common between you and the character you play I am very fun loving, just like the character in Shararat. I make the best of every situation and think positive. My biggest inspiration has been my grandmother who was very playful. She would become a child when she is around her grandchildren.

How to go around Ektaa in two easy steps

Achint Kaur and Shweta Kawaatra

Shweta Kawaatra is very shrewd. When she saw that she was getting more and more into the Auntyji slot with Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kkusum proceeding a few decades ahead, she decided to sever all relations with them instantly. But knowing Ektaa and her volatile ego, she didn't have the courage to go up and tell Ektaa. She knows Ektaa is a bit eccentric, but also very professional. What Shweta was a bit wary of was her chamchas who she was sure would poison her mind. So what did Shweta do? She intentionally gave them a long list of pricey demands, knowing very well that none would be met. She gave them the impression that stardom had gone to her head and thus created a take-it-or-leave-it situation. And that's how she scampered out of the camp. Clever girl. Now she is happily married to another Balaji star, Manav Gohil, and hopes Ektaa has forgiven her. But what's amazing is her replacement, Achint Kaur, who was removed from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi some time back. It was then that she had revealed how working in a Balaji production was rather stifling. Well, she seemed glad to leave then, but she seems equally glad to return to stifling, and has stepped into Shweta's shoes now!

Twinkle twinkle I am a star...
By: Soumya Menon
December 12, 2005

Television stars describe the funny, emotional, exciting moments when they first felt like stars… Amit Verma It was two and a half months after Hotel Kingston went on air, I was in Malad, and I was mobbed by a group of college students. They were all so excited to see me and clicked my pictures with their phone and took my autograph. They wouldn't let go off me. I was surprised at the response, because Star One was a new channel and it was already so well-known and I felt even more overwhelmed because I was seen on television in small ads and in Khichdi, but this was the first time I was playing the protagonist in Hotel Kingston and that's the moment I felt like a star. It was a very special moment. Pawan Shankar During the Star One launch party on November 1, 2004; I was really surprised at the response I got from people. The promos of Siddhanth were already out. People were looking at me and complimented me, from the top notches to the lower order people in Star. That was the moment when I felt like a star. Sachin Sharma I went to Indore for a dance performance. I performed and went to my room, and I changed and as soon as I got out and went to the lobby, about 30 people were waiting to see me. They had waited for three to four hours just to meet me and shake hands with me. I felt very special. Arjun Punjj I was in Jaipur for a shoot for Sanjeevani, in March 2003, and the second episode was on air at that time. A whole bunch of school children, youngsters came to me and called me by my character name Aman, and they told me how they like my entry in the serial and how well I act. It was pretty exciting to know that people do watch the serial and they do like me. Ali Asgar There have been many incidents, but the first time was when I was in a KBC2 show, few months after it started again and I met Amitabh Bachchan and the first thing he did was to greet me and he said, "Do you remember, we did films together." I was really happy because I should have told him that, but he made me feel like a big star when he said that. The other moment was after I appeared in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and I got a call from a man, who said that his wife was admitted in Nanavati hospital and wanted to see me. I went and met her and she blessed me and said, "Kash mera bhi tumhare jaisa baccha hota jo itna accha ho." I was touched by her words. Chaitanya Chaudhary It was after the first time after I appeared in Kahiin Toh Hoga in 2003. I went to Inorbit Mall with my parents, for the first time, and people mobbed me. People took photographs and autographs. It was the first time I had experienced something like that. I felt great, and I realised that I was a star. Vishal Singh I felt like a star when I was 20 years old, still in college. That was about 10 years back. I was asked to judge an inter-collegiate event, where my friends were also participating. It was a great feeling, very nice. After that, when I started acting in Dekh Bhai Dekh, I had finished shooting and was getting out of the sets, and a whole gathering just rushed towards me and it was so difficult to control them. I had literally pushed through the crowd to reach my car. Vikram Acharya Three weeks back I went to judge a Talent Hunt competition in Mithibai College. There were many known actors who had also come to judge the event. After the event, the whole crowd of youngsters just came rushing towards me, wanted to hold my hand and take photographs with me. This was the first time I ever felt like a superstar, because I was actually lost in the middle of so many stars and the crowd just noticed me. Vipul Gupta Six months back, after I appeared in an Airtel and Indian Oil ad, I was driving across a petrol station in Delhi and an elderly woman was imitating me as I had appeared in the ad, looking at me from the side of her eyes and than she walked towards me and introduced herself. She told me that she really likes me. I was taken aback, as she was quite old. Another incident was just a week back, when I was driving in the city and at the traffic lights, a bunch of school kids in a rickshaw were cheering, Adi rocks (that's the name of the character I play in India Calling). I was so happy and excited with what happened. Sumit Sachdev Three years back, during the summer peak, I had been to Juhu beach with my brother and cousin. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was just two months old. The place was very crowded, and when people saw me, they just rushed to me, asking me for my autograph. I was near to being stripped. I could see several hands wanting to touch me. And in that crowd I could hardly sign an autograph. I was amazed by the response and by the reach of the serial. That was my first experience when I felt like a star.

source:-http://web.mid-day.com/hitlist/2005/december/125696.htm

MUMBAI, Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Ekta's blacklist



The baroness of Indian television doesn't forgive offenders easily. Here's a quick glance at the her previous 'latests' who rubbed her the wrong way...



Amar Upadhayay: He was, at a time, the biggest star on Indian television. Ekta created Mihir Virani and Mihir Virani created Amar Upadhayay. But, unfortunately Amar failed to sustain his stardom and popularity. He ruined his career by giving up TV for films, and when he returned like a prodigal to the place of his initiation, he wasn't received with the same warmth. He now has bit roles in two other shows, but Ekta couldn't trust him with a lead role in any of her shows.

Aman Verma: Aman was brought into Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi at a time when Amar left the entire unit in the lurch. When Ekta realised that Aman was to be her No 1 runner, she invested her trust in him. The damage was done when Aman started taking up work from the other production houses. That caused the two to drift apart. It's been over three years since the two have worked together.

Anuj Saxena: He quoted an amount that she could just not give him. It was money that drove them apart. After playing the lead role in Kkusum for three years, Anuj couldn't adjust to the Balaji parivaar. The two have been sharing cold vibes ever since Saxena spoke ill of her in a glossy. Knowing Ekta's lasting temper, it doesn't seem like he'll be forgiven soon.

Nausheen Ali Sardar: She's the original Kkusum. But she had to give it all up just when the show was taking a time leap. Ekta wanted her to play a 40-year-old but Sardar refused point blank. The refusal resulted in her ouster. Nausheen walked off TV to pursuer a career in films, but after that didn't work out, she too returned. But Ekta wouldn't have her back.

Shweta Kawaatra: There was just one reason that made Shweta quit Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Kkusum, and it was because she felt like she'd reached a dead-end playing the conniving Pallavi. Shweta didn't get the opportunity to meet Ekta before she finally quit the show and that did the damage. Ekta hasn't forgiven her for her sudden walkout that left the show in a shambles. The two ladies never worked together again.

Ketki Dave: She was the life of the otherwise morbid Kyunki Saas Bhi.... But her refusal to acquiesce to Ekta's 'unreasonable' demands of aping another actor (actress Shruti Ulfat), was the spark that set them off. The cracks in their equation still exist, with Ketki sticking by her professional ethics, and Ekta, by her commercial standards. Despite innumerable negotiations they never got down to working together

source:-mumbai mirror

Kripa, Angad ki sangeet ki raat
By: Shaheen Parkar
December 12, 2005

Angad (Iqbal Khan) and Kripa (Neha Bamb) It was termed the sangeet di raat of Kripa (Neha Bamb) and Angad (Iqbal Khan), the protagonists of Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai. To add a touch of realism, this Balaji daily on Sony was shot akin to a real-life sangeet bash. Held at the poolside of Sea Rock Hotel, Bandra, there was the customary naach-gaana and khaana-peena. What was unique was the guest list — the characters from the various Sony shows and the rest from the other Balaji shows. Naina (Sujata Segal) This special episode is slated to air on December 20, as part of the Angad-Kripa wedding celebrations. Here's a dekko of who did what at the sangeet… On the stage Abhijeet Sawant, Rahul Vaidya, Prajakta Shukre crooned while Karan (Hiten Tejwani) and Shruti (Tina Parakh), along with Sujal (Gurpreet Singh) and Kashish (Aamna Sharif) shook a leg. Parvati (Sakshi Tanwar) The latter jodi raised eyebrows as Kashish normally (or insists!) performs only with former Sujal, Rajeev Khandelwal. Kajra re! Kahaani's Parvati (Sakshi Tanwar) made a style statement with her gajra around her bag, rather than in her tresses. Call it flouting fragrant appeal! Keeping her company was her Kamal bhaiyya (Ali Asgar). Glued in Kasuatii's Anurag (Cezanne Khan) and Tanisha (Shubha Varma) kept to each other throughout their appearance — holding hands and sticking to each other. Wrap around Ekta's assorted neck chains and lockets Ekta Kapoor Ekta Kapoor continues to flaunt her neck chains in her palm, rather than around her neck. Last heard, she was suffering from an allergy that forced her to carry, rather than wear the chains. The chain reaction follows. Though father Jeetendra and brother Tusshar were present for the ceremony, Ekta, in her characteristic style, made an entry after the event! Not without buddy Raghav (Karan Oberoi), Jassi (Mona Singh) and Nandu (Gaurav Gera) As usual, Jassi (Mona Singh) stuck to her screen pal Nandu (Gaurav Gera) as she mingled with the rest. We spotted Raghav (Karan Oberoi) take a backseat and perch himself on the railings overlooking the sea, but not for long… he was soon spotted with Jassi and Nandu. Seen and heard Mihir (Ronit Roy) shouting aloud and greeting(!)dulha Angad, who looked a tad uncomfortable in his bridal mojris — his heels were seen sticking out! It is tough being a dulha, and shoe bites are all in a day's work! Bride Kripa was dressed to the hilt and whiled away time by walking around — the wedding is awaited. shaheen@mid-day.com Kamalika Guha Thakurta and Moulli Ganguly Rahul Vaidya, Tarun Katial and Prajakta Shukre Shubha Verma and Cezanne Khan Tusshar Kapoor, Jeetendra and Mihir (Ronit Roy) Pics: Sujit Jaiswal

Growing up in a hurry

Hansika Motwani	Shweta Prasad

It wasn't that surprising when we saw Shweta Prasad (of Iqbal fame) at Mukta Arts' anniversary celebrations, all dressed up in a mini and tie-up shoes, all desperate to shed her kiddie image because she really was stuck with it.

But Hansika Motwani, who announced her exit from the world of films and television on February 19 this year, really had us flabbergasted. In an earlier article (Hansika quits the industry: hitList, March 16), Hansika and her mom both said that it was a conscious choice. Hansika had said, "I'm very happy.

Now I can spend quality time with my mom and brother now, which I could hardly afford to do because of my tight shooting schedules." Mona, her mom actually said her daughter's achievements had reached saturation point, with Hansika concluding, "I'm shifting my focus to studies as I'm in the eighth standard and being in an international school demands a lot of hard work."

And now she goes and plays the leading lady in He, Mimoh's debut. Is she going to end up as a class eight dropout, that's what we'd like to know. One fine role model she'd make, then.

Mobbed at airports, complimented by an eighty-year-old woman, and being compared to Amitabh Bachchan…. Tele actresses reveal incidents that made them feel like a star for the first time

Mansi Parekh
I was five years old and participating in a fancy dress competition. It was the first time I was on stage. I was dressed like a Marathi woman and I had to say aga bai aga. I went on stage and I said my line. I fumbled a lot. Yet, the entire lot in the auditorium clapped for me.

That was the first time I felt like a star. Another incident was when I received the Best Student Award, as I was balancing academics and extra-curricular activities. And my name was called out and I received a medal and a cup.

Rakhi Tandon
I was out for dinner, a few days back with my family, and an elderly lady who must have been in her 80s came in with her sons. She could barely walk and she came walking towards me with her son's support and she kept her hand on my head and told me, "Tum mere zindagi mein kushiyaan lathi ho, ronak lathi ho."

She told me that she loves me and when she watches my show at 8 pm, she forgets herself. She told me that I bring light in her boring life. I felt so touched. That was the first time I ever felt like a star.

Neeru Bajwa
Three years back, I was at an Canadian airport, and was going from one province to another, when a whole group of Indians recognised me and mobbed me. They appreciated my work. That was when I had made my debut on television in Astitva on Zee TV. It was a great feeling and I felt very special.

Delnaaz Paul
This was year's back, when I made my debut on television in Ashirwaad, which was a mega serial on Zee TV in those days. I played a character called Babli. The day that episode was aired, I was in Ahmedabad, for a play, and after the play ended, people came banging on my door.

People had actually watched me on television that night and then came to watch my play. I was most excited because there were so many veteran Gujarati actors with me and the audience mobbed me. My character in the serial had such a strong impact on people. I felt like a star for the first time in my life.

Anita (Natassha)
It was the third week after the release of my debut film in Telugu, four years back.

I went to a theatre in Hyderabad to watch my film, and as soon as people saw me they threw money and flowers on me.

It was unbelievable. There were tears in my eyes.

I was even nominated for the best actress (Debut). That experience made me feel like a star.

Pooja Ghai Rawal
The first time I felt like a star was five years ago when I was invited to my school as a chief guest. It is such a nice feeling, to go back to my school — Versova Welfare Association High School. The other moment that made me feel special was when I was in London last year.

I was in the queue to get into the train and when I got in, there was this girl, an Asian who got up and got out at the station. I took her seat. After she got out, she noticed me, and she kept banging on my window, saying, "You are the one in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi." That was a great feeling, when you are recognised in a foreign country.

Soniya Kapoor
This was six years back, when I made my debut on television in Zanjeerein on Zee TV. I had gone for the outdoor shoot to Punjab for the first schedule.

After the first episode was aired, I went to Ludhiana for the second schedule, and a school there felicitated me and they gave me an appreciation award.

It was a great feeling, to go on stage and give a small speech and show off. That was the moment when I felt like a star.

Tisca Chopra
I have always felt like a star. As a kid too, as my father was the principal of the school I went to (India International school in Kabul, Afghanistan).

One incident that made me feel special was when this person from Abu Dabi came down to meet me in Mumbai in 1996.

He used to send me letters that were written with his blood and he used to also send flowers. It was freaky, yet I was taken aback. It was a nice feeling when he met me and spoke to me. He was one of those mad fans of mine. (She laughs)

Shweta Gulati
It was two and a half years back, after I had made my debut on television in Shagun on Star Plus. I went to this play ground near Inorbit Mall, where a handicraft mela was happening. There were chaat stalls.

So, I went to eat, when suddenly about 20 kids came to me with their mummies and spoke to me. They called me Juhi, which is my name in the serial. That was my first experience of stardom. It felt great to be recognized. It really hit me and I will always remember that moment.

Kanchi Kaul
I have always been pampered (laughs). I mean I have always felt like a star.

Yet, the moment when I felt like a super star was when many people told me that the only two celebrities they could remember seeing on television were Amitabh Bachchan and me.

I felt so special. I somehow felt I was being equalled to him.

I want meatier roles: Sanjit Bedi

After Hiten Tejwani replaced Cezanne Khan, it's time for Mohit Malik (from Palkhee), who was roped in to play the second lead, to pack his bags from Balaji's Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka.

The new Vikrant to step in is Sanjit Bedi of Sanjivani — A Medical Boon fame, who has been missing in action for a while now.

In fact, the actor couldn't have asked for a better deal, as he will shortly be seen playing a cameo in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii.

Double whammy

Confirming the news, the actor says, "As far as Nimmo is concerned, it's one of those mind-blowing scripts that I have heard after a long time. I'm glad I accepted. But I was always their first choice; I had turned it down initially, as we had to address certain issues. Now, with things getting sorted out, I'm back in the grind."

Talking further about the role he says, "The story revolves around this trio — Kunal (Hiten), Vikrant (Sanjit) and Nimmo (Sanjeeda). Kunal and Vikrant are best buddies. While Kunal is a rich entrepreneur, Vikrant happens to manage his work in the office. Nimmo lands up with a job in the same office and has to report to Vikrant. The complications arise when her admiration for Vikrant turns into love; eventually, she marries Kunal."

Tough lawyer

In Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Bedi plays Kothari, a suave lawyer who fights the case for Shikhar (Rohit Bakshi) after he gets implicated for an MMS scandal involving Mayuri (Adita Wahi).

Adds the creative head on the show, Sandiip Sikcand, "Suresh Mehra (Mohnish Behl) hires Kothari, who is one of the best lawyers in town, to fight the suit Parvati (Sakshi Tanwar) slaps Shikhar for masterminding an MMS scandal."

Bedi's gain is Malik's loss

While Bedi's to happy to enter the Balaji camp with a meatier role, rumours are rife that Mohit Malik was replaced overnight, without any prior notice.

A source informs, "Mohit had a very sad experience. He left Paalkhi (Zee) for Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, but this is how he's rewarded by getting pulled out of the show." On the other hand, Malik has now been offered a cameo after Bedi agreed to take up the show.

Says Malik, "I got to know that I've been replaced on the show. But I'm not doing the cameo as what was promised to me was much bigger."