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Perhaps all television actors like to experiment with the big screen and that's not just because it's good money in there, but also because it gives then a wider platform and creative satisfaction. Anoop Soni and Suchitra Pillai have recently completed a Hindi film called Karkash (which means brute). Produced and directed by Kamal Sadanah Karkash is a one and a half hour film, which explores the sensitive subject of women empowerment minus songs and is aimed at the film festivals in India and abroad. The art film will have the main leads speaking in heavy UP accent and has been shot in Mumbai and a village called Karjat.

Anoop Soni:Playing Shankar

"There are two main characters in the film and I play Suchitra's husband. The film is about how women are treated by their husbands. The women have to be treated like human beings and not in a demeaning way," says Anoop Soni who plays Shankar in the film. The actor has Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii on his plate where he plays Suyash (Mohnish Behl's replacement) who gets married to Parvati.

Kamal Sadanah who was earlier seen in Kasamh Se, Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii completed this film last year. "The film is my expression of the new Indian women. It's about the double standards of men and their insecurities that leads to dimestic violence, " Kamal states. "It also shows the stronger side of women, their

Sexuality and sensuality which is a taboo to discuss.My film is not inspired from urbanization or the MTV culture so we have a rustic, rural background. I had friends who changed after marriage and their inherent behavior shocked me. Hence I decided to take up this issue," says a philosophical Kamal who is also geared to produce another feature film which will be on the lines of his father's film Victoria Number 203. To be directed by Anant Mahadevan, this film will star Paresh Rawal, Sunil Shetty and Om Puri.

Suchitra Pillai who plays Parvati in Karkash is maha excited about the film and had a great time shooting with the young set of people.
" I am married to Anoop in the film who is a male chauvanistic pig. I play this

meek, docile housewife who is treated badly by her husband. The husband has a mistress in the city and a family friend fills his ears by saying that his wife has an affair with another man. This gives rise to misunderstandings. Its a powerful role where I display a gamut of emotions as a seductress in a love making scene. It's basically my journey from being a homely person to someone who is a go-getter. She teaches men not take women for granted or under estimate them. To sum it up, It's about women empowerment," says Suchitra, who has a no make up, cotton sari, Smita Patil kind of a look in the film. Her hands are full with Sony's Kandy Floss (she does the voice over) and Zee Trendsetters (again a narrator). Besides, she has completed films like Marigold, Shiva, Pyaar Ke Side Effects and Postcard. Suchitra was also busy recording for her music album and radio shows.

We wish our telly stars good luck for this off-beat venture!!!

Rohit Bakshi will soon make his re-entry in Star Plus's Kahaani Ghar Ghar ki after being oblivious from the show for nearly five months. Earlier on the show, Rohit (Shikar Mehra) was shown as attempting to shoot Parvati Bhabhi (Sakshi Tanwar), while Sakshi escapes this bid to her life. Later, Rohit was shown to be imprisoned. However, now Rohit's track is being revived and the actor will be back on the show spewing venom in Parvati's life.

"I am pretty excited about being back on the show. And this time around my character is going to add a new twist to the tale. Though, at this stage, I cannot reveal too much about the new track." explains Rohit.

For those uninitiated, Rohit, earlier essayed the role of Suyash Mehra's eldest son (earlier played by Mohnish Behl and now by Anoop Soni). The actor idepicted a positive character but later takes on negative shades. The earlier plot revolved around a MMS scandal involving Mayuri (Adita Wahi) wherein Rohit is implicated and later imprisoned. And now the actor in the new Kahaani is out of jail.

"From thereon the story's focus was shifted to Parvati quest to find her husband's killer and her marriage to Mr Suyash Mehra. As of now, I am not sure how my track will be shown as I've shot only for the promos. I'll be on-air by next week and I am sure that there is loads of action and drama in store for viewers, as I make life hell for Parvati bhabhi." explains Rohit.

Rohit, was earlier seen in Kahiin To Hoga as Piyush (Aamna's first husband) as also in another Balaji TRP raker Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (as Shobha's husband). But somehow, in both the shows, his character got bumped off along the way; though we think the actor did full justice to his role.

Now, will Rohit meet the same fate even in Kahaani Ghar Ghar ki .... we hope not. But let's wait and watch.

Tell us about Shilpa bhabhi of Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki.
There have been three Shilpas' before me (laughs). I've joined only about a year back. I'm very close to Parvati and understand her problems. I sympathise with her. But sometimes, I also stand for my husband since I get very traditional, at times. But then there are also times when I oppose him if I think he's wrong. If I have a fallout with Parvati once I soon realise my mistake and make up with her. So basically, Shilpa is a very traditional and good hearted person.

How did you get into acting?
I started as a child artiste. Acting has always fascinated me and my family has been very supportive. I heard that B. Subhash was casting for his film, Aaj Ke Angaarey. I met him at Filmistan, showed him my portfolio. That's how it all began and I was only 12 then.

Did you continue with your schooling?
No, I completed it through correspondence.

Any regrets about missing out on a normal childhood?
Not really, except the fact that I couldn't go to college. I feel basic education is very important for everyone.

What happened after that?
I did a film, Amba, which starred Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, and Meenakshi Sheshadri. It was Boney Kapoor's film. After that, I got a call from him asking me to meet Ram Gopal Varma who was making his directorial debut with his film. That's how I did Raat. I've also done Ashutosh Gowariker's Baazi. Ashutosh liked me in Raat and called me for his film. I had a brief but good role in it. I've also done Ketan Desai's Anmol, Lawrence D'Souza's Anokha Andaz. Then I made a shift to television.

Why did you shift to television?
I was waiting for something big to come my way. But I guess I lacked PR skills. It's very important to keep meeting people and maintain one's contacts in the film industry. Out of sight is out of mind. It was my fault that I didn't do that. I was offered Ravi Tandon's Jagir and soon work followed on television. I've done Aati Rahegi Baharein, Naya Zamana, Sanskriti, Ek Mulaqat, Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya, and Bandhan. I kept doing television with the hope that some day I'd do films again. Now I've decided to look up once more to all those I've worked in films and express my desire to do so again. They've been some really nice people. At least, I'll begin with them.

Do you feel this is a good time to make your comeback?
Yes. Today there are all kinds of films being made. I'm open to both commercial and off beat films as long as I'm doing substantial roles. I'm going to give it my best shot, the rest I leave to God (smiles).

Don't you feel that hardly any television actor is offered substantial roles in films?
I don't think it's the case any more, at least I hope not (laughs). Look at Gracy Singh. I know the film industry people are said to have that mental block. I'm not sure but I'd know once I meet them. But they shouldn't have such blocks in their minds. An actor is an actor, irrespective
of the medium.

Coming back to television, which role do you regard as your most challenging?
My character, Reema, in Naya Zamana. It was an author backed role and very powerful. I also did a cameo recently, in Kasam Se, where I played a high society call girl. The character had both good and bad shades to her.

Any dream role?
There are so many. But what comes to mind immediately is Nargis Dutt's role in Raat aur Din. It's so fascinating to play diametrically opposite characters. It gives an actor to go through the entire gamut of emotions and is very challenging to perform.

What do you regard your strength as an actor?
My spontaneity. I'm also very much at ease with drama and melodrama. I try my best to do my job well and with sincerity.

You seem to be a great believer in numerology!
Yeah. I was reading a book on the subject and found it very fascinating. I changed the spelling of my name and asked Sunita Menon for her opinions. She said it was perfect. I feel a lot of positive changes have occurred in my life.

How would you want to see yourself a few years from now?
Professionally I want to see myself doing well as I've been here for so many years. I deserve it. I hope I'm happily settled in my personal and professional life.

Kantaben has one more couple to be suspicious about. Just kidding! We are talking about tellywood's Kushal Punjabi and Chetan Hansraj. They are not only seen at social dos, hanging out together, but also share the good things in life. Recently, Mr. Punjabi introduced dear friend Chetan to the Osho community as well as to meditation. A little birdie has also tipped us that the duo are also into sharing all kinds of jokes and believe in living life to the fullest. Next do we hear them crooning together…..kal ho na ho?