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Music has no language nor do histrionic skills have any. This might sound clichd, but tribal people in this northeastern state of Mizoram are hooked on to most Hindi soaps aired by satellite channels - but with the sound muted.

And if they miss out on nuances of the "K" soaps like "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" or "Kasauti Zindagi Kay" or "Kkusum" that are such a staple in the rest of the country, TV viewers in Mizoram simply look at the next day's Mizo newspapers for a translation of some of the popular soaps.

Sounds bizarre but it's absolutely true. Jessica Sangliani, a homemaker in Mizoram's capital Aizawl, for instance, speaks fluent English and can barely understand Hindi.

"I have been watching two serials daily without any break - 'Kasauti Zindagi Kay' ad kyunki saas bhi kabhi bahu thi on Star Plus Jessica said.

"I simply relish each and every episode."

Like her, a majority of the Mizo people are conversant in English but know very little Hindi.

Mizoram boasts of being the second highest literate state after Kerala with an estimated literacy rate of 88.06 percent in a total population of 890,000.

And thanks to that, the language barrier is of little consequence to TV fanatics like Jessica who simply look at the next day's newspapers to catch up on any minor detail they might have missed.

For some not too busy people, there is an even better option -- watching the repeat telecast of the serials in the afternoons with the translated dialogues in front of them for a better understanding of the story.

"I simply love Tulsi's acting in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' and the translated dialogues are even better as we understand what she says," said Rosey, another homemaker, of the popular soap and its star Smriti Irani who essays the central role of the daughter-in-law.

Local newspapers were forced to oblige their readers after innumerable requests asking them to print translated dialogues of some select primetime TV serials.

"We record the serials and then translate each and every dialogue carefully. We have employed some people with knowledge in both Hindi and Mizo to do the translations for the benefit of our readers," said an editor of a local newspaper.

Some enterprising local cable networks also run subtitled Hindi serials a day later with locals taking to the idea in a big way. "More and more people are taking our cable network connection as we show some popular Hindi TV serials with subtitles of the dialogues in the Mizo dialect," said a private cable TV operator.

Would Tulsi of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" fame or Prerna of "Kasauti Zindagi Kay" care to visit this mountainous state to see their reel selves spouting Mizo, or nothing at all.

Ranjib Mazumder

With just a month away from celebrating a new year, Star One already has plans to add a new show to it's programming strategy. Premiering on 23 December is Idea Ek Se Badhkar Ek - a one-of-its-kind countdown show to be hosted by the dashing Manoj Bohra & the chirpy Tina Parakh.

The show is interspersed extensively with celebrity interviews, graphics, special effects, compelling AV montages and more. Adding to the fun element, in an all-new look, Manoj and Tina share an interesting chemistry but are usually at loggerheads, trying to out do one another with witty and snide remarks and fun repartee but an entertaining combination in all! The countdown show includes exciting categories ranging from 'Top 10 Action Heroes', 'Top 10 Love Triangles' to 'Top 10 Sizzling Singles', amongst many others.

Announcing Idea Ek Se Badhkar Ek, Mr. Paritosh Joshi, Advertising, Sales and Distribution, Star India, said, "Idea Ek Se Badhkar Ek is a unique Advertising Funded Programme and is all set to add excitement to Saturday night viewing on Star One. With young hosts, Tina and Manoj, there will be a great amount of interactivity in every episode and viewers will get to win prizes as well. We are thrilled to be associated with a young brand like Idea and hope to reach out to our audiences like we have done in the past with shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Nach Baliye and Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai amongst others"

Let's see if Tina-Manoj can re-create the same chemistry that they are portraying in Star Plus' Kasauti Zindagi Kay.

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k6/dec/1dec/news_ek.php

People love to hate her but they dare not ignore her. First as the conniving Apo*na of Kasautii Zindagi Kay and currently as the funny but vindictive Maya of Karam Apnaa Apnaa, Geetanjali Tikekar has found a place for herself in the list of 'most sought after vamps of the tube!'

Though like any dreamy kid she desired to be a doctor, but destiny had other plans and here she is!

Prashant Golecha chances an opportunity to converse with this pretty, vivacious and talented actor. Excerpts.

"Maya is amusing, she is an adorable vamp!"

How different is it to play Maya (Karam...) from Apo*na (Kasautii...)?
Maya is amusing. She is an adorable vamp! Playing this character is a stress buster for me because of the fun element, which was absent in Apo*na. I am lucky to bag this role!

What has been the response so far?
There are times when people are confused and ask me if I am the same actress who played Apo*na!

It seems you miss playing Apo*na?
Yes I do as is it this that character which took me to a peak. She was an ultimate vamp as she crossed all limits and had shades of insanity.

Your character vanished because Komalika (Urvashi) was making a comeback?
My character disappeared and re-appeared at various intervals as per the story requirement. Imagine if we actors decide the fate of our tracks and career moves Balaji could have not been this BIG ever.

Any memorable fan encounters?
I am generally mobbed by people who identify me as Apo*na of Kasautii. Once I had gone to Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple where a cluster of Gujarati ladies gathered around me and questioned me about my attempt to kill bechara and innocent Anurag (laughs).

You share a very comfortable equation with Balaji by now, right?
Balaji is like a mother company. Since the past five years I have been associated with them and by taking extra care of us they have spoilt us in many ways. Till date I have done daily soaps only with Balaji and episodics for other production houses where I feel like a guest! Everything is well between Ekta and me as it was a mutual decision to put a full stop to Apo*na's character.

Kasautii­. is known to be Balaji's most contentious unit. How did you manage to wield the controversies?
It's just me; I have learnt to handle it my way. I might be disliked but am still respected. I have never bothered to clarify a lot of things, which were reported in papers because I don't believe in giving importance to petty things. As long as my family is happy and controversies don't affect them, I'm cool!

That reminds me of your rumoured affair with your co-star Cezanne Khan. Any comments?
Cezanne is a closed file! I don't want to talk about him at this stage of my life.

Describe your dream man?
I will marry a man who I feel can father my kids. He needs to be very compassionate and kind. I have my own mood swings so my man needs to be extremely understanding and patient. He should also have a good sense of humour and should love pets.

Could he be from the entertainment industry?
Yes, in fact it will be convenient professionally and will make my personal life smoother.

Introduce us to the real Geetanjali Tikekar?
What you see is what you get. I am a simple person, compassionate, introvert, short tempered at times but basically amiable by nature. I am ambitious to an extent and I do crave for good work.

Tell us something about you which people don't know?
During my childhood days, I used to maintain a journal where I would pen my thoughts. May be, someday I'll write a book.

You are known to be very techno-savvy. Are you?
Yes I am inclined towards gizmos, be it the digital camera, laptops, mobile phones, computers. I am quite a net freak too! I even sketch on my mobile just for fun.

What do you do besides acting?
I have put up my garment unit in Pune and we run it by the label named Luxe. Probably by next year you will see our collections at all the Fashion Weeks in India. My brother is a professional designer and he handles the creatives while I handle administration.

Source:Telly Chakkar