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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#91

Balaji is banned

FWICE members boycott Balaji Telefilms for getting their chairman of the vigilance department, Prem Singh Thakur, arrested under false allegations

Bharati Dubey

Ekta Kapoor

All the 22 crafts associated with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees will boycott Balaji Telefilms from today. The decision was taken after a meeting of the committee members of various departments including Cinematography, Allied Mazdoor Union, Sound Recording at the FWICE office on Sunday.

This is in reaction to the incident that happened on Friday evening, when Prem Singh Thakur, chairman of the vigilance department, and two other members of FWICE, were falsely implicated in a case of rioting by Balaji Telefilms at Killick Nixon studio near Powai.

A senior member from the FWICE says," Prem Singh Thakur is chairman of the vigilance department. He was simply doing his duty and the police picked him up under a false allegation of rioting as well as forcefully extracting money from the producers."

Adds the member, "We will not tolerate this at all. We are fighting for the benefit of the worker who lives on daily wages. From today, no member of the Federation will shoot for any Balaji show. This non-cooperation will continue till the case is withdrawn and workers get their payments as per the new wages."

A worker who is currently working for Balaji Telefilms says, "We get only Rs 350 per shift although, as per the new revised wages, we are supposed to get Rs 600. When Prem Singh Thakur came on the set, we told him about our problem."

So did Singh try to stir up trouble? Says the worker, "Not at all. In fact, he tried to save Vishal, the executive producer of Balaji, who would have been beaten up by the workers had he not intervened."

Thakur, who had previously notified Balaji Telefilms to pay workers of the Allied Mazdoor Union as per the new revised payments (implemented from January 10), was at the studio to do a check.

When contacted, Prem Singh Thakur says," I went on a round of the studios with my committee members to check whether the workers were paid according to the newly revised payments."

He adds, "We first went to Chandivali studio, where the shooting of Jai Mehta productions and BAG films were taking place. On checking with our members about the payment, we found out that the revised wages were not being implemented. So we asked them to step out and they did so."

"We also went to other studios like SJ, Vijay Mills and Safed Pool to check on the same issue and all the workers willingly stepped out at these places. However, no producer filed any police complaint," says Thakur.

However, after Thakur and his team left Killick Nixon where Balaji Telefims were shooting, he received a call on his cell phone asking if he had asked his members to resume shooting following orders of the executive producer of the Balaji show Vishal. Says Thakur, "I had not said anything of the sort. However, by the time I reached, the workers were very agitated and almost ready to hit Vishal for lying to them."

He adds, "I took care of the situation and asked Vishal to leave from the venue. After he left, I found that a complaint had been filed against us at the police station. The gates of the studio were shut and some of my workers were stuck inside the studio. Naturally, they were very angry and wanted to break the lock. I calmed them down from getting violent."

"While we were still talking, three wireless vans came and surrounded us. The cops, however, were quite civil and asked me before arresting whether I had any complaints to make against the producers," says Thakur.

Thakur did not lodge a complaint following which he, along with his companions, were taken to the Powai police station and kept there for almost eight hours. They were finally released on a cash bail of Rs 5000.

When contacted, Ekta Kapoor was non-committal. She says, "Speak to Umesh Ray or Ketan Gupta." Ketan Gupta who was present during the incident refused to comment, saying that he is not authorised to speak on the issue. He asked us to speak to Umesh Ray of Balaji Telefilms instead. Now that's a soap opera merry-go-round, no?

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article& amp;sectid=12&contentid=20080303200803030215578169388d97 7

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#92

PRIYA, O PRIYA!!

"MARRIAGE IS ON THE CARDS"

Long distance relationships require a special willingness and understanding that can test love like no other type of relationship can. Many a time, they succumb under the pressure of insecurity, and just fizzle. And there are times when loves cuts a new path whenever it meets any obstacle. Meet television actors Jatin Shah and Priya Bathija, who have met and conquered all the hurdles in their paths. One of those very few celebrity couples blissfully together, despite the distance, this duo can give you a tip or two on how to keep the fire burning, no matter how many miles may separate you!

Both Jatin, the striking hunk Raunak from Kasturi, and his alluring lady love, Priya Bathija, who plays Afreen in Khwaish, happen to be Balaji protgs, but unlike most of the other television couples, love didn't blossom between them during those long and tedious working hours on the sets. On the contrary, it was a casual meeting at a common friend's party that got the two introduced to each other. And it was the beginning of a new liaison, as they hit it off well.

This adorable couple is open about their relationship and have no qualms discussing their personal lives. When asked about how he met Priya, Jatin, in his quiet, unassuming manner replies, "Priya and I have been dating for the past one-and-a-half year now. I remember meeting her at a friend's party. And we exchanged numbers then. Slowly, one thing led to another."

Priya, on the other hand, took an instant liking for Jatin and gradually started hanging out with him at different hotspots. She couldn't be happier when Jatin popped the question and eventually, they started seeing each other.

But it wasn't all hunky-dory for them yet. Just two months after meeting, Priya left for Dubai to shoot for her show Khwaish and she was away for more then 10 months. Still, the couple didn't let their relationship fizzle out. Jatin recalls, "Priya left for Dubai and even I got busy with Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki.

But even during that testing period, we did make it a point to keep in touch via telephone." Priya, the more vocal of the two, gives her side of the story. "We had to communicate through calls and text messages. Initially, it was very difficult for both of us to maintain a long distance relationship. But we managed as we were sure of ourselves," she says and then declares in a flushed tone, "Jatin is the man for me."

Like any other relationship, insecurities were bound to creep in and more so in their case, because of the geographical distance. But then distance does not matter if two hearts are loyal to one another. For instance, there have been rumours of Jatin dating his co-star Mouni Roy, which the actor hotly denies. "She is my very good friend, but that's it. Just because we shoot together doesn't mean we are going out."

He is clearly besotted by Priya alone and she too is head over heels in love with him. Leaving behind all their apprehensions, the couple has gone ahead with this relationship. Though Jatin didn't think the distance posed any problem, Priya had her misgivings. "Initially I was a bit insecure, but now I trust Jatin completely," she says.

Having to shoot daily for their respective soaps, this young couple does not get to spend too much time together. Perhaps working together would be a good option and the couple agree. "I would love to work with Jatin. This way we can spend some time together while the audience can also get to witness some natural chemistry!" says Priya.
Unlike the serials they work in, there is no real villain in their love story. Both their parents are pleased with this 'made in heaven' match. With no family objections or parental pressure, the next step for this duo is marriage. "Definitely, marriage is on the cards, but after some time," reveals Jatin. And girlfriend Priya echoes his sentiments, "Yes, hopefully we don't have to wait for too many years. But currently we are happy focussing on our careers."

At least for now, it seems like the indefinite wait for this duo is over. For the past two months, Priya has been in town, shooting for her show, and fortunately spending quality time with beau Jatin. Obviously, both of them are more than happy with this schedule of shooting and hope it remains so. As Priya desperately wishes, "I hope I stay here longer, but it's up to my production house Balaji, who calls the shots." Rightly said, love does not know its own depth until the hour of separation.

**BY PURVAJA SAWANT

http://www.magnamags.com/magnamags/index.php?option=com_cont ent&task=view&id=1282&Itemid=224

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#93

By Uma Devarajan

She is the writer whose words reach the maximum number of Indians every day. With Dulhan, Maayka, Ambar Dhara, Choona Hai Aasman, Santaan and now Kasturi — what Mrinal Jha writes is what India watches each night. Since 1993 she has had more than 5,000 episodes telecast. This prolific writer is the better half of author couple Al Raines.

Q You started as a programme strategist; how did you turn to writing scripts for TV serials?
I started as a copywriter in 1994, the same year as my husband Abhigyan and I wrote the novel November Rain. Satellite TV was happening just then, and I suppose people assumed that we could write. Our first script was for a kids' quiz show.

Q The supernatural is a recurring theme in all your writings. Why aren't there more programmes on it when people are so interested?
I have written supernatural stuff like Mano Ya Na Mano besides using the theme in our novels and film Sacred Evil. The unfortunate bit is that there is too much soap happening and very little of anything else. Probably lack of foresight on behalf of the channels.

Q You have written for serials like Rajni where each episode had a definite message. How different is this genre?
The writing obviously is different. There is more satisfaction while writing for an individual episode. Soaps are like volumes — you have to keep going on new tracks.

Q As a creative person how does it feel to be dictated to by TRPs and channels?
TRPs are a good thing because you know what people are watching and whether they are getting entertained. It is great to know that your soaps are watched by crores of people. When you write a bad story TRPs fall. I still feel that channels should trust the writer because one person's conviction in the story has to be followed through.

Q What is the most challenging part of story or character that you have had to write?
Every show at some point turns critical. The two lead characters in the soap Dulhan Banoo Main Teri have now been killed by the vamp. You have to be very sure of what you are doing because once you kill them you can't bring them back. These changes are sometimes done to raise TRPs, but Dulhan was right at its peak when it happened and nothing was done out of desperation. Then killing Tulsi some time back when I used to write for Kyunki was also critical.

Q Most memorable, character/ scene?
I think it would have to be Ramola Sikand of Kahin Kissi Roz. She gave a whole new meaning to the term vamp. Her dress sense, dialogues are all still remembered and she's become iconic.

Q People recognise actors, not writers? Have you come across people discussing your stories without recognising you?
I have come across people discussing both Kahin Kissi Roz and Dulhan without realising I'd written them. When Ramola was being blackmailed, everyone wanted to know who was doing it, but I never confessed that I was behind the whole story.

Q What are you working on currently? Will the supernatural feature in your works?
I've just finished writing our third book Soul Search Engine with my husband. Yes, there would be some element of the supernatural in future projects also.

www.deccan.com

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#94

Robbery on Kyunki sets

Last week when Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi's unit was shooting in Kandivali, Mumbai some of the actors' stuff got stolen. Manav Vij, who lost things worth Rs 40,000, gave us details about the incident.
"It happened last week. Actually we were not shooting at our regular location. All of us were shooting for a court sequence in Kandivali. I always keep my stuff in my make-up room. During my free time I went to the other make up room to have chat with Sandip, Sumeet, Riva, Reshmii and all. My driver was also not there that day. I think I left my make-up room unlocked and ended up losing my I-pod, DVD player, DVDs, branded sun glasses, the entire make-up kit and Nike shoes which I bought two days back," he revealed.

"The production house provides security to the sets. Nothing like this happened before but this was a new set. I have informed them but what they can do when I already lost so many things. I think some other actors also lost a few things but we did not register the complaint as we thought it was of no use," the aggrieved actor added.

The incident took place on March 21. The Kyunki team was shooting for the scene in which Trupti was going to confess her identity and Mihir was to be set free.

Generally two actors share a vanity van. Before this robberies have taken place on the sets of Kayamath and Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyaan. Every production house keep eye on outsiders and security guards are also provided by the studio management but still such kinds of incidents do take place on the sets.

http://www.indya.com/news/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2008/March/ News_20080329_335

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#95

Taking aim

Who will play Lakshya in Kyunki…? Priyanshu Chatterji, Yash Pandit, Jay Bhanushali and Jatin Shah are the contenders.

KAVITA SHYAM

Lakshya, one the most popular characters of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi will be back in the show now, but with a different face. Ekta Kapoor has a shortlist ready. She is picking and choosing between Priyanshu Chatterji, Yash Pandit, Jay Bhanushali and Jatin Shah to play the character. Lakshya will be on air from first week of May. It remains to be seen who will finally step into Pulkit Samrat's shoes. Pulkit, who recently left the show after a quite public spat with Ekta Kapoor, is busy gearing up for Bollywood.
Currently the production house is working out the details of Lakshya's character to spice up the track.
Says Vikas Gupta, creative head of the show, "We have a few people in mind. Lakshya is the apple of the eye of the Virani family and he is one of the main leads of the new generation. The new Lakshya has to be someone very popular. Whoever is picked will be lucky to play this character."
Balaji plans to rope in the audience in the choice. "We will conduct a poll on television, after which the audience and Ekta will decide on the new Lakshya. Lakshya's character will continue to be the same. KT (Mouni Roy) and Lakshya's on-screen chemistry will remain the same."
Says Jay Bhanushali, "Yes, I have had a word with the production house about playing Lakshya. I am yet not sure if I have been chosen to play the character, nothing is confirmed yet. They are yet to take a decision."

Jay Bhanushali

Priyanshu Chatterji

Pulkit Samrat

www.indiatimes.com

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#96

Source : - Hindustan times.

Supplemeny : - Ht Cafe

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/Default.aspx?selpg=1540

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#97

Roopa unhappy with Balaji

Roopa Ganguly is best remembered for her Draupadi act in B. R. Chopra's Mahabharat. But after doing the mythological serial and a few Hindi flicks, Roopa settled down in matrimony. Two years ago, she resurfaced again on television in Balaji's Karam Apna Apna and since then serials have kept her busy.

Till a week ago, she was doing Ekta's Kasturi which she has quit now and has joined Creative Eye's Waqt Batayega. Ask her the reason for quitting Kasturi and she says she wasn't quite happy working for Balaji. "Everything was fine for some time. But some how I felt the respect was not there. I am a very sensitive person and as a senior actor I expect respect," she explains.

She is happy with her role in Waqt. "The character in Waqt is important in the story. Besides, I am being treated well by the production company that gives me the liberty to interpret the character in my own way," says Roopa.

www.deccan.com

Edited by *Shruti* - 17 years ago

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Abi

@niveditha

Sparkler

+ 4

Posted: 16 years ago

#98

He has been away from the silver screen and Mohnish Behl blames it to the dearth of good roles. "But, I'm not fretting over it," says an optimist Mohnish. Being on a semi-break, he got the chance to spend quality time with his family. And now, the Behl's are looking forward to welcoming a new member in the family.

Mohnish's wife Ekta is pregnant and the couple is expecting their second baby early next year. "Yes, it's true," he confirms. "Pranutan, my daughter is a big girl now, and we wanted to complete the family picture," says an ecstatic Mohnish.

The Behl house is being renovated to welcome its member. "Kids need a lot of space and that's why we decided to renovate our house." After Pranutan, are they hoping that this time it's a boy? "Not really," he shrugs. But Mohnish's friends have been praying that Ekta delivers a healthy baby boy. "But, honestly, I'll be equally happy if it's a girl child."

Nutan's son says that he will take a paternity break. "I'll be shooting for a TV show and a film at the time of Ekta's delivery but I've already informed the producers that I'll be taking a small break." Mohnish says that he is looking forward to changing nappies and staying up in the nights.

http://movies.indiatimes.com/News__Gossip/Television_News/Mohnish_to_be_a_dad_again/articleshow/3570314.cms