KA Articles Archive - Page 11

While Natassha, now Anita, rebuffs rumours of cold-war with Ekta, actress admits to a past tiff with her mentor though...

Reena Thapar Kapoor

Right from her onset into the world of television and films, Anita Hassanandani (better known as Natassha, but she reverted back to her original name) has had more than her share of headlines; and mostly for all the wrong reasons. Trouble first started brewing when she had a showdown with her mentor-cum-friend-cum-confidante Ekta Kapoor.

The fracas subsided due to timely intervention by Shobha Kapoor, but it wasn't long before the cracks in the relationships started to resurface again.

Recently, Anita's role in Kkavyanjali was marginalised significantly and the focus shifted to co-star actor Nandini Singh. "I admit that Nandini's role in Kavyanjali is getting stronger and bigger. But that's only because of my absence in Mumbai due to my film commitments down South," says Anita.

Apparently, Anita's absentia had reached a point when the creative team of Kkavyanjali had to go down South to can her shots. "But, I'm fine with Nandini getting a higher billing in the show," says Anita rebuffing controversies pointing to a fall-out between Ekta and her. Clearing the air, Anita vehemently denies ever having a cold war with her mentor. "Ekta and I did have a tiff. I'm not denying that we had a disagreement in the past over an important issue but it never reached a stage where we had to stop talking to each other," says Anita.

At that time, the bone of contention between the two was long working hours. "Yes, the long working hours drove a rift between the two if us. But (Shobha Kapoor) aunty stepped in and sorted the matter," adds Anita. The actress is eternally grateful to Ekta's mother for supporting her. "That's what makes Shobha aunty extremely special and adorable. She could've taken her daughter's side but she chose to support me because she thought I was in the right," she adds.

What about her alleged relationship with co-star Ejiaz Khan? "I never had an affair with him. Ejiaz is an attractive man, but we share a clean and healthy working relationship. That's about it," says Anita.

So does that mean that she has never fallen in love? "I'm a private person and that's probably the reason why one gets the impression that I'm too good to be true. Of course, I've been in love. I was seeing someone in Hyderabad. In fact, I broke up with him just recently," she explains

sources: mumbaimirror.com

Kavya lands up in hospital
By: Vickey Lalwani
December 27, 2005

AB MAIN THEEK HOON: Eijaz Khan and Natassha in Kavyanjali Eijaz Khan — Kavya of Kavyanjali, on Star Plus — was admitted to Joy Hospital, in Chembur, for three days, early last week. According to a source, "The lead actor of Kavyanjali passed out on the sets, due to an acute stomach infection." Culprit: Food When contacted, Khan confirmed that he had been hospitalised, but denied passing out. He claimed, "One day before I was admitted, I was throwing up; I couldn't eat anything and was feeling tremendously weak. The following day, I went to my family physician and he suggested that I get admitted. I think I had some outside food, which led to my indisposition, though it's difficult to trace and pinpoint the exact cause," he added. Why Chembur? Khan explained, "I used to stay in Chembur for 15 years. The doctors there know my history and I share a comfort level with them. I had gone to one of my physicians there, and he advised that Joy Hospital would be the right choice for treatment." Back to work Because he is working in a daily, the actor had little option but to resume as soon as he was discharged. Khan resumed shooting for Kavyanjali on Friday. But the infection recurred, and he started vomiting again. This time, he didn't have to be hospitalised, as his condition improved on Saturday. "I am much better now. The tapes have to be sent, and I cannot hold up the shooting. The show must go on," he says. Says Nivedita Basu, creative head for Kavyanjali, "We did have a bit of problem due to Khan's unavailability. But we had some episodes banked, and managed to go ahead. In a couple of days, Eijaz should be fine." Khan had stepped into the shoes of Rakshak Sahani, who was replaced in March 2005. vickey.lalwani@mid-day.com

Amrita completes 20 years with the Bhatts
By: Chaitanya Padukone
December 27, 2005

BHATT NATURALLY: Amrita Singh Invitees at the late night party hosted by Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt to mark the success of Kalyug were startled to observe the otherwise calm and sober Amrita Singh in a masti-mazaak mood. She playfully ragged all her junior co-stars. "Hey! Kunal come here and embrace me, I am not gonna gobble you up. We must have a secret date tonight okay to celebrate the Kalyug success," quipped Dingy (Amrita's nickname) loudly even as a bashful Kunal blushed away. "Its incredible that I have come a full circle with the Bhatt camp. Some 20 years ago they cast me in their first production Kabzaa and now its Kalyug. She's flooded with offers Actually my comeback to Bollywood was quite low-key when I played Bobby Deol's mother in Bhagat Singh three years ago. And in sheer contrast to the dignified period character I dared to take on this anti-heroine negative character in Kalyug. It's amazing that I have been inundated with calls, sms-es and movies offers," insists Singh in her husky voice. Would she be game for more vampish roles? "I definitely do not want to be typecast. Now I am dying to do a wacky comedy like No Entry. Of course the Bhatts want to repeat me in their upcoming projects because they consider me a lucky mascot," she laughs as she tosses her curly tresses. Cinema's her first love Now that she had made an impact with her filmi comeback would the Betaab girl stop doing television roles." My first love shall always be cinema. But television came to me at a time when I was going though a personal crisis and it also restored my self-confidence When I started off with Kavyanjali, I found the constant hectic shoot schedules rather demanding but then I gradually got used to it. Now it's been a year since I plunged onto the telly screen. No, I am not taking up any TV offers whilst Kavyanjali is on," she smiles. Working with Mohit Considering that she has always worked with top-notch directors like Manmohan Desai and co-stars like Amitabh Bachchan how was the experience of working with a young upcoming director and fresh actors in Kalyug? "It was a fabulous experience. Director Mohit Suri has the same raw passion like Bhattsaab had when he used to direct me in Naam. It was rejuvenating to work with such young dynamic promising stars like Kumal Kemmu, Deepal Shaw and Smilie," says Amrita. thelist@mid-day.com

Eijaz khan

Soap stud

Best known for- Being primetime soap's fav leading man!

The story so far- He started to playing varun in kth and moved to kesar as abhi, then to koi dil mein hain as arjun, to kussum as sohan and finally as kavya in Kavyanjali- all in 2 years! whew! A hopelessly broken shoulder at 25 meant he lost 2 years of his then fledging career! " I was bedridden 4 5 months and doctors had to literally resculpt my shoulder"! says the actor who has also done lots of tv ads and music videos!

He says- "As an actor, I can only use my celebrity status to create awareness about issues and, yes, pay my taxes on time"

They say- "Hes the only one among us who reads the script. He shuld get into films" says Anita, co-star .

There was also a cool new pic of him, but sorry! dunt have a scanner! so if any one can scan it, that would be much appreccialted!

Anita was in the Indiatimes Top 10 for Best babes of 2005...
and Eijaz is also in the Top 10 list for the Men who rocked 2005😃

http://tvguide.indiatimes.com/


Eijaz Khan had a rocking time playing Kkavya this year. Coming as a replacement in the serial 'Kkavyanjali', this hunky actor wooed not just the heroine but all his female fans too. The serial soared to an astounding viewership rating after he joined the show. He even won the best On Screen Couple award along with co-star, Anita at the Indian Telly awards. The guy who left home as a teenager and lived life on his own terms and conditions finally made it big with not just 'Kkavyanjali' but also for his roles in serials like 'Kesar', 'Kkoi Dil Mein Hai' and 'Kahin to Hoga'.

This is my first personal interview. I normally only talk about my work. Yes, I have 10 people in my life who I cannot do without. Aur yeh rahe unke naam," says Ekta Kapoor.

1. Shobha Kapoor

My mom is my support and strength. I call her my Rock of Gibraltar. I might have a lot of creativity, but the production and finance is handled by her. She and I have a symbiotic relationship. If we ever think we can start a company without each other, it would be foolish. As a mum, she is awesome. She is as modern as one can get, and at the same time, imbibes traditional values.

2. Jeetendra

My dad is the most fit, good-looking man, who teaches me positive thinking and good behaviour. I know people in my house who say that the cleanliness in his heart has brought us this success — I very much agree. The best part is that everyone thinks of him that way. This, in turn, gives me a lot of hope and optimism in life.

3. Tusshar Kapoor

He is one guy whom I don't need to talk to if I want to convey something. He understands me to the core. We are poles apart — he is meticulous, serious and quiet. My gussa is all out on the surface, while he will never displays emotion. I wouldn't think twice before making enemies, while he will wait for the right moment to strike. He is fiercely protective about me. He refused to give an interview to a channel that poked fun at me.

4. Sunita Menon

She is my guru, guide, friend and sister. We have some karmic connection from our past birth. She has done wonders to my life.

She has protected my nature; she knows exactly what mistakes I'll make. It will take me another lifetime to repay her contribution in my life.

5. Natassha

People call her Anita, but I still call her Natassha or Taashu. She is my best friend. I was undergoing a very tough phase in my life, when I first met her, and she helped me come out of it. I had a lot of hi-society acquaintances, but she treated me like a true friend, and not as a producer.

What a gem of girl she is! My mom loves her as much as she loves me. I don't get Diwali gifts from my mother, but Taashu does. My mom tells me that Taashu will support me throughout my life.

6. Mushtaq Shiekh

Whatever I say, he always counters me. He is the balancing factor in my life. We live a life of excess - either too much work, or too much partying. Power, fame and money can make one go mad. We need someone to question us. He does that, and often, I don't have an answer. I cannot live without him. Without him, I'll die.

7. Shabbir Ahluwalia

This guy will be young even when he turns 80. He is young in his attitude and thinking. When I am with him, I forget all my worries. He makes me laugh, and is the only person who tolerates my mood swings. He is the only person who'll be there at 4 am if I want to go out for coffee. Koi bhi problem ho duniya mein, he just takes it away. He is my anchor.

8. Shabina Khan

She is my oldest friend. I've known her for 10 years. Good, bad, ugly — I have gone through it all with her. At times, I have hated her, and then loved her. We have gone to so many holidays together, we know each other very well. We know how we eat our omlettes. She is older than me, and I teasingly call her Shaboo Khaala. I want to see her married in 2006. Koi ladke ko gunpoint pe rakh ke kidnap karna parega! I want Shabina's baraat to be the grandest ever.

9. Gayatri Gill

I work in an atmosphere where everyone is out to batter you, take your staff away, poach your people. In that kind of culture, Gayatri, Balaji's script head, is one person who has stood by me. I have taught her a lot about television, but she has taught me a lot more about life. Some time ago, we had a fight and she left. She was away for a week, and got 30 offers to join elsewhere, but didn't even consider them. She stands for loyalty and integrity.

10. Nivedita Basu

She has been with me for five-and-a-half years. She was somebody I always opposed — till she became a friend. Today, she is family.

She is one person whose niceness I got to see during the last one year. She is another person who has been offered many thousands more to join other people, but has refused.

Earlier, I could have said I can do without her, but today, I can't. She symbolises Balaji as much as I do. If it's Balaji, it's Nivi. And if Nivi's there, it means Balaji. Her identity and the company's identity has merged.

The unlikely faces of 2005


While every magazine and newspaper worth its name comes out with achievers and faces of the year, we decided to look for the unlikely faces that made an impact on television and got noticed for their work. Here's presenting the unlikely faces of 2005.

Eijaz Khan
Though Eijaz is not a new face on television, he was not seen in lead roles for quite some time. But Ekta gave him a chance to play the lead in Kkavyanjali and this did wonders for his career. Having done cameos in movies like Kuch Na Kaho (Tumhe aaj maine jo dekha) and Zameen (Dilli ki sardi), Eijaz also did small roles in serials like Kkoi Dil Mein Hai and Kkusum. 2005 was a lucky year for him and his act in Kkavyanjali fetched him awards and laurels galore making him a small screen heartthrob.

Sangeeta Ghosh
Sangeeta has been around for quite some time on television. Noticed first in Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand, she was in the news this year as the hostess of the reality dance show Nach Baliye. Apart from the couples, Sangeeta too was noticed for her dancing skills and she was paid a bomb for her hostess act. What's remarkable is that though her dance skills were appreciated like other couples, she coolly escaped all the trauma and tension of having to participate and get judged by the public.

Rajeev Khandelwal
In spite of being kicked out of Kahiin To Hoga that made him a huge star, Rajeev Khandelwal managed to be in the news for all the right reasons. His interviews in the press about Ekta Kapoor and Balaji gave him a lot of publicity. Even though Time Bomb was not a hit, Rajeev was still a superstar unlike others who are forgotten once they quit a show. Another point that is making Rajeev have the last laugh is that his replacement in Kahiin To Hoga, Gurpreet Singh is not as good as him and the audience still refers to Rajeev as 'Sujal'.

Pawan Shankar
Pawan Shankar is the most unlikely hero you can find on television. In a time where every hero either has typical chocolate boy looks or a well-built muscular body, Pawan stood out for his earnest acting, and also bagged all the jury awards for television for best actor.
Pawan hasn't taken up any new shows post Siddhanth, he has been in the news for turning down Sujal's role in Balaji's Kahiin To Hoga after Rajeev Khandelwal walked out. Pawan was criticised for this seemingly wrong and disastrous career move but didn't budge from his decision.

Ami Trivedi
She plays the unassuming and ordinary girl Katyayani Purohit aka Kituu in Sahara One's Kituu…Sab Jaanti Hai. In the telly world where big shots like Sony, Zee and Star Plus take a big chunk of viewership, this girl has managed to stand out and maintain her own set of loyal viewers. No doubt the credit also goes to the script and concept of the show, but Ami's acting skills also get equal credit. With a background of Gujrati theatre and cameos in Khichdi and Kumkum, her dazzling smile and twinkling eyes set her apart from the host of new faces on television.

Neha Bamb, the petite lass from Kaisa Ye Pyaa Hai has also acted in South films like Dil, Athade Oka Sainyam and Dost. She says, "These movies got me immense recognition, but after I moved on to television there has been no time for movies." She says there is more hard work on television when compared to movies. "The work pressure is much more, but I get a kick out of it." She adds, "I stayed in Hyderabad for two years and I do miss the city sometimes, especially Tabla restaurant and KBR Park. It was great working with S. V. Krishna Reddy, Jagpathi Babu and Nitin. Sadly, I have not been able to keep in touch with any of them."

Natassha is a familiar face down south. She says, "I love Hyderabad my movie Nuvvu Nenu was such a massive hit there that I started getting better offers after that, both in movies and on TV. The film industry down south is really professional" Though she is busy with television commitments, she is game for South films "if anything good comes up."

Kanchi Kaul is going places with her role in the serial Ek ladki Anjani Si. She was seen in movies like Idhi Maa Ashoggaddi and Sampangi and Cheppalani Vundi and has worked with actors like Naveen, Raasi, Deepak. She was reported saying that the six movies she did in the South helped her gain a lot of fame and if good offers come by, she is ready to quit acting for television.

Iqbal Khan met his girlfriend Sneha Chabbria in Hyderabad while shooting for the video Main Teri Prem Diwani Saiyyan by Falguni Pathak in Ramoji film city. Though they didn't strike up a rapport immediately, they do remember Hyderabad. Says Iqbal, "I remember eating at Hotel Shadaab. I really liked the laidback style of Hyderabad."

Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan also met in Hyderabad while shooting for the Breeze commercial. That was the first time that they actually worked together after which they were seen eextensively in the daily soap, Kutumb.

COURTESY ROCKER!

Eijaz interview from MG mag

http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=166596&K W=rocker