KA Articles Archive - Page 12

Eijaz comes clean

Kkavya of Kkavyanjali talks about sudden media shyness, Ekta Kapoor and women in his life

Reena Thapar Kapoor

At a time when almost the entire television fraternity is on a break, Eijaz Khan is busy slogging in the smelly studios. "Hey, but I'm not complaining," he assures. Post Kkavyanjali, Khan has been keeping a low profile. He says, "I want to be known for my work. I want people to relate to me as an actor. But this doesn't mean that I'm not friendly or open to meeting people in general."

Ekta Kapoor is completely impressed with his acting abilities, "Ekta thinks that I can fit in any role. I've played all types of roles. I'm sure I can even play a girl's role with great conviction if need be."

After having gained immense popularity in Kkavyanjali, how does he feel about Rakshak Sahni's (former Kavya) bitter attitude? He says, "If Rakshak is bitter, then it is his problem," he says. "I've met him once at Ekta Kapoor's party. He is a good looking guy. Unfortunately, he couldn't handle the pressures of a brand new daily show. He fumbled and had to leave, what is my fault in that? In the past, even I was thrown out of a show, so did I go around creating controversies?" Talking about controversies, his relationship with Karishma Tanna ended on a rather unpleasant note, "Karishma and I worked together for a while so getting close was inevitable. She is an intelligent woman and I feel that whatever she said about me in print is something that she shouldn't have."

So, is he seeing someone now? "I don't kiss and tell," he shrugs. What about Natassha aka Anita? "Anita and I share a great comfort level. I can say that I'm closest to her. Being a self confessed hot-headed individual, has he ever taken his anger out on a colleague?

"I've screamed at the production guys but that's all. I don't go around bashing people up," he laughs.

courtesy jingle

Star's Small Screen divas to woo Zayed Khan

The party begins with a bash, as the year's biggest tele-event comes just round the corner. Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Awards will bring this time a boogie of moments, as for the first time ever small screen eye candies will put the stage on fire, with their debut performances in front of the who's- who and Godfather's of Bollywood.

Wooing the young and current crush of Bollywood -Zayed Khan; would be the battery of Star's leading ladies - Juhi Parmar- (Kumkum of Kumkum); Shweta Tiwari -(Prerna of Kasuaati Zindagi Kay) ; Nataasha- ( Anjali of Kavyaanjali).

Shaking a leg and grooving to the tunes will be the performances of Bollywood sirens & bombshells: Bipasha Basu, Tanushree Dutta , Tanisha and Rani Mukherji, lined-up for the biggest Starry night of the year. Taking on the reins and joining the bandwagon of glamour & glitter will also be our homemade macho man - Akshaye Kumar aka Akkie.

Giving the small screen performers yet another platform to perform in front of the nationwide audience and the entire film fraternity Star known for its innovations, has gone ahead again to entertain its viewer in the best possible way. Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Award-the most glamorous night of the year will bring together all the glitz & splendor and tickle a funny bone or two.

So stay glued & clued and watch your favourite celebs in their arresting performances at the Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Awards, on Sunday 15 Jan, 7.00 p.m only on Star Plus.

Courtesy melissa_25

Kumkum, Prerna, Anjali woo Zayed
By: A hitList Correspondent
January 7, 2006
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Zayed Khan
Juhi Parmar




Shweta Tiwari Anita Hasanandani
In a case of Bollywood meeting television, three small screen characters from Star Plus soaps, Kumkum (Juhi Parmar) of Kumkum — Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Prerna (Shweta Tiwari) of Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Anjali (Anita Hasanandani) of Kavyanajali will boogie with Bollywood stars at the Hero Honda 12th Annual STAR Screen Awards which will be telecast on Star Plus on January 15 at 7 pm.

The telly brigade will woo Zayed Khan on a medley of tracks. Bollywood bombshells Bipasha Basu, Tanushree Dutta and Tanisha besides Rani Mukerji and Akshay Kumar are also expected to shake a leg on stage which will have the who's who of Bollywood in attendance.

Anita...5 things u dont know about me
courtesy huziebaby

http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=170955

"Shabbir plans to stay solo in 2006"
Courtesy Eijaz_Crazy (Zahra)! 😊

Shabbir plans to stay solo in 2006
By: Tushar Joshi
January 9, 2006
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Shabbir Ahluwalia in Karmic Connection
Extracting an interview from Shabbir Ahluwalia takes lots of phone calls and loads of patience. The guy is a complete recluse.

"What is there to talk about?", questions Shabbir when I finally pin him down for a Q&A. Here's Shabbir unplugged on his plans for the year, his hide and seek with the press, and his first crush….

Define 2005. Personal and professional level
It wasn't that hectic for me as I got a chance to travel abroad as well. I went to Malaysia twice, and also had short trips to UK and USA. Overall, I would say I had a peaceful year. My family also had no complaints, since I spent decent time with them too.

You seem to run away from interviews…
I really don't know what to talk about. My work speaks for itself. It's not that I have an allergy to the media, but I prefer maintaining a low profile.

Tell me about Karmic Connection?
I play the role of Mukul who has his own television company. During the course of the show he gets involved in some paranormal incidents, and starts developing interest in occult and such. I am going in for a clean-shaven look and will be dressed in casual clothes, unlike Mulder in X-files to which will people draw comparisons with. I think other than the interest in the world of spirits, I don't share any traits with Mulder.

You haven't taken on anything after Kahiin To Hoga. Why?
I have been getting loads of offers, but nothing has excited me. I have to be kicked about the project if I am doing it. At the moment I am more than happy playing Rishi. Lets see where the road leads and what kind of work comes my way.

Is it true that you have notched yourself a Bollywood project?
There are scripts and roles I am looking at, but nothing has finalised yet. I definitely want to do films, but don't want to jump into anything for the sake of it. I want to do crazy stuff, where I could be a hero, a villain, or even a character role. I am open to anything that gives me a kick and challenges me. If everything works out fine, then very soon I would be working in a movie.

You've won awards for your style. Define your style.
Comfort comes first. I like to have a relaxed style of dressing, where I can wear denims and a t-shirt and just lounge around. I love chappals, you will see me wearing them even on my sets.

Lets talk about the Nach Baliye experience.
When I was offered the show, I was totally clueless about it. In fact I didn't even get back with a 'yes' right away. But when I decided to go ahead with it, I gave it my best shot. It was an amazing experience. There were some emotional moments for me, when some of my friends were voted out.

It was heart-breaking. Can I dance? Let me just say that I can survive on the dance floor. Working with Sangeeta was fun, she has no hang ups and is chilled-out like me. I like being in the company of people who are relaxed.

You've managed to stay away from any link-ups. How come?
I am very clear about what I want from life at this stage. I don't want to get involved in any emotional business. I definitely want to settle down at a later stage, but right now I don't have time for a girl. My work and career is my Number One priority. Once I realise the goal I have set for myself, I can think about my love life.

Ekta named you as one of the persons she can't live without. Comment.
Ekta is one of my very close friends. She is also my philosopher and I respect her for what she has achieved at such a young age. There are times when she gives me advice, praises my work, at the same time corrects me where I go wrong. She takes a personal interest in every show, and makes sure everything is up to the mark. I really look up to her.

You don't get along with the new Sujal – Gurpreet. True?
Completely untrue. Gurpreet is a very hardworking guy and is really sweet. I have no issues with him whatsoever. In fact Rajeev was also great to work with.

tushar.joshi@mid-day.com

Shabbir on his first time experiences and other secrets

First crush: It was in my school days. There was this girl sitting next to me during my board exams. I had a huge crush on her, and even let her copy my paper.

First kiss: I cant tell you who it was with, but it was definitely between 1990 and 2000. You keep guessing when!

First time you saw an adult movie: It was in my school days. I saw it on the cable channel. Like every other guy in that age, I too was curious to watch one

Ideal woman: I should be able to trust her completely. That's my first criteria. She should be intelligent, and able to think on her own. Of course she has to love me and take me as I am.

What turns you on in a woman: I love the way a woman's eyes light up when she smiles. That is a big turn on.

Are you open to kissing on big screen: Of course why not, but unlike Emran Hashmi who's called the serial kisser, I would be known as serial killer.

Will there be another Shah Rukh Khan ?

http://www.telegraphindia.com/10601...ory_5484995.asp

After Shah Rukh Khan, have you heard of any filmstar who has made it big in films? The answer is a resounding 'no'! There may be huge stars around who command big money in the TV industry, but everything comes to naught once they try to up their luck in Bollywood. Bollywood is a totally new ball game for them. The best example is Amarr Upadhyay who left his successful TV career to try his hand as a filmstar and achieved nothing.

Not to forget Rohit Roy who made an obscure debut in an obscure film in the late 90s just after his hit serial, Swabhimaan, and did a superflop Plan later. Ditto for Niki Aneja who did a couple of infamous films in the 90s. Even TV hottie Mandira Bedi, in spite of a good character role in the superhit, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Sharad Kapoor, Raman Trikha, Sandali Sinha, Gracy Singh (all started out with TV serials) have not been great shakes at all on the big screen.

And Natassha, biggie Ekta Kapoor's protegee had a string of flops — Kuch To Hai, Yeh Dil, Krishna Cottage and Koi Aap Sa in the course of her brief film career. In spite of good friend and guardian angel Ekta Kapoor's patronage Natassha has been a no-show (and a non-actor as well!) Seems like Natassha is only cut out for her sob stories and good old cat fights (read: saas-bahu serials).


Similarly, Nausheen Ali Sardar, the original Kkusum, still seems to be slogging hard at a movie career (she has reportedly signed a few non-happening films) and has not made it anywhere as yet. The glamorous TV siren, Sandhya Mridul, is not considered that glamorous a babe in Bollywood though she has good notice from critics. Even the hot young things, the VJs have got a lukewarm response from Bollywood fans — Malaika Arora (tagged as item number specialist), Amrita Arora, Shehnaaz, Anusha, Gaurav, Pia, Purab and the most recent, Sophie with her lousy act in Shaadi No. 1.

Is it the over-exposure that spoils it for them? It might be so that the viewers, who see their good old TV stars day in day out in the comfort of their living rooms, don't want to venture out, buy a movie ticket to watch them on the big screen. They want to see something new, somebody who has real star power there. Probably doing the same stuff over and over again for a long time makes them too boring for new experiments and too loud to be considered subtle actors.

Moreover, TV stars are hardly as hot as their bigscreen counterparts. Mandira Bedi is one among the few TV stars who has a well-maintained body. Then, too, the lady does not have a film career to talk about, not even her husband's films! In fact, other than a select few, most TV stars are not too much into bodycare (their long working hours can be blamed for that). Or you wouldn't have Smriti Iraani ruling the roost on the small screen. Can you imagine her in any role on the big screen other than of a bhabhi or a maa? The spare tyres can hang out on the small screen, but on the big screen it better be something else.

Madhavan (of Tol Mol Ke Bol, Ghar Jamaai and now Deal Ya No Deal) achieved some success, but mind you, only in South films. So maybe it will take some time to get another Shah Rukh Khan (in those times of Doordarshan, exposure wasn't that much anyway and there were no boring soaps, either) who does a successful cross over to Bollywood.

Many failed filmstars, on the contrary, have sought refuge in television after having fizzled out in films. Ronit Roy, failed as a hero in spite of a talked-about Jaan Tere Naam in the early 90s and was seen in television some years later.

Sheeba, Iqbal Khan now smallscreen heartthrob, Mukul Dev (after appearing in Sushmita Sen's debut film, Dastak), Deepshikha, Rahul Roy and Vikas Bhalla, Ravi Behl, Sanober (the trio have also tried their luck as pop stars) — the list can go on. The latest entrant is Tum Bin hero Rakesh Bapat who made his debut in the Zee serial, Saat Phere, not very long ago.

In fact, better talents like Shekhar Suman and art film actress turned TV glam girl Rajeshwari Sachdev are content with their TV careers now. Seems like Manoj Bajpai will join the brigade soon — he started with Swabhimaan, went on to do some really good films, but now out of work again, he is back to TV hosting a new game show, Kam Ya Zyada on Zee TV.

Ironically, if TV stars are unsuccessful on the big screen, same goes for the track record of filmstars on the small screen. Barring the biggest of them all, Big B, all including Madhuri, Sridevi, Karisma, Raveena, Arbaaz Khan, Jugal Hansraj, Govinda, Manisha Koirala, Anupam Kher have failed to leave a mark in television. Could be that the working style in TV doesn't suit them. Maybe it's always better to continue in one's own space and not venture into new territory.

Hollywood is a different case altogether where actors like Jennifer Aniston (Friends), George Clooney (ER), Jennifer Love Hewitt, Neve Cambell (Party of Five), Jennifer Garner (Alias) and many others are equally shining in both the media.

Back home the latest buzz is that Shah Rukh Khan will appear in a non-fiction show on Zee TV. Let's wait and watch how the Baadshah fares in his second innings in Tellywood.

Courtesy Huzie

Midday article about KA's first anniversary

Mumbai mirror article

'I broke my editing table in anger'

...confesses Ekta Kapoor, saying shoddy work infuriates her

Reena Thapar Kapoor

If success is Ekta Kapoor's handmaid, controversies and allegations are her constant companions. Here, the television czarina leaves aside her producer's hat and gives us a peek into Ekta, the woman.

On being a workaholic:
Contrary to the general belief, I'm not a workaholic. Just like anyone else I'm serious about my work, that's all. I do go on holidays quite regularly. It's true though that even when I'm not in office, I always think about my work. It travels with me everywhere, all the time.

On playing favourites:
I will not deny that I do take a few actors more seriously than others. But those actors have given me reason to bank on them. For instance, I know that Hiten Tejwani and Chetan Hansraj have given more than their a hundred per cent of themselves to Balaji Telefilms. So I acknowledge their efforts and hard work by giving them more roles. As for Amarr Upadhayay, I have no grouse with him. I will definitely work with him if I have a role for him and if it works out okay for both of us financially. I bear no grudge against actors who quit my shows, or the company. I was okay with Shweta Kawaatra's decision to quit Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. She told me that she felt her character had stagnated and I understood her point of view.

On being unforgiving:
I think I'm suspicious of people than unforgiving of them. I might forgive people who have slighted me, but I'll always remain wary of them. Yes, I can work with people with whom I've had unpleasant experiences in the past. But I can never trust them. Within Balaji too, there are a few people whom I can never trust. They've given me enough reason to feel that way. I value loyalty. If my company suffers because of some employee's intentional misdeed, naturally I keep it in mind. I might forgive him, but I will always keep an eye on him. I don't throw out disloyal people if my company benefits from them. In return these people are handsomely paid. However, I do not communicate with these people at all.

On being short tempered:
I lose my cool in seconds. But people who work with me know that my anger lasts only for a few minutes. More often than not, I lose my temper when I see shoddiness in episodes of my shows. I cannot tolerate mediocrity. Once I broke my editing table in anger. Of course, there was phase when I even broke a few mobile phones. But soon I realised that screaming doesn't help much, logic does. I guess, with age and experience, I am mellowing down.

On not having too many friends:
I'm easy-going and friendly, and anyone who knows me well will vouch for it. Most of my friends do not belong to the acting profession. Anupam Kapadia is the best example of such a friend. I think my best friend is Mushtaq Sheikh, who also handles a few creative aspects of Balaji. Off late I've become great friends with a lot of my actors like Shabs (Shabbir Ahluwalia), Tashu (Anita Hassanandani), etc. I must confess though that I've become averse to socialising, as a result of some incidents.

On keeping a low profile personally:
I'd prefer people to talk about my shows and my company, not my personal life. For the world at large, I represent Balaji telefilms. How I party and where I go with my friends, is none of anybody's business. It's very infuriating for me to see my personal details making headlines in magazines and newspapers. That was the reason why I didn't get into acting in the first place.


EKTA METER
Five stars she expects will shine bright this year:

Shabbir Ahluwalia : You have to watch out for him. He will rock.

Anita : She is going to get ahead and I can assure you of that.

Smriti : As we're producing a show now, I'm hoping to re-create the Kyunki... magic with her.

Hiten : He will be the first actor with a lover-boy image after Nimmo... goes on air😕😕
(Hiten needs a break more anything else so he looks fresh again.....and loverboy??? Umm and Lover boy no.1 is Mr Eijaz Khan)

Bani : My gut feeling says that she is a star in the making.

Mumbai mirror article about Vayu/Chaitanya chaudhary

Our reporter, Reena Thapar Kapoor will take you where no fan has been before – right into the lives and living rooms of your favourite celebrities. Get set for classified information

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In the times of billion television channels and zillion television shows, actors are bound to be overworked and Chaitanya Chowdhary is no exception. Better known as Akshat of Kahin To Hoga, Chaitanya has a heady combination of brains and rawn. Here he shows off his biceps for the camera:

1. The gym dandy
When he is asked to report on the sets post-lunch, Chaitanya is a happy man. The extra time gives him a chance to do what he likes best. "I love to workout," he quips. Making a point to leave his house by 8 am he buys some health food before he gets to the gym.

2. Biceptual
If he misses his workout in the gym, he makes it a point to burn those calories at home, on his exercycle. And since he tends to put on weight around the stomach, he makes sure that he works out extra to tone his abs.

3. Ghar ki murgi
Chaitanya always looks forward to 'ghar ka khana.' spicy and oily food is a big no-no. His diet is high in protein and low in calories. His mother has a tough time cooking for him because he refuses to have any vegetable more than once in the same week.