KA Articles Archive

First Previous

Page

Next Last

Frequent Posters

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#171

Iqbal Khan

Rachna Kanwar

Say the name Iqbal Khan and you'll have girls swooning in delight over this TV star, originally from Kashmir. Once the tall, good-looking Khan starts speaking, he mesmerizes you with his deep baritone. We caught up with the hunk, in between his busy schedule, to ask him about how is he coping up with the extra load of work.

A new twist awaits him in his own serial, "Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai", where he plays Angad. The lovely actress, Gauri Pradhan will enter the lives of Angad and Kripa as Kannan.

We heard you are going to be very busy soon. You will be shooting for 16 hours every day!

Oh yes! I am starting the shooting for "Kkavyanjali" from the 4th of April and after that it's going to be 16 hours of work every day.
Don't you think 16 hours of work could be crazy, what about life outside the studios?

It's ok. See, it's my own decision and no one has forced me to do it. I want to work hard for sometime. I have started proper work only in the last one year, so I feel this is the time to work hard, earn some good money and fame for myself.

You are going to enter "Kkavyanjali" and it has some big names attached to it. Who are you most looking forward to working with?

Except Anita and Nandini, I don't know anybody in "Kkavyanjali". I had done a couple of music videos just when I came to Mumbai and Nandini was a part of them and Anita I meet socially. Eijaz, I have never worked with before and I don't know him. But he looks like a cool guy and I think working with him would be good.
Gauri Pradhan is entering your serial, "Kaisa Ye Pyaar Hai". Tell us about the twist in the tale.

There is a turbulent phase in the serial now when a woman in Angad's father's life is revealed. In fact Angad wants to find out who she is and manages to do that. Gauri who plays Kannan is related to that woman. Initially there is going to be a bit of a tiff between Angad and Kannan. She plays a very in your face kind of a character
Are you happy doing TV? No plans of entering Bollywood?

I am not going to make a deliberate effort of moving out and getting into something. In life you don't get everything that you want. I got a lot after entering television, so why should I lose something that is in my hands and helped me so much for something that I don't know of. I don't know about the future. But at the moment there is no use of committing for just a week or 10 days in a month which I can't afford to do right now. Once "Kkavyanjali" starts, I won't be able to give more than 8 hours to myself. . She has a very good role. Later on due to certain things that happen, there may be a sort of a love triangle, though I am not sure about this. Daily soaps keep changing.

Quote

ejaz_lover

@ejaz_lover

Rocker

Posted: 19 years ago

#172

Kavya se Kunal tak

'I am a Casanova in real life and am open to pre- marital sex like my character in the serial Kya Hoga...' Eijaz Khan gets an image makeover in his new role.

Eijaz Khan is on a roll, though his popular lead track of Kavya in Kavyanajali got finally bumped off this week after days of speculation about its impending death. Eijaz had taken the role as a last-minute replacement when its much-publicised original lead, Rakshat Sahni, had failed to match his hyped launch. Through his restrained per formance, Eijaz registered a cautious entry, eventually taking one of TV's most sissy characters ever to a surprising height of fan following as a good, vulnerable man. In marked contrast, in his latest avatar, he plays a spoilt rich Casanova, Kunal Saigal, in Balaji's new offering on Star One, Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka. A tte--tte with telly's latest chocolate boy, on his journey Kavya se Kunal tak. Now that Kavya has died, how does it feel? Kavya was a character with whom anything could go wrong anytime. After a close brush with death in four or five instances, the character finally met its end a year after I made my entry. Feels like coming full circle. You resuscitated the character at a time when the serial had touched an all-time low. How did you manage it? I was pleasantly shocked when Ekta approached me as Kavya's replacement, as a lot of publicity had gone into establishing the original Kavya (Rakshat Sahni). But today, when people think of Kavya, they visualise me and not Rakshat, which is a proof of the success of my track. Whatever I have achieved today, 50 per cent of it is courtesy Kavya and the rest due to the work I did before Kavya, which helped me bag the role. How do you react to the notion that Kavya was a sissy character? I would rather say that Kavya is one of the most-loved characters on TV. His mother's excessive love may have made him over-reactive, but a lot of people who have grown up in a protective environment tend to be like that. The character also earned you the reputation of being one of the best criers on telly... I haven't cried so much in my entire life as I have in the last one year playing Kavya. Every time I went for the shoot, I would mentally prepare myself by say ing, 'Chalo aaj Kavyanajali ka shoot hai, matlab aaj rona hai.' I have cried for everybody in the serial -- my mother, my many wives and even my baby. How was it working with Amrita Singh, your on-screen mother and nemesis? She is like a firecracker on the sets. Though many of our scenes were highly melodramatic, we would improvise and try to make them as natural as possible. Drama on TV is often over the top, so it really takes a lot of effort to give it some semblance of reality. As regards the scene where I slap her, it really was no big deal, especially after having being slapped a 1,000 times playing Kavya. How has the transition been from Kavya to Kunal? Kavya and Kunal Saigal are as different as chalk and cheese. Kunal is extrovert, a compete Casanova who believes in working 9 to 5 and then partying 5 to 9. And unlike Kavya, who worshipped his mother, Kunal shares a kind of aloof relationship with his mother. How much of Eijaz is in either character? No matter what actors say, you have to put a bit of the real you into your characters. I have so far portrayed seven different characters on television, each of which has a distinct Eijaz touch. Playing Kavya was a bigger challenge, as I never had a family of my own, so this whole joint family thing was make-believe for me. Kunal, however, is closer to reality as I am a Casanova in real life and am open to pre-marital sex like my character. What is in store for your fans in your new avatar?

My fans have often complained about me always appearing 'suited-booted' as Kavya. For those keen on seeing me in fewer clothes, as Kunal I am going to reveal a lot... and you can see more of me now.

Quote

Looks like you are new here. Register for free, learn and contribute.

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#173

'I can't believe Kavya is Dead'

by Subhash K Jha

It was three nights of vigorous action scenes. At the end of it, Kavya the popular hero on Star Plus' Kavyanjali is dead.

"It still hasn't sunk in as yet, " says Eijaz on Monday, the night after his "death".

"I feel an emptiness inside. For one whole year the unit of Kayvanjali has been my family, so much so that I've spent more time in my vanity van than at home. My brothers on the soap were like my real brothers.

But no, Amrita Singh wasn't like my real mom. She's too cool, too chilled out to fit into the mom's image and too dignified to be part of the masti that we did on the sets."

What masti ? "Oh you know, fooling around, blowing kisses at each other, shouting screaming dancing and playing the fool."

So does Eijaz plan to keep in touch with the Kavya crew? "I don't think so. One moves on. I'm back today after shooting the dead scene last night for Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka."

Eijaz likes doing his own stunts. "It's been three days of really hectic work for me. I've been jumping from one parapet to another, trying to save my screen son.

Two days into the shooting, I was dangling four feet above ground level when I suddenly felt something give way. I thought this was it. But nothing happened. That incident jolted me out of my woozy state."

Eijaz hadn't slept for more than forty-eight hours. "It was a crucial juncture in the plot. And we needed to finish Kavya's track with as much finesse as possible. I'm going to miss being part of Kavyanjali. But what the hell? Everything ends in life."

Quote

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#174

Kesar-Rudra war breaks out
By: Vickey Lalwani
April 25, 2006

Jaa, main nahin bolti: Nandini Singh and Nikkhil Arya in Kesar

So far, Nandini Singh had problems only with Eijaz Khan in Kesar. Now, the inside khabar is that Singh and Nikkhil Arya (who plays Rudra) are giving each other a hard time as well.

Ego clash

Says an insider from the production house, "We are suffering due to their egos and tantrums. If Nandini is called for a combo shot with Arya, she demands to know from the vanity van, if Arya has made it to the set or not. Only then will she alight from her van. Arya, too, makes similar demands. So getting them together becomes a Herculean task. Dono ka attitude dekhkar lagta hai ki dono bhai-bahen hain."

The source adds, that if other actors are also involved in a scene where Rudra and Kesar are required, things become even more difficult. "The other actors are waiting until these two arrive."

Dhamki deta hai

But why can't the situation be explained to Nandini and Nikkhil? "We are terribly frustrated. Bahut koshish ki, dono samajhte hi nahin. Arya ko bolte hain ki yeh galat hai, to kehta hai main nahin karunga. Continuity problems bhi hoti hain — ek scene mein beard hai, doosre scene mein shave karke aa jaata hai. Nandini ke vanity van mein koi aur baith gaya to gusse mein ghar chali jayegi," the source says, exasperated.

When contacted, Nikkhil said, "It has been quite a long time since Nandini and I spoke to each other. We have reached a saturation point in our professional relationship. Our tolerance levels have reached a point where we are fed up. I think it has come at the right time. From what I've heard, the serial is also coming to an end." Nandini was unavailable for comment.

Quote

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#175

Nandini out of Balaji shows
By: Tusshar Joshi
April 27, 2006

Nandini Singh

Nandini Singh is currently working in two shows, Kesar and Kavyanjali, but reports say the actress has been shown the door by Balaji Telefilms and the production house won't be working with her any more.

Not only is she out of Kavyanjali, but with Kesar soon going off air, Singh won't be entertained at Balaji House anymore.

Revealed a source working on Kavyanjali, "Yes, Nandini (who plays Pammi in the show) has told Ekta Kapoor that she doesn't want to work in the show any more. She had reservations about playing a mother, and besides, we were tired of hearing her complain about being unhappy with everything.

Her contract ends July 13, so till then, she will have to work with us." Another actor aware of the situation added, "I think Balaji may take legal action against her if she breaks the contract and tries to act smart. She has already been making life hell for everyone on both shows."

The actress reportedly had a showdown with Ekta, resulting in Kapoor telling her that she could leave once her contract expires.

Sandiip Sikcand, the current creative head for Kavyanjali, threw light on the development.

"Yes, we won't be working with Nandini after her contract expires. She has already conveyed her decision to us. We have already got her out of Kavyanjali and made changes in the script."

Is it true that Singh has been making life difficult for the show? "I have worked with her in Kesar and she's a very sweet girl. But on the acting front, I heard a lot of complaints about her, especially her tantrums. However, I only felt it after I started working on Kavyanjali."

Sikcand defends his production house. "How can you be so unprofessional when you are being pampered so much and paid on time. I don't understand how television actors can take their work for granted."

Too much trouble

Another source from Balaji confirmed that Ekta wouldn't be working with Nandini in the future. "Why would Ekta work with her after all the trouble Nandini has given her co-stars; she made life miserable for them on the show."

Meanwhile, Nandini was unavailable for comment.

Source: http://web.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/april/136065.htm

Quote

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#176

Iqbal Khan refuses to age

So how will Kaisa Yeh Pyarr Hai take a generation leap?

Subhash K Jha

After Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Ekta Kapoor has made up her mind to make another generation leap in Kaisa Yeh Pyarr Hai.

There's a problem though.Iqbal Khan refuses to take the leap. Shooting back-to-back for the two Balaji serials Kaisa Yeh Pyarr Hai and Kavyanjali, Iqbal is clear about his priorities.

"My loyalty to Ekta Kapoor and Balaji is unquestionable. Even if Steven Spielberg was to ask me to do a film, I'd tell him to ask Ekta about my dates," says Iqbal. "I'm currently working in two serials for Ekta. My character of Angad on Kaisa Yeh Pyarr Hai will always remain very close to my heart. I am Angad. But I can't bring myself to age on screen. It just doesn't seem right. My career as an actor has only just started. I can't allow myself to leap forward by 20 years. It won't work. I want to play the lead, but I don't want to take the leap."

Iqbal has already informed Ekta that the generation leap isn't what he wants. "I don't know what the solution is. Maybe I can play Angad's son," he adds. "Or else they can bump me off. But I'm certain I won't go through the aging process on the soap. Let's see what Ekta does with my character. Please don't forget, I belong to the biggest family (Balaji) in Mumbai. Ekta can move me anywhere she wants."

Talking about his new soap Kavyanjali, which he has recently joined, the actor says, "My character, Shaurya, in Kavyanjali is so different from Angad. I'm the funny man in Kavyanjali trying to make everyone smile. On the sets, however, I'm not much of a fun seeker. I give my shot. If someone cracks a joke, I laugh. But I won't crack a joke myself. However, I'm comfortable with everyone, including Amrita Singh who's really awesome."

• Maybe I can play Angad's son. Or else they can bump me off. But I'm certain I won't go through the aging process on the soap
– Iqbal Khan

Quote

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#177

My Fundays

Iqbal Khan
One of the young faces on television, iqbal khan has already carved a niche for himself as angad in the serial, kaisa ye pyaar hai

I was born and brought up in Sanatnagar. The most beautiful memories of my childhood are associated with Kashmir. At that time, the political situation in Kashmir was not as bad as it is today. I have fond memories of boating in the shikaras on the Dal Lake and chatting with my friends at our favourite joints.

My father is an IAS officer. I have two elder sisters and an elder brother. Both my sisters are doctors while my brother is working with Acer, a software company. I happen to be the youngest and the most pampered one in the family. As a child I was quite naughty but thanks to our extended family, I was always protected. My grandmother was the head of the family and she always came to my rescue when I was about to be spanked.

As a child I was a troublemaker and used to scream my lungs out. Initially, my neighbours would complain but soon they got used to my antics.

I was obese as a child. There was a time when my waistline was 38 inches. I used to sneak into the kitchen and gorge on mouthwatering mutton delicacies. When I was in class VI, my parents sent me to Lawrence School, Sanawar in Himachal Pradesh. Life at boarding school was fun. I was a prankster and with no one to monitor my moves, I sharpened my skills.

Once, just before the vacations, my friends and I decided to be adventurous. We sneaked into the rooms of the dormitory, painting the faces of those asleep. Only, instead of colours, we used unadulterated shoe polish. Imagine our excitement.

I was a bright student with a passion for sports. I loved playing cricket and football. I was in class X when I decided to lose weight. My physical education teacher, Mohit Khanna, inspired me to turn into a fitness freak. Within a year, under his guidance, I managed to get into shape. Meanwhile, I got interested in acting and took it up as a career. Though my stint in Bollywood was not so successful, lady luck showered her blessings on me when I tried my luck in television.

My message to all of you is to have fun and never give up.

Quote

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#178

Want to be a Balaji Star? Click

They say life goes on and we say so do soap operas. So all you wannabe actors get your act together, Ektaa Kapoor has reported to have launched a talent-hunt for the new set of characters and the new character in 'Kyunkii' is taking a 20-year leap this June.

''Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the flagship soap from Balaji Telefilms Ltd, which has been ruling the TRP charts for the last five years, is all set to take a 20-year leap this June. The leap, therefore, makes way for a host of new characters to make their appearance on the small screen.

In our endeavour to search for new faces, creative team of 'Kyunki...' is stepping out of the country's "glamour capital" Mumbai,''a spokesperson of Balaji telefilms told here.

As part of its talent search, Balaji Telefilms will conduct auditions across several cities of North India.

So, while the auditions for selecting actors for the show will be held in New Delhi on April 29 and 30 at Noida's Marwah Studios, they will be followed by auditions in Shimla on May 1 at Chaura Maidan College.

Auditions will also be held in Chandigarh on May 2 at the Dev Samaj College for Girls.

Quote

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#179

Rangita complains to Ekta

Rangita Nandy

Creative director of PNC, Rangita Nandy is very upset about Kavya (Eijaz Khan) being killed in Ekta Kapoor's serial, Kavyanjali.

"I felt so bad about Kavya dying that I immediately dashed off a SMS to Ekta saying how could she do this? I mean Eijaz is so cute and hot! He shouldn't die! That was one serial I always made it a point never to miss. Even if I came in late, I would watch the late night repeat.

Now with Eijaz out of the serial, I don't know how I will bear to watch it any more," says a forlorn Rangita who is busy preparing for the release of PNC's next film, Vikram Bhatt's Ankahee.

Well we don't know how Ekta reacted to that, but one thing is for sure. After reading this Eijaz will be making a beeline for the PNC office… for a role.

Quote

Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#180

Barkha to be sued for Rs 25 lakh
By: Upala KBR
April 29, 2006

Barkha Bisht

A few weeks ago, Balaji Telefilms sued actress Barkha Bisht (Kavyanjali, Nimmo and Kasautii Zindagii Kay) to restrain her from walking out of their serials.

They says she did not give them adequate notice when she started shooting for Rajashri's Pyaar Ke Do Naam, Ek Raadha Ek Shyaam.

Now, Balaji will be filing a suit claiming damages worth 25 to 30 lakh against the actress, for causing a delay in shooting.

Says Balaji head, Ekta Kapoor, "It's true that we have decided to file a case claiming damages worth lakhs. You can't sign a contract and then walk out because you have a better opportunity.

When Barkha was jobless, she would come to the Balaji office every day and ask for work. We gave her three serials – Kavyanjali, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, and a parallel role to Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka.

When her show, Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi, ended, we relocated her. We suffered major losses with Barkha; she was one of the reasons why Nimmo was postponed from December to March."

Barkha speaks

Says Barkha, "I don't really know what's happening. The case is in court and I wouldn't want to comment on it. I don't know what charges have been levelled against me." Does she know about the damages? "No, I am not aware of it."

Says Balaji Telefilms lawyer, Sandeep Singh Siddhu, "Barkha had a contract with Balaji, which stated that she would shoot for 20 days with us. Then she got the offer from Rajashri, which she did not disclose to us.

When we found out and spoke to her about it, she was very adamant and asked us to replace her. It was then that we exercised our legal rights and the court told us that we were entitled to get damages from her. It's not about troubling her; we want to set a precedent in this industry so that others don't behave like this."

Siddhu adds, "The first case, which we have already filed against Barkha, is a civil case. It is to restrain her from doing any other serials in the time she committed to Balaji. She has to honour her commitments to Balaji.

She signed three contracts with us, which state that till the completion of the serials, and without giving reasonable notice, she can't walk out of them."

Heavy loss

This is the first time that a production house is claiming such a huge amount as damages. Says Siddhu, "People have to get more professional. Balaji has 17 serials on the floors. If all artistes started acting this way, we wouldn't be able to shoot. This will be beneficial for other TV producers too.
We plan to file two suits against Barkha now — one for damages, and the other for starting arbitration proceedings, where arbitrators will listen to both sides.

She started giving us problems with dates and then failed to turn up for the shooting schedule. Tapes got delayed, the cast and crew was kept waiting, there was a loss of money resulting from that and we have sufficient evidence to prove it."

Quote

1 ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... 40

KA Articles Archive - Page 18

'I can't believe Kavya is Dead'

Want to be a Balaji Star? Click

Related Topics

Explore Topics