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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#191

Anita Vs. Natassha

Will it work now?

She is a Balaji Telefilms protg in both television and films. And the banner is the epicenter of numerology in our entertainment industry - hence the name Natassha with the double 's'. Only a couple of months she had named her dog as Kompany.

And now she is back to her original name - Anita! "This is the name my parents gave me, and which I first used. I want to go back to it! That is what my friends have always called or known me by anyway," defends Anita vs. Natassha. So you see, it is nothing to do with the disastrous faring of Koi Aap Sa.

Anyway, even if her films (except for her debut film Kucch To Hai ), Natassha is playing the female lead in Ekta's Kkavyanjali, her latest in an impressive success record of serials. Her affair with cinema began with Balaji Telefilms' slasher film Kucch To Hai, and except for a cameo in Silsiilay (which went as unnoticed as the film) all her subsequent enterprises in Hindi have involved the Jeetendra khandaan, with Ekta also producing Krishna Cottage and Koi Aap Sa, and brother Tusshar co-starring in her only outside Hindi film Yeh Dil.

So is it going to remain that way, or will she do outside films and serials?

"I have done films in the South," she declares. "My Nuvvu Nenu, was a bumper hit down there. Yeh Dil was its Hindi remake. I have signed Ek Se Bure Do, with Arshad Warsi as my hero, Rajpal Yadav and a new girl also in the cast. It's an out-and-out comedy. As for serials, I am comfortable with Ekta. When Kkavyanjali and Koi Aap Sa together proved too demanding for my energy levels, why should I overwork?'

But isn't it possible that an impression has been formed that she only works for Balaji Telefilms? After all, she is also the only actor who balances films and television both in only lead roles. Does that lead to hesitation on the part of producers?

Replies Anita, "I have not yet begun to get really good roles. I have turned down so many films that demanded a lot of skin show because I was not comfortable with the idea. I also got and rejected multiple offers of 'item' numbers after Ding dong (Kucch To Hai ) and Bindaas (Krishna Cottage ).

Adds Anita, "I got involved in everything from my looks to the feelings that such a girl must be experiencing. The transformation was exciting for an actor. It was an awesome role.

"I discussed my character a lot with my director Partho Mitra, because motherhood must be such a beautiful feeling. In fact I had got so involved that I was often called Simmi on the sets, which is my character's name!"

Does she follow the method school of acting? "No, I am a switch-on, switch-off actor. I became an actor after dad passed away five years ago and I thought that I should work and earn. A friend suggested that I audition as a model and I also auditioned with Balaji Telefilms as an actress. My first ad films were for Sunsilk and Boroplus and my first serial was Kabhi Souten Kabhi Saheli. But though I had never thought of acting as a career option, it was pretty smooth. I was never camera-conscious and simply did what I was told. Of course, from a twenty retakes person I have graduated to becoming a one-take actress! But now, I will not quit acting even after marriage. I want to achieve both success and a reputation as an actress of substance."

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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#192

A marriage gone sour needn't be an end, but a beginning -- just like it is for Amrita Singh who has bounced back into the limelight, looking and feeling better than she ever did, after her break-up with Saif Ali Khan.

Her relationship with Saif and the way the marriage ended is "private domain", says Amrita quite clearly. "Only Saif and I know what the truth is," says the actress who has made her comeback with the TV serial "Kavyanjali".

Amrita talks at length about her two children, Sara and Ibrahim. "I love my kids too much to not ensure they sail through. Everything else in my life is so secondary," she says.

The actress says she needs to get back to the big screen and has been offered two-three films.

She says in a philosophical note: "If that one door hadn't shut in my face, I wouldn't have had so many other doors open for me."

In this interview with IANS, Amrita makes it clear that no one pays to support her. "I need to work to support myself and my kids."

How does it feel getting back to acting after so many years?
The hours are so stretched out, sometimes I feel I'm overworked. We don't have a bank of episodes for the serial "Kavyanjali" that I'm doing. We're trying to create that. Which means lots more work. Fortunately, I've great help with the children. My grandmother is there to look after them, plus good servants and maids who have been with me from before my kids were born. Mashallah, I've no stress on that score.

It was so wonderful to see the whole industry come forward to take your side when Saif Ali Khan decided to disappear from your life.
But, my dear, there never was any battle. So why take sides? But the support has been wonderful and unquestioning. No one demands to know my side of the story. I love my kids too much to not ensure they sail through. Everything else in my life is so secondary. They're so bright and supportive. They are a true blessing.

Was returning to acting tough?
It was a little tough. It does take a little time to get into the groove. I don't know of anyone who stayed away for so long. It was more daunting for me to return. I was given to believe that actresses have a shelf life, and I thought mine had expired. It's so good to see a change in perceptions about an actress' life span. I couldn't have chosen a better time to come back. And my producer Ekta Kapoor has been mind-blowing. I've the highest regard for her. I got offers from almost every channel, and many movie offers in Bollywood. But I wanted to work with Ekta.

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Monika

@monika.goel

Sparkler

Posted: 19 years ago

#193

I am being stalked'

Fanatic aunty from Amritsar has Iqbal Khan spooked

Ram Kamal Mukherjee

Television actor Iqbal Khan, of Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai and Kavyanjali fame, is scared… very scared. The reason for his nervous state is a fan from Amritsar who has been keeping a close watch on his every act. "I started getting numerous calls from a woman who called herself Mrs. Narula, and said she was from Amritsar," the actor recounts.

He initially thought it was one of those harmless calls actors receive from their fans, but when the phone started ringing at odd hours, and the caller ominously informed Khan about his own whereabouts, the actor realised that this was one fanatic admirer. "We, actors keep getting calls throughout the day, and when we are not working, we answer the phone. I was shooting for Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai when the woman called from Amritsar. I answered the call, thinking it would be important, but then I realised that it was only someone who loved my work. I spoke to her politely, and she claimed it was her daughter who was a huge fan of mine. She further claimed that her daughter was the same age as me," says Iqbal.

That was the beginning of a protracted harassment. The woman started calling Iqbal nearly every day and was aware of every detail of his life. "She would send me audio CDs of her choice, which I am yet to listen. I appreciated her gesture as an act of benevolence, believing her to be an elderly woman… and I had no problem with her until last monsoon," says Iqbal.

That was when Iqbal's brother and sister-in-law were in Mumbai and the actor was supposed to drop them off at the airport. "I was spending time with my brother and then I get a call from Mrs Narula saying, 'Beta, it's raining so don't step out.' I thought she was genuinely concerned about me, and I thanked her. But I had to step out to drop my brother and bhabi off, and then at the airport, I got another call from her, admonishing me, 'I told you not to step out from the house...it's raining.' Now that was scary. I couldn't believe that she was keeping a minute-to-minute tab on me. I was so stunned, I couldn't even reply," says Iqbal.

Recently the same crazy fan called Iqbal's landlord on his landline. "That really freaked me out. You won't believe this, but even I don't have my landlord's landline number. So from that day, I have been very careful whenever I speak to her," says Iqbal. But if he is so scared of the woman, why did he not lodge a police complaint? "I don't think the matter is that serious. She is an elderly lady and a fan. I presume she is my well-wisher and likes me. Until she causes any harm to me or my family, I will not do anything to hurt her sentiments," explains Iqbal.

In fact, the actor is planning to meet Mrs Narula very soon. "I have never met her in my life. But I am sure that the day I visit Amritsar I will certainly give her a call, and go to meet her. I think I am known today because of my fans. Good, bad and ugly – whatever happens, is part and parcel of the game." What would Iqbal have to say to Mrs Narula the day he meets her? "I would like to know how she manages to keep a track on my daily life," the actor smiles.

• I get a call from Mrs Narula saying, 'Beta, it's raining so don't step out.' But I had to... and then I got another call from her, admonishing me, 'I told you not to step out from the house' – Iqbal Khan

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Monika

@monika.goel

Sparkler

Posted: 19 years ago

#194

It was unnerving for me to work with Dingy

Navneet Nishaan talks about taking over the vamp's role from Amrita Singh in Kavyanjali

Reena Thapar Kapoor

Ask Navneet Nishaan if it was good friend Amrita Singh who suggested her name for the vamp in Kavyanjali and she exclaims, "No way." The Tara woman insists that she bagged Kavyanjali on her own steam.

Was it awkward for Navneet to step in as the new vamp in the show, considering that it was Amrita, alias Nitya Nanda, who earlier played the negative role in the show? For, Navneet admits that playing a vamp gives an actor more scope for performance, than playing a positive role. "I won't deny that it was unnerving for me to work with Dingy. Thankfully her character turned positive before I came into the scene. So, there is less discomfort for me. Apart from being friends, we are actors and believe in doing our job to the best of our ability. Dingy and I don't let professional matters come in the way of our friendship."

But recently there were rumours about their rivalry, over Kavyanjali? "Yes. We both had a good laugh over rumours that we had fallen out," she says. "You know, I know Dingy very well and I know what affects her and what doesn't. We're like family."

The two actresses first met 21 years ago on the sets of Waaris, and discovered a friend in each other. Although Navneet was part of the TV industry much before Amrita arrived on the scene, it is only now that the two friends have got the opportunity to work with each other.

About working together in Kavyanjali she says: "Dingy always talked about her experience of working with the Kavyanjali team to me. In fact she was the one who kept urging me to ask Ekta Kapoor to cast me in the show."

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=19&ar ticleid=513200619327185132006189953

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Rida Fareed

@qazplm

Sparkler

+ 4

Posted: 19 years ago

#195

Courtesy qazplm

Baath-cheeth with Anas

mehwish_sherazi: Who is your favourite 'star' in Star Parivaar?
anas: Iqbal Khan, Rajeev Khandelwal and Eijaz Khan.

Edited by qazplm - 19 years ago

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Monika

@monika.goel

Sparkler

Posted: 19 years ago

#196

Celebs say 'NO' to reservation!

Should the quota system prevail or should merit be the only criteria for admission? This is a question that haunts both the administration and students alike....This system has now started to take a toll not only on the education system of the country, but also on the general welfare of the common people. Here's hoping that this long drawn battle finds its logical end soon.

Riya V Anandwala spoke to a few celebs who were quick to say 'no' to reservation!

	Rajeev Khandelwal: I believe in equality, and especially when it comes to an issue of this sort. There should be reservation in no field at all. When I was in college there were around 30 to 35 per cent of reserved seats for OBC and SC/ST. And this happened in all streams which included the Indian Army and other services too. Let everyone compete after a certain level. The basic education should be given to all, but after that everything should be on merit.
	Vipul Gupta: I am totally against this entire issue. I believe that everybody should get admission on their merit alone. In the case of medical colleges, we need genuine doctors, we are not in a position to compromise on students who have the kind of intellect required for fields like this. And I have a simple question for the Parliament, if they talk about keeping seats reserved for SC/ST, why are they against reserving 33 per cent seats for women in Parliament? There they want women to enter Parliament on merit!!!
	Chaitanya Choudary: We need more reservation for the open category, and if that is not permissible then please increase the number of seats in each and every college. In this case, the middle class faces the maximum problems, for the simple reason that they work hard and have monetary constraints too. It's not at all fair that students who slog day in and day out have to face such problems.
	Vishal Singh: Things have changed to a great extent that now I am in a confused state! It is a highly debatable issue. According to me, seats should be given to students who deserve it, that's on merit. But then I believe that to a certain limit, reservations should be there for underprivileged students, because now a days it's ultimately about money. And there is no place as such where one needs reservation, I think it all revolves around competency.
	Rajev Paul: Just imagine, reserved seats for people in NASA? And then visualise the repercussions too! I am totally against this system. It's fine till a very primary level, but otherwise, no. If a girl who secured 97 per cent in her ICSE exams commits suicide because she was not sure about her future, then imagine how the average students must be feeling! Where is India going? Tomorrow, if we need a doctor's help we will think twice before we let anybody touch us - thanks to the quota system!

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k6/may/18may/boletoh_quota.php

Edited by monika.goel - 19 years ago

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Monika

@monika.goel

Sparkler

Posted: 19 years ago

#197

Tara to work with Ghai

Navneet Nishan will be seen in a Mukta Arts production

Malay Desai

Juggling between television and films is common fare for actors nowadays. This time, it's actress Navneet Nishan who has now bagged a Mukta Arts film. Navneet will manage her film schedule along with her commitments to primetime soaps like Kkavyanjali and Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka on Star Plus.

"I have already shot one schedule of Good Boy Bad Boy, a Mukta Arts film directed by Ashwani Chaudhary. In the film, I play mother to Tusshar Kapoor and wife to Sachin Khedekar," she says.

At present, Navneet is on a contract with Balaji. She plays Nirmala Devi in Kkavyanjali and has to work certain days every month. Navneet has reserved the rest of the days for her film forays.

However, Navneet is no newcomer to films. Having debuted in Bollywood some fifteen years ago, Navneet has grown as an actress. She played 'Kammo' in Raja Hindustani, and she now has more films to her credit. Navneet was last seen in Vinta Nanda's White Noise and Dharmesh Darshan's Bewafaa.

"I prefer roles that satisfy my frame of work—be it films or TV serials," she says. "Besides, when I'm offered a role which suits my personality and is challenging, I don't have any qualms about switching from the big screen to the small screen and vice versa. I can't choose one medium over the other, as both have their own rewards," she says.

Regarding her repertoire of roles, Navneet says, "Actors hate getting typecast. But I don't think I am getting into niche roles. I have been playing diverse roles with various productions."

However, don't people mostly know her as 'Tara' even today? "I don't think so! A lot of people have accepted me in the various roles that I have played. They have shed their memory of Tara. Besides, even if they do, what's the problem? It was such a hugely popular soap, that today the number of people who remember me is really heartening! It happens only to fortunate actors nowadays!" she says
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=19&ar ticleid=5222006233010921522200623293262

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Sana

@natasshafan

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 19 years ago

#198

'Kkavyanjali was over promoted'

On the sets of the soap, Anita Hasnandani, aka Natassha, aka Anjali, talks about name, fame and the trappings of TV business

Malay Desai

Tell us what's going on with your character Anjali…

Well, Anjali now has become a stronger and mature individual over the one year of the serial's tenure. She has started performing Kavya's duties, along with having family responsibilities and business lookouts. So she is this modern -day woman juggling work and family issues. I am quite happy with the gradual change the character has undergone.

What about Natassha and Anita?

(Laughs) You can finally and permanently call me Anita now! Natassha was only a name that Balaji Telefilms had given me. But after all Anita was something my parents called me. It was, and will always remain my original identity. And by the way I was never comfortable with Natassha – I couldn't relate to that name…

But you look like you relate quite well to these sets and the people here!

Yeah absolutely! It is a very congenial atmosphere over here, where you can really put in your best. Besides, with such a professional cast like Navneet Nishan, Rajiv Paul, Iqbal Khan and others, the outcome also is fantastic. We are like a family here. Although, as per the contract, I do not work each and every day of the month but the time I spend on the sets is a picnic!

After Eijaz's exit, how is your equation with the new hunk Iqbal Khan? Is he going to be your love interest on screen?

It's just great! We have a lot of fun on the sets and also put in a lot into our characters because of this chemistry. On screen, yes, he will be my love interest. But off screen, the 'hunk' is getting married to his real-life love interest next year!

Have you made a conscious decision to work only for the small screen?

If I tell you frankly, after Kucch To Hai and Krishna Cottage, I did not really get Bollywood offers that would test my acting capabilities. Then Balaji themselves offered me a major role in Kabhi Sauten Kabhi Saheli and I made a switch from film to TV. Although that is a chapter successfully closed now, I have realised that the small screen is my forte.

Kavyanjali went through a kind of downslide after the initial popularity. What do you think happened?

I think Kavyanjali was over promoted. It started off really well and was amazingly popular but as you know the Indian viewer has now become very unfaithful. There are such a lot of soaps happening on TV. For us, retaining the initial viewership was very tough.

So has the soap employed any desperate measures to re-capture waning interest?

I wouldn't call them desperate measures at all! I think the popularity is back on track. We have been receiving wonderful reviews lately. And with the kind of cast we have, the serial has got to be interesting!

What's on the professional agenda for you now?

Well, there is no cut-out plan along which I'm working…I will focus mainly on TV and only accept roles that satisfy me. As far as films go, only those from the south are on my agenda!

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=19&am p;am p;am p;articleid=521200622452078521200622458468

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Monika

@monika.goel

Sparkler

Posted: 19 years ago

#199

The new and improved Kavyanjali!

Srabanti Chakrabarti | May 23, 2006 14:22 IST

Balaji Telefilms has this incredible capacity of turning an obscure serial into a mega hit. Unfortunately, the reverse has also been proved true with Kavyanjali.

One of the biggest launches of 2004, the serial made big news by being the comeback vehicle of Amrita Singh, Vidya Sinha and Natassha -- who, by the way, has reverted to her original name, Anita Hasnandani.

Unfortunately, the television ratings did not provide much support to the serial initially. The death of the male protagonist Eijaaz Khan (Kkavya) made things worse. But with the entry of Iqbal Khan as Shourya and a change in the storyline, the serial has made up for lost ground and is on the road to recovery.

The set -- Nanda House, built in Klix and Nixon studios in Mumbai -- is abuzz with activity for the day's shooting. Posh glass, steel interiors and a plush sofa greet you the moment you enter the living room of the sets. The shooting schedule for the day had been postponed to 2:30 pm for a media meet.

The first to arrive was Anita Hasnandani. So why did she change her name? Dressed in a light pink sari with a violet border, Anita replies instantly, "My real name is Anita. In all the 13 films I have done down South, I have been credited as Anita. And most of them were hits. When I started in Bollywood, I felt I needed a new identity; so I changed my name to Natassha. But after a few years and discussions with Shobha Aunty (Kapoor) and Ekta, I decided to go back to my original name."

Quiz her on Kavyanjali, and the actress adjusts her hair before answering, "It's been a year since Kavya's death. Anjali (Anita's name in the serial) has become a stronger person. She is performing Kavya's duties in the family and is looking after the family business as well. It's the perfect match of a modern woman, who is also traditional."

Is she enjoying the small screen after her brief affair with the big screen? Anita, who has done films like Yeh Dil, Krishna Cottage and Koi Aap Sa, answers, "Of course. It has been an extremely enriching experience working for this serial. Right from day one, I have enjoyed the atmosphere and the role that I have been playing. Working in a Balaji production is a family affair. Shobha Aunty is like my mom and Jeetu Uncle like my dad. When Ekta decides on a role for me, I don't question her. Because I know she will not cast me in anything that does not suit me."

Iqbal Khan joined Anita on a chair next to the sofa soon. Sporting a grey suit and a designer stubble, Khan was looking the handsome young man he is. "I am just 20-episodes old in this serial. Currently it is a very slow and gentle climb for my character, but I know that moving forward it will be a steep and fast climb. I am happy that I came into the serial after Kavya's death!"

Ask Iqbal why he says, "The Indian audience wouldn't have taken much time to blame me for his death! And I don't want my character to have negative shades."

He plays a charmer who is fun loving and nice, but who, when it comes to business, is ruthless.

After Iqbal, it is time to meet our good old Kitty from Karamchand. Susmita Mukherjee, who plays Romilla in Kavyanjali, is looking her usual funny self in a bright red salwar kameez. Even after more than two decades of Karamchand, the first questions to be directed her is about the old detective serial. "That was a legend. We used to solve such complex problems so simply on screen that the audience could relate to it. I don't think there is any crime serial that has even come close to Karamchand," she says.

Vidya Sinha (Dida), Rajeev Paul (due to enter the serial in a negative role) and the other artistes are all moving around the large living room, preparing for the shots. But with the media around, the overall mood is of relaxation.

Sandeep Baswana (better known as the current Sahil in Kyun Ki…) is smoking in the backdrop. He plays Shlok in Kavyanjali. He joined the show in September last year after taking a one-and-half year break. "I was very tired after working constantly for three-and-a-half years. I needed a break desperately and that is what I took," says the Haryanvi actor.

The newlook Kavyanjali is aired on Star Plus at 9.30 pm, Monday through Thursday

Edited by monika.goel - 19 years ago

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parthsunil

@parthsunil

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

#200

Originally posted by: monika.goel
The new and improved Kavyanjali!

Srabanti Chakrabarti | May 23, 2006 14:22 IST

Balaji Telefilms has this incredible capacity of turning an obscure serial into a mega hit. Unfortunately, the reverse has also been proved true with Kavyanjali.

One of the biggest launches of 2004, the serial made big news by being the comeback vehicle of Amrita Singh, Vidya Sinha and Natassha -- who, by the way, has reverted to her original name, Anita Hasnandani.

Unfortunately, the television ratings did not provide much support to the serial initially. The death of the male protagonist Eijaaz Khan (Kkavya) made things worse. But with the entry of Iqbal Khan as Shourya and a change in the storyline, the serial has made up for lost ground and is on the road to recovery.

The set -- Nanda House, built in Klix and Nixon studios in Mumbai -- is abuzz with activity for the day's shooting. Posh glass, steel interiors and a plush sofa greet you the moment you enter the living room of the sets. The shooting schedule for the day had been postponed to 2:30 pm for a media meet.

The first to arrive was Anita Hasnandani. So why did she change her name? Dressed in a light pink sari with a violet border, Anita replies instantly, "My real name is Anita. In all the 13 films I have done down South, I have been credited as Anita. And most of them were hits. When I started in Bollywood, I felt I needed a new identity; so I changed my name to Natassha. But after a few years and discussions with Shobha Aunty (Kapoor) and Ekta, I decided to go back to my original name."

Quiz her on Kavyanjali, and the actress adjusts her hair before answering, "It's been a year since Kavya's death. Anjali (Anita's name in the serial) has become a stronger person. She is performing Kavya's duties in the family and is looking after the family business as well. It's the perfect match of a modern woman, who is also traditional."

Is she enjoying the small screen after her brief affair with the big screen? Anita, who has done films like Yeh Dil, Krishna Cottage and Koi Aap Sa, answers, "Of course. It has been an extremely enriching experience working for this serial. Right from day one, I have enjoyed the atmosphere and the role that I have been playing. Working in a Balaji production is a family affair. Shobha Aunty is like my mom and Jeetu Uncle like my dad. When Ekta decides on a role for me, I don't question her. Because I know she will not cast me in anything that does not suit me."

Iqbal Khan joined Anita on a chair next to the sofa soon. Sporting a grey suit and a designer stubble, Khan was looking the handsome young man he is. "I am just 20-episodes old in this serial. Currently it is a very slow and gentle climb for my character, but I know that moving forward it will be a steep and fast climb. I am happy that I came into the serial after Kavya's death!"

Ask Iqbal why he says, "The Indian audience wouldn't have taken much time to blame me for his death! And I don't want my character to have negative shades."

He plays a charmer who is fun loving and nice, but who, when it comes to business, is ruthless.

After Iqbal, it is time to meet our good old Kitty from Karamchand. Susmita Mukherjee, who plays Romilla in Kavyanjali, is looking her usual funny self in a bright red salwar kameez. Even after more than two decades of Karamchand, the first questions to be directed her is about the old detective serial. "That was a legend. We used to solve such complex problems so simply on screen that the audience could relate to it. I don't think there is any crime serial that has even come close to Karamchand," she says.

Vidya Sinha (Dida), Rajeev Paul (due to enter the serial in a negative role) and the other artistes are all moving around the large living room, preparing for the shots. But with the media around, the overall mood is of relaxation.

Sandeep Baswana (better known as the current Sahil in Kyun Ki…) is smoking in the backdrop. He plays Shlok in Kavyanjali. He joined the show in September last year after taking a one-and-half year break. "I was very tired after working constantly for three-and-a-half years. I needed a break desperately and that is what I took," says the Haryanvi actor.

The newlook Kavyanjali is aired on Star Plus at 9.30 pm, Monday through Thursday

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