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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#381

To heel, guys!

< content=07/25/2007 name=date>

Reportedly Ekta Kapoor has issued a circular to Balaji Telefilms' actors, asking them to stay away from the Gold Awards — which is direct competition to the Balaji Awards

Back to Section Stories Posted On Wednesday, July 25, 2007


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Kavita Shyam and Bharati Dubey

Ekta Kapoor continues to hold sway over the television industry. And how. We have been informed by an insider that Ekta Kapoor has issued a circular to all actors of Balaji Telefilms, asking them not to attend or perform at the Gold Awards, to be held in Mauritius in September 2007.

Vikas Kalantri and Pooja Ghai of White Leaf Entertainment and Anuj Saxena of Maverick Productions Private Limited, recently announced their joint venture the Gold Awards - the first ever global television awards! This is in direct competition to Ekta's own awards ceremony. She too is planning a grand awards ceremony, to be held in December in UAE. Hence, possibly, the circular.

Says an actor on condition of anonymity, "Balaji is having its own awards function, and it want its actors to attend it exclusively. Ekta wants the show to be the best and we have all signed the circular. The circular says that the Balaji Awards will be a grand event, so to make it a success all actors must be present. There will be some actors who will attend the Gold Awards. But Balaji cannot afford to let go of its actors for three days at a stretch, when they go to Mauritius for the Gold Awards. This request has been made in order to make Balaji's first awards show a success."

Says Pooja Ghai, "I have heard about this circular too, and do not know what to say. I do not know why Ekta is doing this, she must be having her own reasons for it. However, actors from Balaji did come to our launch party, due to their friendship with us, despite the circular. It is, finally, every actor's call and I cannot blame anyone who does not attend our awards function."

Adds Pooja, "I really do not think it will be a hassle for people to go to Mauritius for three days, especially since I have given them two-and-a- half months' notice. Besides, they can very well co-ordinate their work schedules for the such a big event, it isn't such a big deal."

Another organiser of the Gold Awards says, "She stopped most of her actors from attending the party last night. She cannot dictate terms to actors, I don't think this kind of dadagiri should be tolerated by the actors. But they also have very little choice as they earn their bread and butter by working in her serials."

Apparently Prachi Shah, Neena Kulkarni and Sanjeeda Shaikh, all Balaji actors, will be attending the awards ceremony in Mauritius. However, Sanjeeda has refused to perform in the award ceremony, after signing Ekta's request letter.

Most Balaji actors dare not speak up. When contacted, Riva Bubber simply said, "No comments."

Another Balaji favourite, Ronit Roy said, "I have nothing to say about the Gold Awards, but if Ekta wants me to be present for the Balaji Awards, I will surely be there."

Says Anu Ranjan, host of the Indian Television Academy Awards, "Last a few of Ekta Kapoor's actors (Prachi Desai, Sanjit Bedi and Ram Kapoor) backed out of our show just 24 hours before the award function. Luckily for us it didn't really matter as we got bigger stars like Mandira Bedi and Mona Singh to perform for our show. But if Ekta is repeating the same thing again, it is really not fair as nobody can dictate terms to any actor who is being honoured for his work. Besides if they are not allowed to perform at award function that means the production is depriving them of the extra cheques, extra exposure and the mileage that are likely to get when they perform at an award function."

Meanwhile, we spotted Mouni Roy, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Reshmi Ghosh, Vikas Sethi, Ritu Chaudhary and Ali Asgar at the Gold Awards launch party. We don't yet know whether they plan to attend the actual ceremony.

Other Balaji actors like Ram Kapoor, Ronit Roy, Naman Shaw, Pulkit Samrat, Riva Bubber, Saakshi Tanwar, Rakshandha Khan and Shilpa Saklani gave it a miss, despite being invited.

We have to wait and watch, to see what happens next. And whether Ekta has her way or not.

• I have heard about this circular too, and do not know what to say. I do not know why Ekta is doing this, she must be having her own reasons for it – Pooja Ghai

The rebels? Balaji actors who attended the launch party


Sanjeeda with Prachi Shah from Kayamath	Komolika and Mouni Roy from Kyunki...


Shabbir Ahluwalia aka Milind in Kayamath	Ekta's best pals Natassha and Eijaz Khan

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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#382

< =text/> < src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" =text/>

Ekta's diktat: Stay away from Gold awards

Yesterday, several Balaji actors received an SMS saying 'There is some TV awards happening in September and Balaji actors should not participate. By order — Ekta Kapoor.'

The buzz is that Ekta too is planning an awards gala later this year (as reported 'Ekta to hold telly awards', HiTLIST, July 20) and does not want her actors to perform/participate at the Gold Awards gala (read above item).

Does this mean there will be an awards function only for Balaji folk and another for the rest?

Which makes us wonder what Balaji actors Shabbir Ahluwalia, Chetan Hansraj, Reshmi Ghosh, Prachi Shah, Eijaz Khan and Anita were doing at the Gold award launch party. SMS nahin mila kya?

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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#383

Celebrities to spread Indian glory message By R Dube

31 July 2007, 07:14 PM

MUMBAI: With sixty years of Independence coming up on 15 August, television channels aren't sparing any effort to make it the grandest occasion ever. Star Plus is celebrating Independence Day with a two hour long show Star Azaadi Express that tells the story of independent India over sixty years.

Anchored by actor turned director Sajid Khan and Sarita Joshi (Baa in Baa Bahu Aur Baby), it will air between 10 am to 1 pm. Sprinkled with performances in fusion music to the variety of folk forms, Star Azaadi Express is all set to give viewers a glimpse into all that makes India a truly vibrant nation.

There will be many performances by film and television stars including Govinda, Dia Mirza, Ritiesh Deshmukh, Geeta Basra, Anita Hasanandani, Eijaz Khan and Sanjeeda, among others.

Cineyug Entertainment's Mohammed Morani, who is organising the show, says, "This is an initiative between Star Group and the Indian Express. Sajid plays the character of an NRI who returns to India and has scant respect for his country. It's when he meets Baa, enacted by Sarita, that he learns of the struggles and triumphs of India so much so that he wants to start a movement called 'India Calling' for all NRI's to return to their roots. The highlight of the event will be Govinda performing. We also have theatre actor Prasad enacting the role of Mahatma Gandhi. He is well known for his potrayal of Bapu over the years."

"The event will be held at the NCPA on 9 August for a live audience of nearly 4000 people and later telecast on 15 August. It's a story that describes the journey of India, its festivals, monuments, states and focuses on making people understand the true meaning of love," he adds.

Star president content and new media Ajay Vidyasagar says, "It's a tribute to our freedom fighters who have made it possible for us to breathe freely in independent India. Through this our aim is to give viewers an entertaining, educative and informative event."

Morani's also informs that his company, Cineyug Entertainment, has scripted, directed and will also be managing the event. They have been in the business of event management for nearly 18 years.

source: http://www.businessofcinema.com/boc/?file=story&id=4591

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Bee-dz

@Bee-dz

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#384

Coutesy of The Mid-day

Kash-Krush in Nach Baliye 3
By: Vickey Lalwani
August 6, 2007

Tu jahaan jahaan: Kashmera Shah and boyfriend Krushna

Kashmera Shah and boyfriend Krushna (spelling changed courtesy numerology) have been chosen to participate in Nach Baliye 3 and they cannot wait for the show to begin.

A friend of Kashmera's tells HiTLIST, "Her husband Brad Listerman has signed the divorce papers and so has she. Now, Kash and Krush are an official couple."

Untapped quality

When we ask Kash about Nach Baliye 3, she beats around the bush saying, "We are doing a dance-based reality show, but I can't give details. However, we are very excited about it."

She even clears rumours about enquiries over the new inmates chosen for Bigg Boss 2. She says, "I don't live in the past.

I am not keen to be a part of Bigg Boss 2. The show can't tap a person's talent. It only shows how good you are at bitching, fighting and scheming. The show Krushna and I are doing will focus on a certain quality that hasn't been tapped yet."

On another note, the past week has been hectic for the couple. Krushna's father, P A Sharma, suffered a heart attack and was subsequently hospitalised. "The past few days were very scary. We are thankful to God that Sharmaji is better now," she says, confirming that the family has accepted her into the fold.

They opted out

However, even as Kash and Krush are ready to take on the competition, it may be a while before Nach Baliye's third season will go on floor.

Three couples, including Eijaz Khan and Anita Hasanandani, Hiten Paintal and Keshwar Merchant and Shakti Kapoor wife Shivangi Kolhapurehave opted out of the show.

Says a source, "Anita and Eijaz decided against it owing to the hectic rehearsals. As for Hiten and Keshwar, there was a communication gap between them and Star One. When the channel finally contacted the couple, they had lost interest."

Valid reasons

Says Anita, "Star One did talk to us about Nach Baliye 3, but we felt that the entire process would be too hectic. Hence, Eijaz and I are not participating."
For his part, Hiten says, "Star One took a long time to get back to us. They were not clear about many things. Plus, they wanted controversial couples. We couldn't figure out what that meant!"

Shakti Kapoor passes the buck onto his wife for their non-participation, saying, "Ask Shivangi about this."

Shivangi could not be contacted, but a close friend lets us in, saying, "Shivangi had no problems. It's Shakti who has film commitments to fulfill."

According to the friend, Kapoor is a terrific dancer and Nach Baliye 3 would have been rocking if Shivangi and he had participated!

Anita and Eijaz decided against it owing to the hectic rehearsals. As for Hiten and Keshwar, there was a communication gap between them and Star One
— A source

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Bee-dz

@Bee-dz

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#385

Forever Fruity

Ijaz Khan, actor

Fruit Yogurt: "I've been living alone for last 13 years and now even manage to cook a decent meal for myself. I always stock up on fresh fruit yogurt. I can almost live on this stuff."

Kitchen secret: "I love to eat it plain. But you can put it to many uses. Spread it on a chapatti or just apply it on bread. I can eat yogurt with just about anything."

Courtesy : Mumbai Mirror

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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#386

Beyond compere!

Eijaz Khan and Anita Hassanandani will host Nach Baliye 3

Posted On Saturday, August 11, 2007

Kavita Shyam

Eijaz Khan and Anita Hassanandani

Eijaz Khan and Anita Hassanandani set the small screen on fire with their fantastic chemistry in Kkavayanjali. It was evident that their on-screen chemistry spilled off-screen too. And now it's official that the two will soon tie the knot. The duo has been out of the television circuit for a long time now as both are chasing their bigger dream - to be in films.

Now, we've heard that the duo will be hosting Nach Baliye 3. The show is expected to go on air in October on Star One.

Says a source, "Anita and Eijaz have not taken up any new shows yet. They both want to act in films. While Eijaz has already signed a film, Anita is still out on the hunt. They have been toying with the idea of doing a reality show on television. And they must have been offered a huge amount to be a part of the show. Their commitment to this show will be for just a few months."

When contacted Eijaz Khan said, "Where have you heard this from? They have approached us for a lot of things. Nothing has been confirmed yet. Besides there will be an official confirmation on this from the production house when they decide to announce anything."

The first two seasons of Nach Baliye were hosted by Sangeeta Ghosh and Shabbir Ahluwalia and produced by SOL productions. This time around Wizcraft will be producing the show.

Link:

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&am p;am p;am p;am p;sectid=12&contentid=2007081120070811040125531e679281f

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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#387

Star Azaadi Express a mega Event on Star Plus this Independence Day

MUMBAI: The year 1947 to 2007 embarks the journey of the largest Republic in this world; the independent India... Star Plus too is on a celebration mode and rightly so….as this year is special in its own way as India completes its 60th year of freedom through Star Azaadi Express a power packed event on August 15th, 10:00 am. The show salutes the spirit of this republic, the spirit of freedom, of unity, integrity and solidarity through various performances hosted by comedy king Sajid Khan and the most loveable Baa (aka Sarita Joshi) of Star Plus hit show Baa Bahoo Aur Baby.

Various exciting acts and performances strung together by hosts Sajid Khan and Sarita Joshi will also have bollywood and Telly World's who's who including celebrities like Govinda, Dia Mirza, Reitesh Deshmukh, Geeta Basra, Anita Hasnandani, Eijaz Khan & Sanjeeda celebrating the eve.

"Star India plans to celebrate Independence Day in a big way and Star Azaadi Express is the perfect way of doing so. Through this our aim is to give viewers a fun, entertaining, educative and informative event. We sincerely hope that our loyal viewers will join us in this effort to pay tribute to the freedom fighters who have made it possible for us to breathe freely in the independent India", Ajay Vidyasagar, President, Content & New Media, STAR India Pvt. Ltd.

Star Azaadi Express tells the story of Independent India over sixty years in a language understood by every Indian, regardless of caste, creed or religion… the language of music. From fusion music performance to the variety of folk forms in India, Star Azaadi Express is all set to give viewers a glimpse into the different colours of India that makes it a truly vibrant Nation.

With the scintillating performances by some of the most popular & loved faces of television & Bollywood... the show's focus will be to make people understand the true meaning of Love, an emotion that has been emulated by various Indians over the centuries by generations that have found their true love on this very land. And while we are on the page of celebration, festivals of India will certainly not go unnoticed… So let the celebration, fun & frolic roll as we pay tribute to those who made it this day come for us!

Stay tuned to Star Plus and take on to the journey of a free Nation with - Star Azaadi Express, 15 August (Wednesday), 10:00 am only on Star Plus!

source:

http://www.indiantelevision.com/release/y2k7/aug/augrel42.ph p

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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#388

Telly Talk

There was a time when Eijaz Khan was Ekta Kapoor's blue eyed boy, replacing actors in every serial in Balaji. But after playing the lead in Kavvyanjali and Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, he disappeared from the tv radar to do films. When offers didn't come his way, he did cameos in Kasamh Se and Kayamath.

When this attempt failed too, Ekta thought of giving him a lead role in her Dubai-based show, Khwaish. But strangely Eijaz turned that down too. When asked why he replied, "Earlier I used to do several projects simultaneously, but now, I am enjoying my free time. Yes Ekta did ask me for Khwaish but I had to decline it because of my sister's wedding," he refers to the wedding that was in Hyderabad. "Ekta understood. It was impossible for me to drop my family's function to be in a serial and I didn't want them to wait for me. I want to do one project at a time. This break has made the stress and tension melt away." He hasn't signed on anything in the last few months though offers have been coming.

www.deccan.com

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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#389

Anusha vs Shilpa!

VJ-turned-actress Anusha Dandekar has been cast alongside Shilpa Shetty in the musical Miss Bollywood. The musical to be staged in London around September will later travel to Broadway.

Script writer-cum-director Mohammed Morani says that he was looking for a girl who looked like an Indian brought up in England. "Anusha fits the role to a T. I have worked with her on shows. She is a thorough professional."

Talking about her role on the show, Anusha says, "I am pretty excited about being a part of this musical.

I have always been a huge fan of musicals and now I get to be in one!" When asked what kind of preparations she is undertaking for her role, she says, "There's lots to be done.

I will be doing lot of script reading, dance rehearsals and making sure everything goes well." Working on her look will be her designer friend Neeta Lulla, "I know her and she's doing the look for us.

I think she's fabulous and am really looking forward to see the kind of ensembles she works out for me." Calling Shilpa a terrific dancer she says, "It'll be great fun dancing with Shilpa. I love the energy she exudes. It's going to be fun."

Great path

Dancing away: Shilpa Shetty

The musical is about how a minister who is producing shows with Anusha replaces her with Shilpa as he doesn't get right output from her. "The drama begins from there. There's a lot of undercurrent between Anusha and Shilpa in the musical," says Morani.

The ambitious musical will go places. Starting with Germany from September 28, it will travel to UK for a month and then move to Broadway. Rehearsals for the big show will begin from Friday in Yash Raj Studios. Raj Kundra who was earlier linked to Shilpa will present Miss Bollywood.

Besides Miss Bollywood, Moranis are busy scripting and directing a two-hour a show jointly orgamised by Star TV and Indian Express called Star Azadi Express that will be aired on Star TV on August 15. "We have a great line up for the show — Govinda, Riteish Deshmukh, Geeta Basra, Sajid Khan, Sarita Joshi, Eijaz Khan and Anita Hasanandani," says Morani.

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Simra

@rocker

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#390

Courtesy- Mumbai Mirror
Special Thanks - ~Roshni~

The prodigal returns

< content=08/19/2007 name=date>

Anita Hassanandani, who went through troubled times with mentor Ekta Kapoor, has now sorted things out and will join the cast of Kyunki…

Back to Section Stories Posted On Sunday, August 19, 2007


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Kavita Shyam

Anita Hassanandani

Anita Hassanandani will be making an entry into Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The actress took a break from television after Balaji's Kavvyanjali (which continued for two years) and a cameo in Kayamath. She was looking for greener pastures in Bollywood and elsewhere. Apparently, the actress has also patched up with mentor Ekta Kapoor and is looking forward to working with Balaji again. Anita is playing an outsider who eventually comes into the Virani family and falls in love with a Virani. Anita will start shooting from the day after tomorrow and will be on air from next week onwards.

A source reveals, "Anita will play a confident and determined character. Her character is someone who can get what she wants if she id hell bent on getting it. Also, she is someone who believes in living life queen-size all the time. It's a very prominent and important character and will definitely add a lot of spice to the current track. She will be paired opposite Naman Shaw (Nakul). It was Ekta's idea to get her into the show."

Ekta

Anita confirms the news, "Yes I am doing the show. I am going for a narration today. I couldn't do so as I have been very tied up. I will get the details of my character today. All I know is that I am playing a nice, simple and positive character who will enter Naman's life... And thereafter how things change for Naman. I agreed to doing the role as Kyunki… is the No. 1 show. Besides Ekta would definitely have a good character for me in her show or else she wouldn't call me for of it."

When contacted, Vikas Gupta from the creative team of Balaji said, "We have spoken to her, talks are still on and nothing has been finalised yet."

Anita will be given a different yet traditional look (churidar-kurta look) in the show. Besides Kyunki… Anita is also awaiting the release of Sanjay Gupta's film Dus Kahaniyan.