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Soapbox's new saviours

After Jassi, most entertainment channels have latched on to the middle-class girl as the main protagonist

SOMASHUKLA SINHA WALUNJKAR

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Small screens' iconic middle-class girl Jassi might be close to riding into the sunset (the channel has reportedly decided to take it off air shortly) with her Prince Charming, but she has left behind a significant trail of middle-class working girls with stars in their eyes. The list is huge and growing (with some more under production): Sahara's Kittu Sab Janti Hai, Sony's Ek Ladki Anjani Si, Star One's India Calling and Ye Dil Chahe More, Star Plus' Shanno Ki Shaadi and Zee TV's Saat Phere and Kasamh Se. Sometimes the Jassi formula hasn't worked for immediate me-toos like Zee TV's now-off air Kareena Kareena and MTV's first soap Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi. And much before ugly duckling Jassi made being unattractive and middle-class a matter of national pride, Ekta Kapoor had made a tentative effort at showing a middle-class girl's journey into the world of riches in Kkusum, until of course it ended up being yet another saas-bahu caper. Sahara One's Kittu Sab Janti Hai and Sony' Ek Ladki Anjaani Si are both about hopes, dreams and travails of average middle-class girls and the desire to do something 'extraordinary'. Newcomer Ami Trivedi's 'extraordinary dream' in Kittu Sab Janti Hai is to become a hard-hitting journalist. After a nationwide audition, producer Manish Goswami zeroed in on Trivedi. "Kittu's the story of a middle-class girl. What sets Kittu apart is the fact that it's set in the media world. No other soap has done that. It's about real characters," says Goswami. Tarun Katial of Sony admits that while "Ek Ladki Anjaani Si is about a middle-class girl, but her journey is so unexpected from what viewers have seen that we feel the show will crack a new genre." Star One's India Calling and Star Plus' Shanno Ki Shaadi have similar robust, cheerful and nourished on lassi-and-parantha middle-class heroines. Star India COO Samir Nair admits that while it is difficult to pinpoint any "one formula" that's a sureshot "winner on TV, audiences of late have shown an inclination to connect more to shows about real people." That's where the middle-class 'girl' comes handy. So everyone is trying to get a share in the 'middle-class' formula. Coming up on Star One very soon is Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka and on Zee, another Balaji production Kasamh Se. Vivek Behl, creative head, Zee TV, says, "Kasamh Se has been given a special treatment." And as long as the girl-next-door's screen fairytale grabs enough eyeballs, no one is complaining. Until the next big wave that is.

Kya hoga Ekta ka?

Balaji's head honcho talks about her two new shows

Subhash K Jha

Ekta Kapoor

Television tycoon Ekta Kapoor is on a high. While her foray into non-fiction programming, Kandy Floss has created quite a stir, with her new serial Kya Hoga Nimmo ka starts today. The serial is momentous for Ekta because it is her first on Star One

"Kandy Floss is catty, but not bitchy. But the response has been overwhelming and now I'm charged about Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka. Pataa nahin kya hoga Ekta ka," she says. "Also, it's my first soap for the new channel on Star; therefore it has to work not just for Balaji but for the channel too. The show is funny, yet it isn't a comedy; it's got drama but no melodrama. I promise no one's going to die and come back later," Ekta says.

So, this show is going to be a far cry from her past productions. "Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka is my version of the fairy tale Cinderella. Nimmo is in many ways like me — she has simple dreams and is waiting for the pumpkin to turn into a stage coach. And yet Nimmo is rooted to her middle-class upbringing. Those who've accused me of getting stereo typed in my soaps will see that I've changed to another format. Nimmo sticks to my style and yet ventures into a new territory. I'd say it's my tribute to the working-class comedies made by Basu Chatterjee and Sai Paranjpe. But at the same time, Nimmo's family is nothing like the Viranis in Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi."

A couple of months ago, finding the actress to essay the role of Nimmo had involved a talent hunt. The search ended when they finalised on Sanjita after going through several applicants. "Sanjita has done a couple of films down South. She's new to Mumbai. As for Ejiaz Khan, he plays our Prince Charming in the serial and Navjot Singh Sidhu is the sutradhar, like the fairy godmother in Cinderella."

As for being responsible for giving another fledgling channel a boost in the TRPs, Ekta says, "There're several other new soaps on the channel. Let's see if Nimmo helps them."

Talk veers to Ekta's other experiment, Kandy Floss. "In just a week's time Kandy Floss has ruffled quite a few feathers and it is going to get more irreverent. The interview with Sandhya Mridul and Rakhi Sawant was shocking. Kandy Floss isn't for the weak at heart. I guess Balaji is finally getting bold.

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=19&am p;sectname=Television&sess=31800816

Courtesy tv-fan

When kismat is bad...

Kya hoga is ladki ka…? She's clumsy, has a pitiable 'Kismat', luck almost never favours her, even dodges God when it comes to luck… Find out how she remains bubbly and confident at 10 PM, tomorrow.


After the stupendous success of shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Nach Baliye, STAR One brings you the biggest show to hit television screens - Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka (KHNK). Produced by Balaji Telefilms, KHNK will be aired on STAR One from Monday to Thursday at 10 PM, starting 20 March, 2006.

This half hour show, Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, boasts of a spectacular star cast including the veteran telly actors like Dara Singh, Dolly Thakore, Bharati Achrekar, Sujata Mehta, Navneet Nishan and some of the popular stars such as Rakhi Tandon, Sanjit Bedi, Muni Jha, Eijaaz Khan and the protagonist Nimmo, played by the newcomer Sanjeeda. And that's not all… The surprise package comes in the form of Navjot Singh Sidhu in a never-seen-before avatar, as he plays GOD himself!

Ms. Shailja Kejriwal, Senior Creative Director, Star India Pvt. Ltd. says, "Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka will by far be one of our biggest launches this year. After the successful launch of shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Dwitiya, D.O.N and other shows on the 'Fantastic Friday', we aim to create the same excitement with Kya Hoga Nimmo Kya on weekdays. Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the leaders in television programming, KHNK has one of the most promising star cast. Star TV's association with Balaji Telefilms has been a successful combination and we are thrilled to welcome them to be a part of the Star One family now!"

About
Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka is a Cinderella story of a middle class girl, Nimmo Mathuria, a girl who is very confident, bubbly and full of life! She is very content and satisfied with her life. But she is very clumsy as she trips often… breaks glasses quite often and gets into trouble. Nimmo accepts everything gracefully as part of her life.

Nimmo's family
Nimmo has a close-knit family that consists of her mother, Kantaben, two sisters Naina and Swati and her dad, Anand. Nimmo is closest to her dad. Comparatively, her two younger sisters Swati and Naina are very different… Naina wants to be a Miss India and marry a rich man, whereas Swati is highly practical, bold and wants to marry a guy who either has his own news channel or should have enough money to open one of his own! Nimmo's mother dreams of being a Page3 regular, but her father is a humble man and the closest to Nimmo.

To know more about characters in Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, click here

Will Nimmo's luck finally change? Will she be able to carve a niche for herself in the Segal family and in Kunal's heart? To find out all this and more… Share a tear, few smiles and lots of laughter with Nimmo and her family on Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, starting 20 March, 2006, Monday to Thursday at 10 PM on STAR One.

Courtesy qazplm

An Ansh of Kahiin To Hoga

An exclusive interview with the fresh face in the Ekta Parivaar - Ansh Batra, the spoilt-revengeful Karthik in television's hit soap, Kahiin To Hoga (KTH).



The simple boy from Punjab is creating waves on television with his grand entry into Ekta's Kahiin To Hoga(KTH), one of the most successful shows on television today. He talks with pride about his patience to have waited till he got the right break.

Catch Ansh Batra alias Anas Rashid in his first interview after he became an actor in Kahiin To Hoga and Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka (starts 20 March at 10 PM on STAR One).

In this exclusive interview to indya.com, Ansh talks about his role in KTH, the most beautiful woman in the world and his first scene with Kashish!

Your first project...
It has to be KTH! I have also signed in for Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, we will start shooting for it shortly.

How did you land in Karthik's role, in KTH?
I will need to share this with you. My mom and my sister are ardent fans of Ekta Kapoor shows… They never miss a single episode. They suggested me to go ahead and try my luck. I came to Mumbai six months ago and I was really keen on being part of Balaji Telefilms. Infact, I had asked many people ways to approach the Balaji Telefilms.

Finally, I got through and here I am after a friend gave me the address, one day and I went for an audition for Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka. Few days later, I got a call from the Creative Head saying I was selected and that I will need to sign on the dotted line. That day was the most happiest day in my life. Then came Karthik's role in KTH.

How close to the character Karthik, is Ansh Batra?
Very close… I do behave like Karthik a few times, though I am not materialistic in real life!

Tell us about the cast of KTH.
The cast of KTH is very supportive. It is like a big family and everyone, including the cast and crew were helpful and made me feel very comfortable.

Tell us about your experience acting with the 'Kashish' or Amna Sheriff.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Amna Sheriff for being supportive from the very first scene we did together.

The first time I faced the camera, the shot included her and I was frank enough to tell her that she will need to guide me. She taught me a lot of things. Amna is a great human being.

To vote for your favourite parivaar member, click here and log on!


Favourite past time
I have no time to pass at all! (laughs) I spend my very little free time to stay back at home by myself and to read a few books.

Any other project you are part of…
Right now, it only has to be Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka.

If not an actor, what profession would you be in?
I would have been a singer! I have a good voice, can I sing? (laughs)

An actor you envy in KTH?
No one, I wish to make my mark for myself... What matters to me and what I am focusing on now is, the people's verdict. My performance is my only goal.

Your Dream role…
Shah Rukh's role in Darr is fantastic and I wish to play a similar role one day. My role in KTH too has shades of it.

Your favourite movie…
My all time favourite is Mere Mehboob starring Rajendra Kumar. I love watching it over and over again!

Who is your favourite actor in Bollywood?
I like Big B and Amir Khan. I appreciate Aamir Khan for his immense patience and sincerity, which I feel new comers like me must learn.

Your First shot…
I was very confused. I can't say I was nervous, as this is what I always wanted to do and I love my job.

Any plans of being part of movies…
I would like to concentrate on my shows, right now. And I have not thought about movies as yet.

According to you, the most beautiful woman on earth…
It has to be my mother. She is the epitome of love and comes first in my life!

Which is your favourite holiday destination?
I would not say Switzerland or Mauritius as I have never been there. I like Goa and I had also been to Bangalore once, and I like the place!

Your first crush…
Not yet! It could happen any moment!

How is it to be a star, part of KTH...
It is a wonderful experience and I thank God for giving me such a break. I feel satisfied because in just ten days, people have started recognising me in public. Infact, people in my gym come up to me and appreciate my performance. It just feels great!

Message to your fans
This is all new to me… I love my fans as I need all their love to prove myself in the industry. I thank them for supporting me and liking me in my very first role...

Balaji's new Nimmo

Balaji's very first venture into Star One with Kya hoga Nimmo ka has all the ingredients of a popular show, including a theme that is different from the saas bahu kitsch, says Deebashree Mohanty

After kammo, there is nimmo. True it took a long while for our Balaji serial makers to have found their new muse, different from all others. But let's wait and watch if this happy-go-lucky and spunky actress can do to Star One what Smriti Iraani has done to Star Plus.

Under the same banner, Sanjeeda, protagonist of the new serial, aptly called Nimmo has a lot of dreams. "I love Ekta's shows. It has been my everlasting dream to work under the Balaji banner. It is a great feeling and I am going to make the most of this opportunity," says Sanjeeda only a wee bit less excited as Navjot Singh Sidhu is on TV.

The reason for Sidhu's excitement? Well, the man gets to play what no one has ever played before - God. "It is a very difficult part to essay, but I am sure I will live up to the challenge. I am told I was the first choice for the role, the producer better have that much faith in me then," says Sidhu.

As for the script, "its different" he says. Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, KHNK in the Ekta Kapoor ishtyle, is a Cinderella story of a middle class girl, Nimmo Mathuria... who is confident, bubbly and full of life! She is quite satisfied with her life. But she is a very clumsy person who often trips, breaks glasses and generally gets into trouble.

The people behind the concept of Nimmo are confident this will be the biggest launch of the year. Says Senior Creative Director, Star India Shailja Kejriwal: "Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka will by far be one of our biggest launches this summer and I am sure it will be liked by one and all."

Navneet Nishan, who is making a comeback after a while through this show, said she was lucky to be given an oppurtunity by Balaji. "Nimmo rocks and so will we," she says.

Now an Ektaa-inspired soap!
Nuzhat Aziz
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 18:50 IST


Actor Sanjeeda A R is slated to play the protagonist Nimmo in Balaji's new soap 'Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka' on Star One. The show is supposed to be the biggest Balaji show this year. Interestingly, sources close to the channel reveal that the chronicle has been inspired by prime time girl Ektaa Kapoor's life. It is also said to be a take-off on Cinderalla and her two older sisters.

Earlier called 'Kannu Ki Kismat Mein Kya Hai', the title was later changed to the current one. The soap revolves around Nimmo, a clumsy girl who is very close to her father. He is anxious about what his daughter's directionless life. Later Nimmo transforms into an ambitious girl who grows into a television tycoon (very akin to Ektaa's ascent).

Sanjeeda says, "I met Ektaa at a common friend's party and she offered me the role. I was excited. A week later I was called for audition and bagged the role." Sanjeeda has been acting in South Indian films for a year and a half. She adds ecstatically, "I was impressed with Ektaa because she took pains to sit with me and explain the character."

When quizzed whether Nimmo's character was inspired by Ektaa, Sanjeeda is tight-lipped. "Well, I am not revealing anything now. You have to watch the show to judge that for yourself," she says. The show also has actors Sanjit Bedi and Hiten Tejwani. It will go on air in March.

Screen On & Off
Fresh face: Sanjeeda

She was at the right place at the right time and before she knew, she was invited to be the next big thing on Indian television. Sanjeeda, a little known actress on the south Indian big screen, is set to play the role of Nimmo in the new Ektaa Kapoor serial on STAR One, Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka. It was at a common friend's party where the two ladies bumped into each other and the rest, as they say, is history.

"Ektaa spotted me at the party and wanted me to be her new face," Sanjeeda tells Metro. "The next day I screen-tested for the role of Nimmo and within a week they called back to confirm the offer."

In the new serial, to start in March, Nimmo is a simple and youthful girl who is clumsy enough to trip often and break glasses every now and then. She is part of a close-knit family comprising her mother, father and two sisters. "Nimmo is a very ordinary middle class girl and she is happy being that way. In fact, she inspires others to be content with their lives," feels Sanjeeda.

But doesn't that sound like Jassi? "I think the similarity between the two is only in the titles," Sanjeeda asserts. "Other than that, the two are completely different.

Nimmo.... launches on Monday night




After shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Nach Baliye, Star One debuts its first Balaji show – Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka. KHNK will air on Star One from Monday to Thursday at 10 pm, starting 20 March, 2006.

The half hour show boasts of a spectacular star cast including veteran telly actors like Dara Singh, Dolly Thakore, Bharati Achrekar, Sujata Mehta, Navneet Nishan and some of the popular stars such as Rakhi Tandon, Sanjit Bedi, Muni Jha, Eijaaz Khan and the protagonist Nimmo, played by newcomer Sanjeeda.

And that's not all…the surprise package comes in the form of Navjot Singh Sidhu in a never-seen-before avatar, as he plays GOD himself!

First Look: Ekta Kapoor's new soap


For a change, Ekta Kapoor's new soap is not a saas-bahu drama. Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka has a more 'Jassi' feel to it. The central character -- played by newcomer Sanjeeda -- is a clumsy girl who is almost never favoured by Lady Luck and gets into trouble all the time.

A dance instructor, Sanjeeda hails from Ahmedabad. Describing her role, she says, "It is a Cinderella-like story about a middle-class girl called Nimmo Mathuria. She is satisfied with her life, has no high profile dreams and accepts life as it is. So, will her destiny change?"

Nimmo's mother Kantaben wants to be a Page 3 regular. Her sister Naina wants to be Miss India and marry a rich guy. Her other sister Swati is very practical and wants to marry someone who has his own news channel or enough money to open one. But Nimmo is closest to her father, Anand, a very humble man.

The rest of the cast includes Dara Singh, Dolly Thakore (who makes her TV debut), Bharati Achrekar, Navneet Nishan, Rakhi Tandon and Eijaz Khan. And yes, Navjot Singh Sidhu plays God in the serial!

Watch out for Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka on Star One between Monday and Thursday at 10.00 pm, starting March 20.