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Posted: 17 years ago

Courting the small screen
By: Tushar Joshi
October 15, 2007

Vinod Khanna makes his TV debut with Smriti's show Mere Apne

Old timer is tv first-timer: Vinod Khanna

Vinod Khanna shot to instant fame with Gulzar's Mere Apne way back in 1971. Now, he makes his small screen debut with Smriti Iraani's Mere Apne, jointly produced by Ugraya and Applause Entertainment. The actor plays the head of the Pandey family in the TV show.

High regard

Talking about the experience of working with Khanna, Smriti (who has produced and acted in the show) says, "We needed someone of his stature for the role. I have always held him in high regard not just as an actor but also due to our association with the BJP."

When asked if Khanna took time to ponder before deciding to join the daily show, she says, "Not at all. In fact, it was quite the opposite. He said yes instantly after reading the script and being briefed about his role. He was quite excited about making his television debut with us."

Needed someone like him: Smriti Iraani
Most energetic

About the show, Smriti says, "It's a family drama set in UP and we have a really good script in hand."
Smriti is all praise for Vinod, as she says, "He's most energetic on the sets. He had surgery on his right hand a few months back, but didn't let anyone know or let it come in the way of his work.

Also, he's one those actors who doesn't just read his own lines but the entire screenplay. He's completely involved with the entire shoot."

Didn't learn Osho

When asked if Khanna took time to break the ice with the unit, she says, "Not at all. He was cheerful and jovial from the first day itself. He addresses everyone, right from the technicians to the junior actors, with respect. I think there's a lot that one can learn by working with him."

Khanna is a devoted follower of Osho's philosophy. So did Smriti get to learn any of that? "No, that's something very personal. I wouldn't like to comment on it."

Mere Apne is scheduled to go on air in the coming months on the new entertainment channel — 9X.