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The Welingkars Report
Mumbai's renowned management institute, Welingkars, conducted an interesting forum to declare tomorrow's management gurus' findings on television stars as a brand.
It was an eventful afternoon as students of management at Welingkars, presented their 'thesis' on some eminent names from the television industry - Tasneem Sheikh, who plays the wicked Mohini in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Samir Soni from the Dil Kya Chahata Hai fame, and the handsome Rajeev Khandelwal who is better known as ex-Sujal from Kahiin To Hoga.
The forum incorporated research conducted by the students who spoke of areas where these stars need to concentrate, their strengths, weakness and how they should market themselves to achieve greater heights in the world of entertainment.
The enthusiasm in the auditorium was obvious. As the event commenced, the first group which had researched on Tasneem, impressed her with their meticulous efforts.
Talking of Tasneem as a brand, their survey suggested that she needed to do away with her negative role. Since saas-bahu is a prolonged feature on television, they suggest she could experiment with reality shows and thereby rebuild her identity as 'Tasneem Sheikh' and not merely by the character she portrays. Also to create a personnel touch with the audience she was suggested to give interviews on radio, print and go for a date with a fan. As far as doing commercial ads are concerned, they predict that with hair like that of Tasneem, any consumer would like to believe the product she endorses.
The feedback from Tasneem was positive. She agreed to the result drawn from the survey and plans to concentrate her efforts accordingly. She commended the students who took up the task of highlighting the essential do's and don'ts for her career.
The next group who spoke of Rajeev Khandelwal suggested he needed to break free from the 'Sujal' image. The young researchers believe that a macho character with grey shades is a more suitable role. They foresee that an all new persona could work wonders and help him connect with his audience.
However, what was apparent in this research was that Rajeev definitely had a huge fan following with the females. Nevertheless, he was very popular either as Rajeev or Sujal. One important suggestion was that trying for movies at this stage could involve risk and therefore they propose he remain focused on television.
Rajeev's response to the research and its results was positive. However, he was also of the opinion that, there are no set guidelines for acting. Rajeev believes that choosing roles depends on individuals and he plans to take whatever he feels comfortable with.
The last presentation of the day was for Samir Soni. Since Samir has already dabbled in movies, theatre and modeling, the research dealt with what kind of roles suited Samir. The valuable finding was that Samir is also very popular amongst the female population. Some even remember him for his Doodh Doodh ad.
Though Samir appreciated the efforts put in by the students, he, like Rajeev, believes that choosing a role or area of work depends wholly on an individual and that the individual should be the best judge of this. He said one cannot treat an individual like as inanimate object as an individual has feelings and can think. Apart from how to market himself, he would also like to know and choose to whom market himself.
The event was followed by an interesting Question and Answer session in the Zero Hour. Due to some commitments, Rajeev Khandelwal had to leave earlier than expected. Let's take a look at what the students have in store for these celebrities.
With a small role in a movie like China Gate or Baghban, how do you make your presence felt? Moreover, with big stars in the movie, how did you manage it?
Samir Soni: I believe in - Make hay while the sun shines. My strategy has always been, 'love me, hate me but don't disrespect me'. If the audience like you, they will like whatever you do. As far as working with a big a star is concerned, if you want to be a champion then fight with Mike Tyson. If given an opportunity I would do it all over again, as I feel it was a wrong career move.
What is the similarity between Mohini and Tasneem?
Tasneem: There is hardly any similarity. Mohini is only a character.
What is challenging, enacting something that you are not or enacting something that you are?
Tasneem: Enacting what you are not is difficult, any day. Giving different expressions, gestures etc is not simple.
How was your experience with theatre?
Samir: My experience with theatre has been good. I have been doing theatre for a very long time and I am enjoying it. I believe it is very important to enjoy what you do or else, it won't last.
In one of your interviews you stated that you are looking out for positive roles?
Tasneem: Honestly, the love and respect you get doing positive roles is amazing. So yes, I would love doing a positive role.
Do women have shorter career span in the entertainment world?
Tasneem: I do agree to this. Women have a set of priorities. From being a daughter, to a wife, mother… the responsibility keeps mounting. Right now, I am in my growth phase, but my next priority is marriage. I can't keep going on.
Samir: Yes, men do have a longer shelf life. Even in movies, the onus of carrying a movie lies on the shoulder of the actor. But again, there is a flip side to it - if the movie flops, the men bare the brunt.
The television industry, is dominated by women, and movies by men, why so?
Tasneem: Maximum number of women watch television at home, while men are busy working. So it is obvious to have women-oriented shows.
Samir: It could be true. However, it's funny… after all, don't women want to see some cute guys on screen? Yes, but in films, the roles are meatier for men. People always want to know who is the hero is. Only with a few exceptions like Black, there is equal potential for women to perform. Otherwise, more often, women are portrayed in a supportive roles. As a result, television has taken away this vacuum and more women-centric roles are coming up.
After answering an array of questions, the stars bid adieu to the students taking with them new stratergies to publicize themselves as successful brands.
Mumbai's renowned management institute, Welingkars, conducted an interesting forum to declare tomorrow's management gurus' findings on television stars as a brand.
It was an eventful afternoon as students of management at Welingkars, presented their 'thesis' on some eminent names from the television industry - Tasneem Sheikh, who plays the wicked Mohini in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Samir Soni from the Dil Kya Chahata Hai fame, and the handsome Rajeev Khandelwal who is better known as ex-Sujal from Kahiin To Hoga.
The forum incorporated research conducted by the students who spoke of areas where these stars need to concentrate, their strengths, weakness and how they should market themselves to achieve greater heights in the world of entertainment.
The enthusiasm in the auditorium was obvious. As the event commenced, the first group which had researched on Tasneem, impressed her with their meticulous efforts.
Talking of Tasneem as a brand, their survey suggested that she needed to do away with her negative role. Since saas-bahu is a prolonged feature on television, they suggest she could experiment with reality shows and thereby rebuild her identity as 'Tasneem Sheikh' and not merely by the character she portrays. Also to create a personnel touch with the audience she was suggested to give interviews on radio, print and go for a date with a fan. As far as doing commercial ads are concerned, they predict that with hair like that of Tasneem, any consumer would like to believe the product she endorses.
The feedback from Tasneem was positive. She agreed to the result drawn from the survey and plans to concentrate her efforts accordingly. She commended the students who took up the task of highlighting the essential do's and don'ts for her career.
The next group who spoke of Rajeev Khandelwal suggested he needed to break free from the 'Sujal' image. The young researchers believe that a macho character with grey shades is a more suitable role. They foresee that an all new persona could work wonders and help him connect with his audience.
However, what was apparent in this research was that Rajeev definitely had a huge fan following with the females. Nevertheless, he was very popular either as Rajeev or Sujal. One important suggestion was that trying for movies at this stage could involve risk and therefore they propose he remain focused on television.
Rajeev's response to the research and its results was positive. However, he was also of the opinion that, there are no set guidelines for acting. Rajeev believes that choosing roles depends on individuals and he plans to take whatever he feels comfortable with.
The last presentation of the day was for Samir Soni. Since Samir has already dabbled in movies, theatre and modeling, the research dealt with what kind of roles suited Samir. The valuable finding was that Samir is also very popular amongst the female population. Some even remember him for his Doodh Doodh ad.
Though Samir appreciated the efforts put in by the students, he, like Rajeev, believes that choosing a role or area of work depends wholly on an individual and that the individual should be the best judge of this. He said one cannot treat an individual like as inanimate object as an individual has feelings and can think. Apart from how to market himself, he would also like to know and choose to whom market himself.
The event was followed by an interesting Question and Answer session in the Zero Hour. Due to some commitments, Rajeev Khandelwal had to leave earlier than expected. Let's take a look at what the students have in store for these celebrities.
With a small role in a movie like China Gate or Baghban, how do you make your presence felt? Moreover, with big stars in the movie, how did you manage it?
Samir Soni: I believe in - Make hay while the sun shines. My strategy has always been, 'love me, hate me but don't disrespect me'. If the audience like you, they will like whatever you do. As far as working with a big a star is concerned, if you want to be a champion then fight with Mike Tyson. If given an opportunity I would do it all over again, as I feel it was a wrong career move.
What is the similarity between Mohini and Tasneem?
Tasneem: There is hardly any similarity. Mohini is only a character.
What is challenging, enacting something that you are not or enacting something that you are?
Tasneem: Enacting what you are not is difficult, any day. Giving different expressions, gestures etc is not simple.
How was your experience with theatre?
Samir: My experience with theatre has been good. I have been doing theatre for a very long time and I am enjoying it. I believe it is very important to enjoy what you do or else, it won't last.
In one of your interviews you stated that you are looking out for positive roles?
Tasneem: Honestly, the love and respect you get doing positive roles is amazing. So yes, I would love doing a positive role.
Do women have shorter career span in the entertainment world?
Tasneem: I do agree to this. Women have a set of priorities. From being a daughter, to a wife, mother… the responsibility keeps mounting. Right now, I am in my growth phase, but my next priority is marriage. I can't keep going on.
Samir: Yes, men do have a longer shelf life. Even in movies, the onus of carrying a movie lies on the shoulder of the actor. But again, there is a flip side to it - if the movie flops, the men bare the brunt.
The television industry, is dominated by women, and movies by men, why so?
Tasneem: Maximum number of women watch television at home, while men are busy working. So it is obvious to have women-oriented shows.
Samir: It could be true. However, it's funny… after all, don't women want to see some cute guys on screen? Yes, but in films, the roles are meatier for men. People always want to know who is the hero is. Only with a few exceptions like Black, there is equal potential for women to perform. Otherwise, more often, women are portrayed in a supportive roles. As a result, television has taken away this vacuum and more women-centric roles are coming up.
After answering an array of questions, the stars bid adieu to the students taking with them new stratergies to publicize themselves as successful brands.
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