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 Tho Hai.
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.
This news ive got it from a freind and this was also shown on SBS
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
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