Interview with KB starcast

What would you expect when a bunch of high-spirited youngsters get together? Obviously, loads of fun. So when we caught up with the cast of the Delhi-based TV serial 12/24 Karol Bagh ? who're almost in their early twenties ? during the shoot of the Mata Ki Chowki special episode, we weren't disappointed.

There was fun, of course ? but there was also lots of gyaan being handed out.

What's meant to happen will happen: That's what Neil Bhatt follows in his life. The serial's lead actor explained, "I don't run after success. I think we all need to strive for perfection. If we achieve that, we become successful. Everything is pre-destined. I want to be known as an actor and not as a star. There's a lot of difference between the two."

No abla naari, puhleez! You've seen her don several roles ? docile daughter, doting wife and protective sister ? in Karol Bagh, and it is her ability to give it back to lecherous Bhalla that delights viewers the most. But would the show's lead actress, Smiriti Kalra, approach be any different if she comes across someone as scheming as him in her real life? "If I ever get to meet anybody like Bhalla, I would know how to set him right. It wouldn't take me long to create a ruckus, no matter where I am. That's what I believe a girl should do."

Opportunity knocks, but once: Originally from Srinagar, Waseem Mushtaq gives the credit of his success to his parents. He says, "There are no opportunities for youngsters like us in Srinagar. I'm happy my parents sent me to a boarding school, encouraged me to study in Delhi University and permitted me to work in Mumbai. Youngsters back in Srinagar too want to achieve a lot. But they can't if they don't move out."

'I have also acted': Singer Richa Sharma who is performing in a daily show for the first time said, "I'm happy about it because tele shows are very popular. It feels that by acting in this show, I will get to spread the message ? have faith in God." She was later heard telling one of members of the production, "Mere gaate waqt jyot jalti dikhni zaroori hai. Main toh usko dekh ke hi gaati hoon. It is not possible for us to watch all the shows religiously because we are, most of the time, only traveling. It is just the repeats that we get to watch. Lekin mazaa aata hai. Hum bhi insaan hain aur waise bhi time pass hota hai," she said. Would she like to opt for any reality show? "Nahin, mai gane bajaane ke aage nahin jaana chahti. I'm happy with my singing talent that God has gifted me."

Boys, take note! That's what we heard Devyani Shiv tell Manish. "I can't believe that he didn't notice any change in my hairstyle and wardrobe. I don't wear full sleeved blouses anymore!" Who is the best prankster? "Nobody is seedha here. Ravi Dubey can speak non-stop and irk you like anything," she laughs. Is that all he does, we asked Ravi. "No. i'm happy that i have been able to take time out to practice Buddhism. It has empowered me," he said.

It's my life: Acting is not the only career option for Sargun Mehta. About five years down the line, she would like to see herself as an entrepreneur. "I wouldn't want to say what the business venture will be. For if it doesn't happen, people begin to ask, woh kyun nahin kiya? Kya hua? It is best when others don't interfere and you get to take your decisions," she believes.

They slog too: Since the shoot went on into the wee hours, many supporting actors took a nap as they waited for their shot. Rekha, one of the supporting actors, had brought her kids along for the shoot. She said, "Bachchon ko laati hoon kyunki inko ghar pe nahin chhod sakti. We are paid on a daily basis ? an A-class artiste gets Rs 300 and a B-class artiste is paid about Rs 200. I have worked here, at this location, for three shows ? Gali Gali Sim Sim, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai and Awaaaz Punjab Di."

Soaps And Sewa: The pujari of the temple is a self-confessed regular viewer of the show. He said, "Haanji, hum bhi yeh serial dekhte hain. Hum bhi raat bhar jaagenge jab tak shooting hogi, kyunki mandir ki rakhwaali karni hai. Humari bhi toh zimmedaari hai."

Small screen goes green

Mumbai: The alarming rate of pollution thatthe Earth is being subjected to has left everyone conscious of the growing danger. The TV producers have also realised this and increasingly the sets of shows are a proof of that. For example, Balaji Telefilms is highly conscious of the impending water crisis in the city. So, they try to use less water while shooting. The sets are kept clean with strict measures so that they don't have to use water to clean them.
Producer Rajan Shahi has banned smoking and the use of plastics on the sets of his shows ? Bidaai and Yeh Ristha Kya Kehlata Hai.