angad, kripa and prithvi 'z interview

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lina

@royaljatti

Inactive

Posted: 20 years ago

Starry, starry nights... from Bollywood to small screen stars... all seem headed Lucknow-wards nowadays. Close on the heels of the visit of Abhijeet Sawant and Jassi comes Sony's new brat pack to the city of the nawabs-- the star cast of Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai, Balaji's idea of Rock Star meets girl next door. In Lucknow for the promotion of the serial were the lead pair M. Iqbal Khan (25) who plays Angad and Neha Bamb (Kripa) along with Amit Tandon (Prithvi in the serial) along with Prajakta Shukre and Rahul Vaid, the finalists from Indian Idol.
Says Iqbal Khan, "This is my big, big break after two films Fantoosh and Bullet which didn't really work wonders for my career. It's a special privilege to be hand picked by Ekta Kapoor and become the leading man for a Balaji serial since they are really big in the television industry." Ask the Srinagar lad what his assets are and the answer comes pat, "The fact that I don't have two left feet helps, I suppose. Then I have had my try at modelling and films and that has given me the confidence before the camera. I've had my share of struggle and believe that there's no use getting too worked up over things. If they are meant to happen, they happen." The daily soap he says, leaves him with no time to pursue anything other than the serial at the moment. "I am giving 200 per cent to it, this is my make it or break it chance and I don't want to botch it. I don't think I can take that risk."

With five films down South in her kitty, Neha Bamb says she is looking forward to making her presence felt on the small screen as well. Her sweet voice and baby girl looks are an asset to playing the simple Kripa, but that's where the similarity ends. I am a typical Mumbai girl, not the simple small town girl that I portray and have no patience, unlike the character I portray. I have no illusions, having seen the pace of life in Mumbai. While I am ambitious, I prefer to concentrate on things I have in hand rather than reach out to grasp too many things all at once.
The third angle in this triangle is Prithvi, played by ABCD (American born Confused Desi) Amit Tandon who quit after a year of law school in the US to take part in the Channel V popstar hunt. He reached the five finalists in that contest before his luck ran out, only to enter and bag a place among the top ten in Indian Idol. Practical and down to earth this young man says while he did get a few film offers, he turned them down since they were side roles. "As it is 90 per cent of films are flops. I am not an Abhishek Bachchan or a Hrithik Roshan that someone will continue to give me lead roles if I flop. I have to be very careful. I liked the role on offer and Balaji is the biggest name in the TV industry. Also since we get Sony back in the US, I was rather keen to do a serial that my guys could watch back home. Now let's just see how it goes from here."

Balaji soap role for Indian Idol contestant

As an Indian Idol participant, Amit Tandon earned more accolades for his looks than his singing talent. Farah Khan also praised his good looks, saying he would do well in films.

Well Tandon hasn't set his sights on Bollywood just yet, but he will make his acting debut on the small screen.

It's hard to miss his American accent when he talks, but if you listen well and take him for what he says, the guy does come across as someone who genuinely wants to make it as an actor.

Here's finding out what Amit Tandon is doing in Sony's romantic drama — Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai.

What's your role in Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai?
I play Prithvi, who joins the same music academy where Kripa (Neha Bamb) is studying. He instantly falls in love with her, but doesn't express his feelings to her. I would say he is the exact opposite of Angad (Mohammed Iqbal Khan).

While Angad is expressive about his love, Prithvi chooses to be silent. He's like a support system to her.

You started off as a VJ, and then entered Indian Idol to become a singer. Now you are making your debut as an actor. Which excites you the most?
At the moment it is acting. I am all set to give my all for the show. Yes, I did want to be a singer and get my album out, but right now the focus is more on being an actor. Also, I have the advantage of being able to sing my own songs for the serial.

Weren't you supposed to sing the title song for the show?
Yes. Initially, I was slated to record it, but people were of the opinion that it would look weird for me to sing a song for Angad. It would be his face and my voice, and later on it could clash with the songs I do for Prithvi. However, I would like to sing on the show. I hope I get the chance.

You have a very strong American accent, was it a problem?
I have been in the US for a long time, which is why my English has a heavy accent. But that doesn't mean I am bad at Hindi. People find it hard to believe that a guy with such a strong accent can speak fluent Hindi. When you watch the show, you will realise what I'm saying.

Were you dating Idol contestant Priyanka Venkateshwara?
This has been completely blown out of proportion. She is a very sweet girl, and I had a good time singing with her on the show.

There's nothing more to that than the fact that we were good friends. Of course, thanks to her walking out, I made it in the final round.