Why Urvashi is wary of Moonmoon

They've known each other since their college days and have been friends for years. However, thanks to competition and professional rivalry, all is not well between Urvashi Dholakia and Moonmoon, better known as Komalika and Sampada aka Mrs. Anurag Basu of Kasautii Zindagi Kay respectively. The two actresses have been at loggerheads for quite some time and their mutual dislike for each other is a known fact to the unit members of Kasautii. Recently Moonmoon was added to the cast of Rishton Ki Dor where Urvashi plays Anuj Saxena's wife. Moonmoon's entry in the afternoon daily didn't go down well with Urvashi and she not only made her displeasure known to everyone on the sets but also approached the production house and channel to air her grievances.

What made Urvashi uncomfortable is that Moonmoon has been cast opposite Anuj and as the story progresses she will become his love interest and hog more screen time. Urvashi was pacified when she was assured that her role would not be sidetracked. Though Urvashi has given in to the channel's explanation, the subtle one-upmanship and behind the scenes manipulation between the two actresses continues. However, Moonmoon denies this story. "It's news to me. If at all something is wrong between us then it's the creation of media. There's no problem between us," she clarifies.

"In fact, we studied in the same college and I know her since our campus days. If at all there is rivalry between us then it's purely professional. I think competition is healthy as it always brings out the best which ultimately works in the interest of the show," says Moonmoon who plays a special investigating officer Neha in Rishton Ki Dor. "Neha has been brought in to solve the murder that Suhas (Anuj) did not commit. He has taken the blame upon himself to save his sister."

Once the murder mystery is cracked and Suhas is set free Moonmoon says she will become Anuj's romantic interest. "Neha has been brought in to create a romantic track in Anuj's life. Though he is married to Urvashi there is no love or romance between them. It's an unhappy marriage because Urvashi has lot of problems with him," she reveals. Is that what is bothering Urvashi? "I really don't know what's bothering her. I don't think she should worry much because her character graph is quite well-defined and no one is going to invade her screen space," says Moonmoon who plays the nice, understanding and sweet wife in Kasautii. "It's a nice Bengali character," she says.

Rohit Roy to host show on cricket

Ever since he made his debut on television with Swabhimaan 10 years ago after a failed career in films, Rohit Roy has been going places. The start was slow but with each passing year and especially in the last two years there has been a sudden upswing in his stature and popularity as an actor and host.

Currently busy with Viraasat, Rohit has been signed by MAX to represent the television and film world in the channel's attempt to marry cricket with showbiz during the forthcoming ICC Champion's Trophy to be played in India from October 7. As co-presenter of MAX's revamped Extraa Innings Rohit will discuss cricket besides bringing in showbiz elements in the programme in the company of Charu Sharma and Mandira Bedi.

"Cricket has been my passion since childhood," reveals Rohit who as an opening batsman and wicketkeeper had played cricket at inter-collegiate level for University of Gujarat. "In fact, I was even selected by Surendra Amarnath for a summer tour to play club level cricket in England but couldn't go for some personal reason." Once he was out of college and opted for his MBA, cricket took a backseat and after he entered showbiz cricket was not a priority.

"Occasionally I used to play at Air India ground on Sundays besides taking part in charity matches. But after I got very busy with acting there was no time for the game though I follow it like a true cricket enthusiast." His understanding of the game is also pretty good. "I know what reverse swing, googly, cover drive or late cut are. The technical knowledge is there but I have to brush up the statistics to keep pace with Charu who is like an Encyclopedia on cricket. I will also get to learn a lot from him," says Rohit who feels his co-presenter Mandira has come a long way.

"She has been keenly following the game and in terms of cricket knowledge she has improved quit a lot. Besides bringing in glamour in pre- and post-analysis sessions of the game in Extraaa Innings she has made cricket popular among female audience." Ask Rohit why MAX has gone for another actor to represent TV and films when Mandira is already there to represent glamour and entertainment and he says Mandira is no more known as an actor. "When did you last see her in a serial or film? She has been forgotten as an actor.

People remember her as an anchor of reality shows and Extraa Innings," says the popular actor and anchor who besides co-presenting the studio-based extra-long show will also interview cricketers, TV and film celebrities on their views and opinions on players, teams and the game. "It's going to be great fun, mega masti and entertainment."