| | | | Ekta Kapoor with father Jeetendra on April 7, Jeetendra's birthday — a party was organised for the cast of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (right) at the J W Marriott | Jeetendra will make an appearance in beti Ekta Kapoor's show, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, this month — he will act in six episodes of the show.
Ekta sounded very excited when we asked her about dad's inclusion in the cast. "Yes, my father is on. It's a great character, a cameo and I was waiting for something like this to materialise for him.
When the character was narrated to me, I knew this was what I had been waiting for. I have been wanting dad to start acting again in films and serials. I want to make a film with him next year — it's high time he started acting again." Last-minute nerves
The producer was rather nervous about broaching the subject with him. "I was," admits Ekta. "It took a week for me to act upon it. I didn't know how to broach the topic. Then, on Monday night in the office, I finally told him, "Papa, I want to talk to you."
He kept asking me why I was looking so tense. Finally, I blurted it out to him and he was pretty cool about it. I said it's a small but very important role and though I didn't want to use his status for my serial, I want him to act again. And he said, 'I will do anything you say.
Whether it for one or ten episodes, I am there for you'. I was thrilled! He will be shown on August 9." Big twist
What does Jeetendra play? "Tulsi and Mihir come into contact with an older couple, played by papa and a lady whom we are yet to finalise. Tulsi and Mihir seek advice from this couple regarding their marriage.
There is a big, big twist to papa's character. Initially, papa comes across as an obnoxious man; then there is a change in his demeanour." Rains ruin plans
Where will Tulsi and Mihir meet this couple? Replies Ekta, "We were supposed to shoot the episodes in Dwarka, but now, because of the rains, we have had to abandon those plans and are contemplating other places."
Why didn't she ask him to do a role in her serials before? "Initially it was because I didn't want to use my father's star power for television. I wanted him to do a role that would equal the serial. When a show is at its peak, I can justify his appearance." I hope I do it right
When contacted, Jeetendra was emotional. "I will do anything Ekta says or wants. My life is only for my children. She has done me proud. But yes, because it is such a fabulous role, I am scared I won't be able to do justice to it and let her down.
That's my biggest worry today. I am scared I won't be able to perform the way she wants me to. I have not heard about the role but Ekta sounds pretty excited about it. I hope I do it right." Guzra zamana
The veteran says he stopped acting in films because, "Woh zamana abhi khatam ho gaya. That's in the past. Now it's my children's time.…" |
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