Articles Archive - Page 8

"I am as clumsy as Nimmo"
Bubbly, youthful, charming... and clumsy, that's Nimmo aka Sanjeeda for you. She is also well-known as Vanilla down south, where she has done some films. Sanjeeda reminds one of Kajol in the film, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha where she keeps tripping on things and goofing up big time. Even in real life, as Sanjeeda confides, there are many similarities between her and her reel character in Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka? Sameera Kapoor catches up this zealot in her free time where they discuss her maiden show, future projects and personal life.

Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka?
I'm on cloud nine! It is one of Balaji's pivotal projects and has also been favourable for the channel, Star One. The crew is thoroughly professional and very cordial in approach. But at the same time, it's a huge responsibility of keeping up with the expectations and the love showered on me by the viewers. Now, I have to make sure that I give them my best performance.

How did it happen?
Besides knowing Ekta personally, it was at a party that she adviced me to give an audition for the the role of Nimmo. At that time there was this huge hullabaloo with regards to Ekta's new venture, especially the casting of Nimmo was being closely monitored by the media. For a fresher on television, it was the best launch and so I gave the audition. The rest, as the say is history. I believe destiny played a major role in my success because I landed at the right place at the right time.

Any groundwork for the role?
Other than keeping a track of the story, I don't do any homework. I get into the skin of the character. I assume that all the ups and downs faced by Nimmo are being faced by me and it works! I believe originality is the runway to success.

Sanjeeda v/s Nimmo...
I totally relate to her. Like Nimmo, I too am content and satisfied with my life.Also I'm as clumsy as she is. Butterfingers, to put it right! However I am not that immature.

Your take on contract marriages...
Oh, I don't believe in contract marriage and will never go in for it. Marriages should be based on love, trust and not on terms and conditions. I believe in the sanctity of marriage, so certainly I will not make a mockery of the same. No matter how grave the situation is, I will try to find an alternative rather than sacrificing my life.

If not an actor?
A dance teacher! I used to teach fusion dance. I desire to open a dancing class in the near future. I have trained an array of biggies such as the family members of Rahejas, Chopras, Hindujas....

First 'Vanilla' down south and now 'Nimmo'....
Yes, people associate me with my nicknames. Very few people know me by my real name. As of now, it's 'Nimmo' which is etched in public memory.

TV or South Indian films?
These are two different mediums and both have it's advantages and disadvantages. However, given a choice it has to be television. Down south, it was tough memorising the lines, as I didn't relate to the language. So, you can say it was in those films that I had to do some homework. Comparatively, it's easier to emote and enact on TV as the language is not alien.

What is your family's take on your career?
They have been very supportive and have always stood by my decisions. Besides, Balaji Productions is the best, as we all know. Certainly I did not want to lose out on the opportunity of working with them. And my family felt the same.

Any new projects?
There is hardly any time left for me to even think of any other show besides Kya Hoga…

What's your stress buster?
After shooting for 10-18 hours a day, sleep is what I need. Whenever I get some time off, you will catch me dozing.

After calling Mumbai Mirror readers and scanning over 200 applications, Ekta Kapoor finds the heroine of her next big show at a party

Reena Thapar Kapoor

This is the stuff that dreams are made of. Sanjeeta AR has officially been chosen to play Nimmo in Balaji prodution's forthcoming "next big show" on Star One called Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka. Sangeeta was spotted by Ekta Kapoor at a party.

"It was that one phone call that I received from Balaji that changed everything for me," says Sanjeeta. Till yesterday, working with Ekta Kapoor was a far-fetched dream for her. Now, after clinching Nimmo's role, she finds herself firmly entrenched in the Balaji camp.

Elaborating on how it happened, Sanjeeta says, "Ekta spotted me at a recently held party. That's when she approached me and asked me to take an audition for one of her shows."

"I wasn't sure whether it was Kya Hoga... that she was referring to. I'm told that she instantly saw Nimmo in me as she had a visual picture of Nimmo in her mind," says Sanjeeta.

Prior to this, Sanjeeta has acted in Tamil, Kannada and Telegu films. "I never even tried getting work in Hindi films as I didn't have a Godfather or any filmi connections." But television was something that she was open to.

"I know that television has a huge market. It's watched by thousands of people in the country and has huge popularity abroad," she adds.

Now, Sanjeeta is all set to undergo formal training with the production house. "I feel that is the ideal way to start," she opines.

Any signs of nervousness; considering this is her debut? "I know television here will be in complete contrast to how the South Indian film industry functions. I'm told that in television one works at a mad pace. But, I am ready for the big challenge," she says.

Nimmo Factfile
* Is 18 years old
* Has always lived in Mumbai
* Quit her studies for the glamour world
* Has done only Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films
* Never done any commercials or Bollywood films
* Got Nimmo's role after Ekta Kapoor spotted her at a party

Saas, Bahu and Football!

July 7, 2006

So what if India doesn't participate in the Football Fiesta? The country just can't get enough of it!
So what if most matches take place late night, the fanatic fan makes sure he stays up to watch.

And celebrities are no different. Despite erratic and long work schedules, most television stars try to watch the games in Germany.

A couple of days before the France-Italy final, rediff.com spoke to some television stars who are known to work 16 hours days, and asked them which team they are supporting.

Ejaz Khan
Kunal in Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka

I am a big-time football buff. I am very upset to have missed the England-Portugal match due to my shooting schedule. I don't want to miss the final now.

Unfortunately, the television sets in our make-up vans don't have a cable connection, else I could have watched the matches there.

Since I do two daily soaps, I am shooting almost 24 hours a day. I am trying to think of something to tell the producers and escape from shooting on Sunday. I will probably tell them I will die if they don't let me watch the World Cup final!

If France wins, I will be very happy and if Italy loses I will be very sad. In other words, both teams in the final are my favourites.

Text: Srabanti Chakrabarti

My Favourite



'I still love Zidane'



Sanjit Bedi



• Car
Although I don't own one, I would love to be seen driving around in a Porche 1969 Spyder

• Designer
I love Ashish Soni's creations. And as regards international designers, and of course Armani.

• Perfume
There is this perfume called the Comme de Garcon, for men. I think it's just fabulous because it defines me. It has an earthy and masculine fragrance to it, which lingers for hours.

• Electronic Gadget
Has to be my iPod to which I am hooked on to in most of my leisure time. And I am also a gaming freak, so I love my Portable Play Station!

• Fashion Accessory
My shades. I have a pretty large collection of them! I think if carefully selected, they can really give you an air of style

• Book
This is quite difficult because I am a voracious reader. The best books I have read, are The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho and Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch.

• Television show
I am addicted to 24 and watch it whenever I get the time. Nip/Tuck is also a series which has some great acting in it! And I can't forget Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka!

• Movie
Harrison Ford-starrer Blade Runner is one cult classic which I've worshipped since I was young. I love it for its sci-fi theme and the fantastic 3D effects!

• Song
I am a huge U2 fan. So 'With or Without you' is a song I can instantly mention as my all-time favourite.

• Actor
Gary Oldman most definitely for his hardcore, solid performances. I must say I am totally influenced and inspired by him.

Actress
I love Uma Thurman for the range of performances that she's delivered. She has performed consistently and convincingly in movies as varied as Batman and Kill Bill.

• Sportsperson
I was really disappointed when Ballack's team was out of the cup, just because he's a fabulous player. And yes, I still love Zidane!

• Holiday Destination
It's a simple answer – the one and only, Goa. It is one place where you do not need a fixed agenda – you just land up there, lie on those beaches and chill!

• Restaurant
Indigo is a place which I enjoy hanging out at. It's got the best food and great crowd.

• Drink
Nothing can beat a glass of nimbu-pani with ice and some masala in it too.

• Dish
I think Punjabi cuisine is on top of all desi cuisines. But I can never rule out Japanese food and also Thai and Chinese – something which I truly enjoy.

• Festival
Like a true north Indian munda, I shall say Diwali. It's just the best way to celebrate that time of the year anywhere in the world!

• Season of the year
We have only three seasons out of which I think my favourite is winter... whenever there is one that is!

• Website
Apart from regularly visiting the 'I Tunes' site for my I pod, I believe in everything Susan Miller of the www.astrologyzone.com says for my sun sign!

As told to Malay Desai

Eijaz Khan


Rituals:
I understand the significance of Ramzaan but unfortunately haven't been able to observe the rozas because of the erratic timings that we work under. It becomes difficult to perform namaaz all five times which means rozas just become abstaining from food without remembering the almighty. Earlier, I would never miss the Friday namaaz but now, I don't even remember the day because of work pressure.

Celebrate: Though Eid is of for those who observe the rozas, I am looking forward to it too. Its one day that I get to meet my family. The day begins with the early morning Eid namaaz with my dad and brother. Then I visit all my relatives, many of whom come down from my dad's home-town Solapur. I am not very fond of sweets, so limit having the sheer-kurma but gorge on the biryani and other mutton delicacies.

Courtesy vluvanita.net

Kya hoga Nimmo ke ponytail ka?
By: Tushar Joshi
November 21, 2006

Sanjeeda Sanjeeda admits that it was quite a pain in the head to play Nimmo. Her severely pulled-back ponytail and dark make-up received heavy criticism, mostly because those who saw the actress off screen marvelled at her natural good looks. Many wondered why she resorted to the look on the show, instead of going au natural. Now, Nimmo's pony has made way for open hair and the make-up too has been toned down. Paying attention Admitting that her debut look wasn't well received, Sanjeeda says, "I was often asked why I tied my hair that way and used dark make-up. I believe that was the way the creative heads conceived the character. Also, since I was new, make-up wasn't an area I paid attention to. I was more worried about my lines and scenes." Saying that the new look is a relief, Sanjeeda adds, "Lots of fans have reacted very positively to the new Nimmo. I have also taken time to watch myself on screen and give attention to my hairdo and make-up. Since the show revolves around me, it's important for me to look good." When asked why she doesn't like attending parties or talking to the press, she says, "It's just that I don't know what to say. I rarely get time off, and when I do I love spending time with my parents. They hardly see me in the house." Boy wonder Recently, the actress met one of her biggest fans, a two-year-old boy. "It was funny. There was this little kid with his parents. They told me that he would drink milk only if my show was on. In fact, they even knew the title song and when they sang it, the little boy did these cute actions. I found it really sweet that people have taken to my character." Enough has been written about her tiff with co-star Eijaz Khan. Describing it as a matter of the past she says, "Both of us have matured. I agree that I am not on talking terms with him, but I have the maximum number of scenes with Eijaz. We cannot let personal issues come in the way of our work. I have nothing against him." Post Nimmo, Sanjeeda has plans to move to films. "I have done several South films, and even now I keep getting offers. It isn't easy getting a major Bollywood film, but I would definitely love being a part of one some day. At the moment, Nimmo is keeping me occupied."