| If you thought cliques existed only in the film industry, you are grossly mistaken. Just as Shah Rukh Khan has a close-knit group of friends (Karan Johar, Farah Khan, Farhan Akhtar and others) who always stand by him, the small screen too has its share of camps and coteries.
Walk into any television party and you will see certain groups of actors always standing together in a huddle.
HitList introduces you to six such gangs…
| A hitList Correspondent | | Anupam Kapadia, Natassha, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Ekta Kapoor | 1. Queen bee camp
Members: The queen bee has her own coterie of people who hang around her at every party. Regular faces include Shabbir Ahluwalia (Rishi of Kahiin To Hoga), Musthaq Sheikh (writer), Natassha (Anjali of Kkavyanjali) and Anupam Kapadia (her childhood friend). Distinguishing features: This camp hogs the limelight hands down. The moment Ms Kapoor steps into the room, word spreads like wildfire and everyone wants to make sure they get in the same frame with her. Famous for her late entries, the TV czarina always makes sure she has a roaring time at parties. Most likely topic: Apart from air kissing and formal greetings, everyone wants to know what's ticking in Ekta's brain. "Will she choose me for the new show?" is on everyone's minds.
| Hussain, Shraddha Nigam
and Rupali Ganguly | 2. Dil chahta hai camp
Members: Sanjit Bedi, Shraddha Nigam, Rupali Ganguly and Hussain represent the spunk of today's generation. Sanjit and Shraddha are close pals. Despite speculation about their supposed friendship, the two have always laughed off rumours of an affair and continue to be bum-chums. Hussain is also a favourite with the two girls and enjoys partying with them.
Distinguishing features: These guys make the maximum noise and never leave the dance floor. While Rupali is labelled the "jaan" (chatterbox) of the group, Sanjit and Hussain are the studs these girls love to flaunt. Most likely topic: Apart from meeting up to watch DVDs at Sanjit's place, this group likes to catch up on the latest music, movies and gossip around town.
| | Shilpa Saklani, Tassnim Sheikh, Gauri Pradhan and Riva Bubber | 3. Ba, bahu aur baby camp
Members: The family that sticks together, lasts longer. Keeping this motto in mind, the matriarch of the Virani family, Tulsi (Smriti Iraani) always keeps to her Kyunki clan. Sudha Shivpuri (Ba), Apara Mehta (Savita) and Smriti are a trio who represent the elder generation on the show — they are always together. But their bahus — Shilpa Saklani (Ganga), Riva Bubber (Damini), and Gauri Pradhan (Nandini) Tassnim Sheikh (Mohini) — prefer to party separately. | Sudha Shivpuri, Smriti Iraani, Komolika Guha Thakurta
and Apara Mehta | Distinguishing features: The Kyunki group makes sure their presence is felt wherever they go. Not only do they hog the spotlight (owing to the popularity of the show), but also make sure they pose in style for all the pictures. Recently, when Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii threw a party on completion of 1000 episodes, there was buzz that it didn't match up to the lavish bash the Kyunki team had. Clearly goes to show which of these camps wields more clout. Most likely topic: Smriti and Apara are best friends. The two not only share terrific on-screen chemistry, but also make friendly jokes about each other. Smriti is fondly nicknamed "thepla aunty" by Apara.
4. Two's company, three's a crowd camp
Members: Anuj Saxena is always a hit with the ladies when it comes to throwing parties. Even if nobody else turns up, we know two women who will always make it a point to be with him — Juhi Parmar, Tassnim Sheikh and Anuj make an uncanny threesome. Even though the ladies don't get along with each other, they are ready to bury the hatchet when Anuj sends them an invitation. Among male friends, Anuj seems to be enjoying close friend Cezanne Khan's company a lot these days. | | Juhi Parmar and Anuj Saxena | Distinguishing features: This camp is a bit tough to identify. First spot Anuj Saxena (hard to miss the glaring contact lenses); then look around and it won't be tough to find Juhi Parmar — then look exactly diagonally opposite to where Juhi is standing, and you will find Tassnim. Most likely topic: After separating from his wife, Anuj seems to have become a die-hard party animal. His lenses have become more colourful and his shirts more whackier. Is Juhi getting real close to Anuj, now that he's single?
| | Deepak Qazir, Ali Asgar, Sakshi Tanwar and Neelam Mehra | 5. Kahaani camp
Members: One can't miss how the entire Agrawal parivar always stands together (we mean literally) at any social gathering. Be it the holi celebration or an awards function, you will always see Sakshi Tanwar (Parvati) and her on-screen family sharing jokes and bonding big time. Unlike her sobbing and whining tube avatar, Sakshi is always the one hitting the dance floor and having the most fun. Distinguishing features: One doesn't have to look too hard to find them. If you know your soaps, this parivaar is the easiest to spot. However, one member of the family who prefers to stay aloof is Kiran Karmarkar (Om). Kiran is usually seen standing by himself or hanging out with actors from other shows. Most likely topic: These guys resemble a close-knit family. Whether it's fellow actor Chetan Hansraj's (Sasha) reception, or someone's birthday, they make sure their attendance is well noted. If you hear them laughing instead of shedding the mandatory tears, then it's likely to be Ali Asgar (Kamal) cracking his famous one-liners.
| | Moulli Ganguly and Komolika Guha Thakurta | 6. The Bong beauties
Members: Moulli Ganguly and Komolika Guha Thakurta are a sizzling twosome when it comes to partying. Other than the fact they are both Bengalis, what binds them together is their friendship. The two not only make it a point to meet at public events, but also celebrate all the traditional festivities.
Distinguishing features: Komolika's huge bindi is hard to miss. And her bright saris and lovely accessories are a hit. Most likely topic: The two will always be heard speaking in Bengali when together. They share lot of common hobbies and meet up to celebrate Bengali festivals. |
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
