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"NAJMA…AMMI….Where are you guys? I have to give you guys a breaking news." Zoya entered home. Najma and Dilshaad came to living room.
Zoya ran and hugged Najma. "Najma, all things set. I am going for the interview tomorrow."
"Really? Wow…Zoya…that is great. Nahi, Ammi?"
Dilshaad nodded and smiled at her two girls.
Asad who was reading a book in garden stepped into living room to know what this commotion was all about.
"What's going on? Zoya, why are you shouting? I could here you outside."
"Asad…Asad…you won't believe what has happened. Remember the show that I watch with Najma and Ammi – Qubool Hain, their cast is shooting in Bhopal. And, I have been given chance to interview the lead actor KSG. Isn't that awesome? An exclusive interview of KSG conducted by Zoya Farooqui-Khan."
"When did you become a journalist? Who assigned you this task?" Asad couldn't make head or tail of what she was talking.
"Actually, I have so wanted to meet KSG. Raabert got news that KSG is in town. He knows the guy who gives background music for the show. People don't know it. Even press doesn't know about it. But, Raabert has made a deal with local newspaper that if they allow me to conduct interview, they will be the first to get it."
Asad thought, "I need to have a talk with Ayaan. What crazy plans these two cook up?"
"So tomorrow morning, I am going to the sets for his interview. Najma-Ammi, can you believe I am going to meet him?" Zoya continued.
"What is so big deal about him? He is just a TV actor. And, what kind of name is KSG? Lagta hain koi chemical ka naam hain, like HCL – Hydrochloric Acid or MSG – Monosodium Glutamate." Asad had to say.
Zoya, Najma and Dilshaad – all gave him a look.
"Beta, I know chemistry was your favourite subject in high school, but spare poor guy's name. His name is Karan Singh Grover, but many fans call him KSG." Dilshaad recovered first.
"Ammi, you too. Aap bhi ye details jaanti hain."
"Bhai jaan, he is loved by fans of all age groups. Hai na, Zoya?"
"Wohi to….and his chemistry with his co-stars…Maashallah." Zoya said.
"Beta, bahot achhi acting karta hain. Just the other day, I couldn't control my tears watching a scene." Dilshaad added.
"And, he is so handsome." Najma dheere se added.
Zoya started, "I just looove him…". Asad looked at her with daggers in his eyes. "… as an actor… as an actor.", Zoya completed her sentence.
Dilshaad and Najma looked here and there trying to control their grins.
But Najma couldn't stop herself from speaking, "Bhai jaan, you should watch the show with us. Even you would become a fan."
"I am living with three crazy ladies." – Asad thought.
"What nonsense!" He spoke aloud.
"Asad, see this address. This is where I have to go tomorrow morning at 9."
Asad reads the address. "I will take you there."
"No, Asad, there is no need. I will take cab."
"I said: I will take you there."
By now, Zoya had come to understand when not to mess with her husband.
"Ok. We would leave by 8. It is not good to be late."
"Ek actor ke liye kafi time ki pabandi dikhayi ja rahi hain."
"Maine sun liya."
"Zoya, I also want to come." Najma said.
"Even I would have liked to come but I have to attend the charity function in the morning." Dilshaad said.
"Seriously, I am living with three crazy ladies." – Asad thought rubbing his forehead.
"Najma, you are not bunking your college just to meet a TV actor." Asad spoke aloud.
"Per….you can bunk your office, haan.." Najma mumbled.
"I heard that and I am not bunking work. I am just taking Zoya there."
Next day morning…..
It is 7:30 am and Zoya is already at breakfast table. Zoya has donned formal attire and Asad admires her as he sits on breakfast table.
"Ye itna taiyaar hona zaroori tha?"
"Taiyaar? I have just dressed professionally. I am going to interview a leading actor on behalf of a leading newspaper. I have to look professional."
"Whatever…"
They leave at 8 and have reached sets by 8:45. Shooting is taking place at a traditional Bhopali haveli. They are asked to have a seat. It is already 9:15 and Karan hasn't arrived yet.
"Very punctual." Asad said while turning page of the newspaper.
"Asad, daily shows ka routine fixed nahi hota. We need to give him some leeway."
Just then Karan arrived.
"I presume you are Zoya." He said while stretching his hand for a hand shake.
"Yes, I am Zoya Farooqui-Khan. Here to interview you for Bhopal Times." Zoya smiled and shook his hands.
"Farooqui-Khan. I didn't peg you as married. You look so young." Karan said jovially.
Asad got up and cleared his throat. "This is my husband – Mr. Asad Ahmed Khan." Zoya introduced them.
"That's a strong hand shake." Karan said after shaking hands with Asad.
Zoya narrowed her eyes at Asad. Asad looked sheepish.
"So Karan, shall we start the interview?"
"Sure, let's get started. I can give you 30 minutes. There is a condition though - this interview can't go for print till we are done with shooting in Bhopal. We have kept this shooting quite under wraps and we don't want people turning up to watch shooting. I can understand fans would like to be here, but we have a tight schedule and shooting can't be disrupted."
"Rest assured, Karan. This interview will be printed only after you guys are back in Mumbai."
"I will record it on my i-Pad. Is that fine?"
"Yes. That is fine."
"Before I start the interview, I have to say this. I am a big fan of your work. Not only me, my sister-in-law Najma, my mother-in-law – all of us love your work."
Asad shifted in his chair. Karan smiled and said, "Thank you. It is fans' appreciation that makes us going."
"Ok, Karan. How do you find playing the character in Qubool hain? It is quite different from your earlier roles and different from real you."
"It is quite a challenging role. Yes, it is different from who I am. But, that's a challenge for an actor. As an actor, I like to play variety of roles. So, I can say I am enjoying this role very much."
"Lots of outdoor shooting happening in the show. Do you enjoy outdoor shooting?"
"Outdoor shooting is a bit hassle in summer. But, you get to see new places, meet fans from different parts. So, it is all good."
Zoya asks more questions and interview is going well. Asad is checking messages on his Blackberry and keeping an eye on Zoya and Karan. He is secretly feeling proud of Zoya. He gets a call and moves away to take the call.
"Last question. How do you like Bhopal? Have you tasted Bhopali cuisine?"
"I haven't got much chance to explore the city. But, what I have seen is beautiful. I haven't tasted Bhopali cuisine yet. Will try to do so before I leave." Karan said with his dimpled smile.
"Off the record – there are some cooking competition auditions going in the next lot. People have got hints that some Hindi show is being shot here, but they still don't know which show. But, that is not stopping them from turning up on our sets. Our security people keep them at bay, but they leave dishes prepared by them for us actors to taste. I haven't eaten anything because I am on a diet. But, our unit members are enjoying Bhopali food." Both Karan and Zoya ended up laughing.
"Karan, even if you are on diet, you must try Bhopali kachaudis before you leave. My personal recommendation."
"Will try."
"I would have loved to meet your co-star, Surbhi. It is sad that she is not here."
"Yh…she is shooting in Mumbai. We have shooting going in parallel."
"Ok..that's all I had to ask. Thank you very much, Karan." Zoya wrapped up the interview.
"My pleasure. I have to say you are a lady with connections. I wonder how you convinced PH to give me an interview here. Did your husband arrange things?" Karan said looking at Asad.
"No, my brother-in-law made all arrangements. My husband doesn't watch TV serials. Can you believe he didn't know you? We teased him a lot last night."
"Really….I would like to play a little prank on him." Karan was going in his prankster mode.
"No, Karan. Only I can play pranks on him. He looks very akdu, but actually is very sensitive." Zoya looked at Asad with expression in her eyes softening and then looked at Karan.
Asad saw Zoya looking at Karan with soft eyes. "I will call you later." He cut the call and reached near the sofa where they were sitting. "Zoya, I have got an urgent meeting. We should leave."
"Ok..Asad, I am done with interview. Just few pictures and we are done."
"Few pictures, Karan?" "Sure"
Zoya clicked few pictures of Karan.
"Now, can I have one picture of you with me? I promise it won't be posted on any social networking sites. Just for my family's eyes."
Karan agreed. Zoya asked Asad to take pictures. Asad called Zoya on side. "Why do you want a picture?"
"Asad, I want to get a picture with him. Ammi and Najma couldn't meet him. At least they will get to see this picture. Just take it."
Asad gritted his teeth and took the picture.
"Thanks, Karan. It was nice meeting you. Good luck with the show."
Zoya nudged Asad to say something. "Ahmemm…I hope you have good stay in Bhopal. But, I am sure you prefer Mumbai with outdoor shootings being a hassle and all. And, Bhopal summers are too hot. Bhopal winters also get very chilly. I am sure you prefer Mumbai."
Karan's eyes were twinkling with laughter and Zoya was trying to keep a straight face.
"By the way, Zoya, have you ever considered acting? You have got nice smile and features. You can work on TV."
"Zoya doesn't want to work on TV." Asad interrupted.
"Thanks, Karan. But, I have no plans to work on TV." Zoya understood that Karan was just teasing Asad.
"Bye"
"Bye"
Asad and Zoya are back on the road. Zoya is busy editing transcript of the interview on her i-Pad. Asad turned car on way to home. Zoya said, "Asad, meeting…"
"What meeting?"
"You had urgent meeting in office. You had to reach office soon, right?"
"Oh…meeting. It got cancelled."
"When? You didn't get any call."
"I got message."
"Asad, why do you even bother to lie when you can't lie especially in front of me?", Zoya grinned.
"Just admit - you were jealous of KSG."
"What nonsense..."
"Per when you are all jealous and come up with flimsy lies, you look very cute."
"Zoya, don't call me cute."
"You are cute and adorable. You look cuter than what KSG has looked ever."
"Zoya, bahot ho gaya." Zoya could see a hint of smile on his face.
"And, you are more handsome." Zoya added absent-mindedly after few minutes.
After a while, "Asad, we missed our lane."
"We are going to get those kachuadis that you like so much before we go home."
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Characters' and actor's interactions - my imagination. All in good humor.
Jhanak
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