News/Article Related To Remix

Channel head upset with TV show
By: Shaheen Parkar
January 19, 2005

Shaheen Parkar Star One's serial Remix, aimed at the pre-teen/teen segment, has emerged as one of the more successful shows on the channel. Perhaps a bit too successful, as programming honcho Deepak Sehgal found out at his own cost recently. In an interview in the inaugural issue of the television magazine, Tele Prime Time, Sehgal talks about how he has stopped his daughter from watching the show after she told his wife to "chillax" and take a "chill pill". Remix, which unfolds at Maurya High, takes a look at the growing-up pangs of a bunch of students, including a red-haired rebel, who comes from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. "I won't deny that Remix is having horrible repecussions on kids and parent-child relationships," he adds in the interview. So is Srishti Behl-Arya's daily teen show causing concern to the channel? Sehgal vehemently denies the assessment and says that he has been misquoted. "What I said was that when my daughter told my wife "to chillax" and "take a chill pill", she was taken aback. I told her (his wife) this is the lingo of today's generation. It's like we used to say in our days 'just chill'." "How can I have that attributed to me?" he continues. "It's our show. How can I make such a comment on something which we want people to see. Remix is not just a candy-floss show that takes on the love life of students; there are various other aspects to it like socio-economic divides and the growing up dilemmas." However Sudipta Chattopadhyay, editor, Tele Prime Time, who has also written the story says, "Mr Deepak Sehgal did make the statement. We have the conversation on record. I interviewed him about 22 days ago at the Star Plus office at Marol. He knew it was being taped." So what was said and what was not? Anyway, as the Remix guys and gals would says, "Puhleese, chillax." What is Remix? This daily teen drama on Star One is described as the spirit of urban India, taking on socio-economic divides, peer pressurea and teen dilemmas. It features four students, Anvesha (Priya Wal), Yuvi (Raj Singh Arora), Ranvir (Karan Wahi) and Tia (Shweta Gulati) — who study at Maurya High. Ironically, Wal's father, Harsh Wal, is the principal of Lovedale School, Ooty!

My daughter has been stopped from watching it because she asked my wife to "chillax" and take a "chill pill". So, I won't deny that Remix is having horrible repecussions on kids and parent-child relationships — Deepak Sehgal, executive VP, content and communication, Star, in an interview to a TV magazine What parents think of remix Duraiya Lathiwala Business I wouldn't like someone come up to me and use such language. The words sound quite offensive and it's not the way I would like my children to address me. I don't think Indian culture allows usage of such words. Urvashi Sanghavi Housewife Today's generation is very different from mine, so change is due to happen. I watch Remix and these words sound funny and interesting, but at times they give a bad vibe. What is important is how one says these words. I think addressing God, as Bhaggu is fine as long as it is said in good faith. Madhavi Gandhi Company director I would instantly correct my son had he to come up to me and use words. This is not the way we speak in India. Such words take the sanctity of the language away and misinterpret what has to be said. I think the phrase Hey Bhaggu is quite offensive. I wouldn't like anyone using these words to me. Dereyk Rose Accounts executive I wouldn't like my son coming to me and using such words. I think one should refrain from such lingo as far as possible. Compiled by Tushar Joshi The Remix lingo Hey Bhaggu (n): Hey Bhagu, I can't get through this number (as in Hey Bhagwan, Oh God!) Chillax (v): Just chillax, everything will be fine (a combo of chill and relax) Duh-uh (adj): Duh-uh, what do you think we were waiting for? (As in how dumb) Puhleese (adj): Puhleese, stop harassing me! (just the elongated with effect version of please) Dufus (adj): You are a perfect dufus when it comes to girls ( a duffer) Sufi (v): Don't take too much tension, just play it sufi (As in cool, it has nothing to do with the mystical Sufis and their music) Banna (n): You are like my banna, so why worry? ( friend, pal)

Style mantra

She's sensuous and stuck up — but that's just on TV. Shweta Gulati is a part of the moony gen's new show, Remix on Star One where she plays one of the four trendy young people who spell out style mantra for the new year.

But Shweta says that Tia Ahuja — the character she plays in the funky show — is most unlike her in real life. "Tia's full of herself, I am not. I had to change my voice for the role and had to act like a school kid."

But more than Tia and Remix, Shweta has a rare first to her name. She's one of the first stars to outrightly decline an Ekta Kapoor offer. "Saas-bahu characters are boring and storylines stale. I don't want to be stuck in a never-ending saga," she says boldly.

Shweta, who has just finished acting in an offbeat film Detective Nani, is gung-ho about her future. "I am just starting off and the sky's the limit." If she can thumb down a Balaji offer, then the sky's sure the limit for gutsy Shweta.

Remix's guide to cool

STYLE MANTRA: The Remix gang set the teenage trend this season

Sristhi Behl Arya's teenage angst show Remix (Star One) has the foursome Tia (Shweta Gulati), the red-haired Anvesha (Priya Wal), Yuvi (Raj Singh Arora) and Ranvir (Karan Wahi) spell out the style mantra for the new year: Hair gel is in. Spike your locks or keep them straight.

Prints are in solids are out. Think funky while choosing clubwear. Tattoos are the funkiest eye catchers; if you are scared get a temporary one.

Avoid formals, go with keds and floaters, Lie low on neck accessories Bold is the flavor of the season.

The dare to wear attitude! Red is the color of this festive season, be it hair, clothes, shoes.

Gimme red!
By: Shaheen Parkar
November 29, 2004

Shaheen Parkar Hair apparent: Priya Wal (left) with Karan Wahi, Shweta Gulati and Raj Singh Arora in Remix Pic: Vijayanand Gupta Model-turned-actress Priya Wal who features as the rebel Anvesha in the teen drama Remix (Star One) has coloured her hair-shocking red for the role. "Most people think I am wearing a wig, but it's not. I have styled and coloured my hair to suit the character," she says. Ironically, her on-screen persona is a cause of consternation off-screen. Her father, Harsh Wal, is the principal of Lovedale School in Ooty. "And here I am doing exactly what my father does not want the students do. In fact when I bagged this role there was this thing of what will his pupils tell him. His own daughter playing a student rebel! Some have even asked him about it at Lovedale. He did have his reservations. But I am, after all, only acting the role of Anvesha in Remix," says Wal, who studied at Mayo, Ajmer. Produced by Rose Audio Visual, Remix, a daily teen drama, has four main students Anvesha, Yuvi (Raj Singh Arora), Ranvir (Karan Wahi) and Tia (Shweta Gulati) from different backgrounds who come together to form a music band called Remix. Maurya High, the school where it is set, has been created at the Kamalistan Studios. "From the dorm to the classroom to the staff room, there has been great detailing for the show," says producer Srishti Behl Arya (Guns & Roses, Lipstick, Jeet). "As most of the cast consists of newcomers, we put them through a month-long workshop of acting, dancing, dialogue delivery before the shoot," adds Arya. Both Arora and Wahi are newcomers while Gulati was seen in the soaps Shagun and Kyun Hota Hai Pyarr. She used to also co-anchor Pardey Ke Peechay, which takes a look at the world of TV stars. "I could not manage doing Pardey Ke Peechay along with the serials. There was no time left that's why I had to quit the show," says Gulati. Remix, described to be the spirit of young urban India, takes on socio-economic divides, peer pressure, teen dilemmas and growing up pangs

New brat on the block

She's spunky, rebellious and radical. The unruly missy in Star One's Remix has endeared herself to young as Anvesha whose funky red hair makes her a trendsetter. And her real life is no less loaded with attitude than her reel life.

Priya Wal has said a big no; not just to Ekta Kapoor but also to films. "I won't do films because I dislike those sing-and-dance-around-trees routine. I won't do Balaji's shows as it is mandatory for women to wear a saree and sindoor. That's just not my style," says she.

Ironically her on-screen persona has not made her father very happy. Daughter of the Principal of Lawrence School, Lovedale Ooty, her character, Anvesha's unmanageable attitude, in Remix is exactly what dad hates to see in his students.

However, Priya defends her role saying, "My character may be that of a brat but then there's a positive side as well." One hopes the students at Lawrence School look only at the positive side of Anvesha's personality.

"We are doing all parents a favour!"

This is a fairytale in the modern era. Meet Prince Charming, Karan 'Ranveer' Wahi and his princess, Shweta 'Tia' Gulati --- the endearing couple who make up the team of Star One's Remix.

Shweta Gulati and Karan Wahi: In love!

Tia and Ranveer are two of the foursome who have made Remix lingo a rage amongst the teen population of the country! If Tia has made short dresses look cute, then Ranveer has made the ethnic, look stylish. Ananya Sengupta caught up with the duo on the sets of Remix working and having some fun at the same time!

You people really look nice together!

Karan, Shweta, Raj and Priya: The gang!

Tia: Yes, we do, don't we? (nudges Ranveer) Now we are romancing on screen too!
Ranveer: Yes, it's great fun to work with her. In fact, the whole cast is wonderful…they are like family.

Is that why you all are not doing any other show

Tia: Well, Remix is so much a part of me now…But you know, it is important that I do one show at a time. I am Tia Ahuja now. I try to dress and talk like her. I can't move around in jeans any longer…I am supposed to be a 17year old now! (laughs)
Ranveer: She even calls her dad pappa nowadays..
Tia: No! I always used to call him pappa (hits him)

Tia, we know that you had refused an Ekta show...
Tia: That was a long time ago. That was not something that I wanted to do...

Ranveer, you didn't tell me why you are not doing any other shows…
Ranveer: Oh yes, I am not doing any other show because, frankly because I don't want to. We get only Sundays off, and

I want to be myself then.

So what do you do when you are not shooting?
Tia: I meet up my parents, spend time with my family.
Ranveer: You'll find me in Inorbit, playing video games..
Tia: He is a freak, when it comes to video games, you know!

What do like to wear the most?
Tia: Jeans and T-shirts. You know I like to wear sarees, but know that I have to be a 17 year old, I wear dresses and skirts..

Lakme Fahion house...
Tia: I thought Joby was fabulous...
Ranveer: It was Joby all the way for me, but I guess Shahzad won because of his last garment! But Yuvi (Raj) always gunned for Shahzad...didn't he?( asks Tia)
Tia: As if he knew that Shahzad is going to win!

So how much do you identify with your characters on the show…are they real?
Tia: Tia is real, in fact, I have a friend who behaves exactly like Tia. Her hair, her skin etc are most important to her! The only thing different is that she doesn't have a business tycoon as her father. And even Anvesha, my sister is exactly like her. She will do exactly what my mother asks her not to do.
Ranveer: I don't identify at all…

Why…
Ranveer: I have never been to a college like this. I am in school…

Not studying?

Tia and Ranveer:Striking a different pose!

Ranveer: I am 18. I am doing college through correspondence. I was this pampered kid….
Tia: He is pampered by everyone here…

Ranveer: (Gives Tia a dirty look) As I was saying…I was big time into cricket. Then I sent my portfolio to different places and landed up with the role of Ranveer.

What about films?
Ranveer: I am too young…I have lots of time..
Tia: I am doing a film for Jolly and Romilla Mukherjee. It is a fun movie…

Tell me the controversy over the language used in 'Remix'…
Tia: You know I believe that we have actually done a favour by letting parents know about the language kids use behind their back! This is how kids talk…
Ranveer: The words are not vulgar. I don't know what the controversy is all about…

What about your own parents?
Tia: My sister has really picked up the lingo.
Ranveer: My dad says bhaggu and I have to listen to endless duh's. In the serial, I am the only one in the serial who uses aap's and hum's. My dad and my friends feel that I Remix ne mere bachche ko sudhar diya hai! ( Remix has improved my son!)

Have you ever been mobbed?
Tia: All the time. Once when I had gone to watch a movie Karan ( Ranveer) really scared me by hollering my name at the top of his voice. I was so embarassed!
Ranveer: In Delhi, I thought only Bollywood stars get mobbed...but....
Tia: But television stars are bigger nowadays!

She is the mother of the self-proclaimed brat. Soniya Kapoor, who plays diva mom to Anvesha (Priya Wal) on Remix, is the typical NextGen mom, one who believes in changing the norms of society rather than change herself. "Soniya is a different kind of a mom. She had Anvesha when she was only 15, so the difference in their ages is not much. Then there is her friendly attitude towards all the kids in school, which too makes her very special. She is a diva, she is a mother and that is her charm," says Soniya, who was at first reluctant to take up the role of a mother on screen. Whoever has seen the show will not forget the smartly dressed woman who overpowers everyone with her very presence, such is the impression that Soniya leaves on the viewer. The mother daughter banter is a treat to watch, a clash of minds that dwell primarily on similar issues. Anvesha is a far cry from the Kkusums and Jassis of this world and it is difficult to keep up with her tantrums, but Soniya manages to hold her own…even off the sets --- "Priya is a very dear friend. We go out shopping together, we watch movies and party, I really enjoy being with the young crowd. She pulls my leg by calling me mom….but what to do?? I am her mom, after all!" says Soniya with a laugh. A mother with a lot of spice, we say….wish more mothers were like her!

Who says success doesn't come easy. For if the budding actor Shweta Gulati is to be believed, her profession just fell in her lap .

''Things were actually very easy for me,'' she reveals. ''I'd gone for an audition with my brother and they asked me to just give it a shot. I was shocked when I got a call and they asked me how much I'd charge! I just didn't know what to say!'' Shweta says. And it has been a joyride ever since for this pretty face. ''My second ad was with ace ad-man Prahlad Kakkar himself! And then things just took off from there,'' she adds.

A popular face on television, Shweta has essayed a variety of contrasting roles. From a girl who lost her parents and was ill-treated by her aunts in Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar to her more recent stint in Remix, Shweta is clearly having a good time. ''I am quite like Teeya of Remix in real life. She's a fun girl and that's me,'' she laughs.

And what is her take on the great Indian saas-bahu sagas, which enjoy both high TRPs and viewers'love? ''I can't believe that I am saying this, but I am quite a fan myself. I've always enjoyed these series. In fact, I used to watch Jassi like crazy. And one actress watching another's serial religiously is quite something. But now I think it's just dragging,'' she says. Shweta, who's busy hopping from one set to another these days, reveals that she loves nothing more than sleeping. ''The two things I love are sleeping and painting!

Sleeping... well I did that throughout college!'' she laughs. ''Each time the blacklist came out in the college, my mother would get a complaint. My mother told them she knew exactly what I was up to — sleeping!'' she chuckles.

Shweta is doing a film called Detective Nani where she plays the teenage lead. Not bad for a girl who wasn't even thinking about a job in the industry. ''This is such a pleasant switch from my call centre job!'' she says.