Synopsis,Character Details & Articles - Page 19

T he actor who has won rave reviews enacting the character Brijesh bhaisaab in Saat Phere (Zee) is now seen as Rohan Lamba in Viraasat (Star One). Akshay Anande says, "I play the eld- est brother who has been missing for 14 years. I took up the offer because the role was interesting. It's a positive char- acter." Anande considers it a step ahead of his character in Saat Phere. He is all praise for the producers of Viraasat: "They treat me very well. I share a friendly relationship with the other co- stars. I have earlier worked with Aman (Verma), Kiran (Kumar) and Sangee- ta (Ghosh). In fact, Sangeeta and I were the lead pair in her first Hindi film Mohabbat Pehli Nazar Mein, when she was just 15 years old. It's good to work with her again." After doing movies, he is clear that he only wants to do roles of substance. "Ideally, I would like to work in both mediums. Today, the power of televi- sion is enormous. I'm sure that even Bachchanji did not realize the power of TV till he did Kaun Banega Crorepati," says Anande. Which is his best performance to date? "I consider my role in Zakhm the best so far. It was 10 years ago, it wasn't a hit. My cameo in Ghulam was noticed. And, that happened only because it was a super hit," ends Anande.

I n a red shirt, beige slacks and red shoes, not to miss the red sindoor in her forehead, the newly-wed Rajashree Vaidya nee Thakur looks striking. She is on the sets of Zee's Antakshari. Thakur, who plays Saloni, the female lead in Saat Phere, is there to participate in the semi-final round.Describing herself as a bathroom singer, she is upbeat about her daily show and her just married status. Her real life saat phere Sanjyot and I acted in a Marathi tele-film together. It was based on the lives of Shivaji and Shahji. He played Shivaji while I was his wife. We met in college and fell in love. We married on February 7. He understands the demands of my profession and eggs me on when I feel tired and lazy. Flashback I'm a commerce graduate. I also have a degree in law. I was a newsreader on DD, AIR and then Zee Marathi News. I have modelled for jewellery and hair oil com- mercials. Acting was just another thing that I was happy doing. I have always done things that have made me happy. Those dusky looks were her ticket to suc- cess When I was called for the auditions of Saat Phere, I didn't know that the story was about a dark girl who has problems getting married. I was first asked if I had long hair and knew to dance. My audi- tion went on for two hours. I bagged the role. I was narrated the story much later. I had no problems. The issue is a reality in our country. Oh, the demands of a daily show I agree the show, which started off as Saloni's story, went on to include other characters and plot lines. But these are demands of a daily show. The producers have to keep in mind what the viewers want. There are times when the audience is watching the show only for the saris an actress wears. Fan following Not just men but women, professionals and little children too follow the show. Recently, I was in London for the Zee Carnival. I was surprised that women from Pakistan and NRIs watched the show. It felt good. Arrogant, who me? Blame it on my serious looks. I have friends in the industry. Like I was shop- ping and Parikshit Sahniji saw me there. He complimented me on my work and said he would attend my marriage. And he did. Now he wouldn't have done that if I were arrogant or unapproachable. I am straightforward and I like people who are straight with me. Satte pe satta We are seven children. I am the youngest of five sisters and a brother. So sharing my make-up room or being surrounded by people is never a problem. My sisters do tease me about being a star. Big screen beckoning I started with an Indo-French film called Hawa Aane De by Partho Sengupta. I do see myself on the big screen. A good role, a good script, sound producers and great money is all I want. Movies, television or even a play — it really doesn't matter.