Synopsis,Character Details & Articles - Page 27

Rajashree Thakur elated touching the 500 mark



Friday, September 28, 2007
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Serial stills: Gallery
It's a double whammy for actress Rajashree Thakur aka Saloni. Her hit Zee show 'Saat Phere' has completed 500 episodes and she has won the best actress award at the recently concluded Gold awards. Obviously the actress is elated. Yeah, naturally I am very happy. Touching 500 is an amazing feat and I am sure there will many more such occasions to celebrate in the days to come," informs the actress who made 'dark' the in thing.

So what is it that makes 'Saat Phere' rock so and different from the run of the mill 'saas bahu' shows?
Retorts the confident actress, "Saat Phere is not really a 'saas bahu' soap. The initial concept was about colour discrimination but now it's not just about Saloni. The show has taken up many social issues like widow remarriage successfully. This is what the USP of the show is. But there is not one single reason, which gets credit for the success of the show. A lot of things have contributed towards making the show a success. From the producers, the writers, the channel to the actors, the entire unit has worked hard to achieve that," she adds.


There are people who feel that the show, which started off as the struggle of a dark girl in the typical Indian setup seems to have veered away from its original concept. Explains Rajashree, "The show was initially about Saloni's marriage problem. Her dark skin was a big issue. But once Saloni got married to Nahar (Sharad Kelkar), that problem was solved. After overcoming that, she got concerned about things in her husband's home as well as her maternal home. She considers their problems her own and tries to overcome them too. Actually nothing was planned as such. Everything is just kind of a natural progression."

What about the far too many trials and tribulations in Saloni's life which probably very few normal people would be able to cope up with in real life?
(Laughs) "The troubles and sufferings are not actually her own. It's just that she tries to solve the problems of people connected to her," she gushes.

After playing Saloni for almost two years, how much does she identify with the character?
"Rajashree is like Saloni in a number of ways. Saloni is dedicated to her husband and she is family oriented. I am no different," she quips. And the set has almost become her second home. "After spending almost two years on the sets of the show we have almost become like a family. Being the lead actor, I have to interact with all of them. They are friends now and I get along really well with them all. If I am out for a few days or something, they miss me."

And what does she have to say about certain things shown in the show, like Sachin Shroff's rape accused character being beaten up by a bunch of women? Should such things be applied in real life as well?
"That's a dicey question. Rape causes immense and unimaginable trauma to the victim and this seems justified in a way. But then you should not take the law in your hands. Still I feel that the punishment given by our law to rapists is not enough and they actually deserve more," she avers. The daily show keeps her so very busy that she hasn't been able to do anything else, not even ads.

Chances of going back to radio also appear bleak. "I am caught up for nearly 25 days in a month with 'Saat Phere'. I don't get time for even ads. Now I am married and I can't really work for 30 days. So it's basically the 'date' issue. I would love to do ads again. If a project as good as Saat Phere comes up, I am open to it. Radio is more like a 9 to 5 job. After getting into acting, I can't really go back to that. But if it's an on and off kind of a thing, why not? I love the atmosphere there".

She got married earlier this year. So has life changed post marriage for her? How is married life treating her?
"Oh it's great. It would have been difficult for me to manage home and work without the support of my husband and my in-laws. They are great and they have been very understanding and encouraging. Even if I spend less time at home, they never complain." But baby plans have to wait. "No not yet. Only about six months have passed since I got married. It's going to take some time," she says coyly.

Any plans of working with hubby Sanjot Vaidya soon?
"Actually you have to ask him that (laughs). Yeah, we have done theatre together. He is also a very good actor and quite creative. But he is busy with his business now. I am sure if something of that sort happens, it's going to be sensible and worthwhile." Last but not the least, what is next up on the 'Saloni' front, something which her fans are so eager to know? "Without revealing too much of the story, I can say that now it will be more about Saloni," she says as she signs off.

http://entertainment.oneindia.in/television/top-stories/spec ials/Rajashree-thakur-500-shows-saat-phere-280907.html

Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Saloni and Nahar actually do touch each other

Here is something that you never see... Saloni and Nahar actually making love. OK I am being sarcastic now, but the two lead actors of television serial Saath Phere are actually touching each other, something that they never do in the soap. If you're an avid follower of television soaps on Zee and Star, like me, then you will have sometimes wandered why the pair's characters never actually make love even though they are married. They have been married for near to two years, and that is like an eternity on Indian television, but have yet to produce any children while people around them are doing exactly that.

Entertainment –> Television –> News –> Full Story

Neena Gupta to play any role



Friday, October 12, 2007
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Television Actresses: Gallery
Neena Gupta, playing the popular Manno Bhabhi in serial "Saat Phere", will soon be seen in a comic role after a long time. She would play Sush, a landlady who holds the desire to play Umrao Jaan on the big screen, in a new serial titled "Jigar Ma Badi Aag Hai" on the Filmy channel. Since Sush couldn't manage to rob the role from Rekha, she is quite irked with the veteran actress.

Neena is extremely happy with her role, as are others who are associated with the serial. She feels fortunate that she is still getting varied roles in the industry. The actress says: "I am not a very big artiste. But I am glad that I am getting good roles both on the small and big screens.

Known for her affinity for serious roles, Neena has previously done comedy serials like "Sriman Srimati" and a few other such programmes. However, it was the pairing of Neena with Kanwaljeet in "Saans" that took Indian television by storm. Perhaps, that's why the makers of "Jigar Ma Badi Aag Hai" are attempting to revive the magic by casting the duo. Neena refutes the speculations. "There is nothing of this sort. I didn't even know that Kanwaljeet is going to be cast opposite me. But it's good that the audience like our pairing."


Neena is amongst those talented artistes in the industry who didn't make it too big but have always received overwhelming love from the audience. And this is a fact even Neena agrees to. The gifted actress has left a mark both in art and commercial cinema.

Sadly, though both kinds of cinema are doing well these days, there aren't roles suitable for Neena. The actress also rues about this but she has no regrets whatsoever. "I am an artiste. I will do whatever kind of role comes my way. I can't demand that roles be written according to my tastes. I am happy with my work as of now."

Besides television, Neena also has a few films on hand, one of them being Satish Kaushik's "Tere Sang" and telefilm "Hello Zindagi". The latter also stars Kanwajeet in the lead.

Besides acting, Neena has also produced a few shows, including "Saans". But as of now, there is a stop on production. "The reason is that I can't concentrate on two things at one time. So I am leaning more on acting.


http://entertainment.oneindia.in/television/top-stories/news /neena-gupta-do-any-role-121007.html

The Puja Path

TV actresses are seen retiring to the puja room all the time on screen. Do they pray as hard off it too? We find out


Sakshi Tanwar
(Parvati in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki)

Between you and me, I don't pray 'at the drop of a hat' any more in the show, but yes I do pray every day in real life. In my morning prayers I surrender my day to the supreme power and thank him for giving me another day for a new beginning. And in the night I thank him for looking after me through the day and helping me in everything.


Smriti Z Irani
(Played the model bahu Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi)

I am an ardent Shiv bhakt, I make yearly trips to Somnath. I also do the Ganapati puja for 11 days. During Diwali I do the Lakshmi pooja.


Rajshri Thakur
(Saloni in Saat Phere)

I do believe in God and bow before the idol of Ganesh in the morning but I'm not necessarily ritualistic, unlike my character Saloni. I also don't believe in standing in long queues to get into temples. Though I don't fast, I don't eat non-veg food on Thursdays as it is the day of the Guru. Once I decided to observe regular fasts on Tuesdays but could not go beyond three Tuesdays, so I gave up. I also am a devotee of Sai Baba of Shirdi. As a bahu, I do take the initiative to do the pujas during major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri.


Juhi Parmar
(Kumkum in Kumkum)

Oh, I'm not like Kumkum at all. Unlike Kumkum I don't believe in idol worship or praying to one particular deity. Not that I'm an atheist, I believe in the creator and bow to the one who is omnipotent. I've done my share of all the pujas possible in my serial - enough to last me out in this janam.


Divyanka Tripathi
(Vidya in Banoo Main Teri Dulhan)

I'm not like my character Vidya. I don't believe in idol worship because according to me Bhagwan sarv-vyapi hain. Though I fast during the festival of Teej for 24 hours - from sunrise to sunrise next morning. This fast is nirjala (without even drinking water). As a matter of habit I fast on the on the first and the last days of Navaratri.


Sayantani Ghosh
(Kakul in Ghar Ek Sapna)

The meaning of my name 'Sayantani' is the girl who worships at dusk. I do puja on festivals in my own way. I do pray before leaving home. I have a huge collection of idols of Kali Ma and Ganesha. For me idol worship is just a way to connect with God. I have a small asana which I spread in one particular corner of my room when I sit down to pray. Of in Kolkata, in my parents' home we have a huge puja room.

30 April 2007
Location: Israel
Posts: 1591 Posted: 13 October 2007 at 1:28pm | IP Logged

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Wedding bells for Aditi Pratap
13 Oct 2007, 0000 hrs IST,Roshni K Olivera,TNN
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Aditi (TOI Photo)
Meet the CM's future Bahu


After seven years of hardwork in the modelling and television industry, actress Aditi Pratap is now looking to shift focus to her home front. After all, the girl will be getting engaged soon, and to none other than chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh's eldest son Amit. The wedding will take place early next year.

"I am looking forward to getting married," smiles Aditi. While people have assumed that the couple has been dating for a while and it's basically a love marriage, Aditi would like to clarify, "No, it's an arranged marriage. Our families have arranged it. It's just the past few months that Amit and I have been meeting."

The bride-to-be is very excited and enjoying this phase of her life where the two are getting to know each other. "It's a wonderful way to meet somebody. I am very happy," she says. Does the couple discuss politics sometimes? "Politics was very complicated for me earlier. But now I am learning about it. I understand it a lot better now," she says. Amit, who's always been into politics unlike his younger brother actor Riteish Deshmukh, is likely to have a bright political career in the future. Aditi is supportive. "I wish the best for him always," she says.

And what's her rapport like with her future father-in-law, the chief minister of Maharashtra? "We haven't been able to spend much time because he is obviously busy. But he is extremely warm and is very impressive."

Aditi, who lived in Bangalore and then Delhi before she came to Mumbai, is currently seen in the serial Saat Phere. Her mother-in-law-to-be watches her serial regularly and of course likes Aditi's work in the show. But does the actress plan to quit her career post-marriage? "For the past seven years of my life, I have focussed entirely on work. Now that I am getting married I would like to shift focus and make my marriage top priority." Amit and his family have not asked her to quit acting. "I will continue with my work," she says.

"But things, of course, will have to be a lot more organised. Post-marriage it will be a whole new life for me and I want to give it my 100 per cent."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Wedding_bel ls_for_Aditi_Pratap/articleshow/2453025.cms

TV stars


Small-screen's Umrao Jaan

Chaya Unnikrishnan
After playing a typical bhabhi in Saat Phere, Neena Gupta is all set to tickle your funny bone with a 'filmi' show Jigar Ma Badi Aag Hai

eena Gupta is revisiting comedy after a decade. The last time she played a comic role was in SAB TV's hit sitcom Shriman Shrimati. After anchoring a show on STAR Plus, she eventually settled into playing a bhabhi on Zee's Saat Phere. No wonder then that Neena, who has a flair for comedy, was gung-ho about tapping the humorous side in her . "The minute I heard the script, I decided to be a part of it, I found the first episode itself hilarious," smiles the actress.
Jigar Ma... has Neena playing Sushmita/ Sush who believes that if she hadn't got married in 1981 to one Colonel, she and not Rekha would have been the Umrao Jaan. Her passion runs so deep, that even after two decades she walks, talks and behaves like Umrao. After the Colonel's demise, her only source of income is the rent she earns from the apartment where three boys are staying. Since the boys keep defaulting on rent, she keeps 'borrowing things' from them, or worse, punishes them with day-long sessions of her shayaari! "Everything in the show is related to a film. Either the character is named after a filmi character or the situation is based in a filmi context," elaborates Neena. Reminds you of Filmy Chakkar. For the uninitiated Filmy Chakkar starring Satish Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah is one of the most hilarious and truly filmi shows to be aired, so far on television.

Neena tells you that even Jigar Ma... has that filmi jigar and promises it to be a laugh-riot. "The writers are doing a good job," she says appreciatively. As for her look, Neena has left her hair loose and sports long skirts and tops. "This is my everyday attire in real life too," she enthuses. After her outing as Mannobhabhi where she wore Rajasthani sarees, chunky jewellery and tight buns, this is a welcome relief for the actress.

Neena, however, points out that she loved her character in Saat Phere. "The role had many dimensions to it. Mannobhabhi was simple, soft, understanding, smart but not shrewd," elaborates Neena.

So, why is she out of the serial? "My track is over and since I am not part of the main family, the producers can bring back my character whenever they want," she shrugs.



There was a time when Neena was on top of the popularity charts for her sensitive take on an extra-marital affair in Dard and Saans. She followed it up with Siski and a youth show Kyun Pyar Hota Hai but they did not do as well as her earlier serials and after some problems with the channel she opted out of producing the show. Since then, Neena's been busy in front of the camera. Any plans of going back to production? "No. The channels don't want the shows I want to make. They are interested in those subjects that are already on air and I am not interested," she states.

At least one of her grouses has been solved. "I used to tell the channels to air serials on weekends but they never agreed. According to them only films do well on the slot. But Filmy is airing my show at 8.30 pm on Sunday which I believe will liven up an otherwise depressing Sunday evening," she chuckles.

Jigar Ma... brings the hit pair of Neena and Kanwaljeet together. "I hope we are a hit again," she concludes.


http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=17528

Saat Phere completes 500 episodes
28 Sep 2007, 0000 hrs IST,TNN
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Lead actors Rajshri Thakur and Sharad Kelkar in a playful mood just before their shot (TOI Photo)

500 phere...!


Normally, one wouldn't expect the seedhi-saadhi telly bahus and their bhola-bhala patidevs doing anything else but crying or making grim faces on the sets.

But, recently on the sets of Sunjoy and Comall Wadhwa's Saat Phere , it came as a pleasant surprise to see the actors enjoying themselves to the hilt and taking part in all the masti and dhamaal. The occasion?

Well, the serial just completed 500 episodes and all the actors were in celebration mode! There was much laughter and leg-pulling on the sets as actors Rajshri Thakur and Sharad Kelkar ribbed each other playfully.

Ashlesha Sawant and Akshay Anand struck a pose for the camera while Aditi Pratap and Niyati Joshi had a giggling fit for some time. Sharad and Akshay joined in the banter and soon, the four of them were spotted having a good time. Saat Phere can be fun after all!

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Saat_Phere_ completes_500_episodes_/articleshow/2409281.cms

Saat Phere's adarsh bahu turns negative

Saloni (Rajshree of Saat Phere), who used to be the most revered bahu of her family, has turned negative. She aspires to be a singer and to fulfill her desire she has now even started mistreating her family.




Executive Producer of the show, Abdul Karim, told us, "Basically, Saloni is breaking her saat vachans (promises) of Saat Phere. It is a very shocking development for the entire family. She insults everyone over trivial issues. That's not all, she is even planning to abort her child for her career's sake which leads to a big fight between her and husband Nahar (Sharad Kelkar), who is very disheartened since he had even gone to the extent of creating a special kids room after hearing of her wife's pregnancy. Lastly, she is not listening even to her parents."

What has caused this dynamic shift in her character? "The plot basically is that she is being blackmailed by someone in the family which has forced her to resort to such arrogant ways. The person responsible for causing all the trouble in Saloni's life will be brought to light in the first or second week of November and this will result in a huge backlash," reveals Karim.

So all you Saat Phere fans keep your fingers crossed.



Monday, October 22, 2007

Kirti wants Sharad to win Jjhoom

Kirti Kelkar better half of Sharad, who is participating in Jjhoom India, thinks her husband is a brilliant singer and is even planning to visit Saat Phere's sets to help garner more votes for him. We spoke to Kirti to know more about his participations and his hectic schedule.

"I am very excited about his participation and am praying everyday that he wins the show. My singing is disastrous but Sharad is a very good singer. You should hear him sing khaike paan. He can also sing Hariharan, S P Balasubramanian and Nitin Mukesh's songs well but the thing is he is not getting time to learn new songs," Kirti tells us.



She reveals that Sharad is having a very tight schedule these days. "I hardly get to see him nowadays. He shoots from 10–10. Early in the morning, from 8 am to 10 am, he goes for riyaz with his singing partner Vaishali Samant and if he has an early morning shift he never feels lazy to go for it even at 1 in the night at times. Thankfully his production house and co-stars are very co-operative."

Does he sing for you? "Of course! He sings jab kabhi all the time and also angrezi mein kehte hai."

Apart from voting herself, how will she promote her husband? "I will be going to his Saat Phere sets and like we did in Nach Baliye my driver will collect everyone's cellphone. Then I will sit inside Sharad's vanity van and vote for him from their cells! Do not tell this to anyone," quips the mischievous wife.

Praising the concept of Jjhoom, Kirti says, "We TV stars never get a chance to sing in our shows but I think this is a good opportunity for him to showcase his talent."
http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2007/October/Ne ws_20071023_231

Aanchal to anchor Zee Rishtey Awards


Aanchal Dwivedi aka Kaveri of Saat Phere will now be seen in a new avatar. Besides acting, this ravishing actress has agreed to anchor Zee TV?s upcoming awards function.



?I?ll be anchoring Zee Rishtey Awards. I?m not sure, but Rakesh Bapat may anchor with me. I?ve never do anchoring before so am feeling a little nervous. I?m grateful that the people from Zee roped me in and I?ll try to do justice to the work assigned to me,? says Aanchal.


So what is easier, anchoring or acting? ?Definitely for me acting is easier than anchoring. While anchoring you have to relate with the audience and hold them enthralled with your talk. At the same time you have to keep your speech short and sensible so the masses don?t get bored. Sometimes, from the tension, you may end up making a fool of yourself. That?s a world away from acting in serials, where you are provided with the script and there are retakes,? she quips.


Beside Saat Phere, is there anything else in pipeline? ?I don?t receive offers. People think I?m very busy with my show. I?m glad to be a part of Saat Phere and I?m enjoying my stint but also open for other kinds of roles. I would really like to try my hands on reality TV, if offered,? says Aanchal with lots of hope.


Are any producers out there listening?

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k7/oct/25oct/news_anchhal.php