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Tani

@Tani91

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+ 6

Posted: 17 years ago

#11

Planting ideas, Tulsi?

Smriti Irani made her grand appearance on Teen Bahuraniyaan with the tulsi plant in tow. Ekta Kapoor says she's shocked at this hijacking of her brand idea

Posted On Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Anil Thakraney

Smriti Irani in Teen Bahuraniyaan

The latest salvo in the continued rivalry between mentor Ekta Kapoor and her protg Smriti Iraani has been fired by the latter. Irani has signed up for Zee's Teen Bahuraniyaan, which at the 10.30 pm weekday slot, competes head to head with Star's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi. And Irani built her career on that particular show, before her sudden exit earlier this year. Not only that, Iraani appeared on Teen Bahuraniyaan flanked by ample foliage of the tulsi plant, a clear and unambiguous reference to her role in Kyunki. Clearly, this is a deliberate attempt to feed on Irani's brand from her earlier show.

When we spoke to Ekta Kapoor on the hijacking of her brand idea, she said she is "shocked". Quite naturally, the chief of Balaji, who helped make Irani one of the nation's top television stars, would be disappointed at the pilferage of her brand by her own protg. Irani, however, shrugs off all responsibility and says she's just an actor on the show, and cannot be held responsible for the creative decisions the producer takes. "The television industry does not operate like the movie business where the stars have a say in the creative process. We don't have such powers. I did what I was asked to do. I was not aware of the composition of the shot." But was she not aware such a composition would hurt Kapoor? Irani says she consulted Kapoor before signing up for Teen Bahuraniyaan. "I took her blessings before doing it," she says.

Tarun Mehra, Business Head of Zee, is a little more candid. "We are in the business of entertainment. This is a 10.30 pm slot, and naturally we would do all we can to maximise the impact. But Ekta should not feel shocked, after all, imitation is the best form of flattery."

On the return to Kyunki
There has been speculation that Irani may see a return home on Kyunki at some point, but with the new development, that seems near impossible. However, the real reason for her departure is still shrouded in mystery. All Kapoor would say is that Irani could not commit the time frames she needs from a lead actor. "It was her decision to quit the show. All we asked for was 12 days a month, and she did not agree to that." On the possibility of Irani's return, she says she doesn't know what the future holds. "But I am very happy with the current cast and we are producing Kyunki with the same passion."

Irani on the other hand claims she was removed from the show. "I did not want to erode my dignity by asking for the reasons. I was told by Ekta one day that I was supposed to die in the serial and that was it. Everyone knows how much commitment I showed despite illness and pregnancy. So it's not true that I could not commit the time. I even agreed to age on the show, and today I see the characters with not a single strand of gray hair!" Asked if she'd like to get back, Irani says she'd be glad to, but will not beg for it.

The venerable tulsi plant is known to help keep a family together. In this instance, it seems to be drawing the two ex-best friends and colleagues further apart.

Manva Naik excited about Jodhaa Akbar

Manva Naik, who plays Manjeet in Teen Bahuraniyaan, is making her debut in Bollywood through Ashutosh Gowariker's grand venture Jodhaa Akbar which is releasing in January 2008.

A thrilled Manva tells us, "I have a very sweet role. It is not very big but also not too small. I was more excited to work with Ashutosh than Aishwarya and Hrithik. This is my first film so naturally I am eagerly awaiting its release."

Refusing to divulge anymore details, she only adds, "The promos of the film have just started. After that, there are going to be systematic interviews of the cast."

How did you land this role? "Ashutosh's brother knows me and had clicked my pictures earlier. He told me about this and I went for the auditions following which I got selected."

About managing the film shoot with her two TV shows - Teen Bahuraniyaan and Baa Bahu Aur Baby - she says, "I shot for the film in Karjat. I basically used to shoot round the clock - for the film in the morning and then for my shows."

Speaking about her serials, she says, "Earlier there were lots of fights between us in Teen Bauraniyaan. Now with Smriti's entry we will come together again. Right now her introduction in the show is going on. About BBB, I had joined the show quite some time back. I have really enjoyed shooting with them as the entire atmosphere on the sets is amazing. I never feel that I am working there. I will be finally getting married in the show, by next month I guess."

We wish the actress all the best for her Bollywood debut.

Edited by Tani91 - 17 years ago

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#12

The showy business

Ekta Kapoor has decided to have a special cross-over episode in Kyunki… with Sakshi Tanwar, evidently to steal the thunder from Smriti in Teen Bahuraniyaan

Back to Section Stories Posted On Saturday, December 15, 2007

Kavita Shyam


Sakshi Tanwar	Smriti Z Irani

In the business of soaps producers must have exciting ideas to spruce up the tracks and to beat competition. So, when Ekta Kapoor heard that Smriti Irani had entered Teen Bahuraniyaan with her old Tulsi look and the show had created much curiosity among viewers, she had to counter this move. Teen Bahuraniyaan is pitched in the same time-slot on Zee TV as Kyunki… on Star Plus (10.30 pm). Fearing it might grab focus from her serial, Ekta quickly dished out a change in the track. She is now roping in Sakshi Tanwar and other stars from Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii for a cross-over episode in Kyunki… to spice up the track. The episode will be shot on December 16 and 17 and will go on air on December 20.

Our source reveals, "Generally, Ekta thinks of such cross-over episodes during festivals but this time it's happening off-season. Since Smriti has entered Teen Bahuraniyaan, this special episode is introduced to take away the focus from her entry in the show. Not only that, a few actors from Kayamath will also be pulled in for a dance performance."

Besides the cross-over there are many more surprises in store. Says our source, "Chetan Hansraj (Sasha) will be brought back in Kahaani... The special episode will be colourful, musical and expensive - in true Balaji style. Smriti is playing Vrinda (which also means Tulsi) in Teen Bahuraniyaan, with a similar get-up and look in the same timeslot as Kyunki…, it is very unfair on Smriti's part to do this act. But now there seems to be a fair competition."

We ask Anupama Mondoloi, Creative and Programming head of Star Plus, if this special episode is to counter the excitement created by Smriti's entry in Teen Bhauraniyaan. She laughs and says, "I don't think the focus can shift from these two shows of our channel. Also we will be getting back Sasha (Chetan Hansraj) and a host of other actors in Kahaani… through the crossover episode. Nothing has changed in the story and there will be a huge celebration in the show."

Elaborating on the track, Anupama says, "It's going to be a star studded very exciting track. In the sequence, the Ganesha statue of the Virani family somehow reaches the Aggarwal house, and how Parvati comes to return it. She becomes a part of the puja, organised in aid of Mihir's well-being."

Adds Anupama, "This is vacation a period and it's the end of the year, so we thought it was the right time to have such an episode, and not because some other channel has introduced some twist in their tale."

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&am p;sectid=12&contentid=20071215200712150225458281b83ef19

Edited by *Shruti* - 17 years ago

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Tani

@Tani91

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 17 years ago

#13

Only Ekta can tell you about my comeback: Smriti Irani

From a famous actress to being a producer, Smriti Irani has done it all. She has achieved quite a bit in a very short period of her life. At the moment, she is enjoying the success of 'Mere Apne' after the much praised show 'Viruddh'.

Q.: How did you get "Teen Bahuraniyaan"?
A.: Actually the producer Bimal proposed me the show. Generally in saas-bahu sagas we see deprived women only but he offered me a character that may show some relief and has a way to get rid of some social issues.

She is a working woman and each time she visits the in laws' house of her daughter she talks about rights of today's women. It's a well-known fact that whenever women talked about their rights in our society they got deprived of every relation.

But Brinda comes with a message that women can not only keep all their relations intact but can also fight for their rights.

Q.: Do you think that your appearance in "Teen Bahuraniyaan" can give some moral support to characters in that serial?
A.: I think that it's an interesting beginning. That show is inspiring in the sense that it talks about the traditions and social values and at the same time it shows that there's nothing wrong with knowing your social rights.

If women would understand that truth, then there'll really be some positive changes in the society. We teach our daughters a lot so that they can have a better life in her in- laws' house.

We even tell them to take their in laws' house as their own house. And in-laws can treat our daughters as their own daughters.

Q.: In "Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" you were known as Tulsi and in "Teen Bahuraniyaan" you are Brinda. And both the names have the same meaning. Is it just an accident?
A.: (Laughing) See, I'm neither the writer nor the producer of any of these shows. And I haven't chosen these names. I think you can ask the producer or the channel about this.

Q. Do you think that Brinda will also get the same kind of popularity as Tulsi?
A.: None could achieve the popularity that I have achieved in those seven years as Tulsi. First there must be someone to reach that height of popularity. Then I'll try to touch another height yet again.

Q.: Ekta Kapoor is supposed to get Parvati in her "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" to compete with this show which is in the same time slot. Do you think that, this will affect the TRPs of your show?
A.: If I am to think that all this is happening because of my entry into that show then it's a great complement from Ekta.

I didn't know that the appearance of a small character in a show can make so much difference to others. As far as TRPs of shows are concerned, you should better ask the channel that.

Q.: "Mere Apne", your show on 9X, has got high TRPs. What would you like to say about that?
A.: I am really happy that after winning 5 awards as a producer for "Viruddh" my present show is also doing better. It's really important for me to make my name as a better producer.

Whatever show I've made, I always tried to make sure that people don't get bored with them. I enjoy the way I can tell the traditional story through "Mere Apne". As I'm from North India, I know the taste of people from there very well.

As producers my company has earned a better place not only in the audiences' heart but also in the industry.

Q.: How many shows are you going to produce after 'Mere Apne' and 'Viruddh'?
A.: I'll bring five more shows. But I am not going to say anything about them now. I can only assure you that I'll talk to you about these shows very soon.

Q.: Apart from other shows we also have heard of "Kuchh Tum Kaho Kuchh Hum Kahein" and "Maniben Dot Com". Please tell us about them.
A.: These are plays that I have produced. "Kuchh Tum Kaho Kuchh Hum Kahein" was very popular in 2006 and "Maniben Dot Com" is the most successful drama of Gujarat.

Q.: Would you like to produce them as serials?
A.: (Laughing) I prefer to keep the story restricted to that medium for which it has been created. If "Kuchh Tum Kaho Kuchh Hum Kahein" is just a drama of one or two hours then I would like to keep it that way. You can get all these qualities in my serials. I don't believe in stretching stories that may bore the audiences.

Q.: "Sharda Pandey", "Tulsi Virani", "Vasudha" and "Brinda Mausi" – who is the most close to your heart?
A.: Each character reflects parts of my personality. All my characters are fictitious but I love them as they leave some impact in my life.

Q.: You have said that if Balaji calls you back you will join them again. Is there any development on that front?
A.: I think it's better if you ask Balaji this. -Rajnee Gupta

Edited by Tani91 - 17 years ago

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#14

Smriti accused of plagiarising!

Smriti Irani has been accused of lifting the concept and storyline of a Marathi serial Kumari Gangubai Non Matric, running on ETV. The channel has sent her a legal notice

Back to Section Stories Posted On Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Kavita Shyam

A still from Kumari Gangubai Non Matric

Even before Smriti Irani started shooting for her new comedy show, Bai Bole Toh Gangu Bai for Zee TV, the show has run into trouble. Our source from the industry informs us that the concept and the storyline of the show are a straight lift from a Marathi show, Kumari Gangubai Non Matric, on air on ETV for the past seven years. Now the channel has sent a legal notice to Smriti for copying the concept.

The Marathi channel and the producer feel cheated as Smriti has not taken the required permission before making a show on the same lines. The show revolves around a maid, Gangubai's life and how she tries to solve the problems of the various families she works for.

Says Vidyadhar Pathare, producer of Kumari Gangubai Non Matric, "When we make a show, the rights of the show rest with the channel. Smriti Irani has taken our concept and not taken permission from the channel. Sometime ago even a filmmaker wanted to make a film based on our show but we stopped him. ETV Marathi has sent a legal notice to Smriti."

When we tried quizzing Smriti Irani if Pathare's allegations were correct, she refused to comment on the matter and told us to check it out with Zee TV officials instead.

Smriti Irani

Pearl Shahi, Programming Creative Head of Zee TV, says, "Our concept of Gangubai is different from ETV's Marathi serial (Kumari Gangubai Non Matric). Legally, the concept has been registered, just the name is common. Our show, Bai Bole Toh Gangu Bai, is not a detective show like the Marathi show. It is about a maid working in a society (of five houses) and how she is the common factor in the houses and how she makes a difference in their lives. It's an emotional, light-hearted comedy. Smriti will clarify the matter with ETV soon."

Our source, however, informs us that two characters - those of Gangubai and another character called Chu - have been inspired by the Marathi serial.

The half-hour weekend primetime show (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) will go on air by mid-January 2008, on ZEE TV.

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&am p;sectid=12&contentid=200712192007121902280573453d63ab6

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Tani

@Tani91

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 17 years ago

#15

After her negative act in Teen Bahuraniyaan, Simple Kaul is pleased to play a positive character in Salaam Zindgi.

In the show, she is the parallel lead (Rupa) with Pariva Pranati (Manya) and terms her character similar to that of Tina (Rani Mukherjee) in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

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Elaborating on her character, she says, "There is a love triangle between Rupa, Akash (Abhay Vakil) and Manya. The character of Rupa is similar to Rani's in KKHH. She is a sweet, positive character - loving, caring and understanding who believes in spreading love and likes to support people around her. She is Manya's best friend and whenever she is facing a problem, Rupa fights for her."

About the track, the actress says, "Manya has developed a soft corner for Akash and at the same time even Rupa. All three are unaware of each other's feelings. Akash flirts with Rupa and sometimes also make her jealous by giving more attention to Manya. I don't know where this love story will go. Watch the serial for it."

You play a vamp in Teen Bahuraniyaan and a positive character in Salaam Zindgi. Your thoughts on it. "It feels good to essay a positive and negative character at the same time. Both the roles are very close to me. In Salaam I'm wearing a uniform where as in Bahuraniyaan I have a sexy look."

Simple was also seen as Reema of Yeh Meri Life Hai and in Shararat as Pamp.

http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2007/December/N ews_20071225_243

I am married since two years: Kadambari Kadam

After having portrayed a number of small characters in television, Kadambari Kadam, a Marathi actress, has finally landed the lead role in Teen Bahuraniya. Definitely, she is on cloud nine these days and dreams of achieving higher goals.

Kadambari's first stage appearance was at the tender age of 13 and she has seen the ups and downs of both – theatre as well as television. She recently spoke to us at length about her experiences and future plans. Here is the excerpt.

Q: Tell us something about your role in Teen Bahuraniya…
A: Here I am playing a role of Janki, who is a very simple girl hailing from a very rich family. She has a dream of getting married in a joint family and her dreams come true. So she is very happy and content with life….

Q: Will Janki be sweet all the while or will we see some kind of revolting attitude in her too?
A: As of now she is sweet and quite. However, she raises her voice for truth even now as in the promos of the character with the tag line Sita bhi hai….Durga bhi hai. This means that though I am silent like Sita, I can even fight like Durga. The viewers will now have to wait and watch for the other aspects of Janki's character.

Q: Janki solves tiffs between the young bahus. Will she try to do the same for her elder generation bahus?
A: As of now, I solve the small tiffs occurring between the young bahus and am also fighting for truth. But if I get a chance to solve the problems of the elder ones, I would surely love to do that…

Q: So how much does Kadambari resemble Janki?
A: See, I resemble Janki in a way, as she loves to be quiet and try to make things peaceful. I too love being quite and peaceful and try never to fight, as I hate fighting. Where I don't resemble Janki is that my husband and I live separately and my in-laws don't stay with. Moreover, Janki is a housewife, but Kadambari is a working lady.

Q: Did you have any prior experience in acting?
A: I have done serials like Kehta Hai Dil, Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli, but this is my first serial as a lead. I have even done a movie where I was the leading lady, but unfortunately it is yet to be released. I have also acted in plays and theatre and in many Marathi movies. My first stage appearance was when I was of 3 years and I always dreamt to be an actor. Presently, I am enjoying my dream come true.

Q: So how do you manage your married life with work?
A: I am married since two yrs and my biggest support are my husband and my parents without whom I would not have been here. It is due to my husband's support that I can manage things well….

Q: And how is your rapport with the cast and crew?
A: Everyone is really good, caring and professionally one has to be comfortable with each other so we all have gelled very well together.

http://123india.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=14895

In Black & White With Manish Raisinghani

I believe silence can prove to be more romantic...

In Black & White With Manish Raisinghani
I believe silence can prove to be more romantic...

Crush: Like every other boy it was my 4th Std school teacher.

Date: Was my first attempt to understand the unsolved mystery - 'Woman'.

Proposal: I dared to propose to the same 4th Std School teacher.

Rejection: Now that goes without saying! My first proposal to my first crush was my first rejection too, but a very sweet one which didn't even sound like a rejection. She replied, ''Baby, I Love you and my husband loves you too.''

Film: Very clich - DDLJ. But it does make you want to fall in love all over again.

Gift: A handmade flower vase, which took 8+ hours to be made in a bathroom just to present as a surprise. It's the effort that makes it my most cherished gift ever.

Destination: I believe, for romance company matters and not destinations.

Love: Sports.

Hate: Hypocrisy.

Fear: I'm my people's person and loosing my people is my biggest fear.

Dream: I'm a dreamer, I dream more than I sleep. I guess there are too many to mention.

Turn ons: Honesty.

Turn offs: Un-professionalism.

Pick up line: Never needed one. A smile is sufficient to kill. Then, why waste a line.

Favourite bedroom line: Hmmm... Bedroom and lines don't go together. I believe silence can prove to be more romantic than spoken words.

Name: Manish Raisinghani.
Date of birth: 22nd July.
Zodiac sign: Cancer.

http://fropperblog.typepad.com/times/2007/12/in-black-white. html

Edited by Tani91 - 17 years ago

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Tani

@Tani91

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 17 years ago

#16

TV stars welcome 2008

Here's how some of our telly stars will bring in the New Year.

Amrapali Gupta

"I plan to go out for a cruise party with my friends and I am quite excited, as my sister will be with me this year. I remember being in Jaipur a couple of years back and I had a blast as we guys had arranged for a party where we had Rajasthani artists performing. It was quite unusual but for me was one of the best New Years as I was with my loved ones. My New Year resolution is to curb down on my anger."

http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2007/December/N ews_20071231_275

Edited by Tani91 - 17 years ago

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

#17

Cardspeak: 2008 for TV stars

Noted Tarot card reader Dr Soniyaa P Bhaagiyaa predicts what's in store for some of our top telly stars this year.

Smriti Irani
It is going to be a mixed year. There will be ups and downs but it will be a happy year overall.

As a producer: There will be many projects and she will be doing a lot of juggling. She will try to manage two different projects at a time but eventually will do a good job. She would also try to expand herself. Advice card for her indicates that she should try to strike a balance as far as her professional life and production house is concerned. At the end, her professional life will do well.

As an actor: Her acting career will be really good. She will also do some other projects. There are very little chances of her returning to Kyunki as she will busy in her projects own projects.

Relation with Ekta Kapoor: Overall it will be healthy.

In short, patience will be the key and in any circumstances don't give up.

http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2008/Janu ary/News_20080102_6

Bahu-bal

Gautami Gadgil and Smriti Irani's visit to Ahmedabad to promote their respective shows Kyunki… and Teen Bahuraniyan have been cleverly juxtaposed by their respective channels

Back to Section Stories Posted On Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Kavita Shyam

A still from Teen Bahuraniyaan

Primetime soaps Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Teen Bahuraniyaan and their respective channels (Star Plus and Zee TV) are certainly cashing in on their leading ladies, Gautami Gadgil and Smriti Irani.

Mumbai Mirror had earlier (December 12, 2007) reported about Teen Bahuraniyan replicating the look of Smriti's character on the lines of Tulsi. In the same interview, Tarun Mehra, business head of Zee TV, had said, "We are in the business of entertainment. The show is in the 10.30 pm slot and we will definitely do all we can to cash in on our strengths."

And so the channel lives up to its words. Now they have gone ahead and scheduled Smriti Irani's Ahmedabad visit at the same time as Gautami Gadgil's visit to the city's slums.

While Star Plus is planning to take Gautami Gadgil (Tulsi of Kyunki…) to Ahmedabad for a chawl visit on January 11. Zee TV has planned to take Smriti Irani to Ahmedabad for the kite festival. Smriti is supposed to land in Ahmedabad on Janary 13.

Zee has been playing its cards well to take the sheen away from the rival channel's (Star TV) top-grosser. Says a source, "This is a brilliant action plan on the part of Zee TV. They have not only cast Smriti's character in Teen Bahuraniyaan in the Tulsi mould (Vrinda, Smriti's character in Teen… also means Tulsi), but also scheduled her Ahmedabad visit at the same time as Gautami's."

Gautami Gadgil in Kyunki...

Our source adds, "Smriti being a more well-known star will easily grab the limelight. Zee is using Smriti (who was once Ekta Kapoor's prot?g?e) to pull down Ekta's show, Kyunki…, the same show that made stars out of both Ekta and Smriti."

Tarun Mehra of Zee says, "We are planning to take Smriti to Ahmedabad on January 13 to celebrate Sankranti. She is very popular in Gujarat and we are sure that the people will love to have her participating in their celebrations."

He adds, "Smriti and Janaki (the main lead of Teen…) might go to Ahmedabad together for the promotion of the show. Though it was the channel's idea to take her, Smriti herself was quite keen on the visit. I am not aware that Gautami will be going to Ahmedabad at the same time."

When asked about Smriti's Ahmedabad visit being planned at the same time as that of Gautami's, Anupama Modoloi, creative and programming head of Star Plus laughs and says, "Gautami will be going to Ahmedabad to interact with the local people. It has already been delayed because Gautami's daughter was unwell. About Smriti being taken to Ahmedabad at the same time, you have to ask Zee."

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&am p;am p;sectid=12&contentid=20080109200801090323599375fe868e9

Edited by Tani91 - 17 years ago

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sharona bhasteker

@sharona_bha

Inactive

Posted: 17 years ago

#18

'I have never rested on past laurels'

AT catches Smriti Iraani in a chatty mood

TANVI TRIVEDI Times News Network

Smriti Iraani has many faces: that of a politician, social worker, television producer, actor, wife and mom. And to give the 30-year old credit, she performs all the roles of her life with effortless ease. While it might be tough to pin her down for an interview, after a slew of SMSes and phone-calls, when the soap-box's favourite bahu does take time out for Ahmedabad Times, it's worth the effort. And unlike a lot of her contemporaries, she seems absolutely unruffled when we ask her uncomfortable questions.
Smriti takes it as a compliment when her shows are compared with other production houses. If given an opportunity, would she want to go back to being Tulsi? "Why doesn't anyone ask me, why I was thrown out of Balaji? Just because I was trying to be self-sufficient?" Smriti considers the whole issue best left in the cold storage for now.
Having been in the industry for more than a decade now, she is quite surprised when people call her one of the most influential actors on the small screen. "Oh! am I? I think, I have never rested on past laurels. And I think people know that I am not Tulsi, but Smriti. But yes, I do have Ekta Kapoor, and many television channels to thank for making me what I am today," she says.
Mouthing the right lines as if on cue from the director and sounding as eloquent as a politician, the actor says, "doing social work wasn't pre-planned". What about politics, does it gives her a chance to serve the society? "If you really want to do something, you can," says the actor, who has started an NGO, which is funded entirely by her. "I am trying to involve women from 55 districts of Maharashtra to actively participate in politics. Along with that, I am also ensuring that villages in Maharashtra get their share of water," she adds.
Smriti considers the stage as her first love. And now that her play — 'Maniben.com' went on to become a huge success, she's hoping to produce another play this year. Viruddh and Mere Apne, soaps that she's produced have been receiving critical acclaim for her. Smriti believes TV soaps can be "different if each character is wellrounded and convincing". And while she's shot up TRPs of many prime-time soaps with her tear-jerking acts, she would like to experiment with every genre on television.
For someone, whose family astrologer predicted she could never do much in life, proving people wrong has been a sort of personal challenge for Smriti. A firm believer in shaping her own destiny, the actor admits somethings are better left to God. And now, does Smriti aspire for anything more? She jokes, "Is there room for anything more in my life now? On a serious note, I think professionally, the opportunity to do something new will never cease to attract me, ever."
tanvi.trivedi@timesgroup.com

Smriti Iraani

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Tani

@Tani91

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 17 years ago

#19

Salary Watch: Top 10 TV stars

These days TV is no longer considered a small medium. Television stars get paid a fat amount. We list the 10 top TV stars and what salaries they draw.

2. Smriti Irani – Rs 1, 00,000 per day (It is said that she wanted an increment before she left Kyunki). She works 20 days per month but in addition is also producing many shows.

http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2008/January/Ne ws_20080119_145

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Tani

@Tani91

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 17 years ago

#20

Gujarat, on prime time platter

Television soaps depicting Gujarati culture and way of life seem to have scored a hit with advertisers too. AT reports

CHITRA UNNITHAN Times News Network

For prime time remote control junkies, there has been one constant in the world of changing frothy flavours served — the great Gujarati family — in soaps which has entertained audiences for some time now. It all started with Vipul Shah and Shobhana Desai's family saga Ek Mahal Ho Sapano Ka in 1999 (and went on to 1,000 episodes) and reached TRP highs with Ekta Kapoor's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Kyunki..., after seven and half years and 1,600 episodes later, has made Smriti Iraani a television icon, the Virani family a mandatory part of cable and satellite homes and the show a cult classic.

After Kyunki…, JD Majethia and Aatish Kapadia's Khichdi, Instant Khichdi and Sarabhai V/S Sarabhai opened a floodgate for more such shows about Gujarati families. Today every channel has been taken over by Gujarati families at its prime time slot — from TRP-toppers Baa, Bahoo Aur Baby, Teen Bahuraniyaan and Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan to new entrants Dahhej, Jiya Jale and Jasuben Jayantilal Joshi Ki Joint Family… the list is growing.

What makes Gujarati characters so popular? It's simple: Gujaratis are full of joie de vivre, love to dress up, celebrate their festivals and weddings with gusto, are hospitable, believe in joint family system and can laugh at themselves. In short, they provide enough fodder for a colourful drama. And market research and datas prove that there's a high viewership in Gujarat and consequently a demand for shows based on them.Then of course, most of small screen's content providers are from Gujarat — Shobhana Desai, Deven Bhojani, JD Majethia, Aatish Kapadia. In Gujarat, regional channels aren't money-spinners and there is a dearth of good Gujarati programming on local network.

Non-resident Gujaratis, who form a big chunk of telly viewing audience in the US/UK/Australia and new markets, are also being wooed by channels with these kind of shows. As Majethia puts it, "There is a wide audience in Gujarat and the ratings are quite high. Secondly, there are a lot of festivities and celebrations here which are a part of these soaps.

Advertisers have the biggest market in Gujarat; people from the production houses also belong to Gujarat and have taken over a big share of the market. And above all, Gujarati theatre actors are a talented lot." An executive producer with a leading television channel says, "Gujarat is our key market. TRPs and our researchers tell us that Gujarat is the market we should be targetting." A lot of Hindi serials based in Gujarat are coming up everyday with themes depicting the Gujarati way of life of.

Payal Patel, creative head of a television show, says, "Most producers usually make serials based on the culture they belong to. The second important reason is that the target audience are Gujarati housewives, who watch a lot of television. And that's where the TRPs come from." Now that there's a demand in the market, soap-makers are churning out one Gujarati family on television after another. Actor Farooque Shaikh, says, "Most of these serials are coming out of the Gujarati theatre. There are a lot of domestic issues, most revolving around women and the major audience is also women." Actress Manava Naik, who is doing Baa, Bahoo Aur Baby and Teen Bahuraniyaan, feels, "Gujarat has a lot to offer when it comes to tradition, custom and festivity that appeals. Who doesn't enjoy watching happiness and celebrations?"

With viewers welcoming these shows ruling airwaves, looks Baa and Daksha Ben with their khakras and dhoklas are going to be part of our lives.

chitra.unnithan

Source: Times Of India-Ahmedabad Times

Link: http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp ?Daily=TOIA&login=default

Edited by Tani91 - 17 years ago