Santaan - A New Show on Star Plus

Expanding its dominance now in the extended prime time slot, India’s leading Hindi general entertainment channel – STAR PLUS is all geared to launch its new prime-time family drama SANTAAN, Mon – Thurs, 7.30 p.m., starting 22^nd October, 2007.

The first of its kind story - Santaan, is a show based on unique relationships and the common thread that binds them all. Story of an extraordinary couple Gayatri & Parikishit Dixit and their hardships & turmoil to keep their family closely, happily & strongly bonded even in the face of everyday struggle of life. With their three kids, Kartik & Adwait and Suhana, Dixit’s work very hard compromising on almost all their needs & luxuries only with an aim to set a bright and secure future for their kids. With their only wish to see their children well established and happy for the rest of their life, both Parikshit & Gayatri are a satisfied couple, until life shows up its darker shades and begin to trample their dreams of a fulfilled family life.

Dedicated to all the parents who have overcome barriers of life to create a promising & bright future for their children. Santaan will narrate real life story of every other household of this generation & society, first time ever on television.

Set in the backdrop of ‘Kanpur’ the show will depict the lifestyle & generation gap, conflicting values & morals between parents and their children. With its emotive portrayal of storyline, the show will find its immediate relevance in the present day society, where each character will be easily identifiable & relatable.

Capturing the simple, real and immense internal strength of each character as they juggle with their hopes & aspirations and their share of troubles too. The show will indeed be a remarkable play of real life happenings onto the reel life. Produced by the acclaimed Shakuntalam Telefilms, it is directed by Sujit Singh and Neelima & Shyam Bajpayee, have produced the show.

Introducing an interesting line-up of cast Santaan will bring together a few fresh faces and a few accomplished actors like - Diwakar Pundhir (playing Parikshit), Samraagi (playing Gayatri), Sudip Sahir (playing Kartik), Gaurav Khanna (playing Adwait) and Daljit Kaur (playing Suhana ).

So, will Parikshit and Gayatri be able to cope up with the lifestyle of ‘Generation next’?? Will the difference of opinions lead to a rift between a father-son; mother-daughter relation??

Stay tuned to find it all on- SANTAAN, starting October 22^nd, Mon-Thurs, 7.30 p.m. only on STAR PLUS!

Adnan Sami Hosting BOL BABY BOL on STAR ONE

Do you have two left feet when it comes to dancing? Or is your bathroom the only place you can sing? Don't lose heart.

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Singer Adnan Sami smiles at a press conference to launch Star One's Bol Baby Bol in New Delhi.

Indian television finally has a game show where singing and dancing take a back seat, and all that matters is your memory. No, we are not talking about the star-studded KBC.At the swanky Park Royal hotel in the Capital on October 4, Star One unveiled Bol Baby Bol, a game show where you can win as much as Rs 25 lakh by just getting the lyrics right. The crowd-puller, apart from the money of course, is singer and composer Adnan Sami, who was also the guest of honour at the event. "This is a very different game show. Here people from all genres can take part, and not just those who can sing and dance," Adnan said.

"This is a genuinely unique concept, something that's never done before in this country," says Prem Kamath, VP Marketing and Communication, Star India Pvt Ltd. Being produced by Fox Television Studios India, the first run will be for 26 episodes, the shooting for which has already started in Mumbai. "We shoot for 26 episodes in the current format, and changes we think necessary will be incorporated from then on," Prem adds. The game commences with the lead singer circulating amongst the audience, singing a song, and then stopping abruptly. The person who completes the lyrics gets selected for the buzzer round. In the buzzer round, Adnan will ask contestants one question based on a Hindi film song.

Going on the lines of KBC, the participants can win at every stage, and can also make use of three lifelines as the game progresses. On being asked how different it was hosting Bol Baby Bol from judging a serious musical show like Super Singer, Adnan said, "It is an informal show with the host not stuck to his chair but mingling with the contestants and moving around in the audience.

"Super Singer was a serious show based on singing talents. But here, there will be questions related to the songs. It is a fun-filled concept with lots of music, of course. You can be a bathroom singer to be a part of this show." So no need to polish your voice and no need to spend hours on dance practice. Just up the ante on your grey cells and you could walk out with the moolah.

PROMO OF BOL BABY BOL

What Do You Think Will it Be a Hit Or A Flop ?

Iqbal’s back on TV; launches site too

Iqbal’s back on TV; launches site too

Iqbal Khan, last seen in Karam Apna Apna, is making a comeback to the small screen after 9 months with Choona Hai Aasman. In the meantime, he has also launched on his own site www.miqbalkhan.com. We chatted with the actor to know more about the show and his site.

“I do not look at it as my second innings on television. True, I took a nine-month break but I do no think that is huge. Anyways, I have not prepared a lot for Choona… except changing my looks. I have got a new hairstyle and done some workout as I am playing an air force pilot.”

Experience of Choona

“We shot with real sukhoi and air force pilots which was great. This show is definitely different from my earlier ones. But since I have done one action movie, it was not so difficult for me to do the action sequence. I am completely focusing on this show as of now. If you are doing one daily as the lead, it becomes difficult to do other serials. I just want to go with the flow.”

About the site

”Launching the site was my wife and her friend’s idea. It is just a way of reaching out to my fans. I don’t even have full details about it. Through the site, I will keep giving fans news about me. They love me so much. I am going to check my fan mails and will reply to them on regular basis though I am not net savvy at all. I am also promoting Choona Hai Aasman in a big way through my site because this is the only show I am doing right now. So it is my job to promote it.”

Gautami on balancing work and motherhood

Gautami on balancing work and motherhood

Gautami Kapoor aka Tulsi from Kyunki works from Monday to Thursday and loves to spend the rest of her time at home with her one-and-a-half-year old daughter Sia.
Explaining her schedule, the actress says, “My day begins with Sia as my shooting starts from 10 am. So I get time to feed her, bathe her and even play with her. After that, for 6 hours, Sia is with my mother and mother-in-law. Luckily both have a good rapport with her so I am at ease while shooting.”

After shoot, her primary aim is to spend time with her daughter again. “After reaching home at around 8.00 pm, I am least interested in receiving calls.”

Gautami reveals that the three off days she gets are completely devoted to her daughter. “On these three days, I do everything - right from taking her out, feeding her, shopping for her etc. Sia has now has become very naughty. She even recognizes me whenever Kyunki starts but usually it is her sleeping time.”

So, does Gautami get time to watch Kyunki? “It depends on Sia. If she is sleeping then I watch a bit but even I prefer to sleep,” Gautami signs off.

Sushant not taking a break from Virrudh

Sushant not taking a break from Virrudh

Sushant Singh, who plays Sushant in Virrudh, has denied speculations that he is taking a break from the serial.
When asked about it, Sushant said, “I am surprised to hear stuff like I’m taking break from the serial. What happened was that when the producers and writers came to know that I wanted to go to London for my film project, they decided to send me to Bangalore in the serial but later on my London trip got cancelled so I will definitely be back seen in Virrudh.”
He added cheekily, “I’m very glad in a way because such rumours will help the publicity of the serial.”

Quizzed about what went wrong with his film, he preferred to stay mum. “We had planned for an 8-10 day stay in London but nothing is happening so there is no use talking about it.”

Doing both films and television, how difficult is time management? “I have been doing Virrudh since January and I have done 5 to 6 films too - so far so good.”

And is he satisfied with his role in Virrudh? “It depends on the track. Sometimes when nothing interesting is happening, it gets boring.”

Among Sushant’s releases this year have been a Telugu flick Dubai Shinu and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. He has also done a cameo in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. Lahore and Toss are the other films he is working on.

Diwakar Pundir on playing a father in Santaan [ Star Plus ]

Diwakar Pundir on playing a father

Ex Mr India turned actor Diwakar Pundir will be playing a father for the first time in Star Plus’ new series Santaan. We asked the actor about why he took up the role at such a young age.
Says Diwakar, “I took this role as a challenge. Even after spending so many years in the industry, I still haven’t gained enough recognition. I keep on playing the romantic hero. This is a sensitive character and with this I want to break my image and get audience’s recognition as well. I will also get a chance to show various shades and prove myself.”

Diwakar admits that it is difficult to play a father to actors who are almost his age. “It is weird to have grey hair and non glamorous costumes. But it is common in television these days.”

He hopes people will like him as a handsome father. “I left my last show because I was playing a young romantic hero. I will continue doing ads and films too but let’s see how people accept me as a father.”

Santaan is going on air next week. Earlier, Diwakar played Shourya Shergill in Parrivar and also had a small role in Farhan Akhtar’s Don.

Online Affair - Ayushman

In e debuted with the desi version of Doogie Howser MD -Ayushman. Yes, we're talking of 'wonder-kid doctor' Vinod Singh. Sadly, a squabble between him and the show's producer, Cinevistaas led to him being replaced. Singh returned with minor roles in Yeh Meri LIft Hai, CID and celebrity shows like Fame Gurukul and Fear Factor Back to the tube Now he has reason to be upbeat. He will start shooting for Ajai Sinha's Ghar Ek Sapna soon. It's not your usual prem kahani.. Singh's a friend of the family's elder, unmarried daughter, played by Barkha Madan (the bhoot from Bhoot). After chatting online for hours, the two decide to meet. "That's when I realise that she's twice my age and also extremely vulnerable, even suicidal. Since I've grown very fond of her, I decide to help her out," he reveals. Ah, a hero? Not quite. "At some point my character will turn negative. That's what makes the role interesting," beams Singh. What's past is past The rift with Cinevistaas has been bridged as well. "They called me recently for a role in a new show," he informs. He regrets what happened during Ayushman. "I've learnt since then that no problem can be solved with a fight. It's better to stay calm and talk things out," admits Singh. Let rumours lie Is he still seeing Neha Mehta, his co-star from Ayushman? He beat up a boy who allegedly misbehaved with her on the sets. "I was never seemg Neha," states Singh. "We were thought of as a couple only because of that incident. We decided not to clarify matters, because there was too much confusion already" Meanwhile, Singh has just wrapped up a Hindi film, Daughter, directed by Marathi filmmaker Riju Mane. "It has a heavy-weight cast - Reema Lagoo, Vikram Gokhale, Padmini Ko1hapure," Singh says excitedly.

Judging Games

I t's raining shows on Zoom. The channel which was lying low all of last year, has revvied up with a whole lot of Bollywood content.

Zoom is also toying with the idea of a new show in collaboration with Ford Icon. Says a source close to the channel, "The format is unique. Participants will have to shoot a film using their mobile phone camera. They are trying to rope in filmmaker Farhan Akhtar as a judge."

Confirms Sunil Sahjwani, Program ming Head, Zoom, "Yes, we are trying to get Farhan in, but nothing has been finalised yet.

We have other shows in the pipeline that are very Bollywoodcentric."

That apart the channel is also planning to launch a Latin-American dance hunt show, Aaja Jhoom Le, which is to be co-produced by Zoom and Hide and Seek. The source adds, "Sandeep Soparkar has been roped in as the judge. And Hrithik Roshan will be making a special appearance as he is the brand ambassador for Hide and Seek."

Suprise Birthday - Amanat Ali

India might not be his country but Indians have been showering him with a lot of love. Amanat Ali, the Pakistani contender for the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007 title, has gathered quite a huge fan following here.

His popularity was evident during a recent public appearance at Jai Hind College last Wednesday. It happened to be Ali's birthday and the organisers threw a surprise party in the college itself.

The other contestants belted out all their favourite songs, but the crowd requested Ali to sing some slow numbers like Tujhse naaraj nahi jindagi. "One of the girls almost planted a kiss on my cheek," Ali blushes.

The mega finals will be held tonight at the Andheri Sports complex. A number of big names will be there - Akshay Kumar being the most prominent.

Shahid Kapur will be a special guest on celebrity dance show Nach Baliye

T he buzz is that Shahid Kapur will be a special guest on celebrity dance show Nach Baliye. This is obviously part of the promotional campaign for Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met which releases on October 26. A source reveals, "Shahid will comment on the participants' pelformance. At the end of the episode, he'll go up on stage and shake a leg to the remixed version of the song Mauja hi Mauja from Jab We Met."

Kahani Thriller ki

FEASTING & FASTING CONTINUES

It's not a mere coincidence that your favourite bahu Parvati, Tulsi or Bani nev er forget to celebrate Diwali, Holi or Navratas with you. In fact, these well-in advance episodes help the channel in a number of ways. They gel well with the mood of the audience and keep them hooked. As Ashish Kaul, executive vice president, Zee Networks says, "We work on a calendar and make sure that these episodes come exactly at the same time. Nothing should look out of place. Otherwise it does not work" Agrees Sanjay Upadhyay, programming head of Sony, "Such episodes work like an immediate connect with the audience as they are also busy celebrating these festivals."

What about the TRPs? "It's important to revitalise and add freshness to the show and the festive allows us to do that. People love to see their favourite star enjoying like they are," says Prem Kamath, VP marketing & communication, Star India Pvt Ltd. Kaul thinks it's their way to spread happiness and of course, to get more attention, "It's that part of the year when everyone's at home. A television takes the centerstage and we can't go wrong."And that they don't.

Kahani judwa nahi judi hui behano ki - AmberDhara

K ahani judwa nahi judi hui behano ki. That's the story of Amber Dhara. The two actresses were trained for almost eight months to get their acts right. Believe it or not, they're still at it. The two of them are always together even after packup to lend authenticity to the roles of conjoined twins. They eat together, sleep together and even hang out together. "We can't fake it, you see," says Amber. "This way we get to know our characters better," adds Dhara.

Whatever one does, the other one has to do the same. Like it so happened a few days ago. "I had to fall down with Dhara. We both started giggling".

If that's too much. Just wait. Being together all the time means no lovelife for them. But nobody seems to be complaining. Amber feels, "Love can wait. Right now, our focus is this show. It's our baby and we need to take care of it." Dhara does not mind having a boyfriend, as she says, "It's ok if he accepts me with Amber."

The only consolation could be the fact that the show is different from any other saas bahu saga. "Still there's heavy drama in it. I'm sure people will be able to connect with it,"Amber says. Dhara too, as she says, is having fun playing this role. Truly a case of getting into the skin of the character.

Sandya Feeling Low At Jhalak Dekhla Jaa 2 Sets

I t seems that a wry ill Sand hvu Mricial was being diffi- cult on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa recently The actress was suffering from a severe bout of vomiting.. and yet, went for the rehearsal. She kept swallowing spoonfuls of glucose for strength. At the end of the day, she did give a rocking performance. Reportedly Mridul often insists on changing most of choreog- rapher Javed's steps.

Bidaai or Vivah

Bajan Shahi's production house, Director's Kut is out with its first daily soap, Bidaai. The story seems to be a direct lift from last year's superhit film Vivah. "Of course," Shahi admits that "Bidaai is an 'inspired' version, and we're sure the audience can spot a cut-copy-paste show when it sees one." "No product is 100 per cent original," justifies Shahi, adding, "I've taken cues from the film. So what? Everyone does that. Film producers also take bits and pieces from each other's work, don't they?" Like the film, this soap revolves around two girls, one who is fair the other, her cousin, who is dark. The 'fair one' has been raised by her uncle and aunt after the demise of her parents. Her aunt dislikes her because she's more beautiful than her own daughter Parul Chauhan, the dusky sister agrees that it is on the lines of Vivah, "but there will be many twists and turns as the episodes un- fold.

Zee TV launching weekend prime time show 'Naaginn…'

Zee TV will be launching a new weekend show Naaginn…waadon ki agniparikshaa on 5 October in the 8:30 pm slot. The show, airing Friday to Sunday, is produced by AK Films. Naaginn is a tale of an Ichadhari Naaginn who transforms herself to take revenge from the Rathod family that had killed her parents for attaining the invaluable Naagmani. She gets married in the same family but her duty as a wife and her love towards her husband comes in between her desire for revenge. Zee TV business head Punit Goenka said, "The past one and a half years has seen Zee TV recover its sheen and glory through an excellent mix of programming and marketing. We have always believed in creating subjects in viewers' interest. The concept of Naaginn and it's unfamiliarity with the masses has always been of intrigue with the Indian audiences and I am confident that this show would largely appeal to them."

Star Plus to launch 'Sapna Babul Ka-Bidaai' on 8 October

MUMBAI: Star India's flagship channel Star Plus will launch a daily programme tilted Sapna Babul Ka-Bidaai on 8 October. Although, the time slot has not been disclosed by the channel it will be positioned for primetime.
Star India VP marketing Prem Kamath refused to divulge the exact time slot for the upcoming show. "We are still deciding where to position the show, but it will definitely be part of our primetime line up," he adds. The story revolves around a beautiful orphan girl raised by her uncle and aunt whose own daughter isn't pretty. This becomes the basis of emotional upheavals and twists in a family drama based on the importance of looks.