Ekta Kapoor puts her heart in Kuch Is Tarah

Ekta Kapoor has another ace up her sleeve, named 'Kuchh Is Tara', a daily that will air on Sony Entertainment Television in the last week of the month. It has been touted as a modern love story of a young girl meeting her Prince Charming, and the anti-love, cynical hate-guru.


Says the television czarina, "I have put my heart into this show. 'Kuchh Is Tara' will be counted as one of the best shows that I have made. It is a turning point in my career and is completely different from all my work till date. With this show I have broken all norms of daily soaps. There is no melodrama, no extended family and not too many twists. The story revolves around a happy family, lots of light moments, love and sweet romance."

Albert Almeida, Executive Vice President and Business Head of the channel, states that Balaji Telefilms and Sony Entertainment Television have had some shows together in the past. "We look forward to creating the same magic all over again with this new show 'Kuchh Is Tara'. It is a modern day love story that will stand out among the daily saas bahu sagas. This show is bound to ignite the magic of love and romance on television once again," he adds.

The show, which will air at 9 pm, Mondays to Thursdays, stars Aakashdeep Saighal, Sudha Chandran, Jayanti Bhatia, Rajendra Gupta, Vishal Singh and Dimple Jhangiani in the lead roles. The soap is produced by Balaji Telefilms, and is directed by Ravindra Gautam

The weepy bahu

Kirti Guckwad is happy to be back. The actress. who took a sabbatical after Saat Phere (where she played the lead actor's evil wife) is now in Sahara One's Solah Singarn Gaekwad would like to experiment with various genres."I've done episodies like Siddhanth and Hotel Kingston. They were fun. But in a longdrawn soap, I guess I have to be the weepy bahu," she says.

Mona Miillee Vasu talks about her new innings

After playing a total tomboy in Miillee, you're back as a behenjiin Jamegijodi.com.. Hey, not a behenjil (Laughs) Yeah, it's quite a makeover. I play a traditional girl who runs a marriagematrimonial website. Obviously our characters can't stand each other Then of course.. you know what. What about Radhaa ki Betlyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi? It's about a mother and her three daughters. Circumstances force them to move from Meerut to Mumbai. The story shows how they tackle things there. Are you playing a goody goody girl or a rebel? I'm playing the eldest daughter who's level-headed and responsible. So, it's about mummy dearest looking to marry off her three daughters? No, no. It's not about marriage. Radhaa ki Betiyaan.. is about the importance of a career and following your dreams. What's it like working with Supriya Pilgaonkar? So far we've only shot the promos. But I have spent time with her at script readings. Our chemistry as mother and daughter is good. Why the long break after Miillee? When I was through with Miillee, the only thing I wanted to do was take a long vacation. I went to Ladakh for nearly two months. Then to Singapore, where I learnt lawn tennis, and ballet. I did so many things I've always wanted to. And now you're back to the grind.. Not really. I haven't taken up a daily because it involves too much work. I'm happier doing weeklies. What about your love life? Jitu (Salvani) and I aren't together anymore.. but you already know that. I was seeing him for three years. I'm single at the moment. It does get lonely at times.. but I'm glad I have two shows to keep me busy Anyone you'd like to date? Who yaar? There's a dearth of interesting men around. Don't you think so? I'm single at the moment. It does get a little lonely at times.. but I'm glad I have these two shows to keep me busy.

Ronit Roy's fitness funda

Ronit

What diet and exercise couldn't do for Ronit Roy, dance has.

The actor always wanted to be very slim, almost lean. But that just didn't happen. Now ginally he has achieved it. It's all thanks to his dancing routine for the reality shw Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Guess Ram Kapoor should now take a cue from this.

Delnaazz is a serious person

Delnaazz (TOI Photo)

Delnaazz Paul is fulfiling her childhood fantasy — of decking up!

“As a child I always wanted to wear sarees, wear heels, put on makeup. Kids like to overdress. And now I have got that chance,” she says. Delnaazz is referring to her role in Mere Apne on 9X where she plays a character, who is very filmi. “She watches a particular person and wants to copy him or her. Even something very serious she tends to take very lightly and equate it with some film character,” says Delnaazz, who has herself put together the look for her character.

She’s happy with the final outcome. “Even though my character’s look is supposed to be loud, I’ve taken care that it’s not garish. We’ve taken utmost care about every little thing from earrings to bindis. There’s also this little flower that I wear on the side to complete the look for this flowery character,” she says.
The actress in the past has been aversive to daily soaps and always preferred weekly shows. “But in this case it’s absolutely fine. Even though it’s a daily, it’s not so hectic. There’s a bank of episodes. It’s well organised,” she says.

Acting with Vinod Khanna in the show has been a pleasure. “I’ve always adored his looks and personality. He’s very sweet, down-to earth and jovial.”Delnaazz has always played comic characters in TV shows and films. But, the fact is in real life she’s quite a serious person.“Based on my onscreen roles, people feel I may be quite frivolous in real life. But that’s not the case. I’m very intense and quite serious. I look at situations seriously.”Doesn’t she miss playing a serious character? “On screen because I have the flair for comedy, I’ve always been offered comedy roles. But I’d love to do serious roles as well. Why not? As an actor one should experience everything.”

Amit is missing television

Amit (TOI Photo)

Unlike other actors who quit television for films, Amit Varma has always maintained that he will not do anything of the sort.

And now that he’s back in Mumbai after a hectic schedule in Canada for his debut film, he’s looking for a good role on the small screen.

“I have been in talks with a lot of people and will be taking up a project sometime soon. I’m really missing television,” admits Amit with a smile. He adds that he never had any intention of quitting TV anyways. “The reason I did not take up any work in between was because I busy with the shooting of the film but now that it’s almost done with, I can concentrate on doing a show again,” he says.

And what kind of shows would he like to do now? Would a chat show or reality show do? “Ideally I would like to get back to acting as that’s my forte. But I’m a spontaneous person; if an interesting reality show comes up then maybe I would say yes,” he answers.

But considering that doing a TV show can be quite pressurising, would he be able to balance both? “It’s because of TV that I’m where I am. I will do anything under the sun to balance both. Unless I become a Shah Rukh Khan, I won’t quit TV!” he laughs.

Amit’s also quite excited about his film Lucky Charm, with Vidya Balan and Shahid Kapoor. “It was a beautiful experience working with such talented actors and I’m very happy with my role considering I’m not a star son!” he says. And is he the lucky charm in the film? “You have to watch the movie for that!” he laughs.

Mona says I can’t afford her: Karan

Karan Oberoi (TOI Photo) More pics

“There is a chalta hai attitude that’s crept in. Nobody is spending time and trying to be different,” says Karan.

You’ve started a production house...
I always believe in quality. In ten years I’ve done four serials — Swabhimaan, Saaya, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahi, Milan and more recently Antakshari — but they’ve all been good shows. In my head I’ve set a benchmark for myself. Last couple of years TV as a medium and our story telling has gone down. There is a chalta hai attitude that’s crept in. Nobody is spending time and trying to be different. Earlier we had some brilliant story-telling. As an actor, I can’t make a difference. But as a producer I can.

Are you ready with some shows?
I am ready with two shows right now. One, fiction. And the other is non-fiction. For the non-fiction, I’m using my experience from live shows. It’s basically a music-based show. We are trying a new genre.

Are the band of boys with you in this?
Not in this. But we are coming out with a new album. This one is going to shock the audiences. It’s going to make them sit up and listen because we are making a point here. We have also composed and written the track. We’ve been travelling like mad last two months. We’ve gone to America, Bangkok, Hongkong. Also performed in north and south India.

Coming back to serials, are you making a family drama?
Basically it’s a fresh new approach to story telling. I can’t reveal much right now.

Is girlfriend Mona Singh involved in your production house?
Mona’s not involved. She’s a bounce board on ideas.

How do you like her anchoring in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa ?
I think she’s doing a fantastic job. I was telling her you should host my musical show and she said I won’t be able to afford her! (laughs)

Mona got a lot of flak for her anchoring, at least initially...
I think it’s a new direction. In fact, people feel a connect with her. She is not intimidating, is bringing in a casual air. She is breaking the conventional style of hosting and that’s endearing.

Kasautii Zindagi Kay may soon go into the afternoon slot.

Kasautii Zindagi Kay may soon go into the afternoon slot.

The show has been on for many years now. But now no twists and turns can help to keep it in the top slot. Of course the makers have tried it all... they brought back Komolika (played by Urvashi Dholakia) in a different get-up. They revived Ronit Roy in the show too. But we hear the serial will still not manage to retain its prime night slot on TV. It will shift to afternoon in the coming months.

Star Gold announces Sabse Favorite Kaun

For the past four years, Star Gold has given the opportunity to the viewers for selecting their favorites in the Bollywood industry. It is the biggest and only opinion poll to choose the bollywood stars. Idea Sabse Favourite Kaun is “Pure Fan Power” and is all set to rock the Bollywood Industry this November. Acting or dancing skills does not account here, but what matters is how popular the star is among the public. It’s once again time to choose your favorites. Star Gold has now announced its 5th edition of “Sabse Favourite Kaun” with a brand new look, winning attitude and hosts who will strike for the first time on Indian Television.

After giving a brilliant and power packed performance in Chak De on the silver screen, the girls Chitrashi Rawat, Shilpa Shukla and Tanya Abrol are all set to kick off the small screen as they will now be hosting Star Gold’s Sabse Favorite Kaun. Upbeat about their new role as hosts, the girls unanimously exclaimed, “We are delighted to be a part of this show as it is the only opinion poll to judge the popularity of Bollywood stars. This is going to be a new experience for us, as we will be campaigning for this initiative and interacting with movie buffs across the country. We are looking forward to this exciting journey with Star Gold’s Sabsey Favourite Kaun and hoping to spring some surprises this year! .”

Adding to the excitement, Idea Sabsey Favourite Kaun 2008 captures the emotions of the audiences not only in India, but also across the globe as Bollywood fanatics from Middle East, South East Asia, US, UK, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia and New Zealand too can vote for their favourite superstar. With the scale of the exercise this year being unprecedented, a special Sabsey Favourite Fan Van will campaign across the country in a bid to choose their favourite stars.

SFK not only rewards the bollywood stars, but also the fans. The fan who votes the maximum gets the opportunity to rub shoulder with their favourite stars in the grand finale. And to get this treat, all you need to do is start voting for your favourite stars looking at the nominations.

And the nominations are:

Sabsey Favourite Hero Shahrukh Khan Hrithik Roshan Salman Khan Aamir Khan Akshay Kumar Amitabh Bachchan Abhishek Bachchan Shahid Kapoor John Abraham Sanjay Dutt	Sabsey Favourite Heroine Rani Mukherji Kajol Aishwarya Rai Preity Zinta Madhuri Dixit Kartrina Kaif Priyanka Chopra Kareena Kapoor Vidya Balan Amrita Rao
Sabsey Favourite Naya Hero Himesh Reshamiya Ranbir Kapoor Upen Patel Neil Nitin Mukesh Muzammil	Sabsey Favourite Naya Heroine Deepika Padukone Sonam Kapoor Hansika Motwani Urvashi Sharma Jiah Khan
Sabsey Favourite Comic Hero Arshad Warsi Paresh Rawal Rajpal Yadav Johny Lever Boman Irani	Sabsey Favourite Film Aap Ka Surroor Chak De India Dhamaal Om Shanti Om Saawariya Guru Heyy Babyy Apne Partner Namastey London

How to vote:

All the fans can vote through the following five options:

SMS ‘SFK’ to 57827

Mobile users can dial -------------- and record their vote

BSNL mobile users can dial and record their vote

BSNL/MTNL landline users can dial 1904 424 3333 followed by their favourite star’s code as shown on Star Gold

Log on to www.indya.com and keep the poll meter ticking

Watch out for Idea Sabsey Favourite Kaun this year as it whips up frenzy amongst the Bollywood fans who will become a part of the One and Only Mega Opinion Poll and determine the popularity of Bollywood Stars!

Zee Cinema celebrates the showman show – Subhash Ghai

After the success of The Showman Show festival of Raj Kapoor, Zee Cinema is back with another legend, the launch of The Showman Show: Subhash Ghai Film Festival.

Subhash Ghai had inspired a lot of film makers over the years, with his knowledge towards cinema, and now, it's the time to reward this genius man for his hard work.

Zee Cinema's marketing campaign on the launch of The Showman Show – Subhash Ghai Film Festival too rides on to this wave through a topical campaign which highlights the original "Bolo Om Shanti Om" song thus creating nostalgia around original film Karz.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohan Gopinath, Deputy Business Head - Zee Cinema , said "Indian Cinema has so much to thank Subhash Ghai for. Ghai is one of the few film-makers who have genuinely enriched the canvas of Indian Cinema through films that have withstood the test of time, characters that live on in our hearts even today, music that has been an instant and timeless rage and lending to Hindi Cinema some of its biggest superstars. Zee Cinema salutes the showman with The Showman Show – Subhash Ghai Gilm Festival presented by Colgate"

The Showman Show that in the past has paid homage to Raj Kapoor and promised to keep the original Hindi cinema intact, will include Ghai blockbusters such as Khalnayak, Ram Lakhan, Karz, Taal, Pardes, Karma, Hero, Yaadein, Trimurti and Saudagar.

Come be part of the Magic of the Legend – Subhash Ghai who gave us some of the biggest films, stars and chartbusters…Bolo Om Shanti Om!

Tune in to The Showman Show on Zee Cinema, Sundays, 8.30 p.m.

Elimination In Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa This Week - Was this Expected?

The Eliminations in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa has been very shocking in the past two weeks. Are we going to see yet another shocker tonight?

Down to six contestants now, the competition in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is surely getting bigger and better. According to our sources, the celebrity who failed to impress the judges from the start, but was always guarded to safety by his loyal fans, Mika Singh is eliminated this week. Mika who has been getting majority votes week after week in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa was left in the blue this week, as his fans could not pile up votes in bulk.

Mika entertained the crowd and his fellow participants from day one, whether it be with his comments against the judges, or the songs he rendered in praise of the judges, expecially Urmila. The Punjabi Munda drove everyone wild with his dance, be it Latin or Bhangra. But as the rule goes, Mika had to bid farewell to the reality show this week.

With Cyrus and Mika gone, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa has surely lost their biggest entertainers. Catch the elimination round tonight at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television.

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Going Wild!!

In an unprecedented move, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa – Dancing with the Stars has decided to bring the best ousted dancer back on the show. Breaking away from the format of the original BBC show Dancing with the Stars –BBC, Synergy Adlabs and Sony Entertainment Television have taken a joint decision to introduce the Wild Card Entry on the show. The shocking elimination of some of the best dancers on the show is the reason for this change of plan.

All the ardent viewers of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa who had lost heart at seeing their favorite celebrities being voted out of the show can now rejoice that they have yet another chance to bring their favorite stars back. On the basis of consistent good performances, judge's scores and votes polled for them throughout the show, two of the top scorers will be eligible for the Wild Card Entry. Sudha Chandran and Prachi Desai are the two top runners for the comeback.

The one who gets the highest vote will be back to perform in the gala round to be telecast on the 23 rd November 2007.

Voting lines open today, 14th November, 2007 at 9 pm and will remain open until 9 pm Friday, 16 th November. Here is your last chance to bring your favorite celebrity back on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. So go ahead and start voting. Your time begins now!

ACP Sudha Chandran reporting in Kyunki !

After shaking a leg in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Sudha Chandran is all set to wear the cap of an inspector. She enters Ekta Kapoor's superhit soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as ACP Ragini to investigate Trupti murder case.

When asked about her role as a tough cop, an excited Sudha says,"It's a wonderful role, I will be doing a cameo, will be seen in nearly 30 episodes. I play the rough and tough ACP Ragini; it really feels nice, because I am doing this kind of a role for the first time." After looking super glamorous, she has to play the role of a rugged and strong headed officer. When asked about whom she suspected as a murderer among the Viranis, Sudha laughs and replies "All the Viranis are in the suspect gang. While shooting, I got a feeling that I was back in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, all lined up as suspects, and I am there eliminating the innocent ones and the not so innocent ones".

Sudha Chandran has also been casted in Ekta's next "Kuch Iss Tarah", on Sony where she plays the role of a working mother with an Aparna Sen look. Sudha was all praises about Ekta Kapoor offering her different roles. On her chances of getting back in Jhalak, courtesy Wild Card entry, Sudha says, " I got nominated along with Prachi Desai for a probable Wild Card entry, but have turned the offer down. I do not want to be a part of the SMS game again. I have actually achieved what I had aimed for, I have got the new confidence in me as a dancer who can try out any given dance form; also, I managed to win accolades from Shiamak, that is the best tribute I can ever get", says a satisfied Sudha.

Star One launches 'Funjabi Chak De' from Nov 16

''Funjabi Chak De'', launched by Star One, will be aired from November 16 every Friday.

The fun tour guides are Navjot Singh Sidhu and Mandira Bedi and the viewers will be graced by a celebrity singer every week and introducing them would be Karishma Tanna and Gurpal Singh. Speaking to newspersons yesterday, vice president (content and communications) Prem Kamath said, ''Star One has created the 'laughter genre' on Indian television and with this show we will be taking fun to another level. The viewers will be pleasantly surprised to see Mandira and Navjot in a completely different avatar. No eliminations, no saas-bahu saga, and no wild card entry -- just unadulterated humour.''

Spat between Bani and Jai this Diwali

This Diwali there will be a major twist in Kasamh Se, centering on the relationship between Bani and Jai Walia. Meanwhile, the serial is also set to take its second leap in 8 months.

A source from the production house informs us, “A spat will take place between Bani (Prachi Desai) and Jai’s (Ram Kapoor) something that Jigyasa had aimed for. It will be shown that 5 years later Jai will find Bani and Daksh (Karan Hukku) with a child and Jigyasa will make him believe that this child belongs to Daksh and Bani.”
Why such a quick second leap? “We want to give some different shades to the story. We haven’t yet decided when the leap will happen but it might come during Diwali or after it,” says the source.

Prachi Desai herself has no issues with the change in track. “I have always enjoyed my character and leaps or changes in tracks are part of daily soaps,” she states.

On how much her character is likely to change physically, she replies, “It’s just a five-year leap so my hair will not turn grey. After all, Bani is just a mother of two tiny tots. When a grandmother like Prerna (Shweta Tiwari) from Kasautii Zindagi Kay can still look young why should Bani look old?”

Eklavya: The ignored one of Kyunki

Earlier in Kyunki, Eklavya (Akash Deep Saighal) was regarded as the most obedient son in the Virani family but due to some misunderstanding and brain washing from Tulsi’s enemies, he turns against Tulsi and the entire Virani family.

He lays a trap to marry KT, who was supposed to marry her lover Lakshya. After his marriage, he still suspects that there is an affair between his wife and Lakshya.

His was quite a meaty role. Currently though he is more of a spectator in the serial. Even when he is taunted by the likes of Mohini and Daksha, he prefers to remain silent unlike earlier when he used to hit back.

We ask the writer of the show Anil Nagpal why his character is being ignored. He admits, “We have sidelined his character of late as compared to before. As of now, we are just concentrating on the Karan – Nandini – Tanya and Trupti – Saahil – Ganga tracks. Now if we give importance to his track it won’t go along with the flow of the script. Technically too it is not possible to show three tracks going together simultaneously.”

So is there any place for him in the current track? “Well, he will be in a dilemma whether to support Tulsi or go against her. He has still not forgotten the past.”

On being asked if things will change in the future, he replies, “I have written some scripts keeping his character in mind but it might or might not get cleared.”

Akash Deep Saighal himself was unavailable for comment on the issue.

OSO or Saawariya? TV stars take their pick

As Om Shanti Om and Saawariya release this Diwali, we asked TV stars which one they would prefer to watch.

Divyanka Tripathi (Vidya from Dulhann)

“I’m looking forward to watch OSO as the promos are quite exciting compared to Saawariya. It looks like a complete masala entertainer - a total paisa vasool film. The chemistry between Deepika and SRK is looking great. I and my friends have already started looking for tickets for the film. I hope OSO does better than Saawariya.

Reshmii Ghosh (Bhoomi from Kyunki)

“Definitely OSO. I would love to see how SRK romances Deepika. I have heard a lot of things about her. I am also eager to watch how Farah has managed to blend drama, emotions, comedy and all in this flick and also the song with 31 stars. I am willing to buy a ticket in black if I don’t get it. Bhansali is also a good director and his films are grand with a very good concept but I will watch Saawariya later.”

Tasneem Sheikh (Mohini from Kyunki)

“I want to watch Saawariya because both the debutants are very cute. Also, the sets of the film are marvellous just like Black. When I watched Black I was moved to tears. I am hoping that the story of this film will also be very touching. About OSO, I like its songs but I will wait for feedback from my friends and then decide. I know how SRK acts but Deepika might be a surprise package.”

Sharad Kelkar (Nahar from Saat Phere)

“I want to watch both. Whichever movie ticket I get I will watch that. Kirti is behind me to buy tickets for any of the two films.”

Mouni Roy (KT from Kyunki)

“I will first attend the Diwali pooja and then go for OSO because it is an SRK film!!!”

Exclusive Interview of 'NEW' Prithvi Raj

Adita Wahi In Choona Hai Aasman

C hoona Hain Aasman, which is barely a few days old, is all set for some twists and turns. Adita Wahi will make an entry on the show. The actress will play a blind girl called Shaheen. "I used to tie a blindfold and roam in my house for two hours. Also, I make sure that my eyes don't flicker too much." Wahi plays a village girl who gets involved in the airforce officers' mission. The actress is ready to bid farewell to her role in Doli Saja Ke. "It will end soon. I am in talks with a new channel for a comedy show," she signs off.

Dance baby dance

Kavita returns to ‘Yes Boss’

Kavita returns to ‘Yes Boss’

Sapana Patil Poojary Kavita Kapoor will be back on ‘Yes Boss’ (SAB). She had been replaced by Sonia Kapoor by the channel after it decided to give the show a younger and fresher look. The channel had also changed the plot of the serial from an ad agency to a newsroom. However, the once hit show could not maintain its popularity and the channel is now forced to get its original cast back. Kavita says, “The channel wanted to experiment with their ideas and hence I was replaced. And now that they have decided to be back with the original cast, I decided to be back again.” So didn’t it hurt her to be replaced and then asked to be back again? “Well, I wasn’t informed that I will be replaced. I was in Poona when I got to know this from a journalist. I was slightly hurt but at that time, I had other bigger issues to attend to. So I didn’t call the channel and ask them why they replaced me. And the people who had brought about the change are no more with the channel. So if I am wanted, then I would definitely go back because this is my show.” Apart from Kavita’s replacement, there were several other problems that cloaked the show’s unit. It is alleged that the channel interfered in the unit’s affairs and demanded several last-minute changes causing undue pressure on the unit. Apart from that, they got Nigaar Khan and Romanchak on board but couldn’t justify their characters. Eventually, they removed them too. Says director Rajan Wagdhare, “The channel made a lot of changes in the serial. So much that, it didn’t look like the original serial at all. The viewers didn’t like the new changes and the channel has realised that.” He continues, “The channel’s staff keeps changing. Every time, someone new takes over, he wants to contribute to the show. And he does that by making unnecessary changes; thus spoiling the show completely. The show has been altered so many times, that it has lost its originality.” Rajan adds, “However, the new business head, Anooj Kapoor is a nice man. He has given me a free hand and I expect things to return to normalcy.” Anooj Kapoor, business head, SAB, says, “The team that was there before me did not intend to be interfering. It is just that their creative opinion was different from that of Rajan. And mine happens to be in synergy with Rajan.” I am just facilitating Rajan in rebuilding the strong brand that ‘Yes Boss’ has been.”

Dipsshikha's double deal

Dipsshikha is back to acting on television with not one but two shows. She has signed a show for BAG films (Anuradha Prasad) and another for Maverick Productions (Anuj Saxena).

In the past few months, Dipsshikha had been concentrating on her film career and hence was seen making sporadic cameo appearances on TV. "With the launch of several new entertainment channels, I am being offered good roles in different projects," she reveals.

Dipsshikha adds, "The BAG films' show is titled 'Kalyani'. I play a positive character called Maya who is a rich Gujarati lady. It is a powerful role and that convinced me to take up the role." The show will be telecast on 9X.

Quiz her about her role in the Maverick Productions' show and she says, "I can't disclose more at the moment as talks are still on." The show will be telecast either on Sony or SAB. Incidentally, this will be Anuj's second soap with Set India after his maiden venture 'Kulvaddhu' was taken off-air in March this year.

That apart, Dipsshikha also has an offer from B R Chopra's production house. "I wish I had 40 days in a month. I liked the concept, but I won't be able to take it up as my dates will be blocked with these two shows."

Dipsshikha adds, "I truly believe that this is my second innings. I am not only getting back to TV, but my film career has also taken a leap," she says adding, "I was just sitting at home doing nothing when I got a call from David Dhawan's office for 'Partner'. I'm glad my role was appreciated. Plus, I am acting in a Bhojpuri film with Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kissen."

She modestly continues, "I am God's favourite child. People say I haven't got my due as an actor; which I take as a compliment and think that maybe I wasn't at the right place at the right time. But now things are getting better. How many people get a second chance?"

She sums up, "I have learnt one thing from my parents—keep your personal and professional life separate. Have the right attitude and there shall be no disappointments."

Why Nupur skipped the awards

Shameem Khan

It was an event, which no actor would want to miss. But actor Nupur Joshi, who was to receive the Best Bhai-Behen Award with onscreen brother Ayub Khan (in ‘Rakhi’ Zee) at the Zee Rishton Ka Utsav Awards ceremony, had to forego her big moment because of her illness.
Unfortunately, she was hospitalised the same day with a serious bout of malaria and jaundice.
Producer Rupali Guha says, “Just a day before the awards, I got an urgent call from my crew that Nupur was feeling unwell. She had been to a party the night before and was throwing up since then. Though she still made it to the shoot, she couldn’t carry on. We rushed her to the hospital since she lives by herself in Mumbai. Right now, she is slowly recovering but is extremely weak.”
What happens to the show, which has her in the lead?
“Thankfully, I have a bank of episodes that should sustain me this week. I am trying to incorporate scenes that don’t require her. That should give the girl some rest before she resumes,” says Rupali.
Co-star Ayub Khan sounds concerned too.
“It’s really sad that she couldn’t make it to the function. But I had the award sent to her hospital. I hear she was cushioning it under her pillow and saying, ‘It’s my baby’. Nupur is a very sweet girl. I hope she gets well soon.”
The show, which airs in the afternoon slot, has won massive viewers with a TRP rating of 2.4.

A fading 'Jhalak'

It’s over. As I handed my green stiletto pumps with golden braids back to my mother, I realised my dancing days were over. I had just done my last ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ act. No more pirouettes in public. No more wide sweeps of the hand while indulging in casual conversation. No more using just three toes to carry an 85 kilo body, a feat which most physicists deemed impossible.

But let me relive the last few seconds of the show as host Rohit Roy, with his permanently arched eyebrows, dealt the coup de grace. I felt my lower body going somewhat numb. It was only after a few seconds that I realised, this was due to my choreographer Rosita grinding her heel into my foot, in an endeavour to ensure I was both paying attention and would indulge in a spontaneous display of emotion. This I did in the most dignified way by yelling, “Get off my foot you idiot,” to my pretty dance mistress.

Of course, judge Shiamak Davar thought I was addressing the remark to him and in a spontaneous display of emotion flung Sandhya Mridual’s silver seven-inch platform shoes at my head. As the shoes missed me and hit Mika Singh all hell broke loose. Contestants attacked contestants. Stockings, tights, pumps heels were flying everywhere.

Even the legendry Jeetendra got up once to protect the gorgeous Urmila Matondkar from the fury of flying footwear.
As each contestant was strapped down I was shown the door, but not before each judge sang some words of encouragement. Shiamak said, “Never again please.” Urmila said, “Keep going for God’s sake don’t come back.”

However, it was the legendary Jeetendra who touched me the most with his eclectic remark, “Who are you?”I would have stayed and argued but from the corner of my eye I saw Mika coming forward, lips tightly pursed.

Sudeepa's a traffic stopper

Sudeepa Singh, who plays the lead Kangana in the just launched show ‘Ardhangini’ (Zee) show recalls her recent trip to Kolkata, “We went to Kolkata for a two-day shoot. This was my first visit to the city. We shot at the Victoria Memorial. Since there was a lot to shoot we were in a great rush to complete it.”

Sudeepa admits that they caused a traffic jam on the roads! She says, “We were shooting on a tram reserved for the purpose. The local people thought it was a general tram and would get in. They had to be told that a shooting was in progress.” She adds, “People would get very excited and ask what show it was. When we told them that it was a show based on a Bengali family, they would look visibly happy.”

Sudeepa says that though she is a Punjabi by birth, she enjoyed playing a Bengali girl. “I enjoyed wearing Bengali costumes. I like to apply alta ( red embellishment on the palms) too. I like Bengali eyes. They are big and beautiful. Incidentally, my name is a Bengali one. Sudeepa means something, which lights up on its own.”

Sudeepa was launched in ‘Kabhie To Nazar Milao’, which went off air without garnering much viewer attention. But Sudeepa seems to have put this failure behind her. “It wasn’t promoted well. But this show is being promoted well. Moreover, sometimes, it is also a matter of good timing. You have to be at the right place at the right time,” she ends. The show also stars Ajay Krrish and traces the tale of a girl, who wants to marry her childhood love and faces parental opposition for this.

Ayub Khan, Bhaiya No 1

Ayub Khan is ecstatic about bagging the Best Bhai award for 'Rakhi' at the Zee Rishton Ka Utsav, writes Shameem Khan

On winning the award
“I nearly fell off my chair when my name was announced as the winner of the Best Bhai-Bahen Award for ‘Rakhi’ (Zee) with co-star Nupur Joshi at the Zee Rishton Ka Utsav Awards. Ram Kapoor (brother, ‘Kasamh Se’, Zee) and Kamya Punjabi (sister, ‘Banoo Mein Teri Dulhan’, Zee) were strong contenders to this category too. Both these shows are very popular while ‘Rakhi’ is just two months old. This award proves that I am on the right path.”

On ‘Rakhi’
“When I was offered the show, may people advised me against it. But in the female-dominated television scenario, getting a meaty role is a boon. I am in complete contrast to my character Bhaiya Raja. I am not as forthright as him. I am diplomatic to the core.”

On co-actor Nupur Joshi
“Nupur is endearing and has a positive outlook towards life. We share a good rapport and that shows on-screen. She’s been very respectful towards me, which makes me realise how long I have been in the industry (laughs).”

On his film career
“Television has given me a great platform to sharpen my skills. But I am not giving up on films. Right now, I am looking forward to my film ‘Daughter’ based on a baby girl’s adoption. It has Vikram Gokhale and Reema Lagoo playing my parents while Padmini Kolhapure plays my wife.”

On wife Niharika Khan
“Niharika has taught me a way of life that I was unaware of. Earlier I was very stubborn but she has opened my mind to a lot of things. She’s a very positive influence on me.
“Niharika and I are both professionals (she is a jewllery deigner). It’s sad, but there are times when I reach home so late that I can barely manage to get my wife or child smile at me from bed. Right now I am going with the flow and hope that I do get some time for my family.”

Twinkle’s true act

Twinkle Bajpai, who plays Lakshmi in ‘Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan’ (Zee) recently, walked the extra mile to ensure that she gave an ‘authentic’ shot. Twinkle was shooting for a scene, which showed her to be fasting for her on-screen husband Karan (Yuvraj Malhotra) on Karva Chauth. To ensure that she gave the right expressions, Twinkle actually went hungry that day.

Twinkle says, “It was an important scene and the director was expecting me to give my best. So I preferred to go hungry. But I was on a liquid diet.” Twinkle adds, “Since I am new to the profession, I stress on the intricacies involved in acting. I sit with the director and discuss the scene with him. As soon as I reach the sets, I read my script and act the scene out in front of the mirror.”

Despite Twinkle insisting on being a professional, she often finds herself in the heart of controversies. Apart from being alleged of haughty behaviour, Twinkle is also accused of arriving late on the sets and keeping her co-stars waiting. Twinkle explains, “I don’t understand why people give me so much importance by talking about me. I am fed up of this! I often fall sick. So at times, I can’t come on the sets too early. But whenever I am needed to do a heavy make-up scene, I do come before my call time.”

She adds, “I respect all my co-actors because they are senior to me. But if someone says something to me that I don’t like, then I give it back. I am known to be blunt. Hence, I have stopped talking to people who don’t like me. I’m not insecure to butter them up. I am honest towards my work and that is sufficient.”