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.”

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!