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shahidlover24
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Joined: 30 October 2004
Posts: 10316
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Out in the cold |
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A twist in the story, or a foible of the production house? A channel whim or an actor's tantrum? What is it that results in an actor being replaced by another in an ongoing show, and how do they cope with the sudden changes in their life? Vickey Lalwani probes the issue.
SHWETA KAWAATRA: The lady opted out of Ekta Kapoor's 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii'. She claims she has received good offers but who knows the inside story? Recently, she nearly lambasted Balaji Telefilms in an interview to a section of the press. People said that Paravati and Pallavi were the two eyes of 'KGGK'. Did 'KGGK' go down on TRPs after Shweta's walk out? Not a bit! ASHLESHA SAWANT: Where did this girl go after Balaji reduced her to a photograph on Sumeet Sachdeva's table in 'Kyunki...'? Some people say that she is very pally with Sandeep Baswana, while some even say that the two are living together.
Still smarting from the slight, "Creativity has been reduced to zero, television has gone completely corporate. It feels like TV has been reduced to selling shampoos." SANDEEP BASWANA: One hears that Balaji had problems with Sandeep, because of which he was ousted from 'Kyunki...' and 'Kkoi Dil Mein Hai' almost around the same time. The inside story? The poor guy needed a break; he had reached a point where he felt that he was saturated. He asked Balaji to cut his roles for some time so that he could spend some time on a holiday. Result? Need we repeat! MIHIR MISHRA: Dr Rahul of 'Sanjivani- A Medical Boon' may have thought that he would grow as an actor by taking up something different in Zee's 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' (Aditya Ramchandran) but SONIYA KASPOOR: Bechari Soniya got wiped out of Zee's 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' for no rhyme or reason. Just because her on-screen husband was giving trouble to the makers of the show, she was told that she was no more required. 'KHKN' is going on as if nothing ever happened. The three friends' story is being tweaked to accommodate more characters, a fresh storyline is being worked out. Says Soniya, "This is not fair. I am really disappointed that television functions like this. I didn't even realise what was happening on the Mihir front. Everything seemed so hunky dory, but the off-screen drama seems to be more intriguing!"
GITANJALI TIKEKAR: Where did this Aparna disappear? Back to her hometown Pune? Or has she married Cezanne Khan and tucked herself safely in some corner in Mumbai as the grapevine goes? Whatever, RAJEEV KHANDELWAL: Where was his character heading? 'Kahiin To Hoga', the show which started with him in the lead should have him in the centre at least most of the time. Why don't the same rules apply on Niki Aneja Walia, Juhi Parmar, Ronit Roy, Sakshi Tanwar and Smriti Z Iraani? They're always around. Plus some of the scenes shot on him have been pretty laughable. Remember the scene where he applies cold cream on his face and Aamna springs out of nowhere and the couple rub each other's cheeks? The way the ratings are going steady, despite Sujal (and even Kashish) hardly being there, we feel Balaji can continue the show well enough even without him. Or will it? Says Rajeev, "Agar main hokar bhi nahin hoon, to this, I think you should ask the Creatives."
MAULI GANGULY: The day she left 'Kaahin Kissii Roz', she found herself swimming against the tide. 'Saaksshi' on Sony was a major disaster but the poor girl kept her cool. Think about it, did she have a choice? Her recent return to Manish Goswami's forthcoming show ('Sarkaar' or 'Swaarth'or whatever the channel finally decides on) is no compensation for her earlier roles. Last time, she told us that she was not sure whether she'd go ahead being Rohit and Ronit Roy's sister in the same show, for she wan't happy the way her track had been worked out. VINOD SINGH: Agreed that he behaved violently on the sets of Sony's 'Aayushman'. But if a film actor does the same (and there have been cases galore!), is he chucked out? Where is that Will Mona Singh continue to be noticed and talked about after she unveils herself eventually? Or is it that popularity on Indian television has a short shelf life? Is this popularity just 15 seconds under the sun? |
shahidlover24
IF-Veteran Member
Joined: 30 October 2004
Posts: 10316
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'I am a dimwit...!': Rupali Ganguli | ||
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"I am Monisha. Completely. I am a dimwit, I bargain even at Shopper's Stop, I am a terrible cook, and, yes, I am very
clumsy," laughs Rupali Ganguli, who plays Monisha in Star One's Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. This, from a lady who has done such a wide array of roles that could easily make other actors on the telly, green with envy! Sample this --- a double role in Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi, a negative character in Star Plus' Sanjivani, a mentally unbalanced girl in Sahara's Zindagi Teri Meri Kahani, a prostitute in Bhabhi, a politician in Star Plus' Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and her favourite, Monisha, a stingy middle-class housewife in an upper middle class household, in Star One's Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. All these characters being as different from one another as chalk from cheese. Surprisingly, Rupali has also managed to act in one of the saas-bahu serials, without being typecast as a long suffering bahu! "I have done enough of that in Sanjivani, heavy make-up and the jewellery. I want to do something different every time, otherwise, however big the banner, I am not interested," says Rupali vehemently.
Daughter of acclaimed film director Anil Ganguli, who has made films like Kora Kagaz, Rupali has carved a niche for herself on the telly. She started acting when she was seven years old with a bit role in the film, Saheb, following it up with an award winning performance in her father's film, Bolidaan. But after doing a couple of forgettable films, she decided that this was "rubbish" and gave it all up. She did not even give screen tests, but concentrated on theatre and gave a commendable performance in Papa Don't Preach. Fortunately for telly viewers, God had other things planned for this lovely lady! Soon after, she got calls to audition for roles in different serials, and then there was no looking back. We ask her about her dream role and she tells us that she would like to play a schizophrenic character, and 20 years down the line she would just love to play Maya, Ratna Pathak's character in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. She is hoping that one day she will be offered a role similar to the character that Jaya Bachchan played in Kora Kagaz. Talk about Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and we hear Monisha, not Rupali, pour her heart out. She tells us how the rest of the cast are forever on her case and how Ratna Pathak ( her mother-in-law in the comedy) comes to her rescue ---- "but there are times when even she joins in," says Rupali, who says that initially she was in awe of this great actor but warmed upto to her once they started sharing a room while working on the show. Whatever else Rupali might well be, she is certainly not a dimwit. She is an artiste who has made her presence felt in shows that had senior actors in them. A versatile actress, she plays out her characters with an ease that makes us wonder if she was acting out parts of her own life! |
shahidlover24
IF-Veteran Member
Joined: 30 October 2004
Posts: 10316
Is crossover cinema a boon for TV actors?
swetta Keswani is just back from London after shooting for The Memsahib; Sonal Sehgal is going to be seen in another crossover film in April and Sandhya Mridul prefers roles like that of Page 3 to doing frivolous television. So, is TV losing its good artistes to the big screen?
Not really. Swetta did Love in Nepal with Sonu Nigam and more recently auditioned for and got a role in The Memsahib. Both roles, she says, came independent of her television background. In her words, "Television has done nothing to my life as far as film offers are concerned. In fact, Rajat Mukherjee who directed Love in Nepal told me I should avoid acting loud like I do on TV, for his film."
In Swetta's opinion, Indian producers are still biased in offering roles to television actors. "I am still struggling and meeting people regularly. Everyone knows that my dates are available yet producers prefer taking a flop actor or an absolutely fresh face!" she laments.
Delnaz Paul, currently seen on Sony's Batliwalla House No 43, however, believes television is bigger than the silver 
screen. Delnaz, who did Sweetu in Kal Ho Na Ho, says film producers opt for TV artistes who are known faces to freshers. "Filmmakers know TV actors will deliver fast and good performances, as we are one shot artistes," she points out. "We do 12 to 15 shows a day but in case of films, only half to one scene is canned in a whole day. "
Delnaz is currently doing out and out commercial films like Milenge Milengeand Aur Pal Tham Gaya and is quite happy, not caring whether a film is a crossover kind or not.
Mauli Ganguly, last seen in Raincoat, begs to differ. "I haven't seen any TV actors getting substantial film roles," she stresses. "Television actors are familiar faces but not stars. A few of them are nowadays even seen in Page three kind of parties but still the differentiation exists!" she shrugs.
Be it the Help Telethon, the Filmfare awards or the MTV Style awards - the difference in treatment for TV actors is more than apparent. "Except on the lead actors in a film, makers hardly work hard on characterizations. I did Raincoat because at least my character had a beginning and an end in characterization. Crossover or offbeat films have hardly made much difference. At the most it has increased the option for
TV actors to try to get a suitable break," she remarks.
Jaya Bhattacharya however attributes all her success in film to her TV roles. "Television is a big thing now. Acting is acting, whether you act for television or films. I haven't cared to notice if cross-over films have increased any options for actors. It's just that the film scenario has changed as a variety of films are being made and there is no fixed format of hero, heroine and villain."
Ronit Roy who recently acted in Kisna and will be seen in Anup Jalota's Nishaan, sighs, "I have done better work on television. In the last two years, I haven't got any film offers in spite of being successful as "Mihir".
Is anyone in Bollywood listening?
shahidlover24
IF-Veteran Member
Joined: 30 October 2004
Posts: 10316
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shahidlover24
IF-Veteran Member
Joined: 30 October 2004
Posts: 10316
|
Celebrating Love… | ||||
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The love bug has certainly bitten the television industry. How else do you explain the rash of impulsive marriages we
witnessed in the space of less than two months? Mind you, hardly one of them was a long drawn affair that culminated with the solemn vows of marriage. The rest were whirlwind romances, fast paced courtships and quick decisions of matrimony. Naturally, these couples are walking for the first time, hand in hand, into Valentine's Day. Do they have surprises packed in gossamer and tinsel for their loved one? Or have they already charted out how they plan to celebrate V Day? The glowing couple, Sai Deodhar and Shakti Anand are just back from their honeymoon and are back to rigorous shooting schedules. "But this Valentine's Day is going to be very special for both of us as it's our first together. I never had a boyfriend and now Shakti is both my lover and my husband," she blushes.
Among the plans she's making for hubby are a long drive out of town, carrying some ghar ka khana, putting up a tent and just being together, "enjoying the ambience and him," she says wickedly. As for gifts, Sai might just buy Shakti a laptop. "He is extremely computer savvy and I am sure this gift would be a perfect Valentine Day souvenir to him." Almost as an indicator of perfectly attuned minds, Shakti too wants to take Sai for a long drive to a secluded place "with dinner and champagne". "The place has to be positively cosy, warm and romantic. No clichd flowers or cards for me," he says tongue-in-cheek. But perhaps not everyone believes in V power. Varun Badola tied the knot with Rajeshwari Sachdeva in late November and doesn't see a reason to single out one day as Valentine's Day. "Every day should be
celebrated for love and with your loved one. I am not oblivious of this day, it's just that I never celebrated it." As a hasty afterthought, he adds, "Rajeshwari is definitely more romantic than me but I am learning to be more expressive now. I'll start off by gifting her red roses and a beautiful card. And in the evening get her an elegant sari or a pendant. We both are very romantic but she is just more demonstrative. We will be working till 10 pm, but I am sure we will find the time to celebrate," he says smilingly. Vivacious Maninee De believes more in little gestures than lavish gifts. "So this 14th I am going to be more attentive to Mihir's needs, and let him throw his socks and wet towel around," she laughs."With simple loving gestures and playful surprises I am sure to make my hubby feel special and adored.
As this would be our first Valentine together, I am going to make it extraordinary. I am good at writing my emotions, so I might just write a love note to him and give him over a romantic dinner," she says candidly. For Shweta Kawatra and Manav Gohil, it's going to be a double celebration of sorts, as Shweta's birthday is just four days before V Day. "For Manav and me, this day means expressing love. By just being with Manav and doing small things for him, I think it is an absolutely wonderful way to let him know that somewhere, every day, he is thought of with love and affection." |
shahidlover24
IF-Veteran Member
Joined: 30 October 2004
Posts: 10316
Single 'n' happy!
There's a tribe in the industry that refuses to bow to convention and proposes to stand tall and resolutely single on a day marked my mush and moonlight romance!
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These are the stars that shine in their own glory and say they don't really need emotional props to pep up either their personal or professional lives.
Peppy Mauli Ganguly, last seen in Saakshi and now in Kkusum, says she is happy to be a free bird. "I see my friends who are married, have a husband and in-laws to account to and can't even go for a movie. I live alone in Mumbai and have no responsibilities as such. When my mother comes to stay with me, I have to do nothing at home as everything is taken care of," she points out.
Aashka Goradia, better known as Kumud of Kkusum, too has no cumbersome boyfriend to worry about. "The biggest advantage of being single is you can flirt with anyone, anywhere and anytime," she laughs.
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"You don't feel you are ditching anyone and you are not answerable to anyone." On a naughty note, she adds, "You learn new things from different people rather than learning the same shit from the same man!"
Point taken. Mauli agrees, ""I am cent percent focused towards my career. I have more time to explore life." Even the single guys in the industry seem to be in tandem with this line of thought. Says Shabbir Ahluwalia, otherwise known as the flirtatious Rishi in Kahiin To Hoga,
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"The biggest advantage is stress free focus on work. I am working for a daily show in an industry, which is too fast moving, so being single is advantageous. A relationship requires a lot of time."
That's practical thinking for you. Tina Parakh too is equally practical when she points out, "I work in an industry where work schedules are quite hectic and it would be very difficult for a non-industry guy to understand this." She also argues the other side of the debate when she says, Of course, when you are a married woman, it's ok to talk to five men but if you are single and talk to five men, people will talk about you." That however hasn't deterred Tina from being her own person, she says defiantly.
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Another flamboyantly 'single' person in the industry, Akashdeep Saigal has no time for girlfriends as he is busy shooting another soap for Balaji Telefilms. He uses the 'extra personal space' he gets to spend time with his family. "I don't need to worry about - "I forgot to call her up", he says wickedly.
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Sangeeta Ghosh, veteran of many a soap, also points out that while a husband can be a continuing presence, parents fade their opinions into benignity after some time. "In television, women have a say in everything. I have mostly worked with female producers and I am doing only lead roles so perhaps I have not faced any problems."
Pondering her single status, she adds, "Single is not married but available. Moreover even married people are available, aren't they?!"
shahidlover24
IF-Veteran Member
Joined: 30 October 2004
Posts: 10316
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By VICKEY LALWANI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Will Rajeev rule the roost? Will Mandira have a good innings? Will Mona have the same following as Jassi did? Questions only time can answer. But so can the father-son numerologist duo of BANSILAL and SANJAY B JUMAANI. Read on for their take on what 2005 has in store for TV stars…
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shahidlover24
IF-Veteran Member
Joined: 30 October 2004
Posts: 10316
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By NATASHA HAVEWALA |
Working 12 hour shifts may be taking a toll on their physical and emotional selves, but that ain't stopping our telly stars from playing the occasional gag on their colleagues.
We scoured the sets to find a smattering of them giggling into their cuffs while remembering the odd incident where they played harmless practical jokes on co-artistes; and found some still smarting from the effects of a prank played on them, but smiling nevertheless.
Director's cut
It was Rucha Gujarati (aka Kali in Kkusum) who's had the latest and most rocking surprise on Christmas Eve. "I had to shoot a suicide scene and my director, Jassi asked me to lie unconscious with my eyes shut. As usual he was calling the shots, 'zoom, close up, lights' and I was giving my best. It was a 10 minute shot, but even after that, my director wasn't giving a cut signal. I was lying tranquil as if unconscious for quite a while, and only then realised that the entire unit was laughing into their hankies. I was taken aback but burst out laughing subsequently. It was just so hilarious and funny. And then we wished one another Merry Christmas."
Ghost on the run
"We had gone to the Mukesh mills compound at Colaba to shoot for Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, a spot that's believed to be haunted,"reminisces Chetan Hansraj aka Sasha. "While shooting we suddenly heard some creepy and unusual noises that made us all sweat through our nerves. Suddenly, there was an image of a ghost in front of us and everyone was petrified and holding onto one another. At last, the cameraman started laughing. He had tricked us into believing the existence of the ghost with the help of his camera. Eventually, all had a hearty laugh….."
Letting the dog out of the bag
"My Saara Aakash co star Shakti Anand (aka Vikram) and me went to meet his friend at his residence as we were shooting in his neighbourhood," remembers Sai Deodhar. "On the way, Shakti warned me that his friend had three ferocious dogs at his place. I was so scared; I just wanted to back out. But he convinced me saying they would be tied up and I need not worry. When we reached the house, I started looking for the dogs. I kept mum as Shakti, prompted me not to mention the dogs. I was at my weirdest behaviour, sitting still without a word on the edge of my seta, and keeping an eye for the dogs.
At last, my host asked me, "Is there a problem?" I lost my patience and asked, "Where are the dogs? I am too scared, are they tied? The lady, herself amazed, said, "But we don't have any dogs!" That's when Shakti split up into laughter. I wasn't very amused at that time, though!
Snaking up
One guy who loves playing pranks on his co-stars is Anuj Saxena, the savvy doctor turned actor. "I am too smart to be fooled," he says laughingly. "I keep playing pranks on my co-stars every day, like screaming in their ears or shocking them by jumping in front of them."
Recollecting one such incident, Anuj says, "We were shooting for Prratima for Sahara One at Madh Island recently. One of the helpers was carrying a wooden snake. I used the snake to scare my co-star and producer Jyoti Mukerjee and another colleague, Rekha. Both were so shocked and shaken, that Rekha ended up crying and Jyoti was too scared to even speak. It was a blast," he grins. Well, we are yet to get Jyoti's and Rekha's version of the incident, but can be sure they won't be laughing as much over it!
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Two heavyweights join the team of Zee’s Do Saheliyan…
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A review of Indian Television as whole for the year 2009…
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SWETTA KESWANI: She kicked Ekta Kapoor's 'Kahaani...' for Aroona Irani's 'Des Mein...'. But was it any use? She was asked to leave 'Des Mein...' if she wasn't ready to age. While 'Des Mein...' sucked up to Sangeeta Ghosh for a revival in its fortunes, Swetta was not given even a second look. On the other hand, Ekta's 'Kasautii...' is still rocking. Says Swetta, "I would say that television works on a day-to-day basis. If you are not happening, or the script needs 
PALLAVI JOSHI: Star Plus' 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Dhoom' changed tracks suddenly and in the process, Pallavi was left out of the storyline. Says she, "I was narrated an entirely different story. But the story was going in an altogether different direction when I started shooting. I was supposed to fall for a younger guy (played by Vishal Singh) but there was nothing happening on that front in any of the 18 episodes I worked. I am a senior actress who loves challenging portrayals and I had been reduced to a glorified extra." The production house didn't even bother to inform her 
NAUSHEEN ALI SARDAR: A household name as long as she did the 'Kkusum' title role. After that, she's almost been left twiddling her thumbs in Star Plus' 'Kalcchakra'. People cruelly discarded her in her three portrayals in the thriller show; not even one role has really been appreciated. She has signed a couple of films. But have those projects kicked off?
AKASHDEEP SAIGAL: As long as he was Ansh, he was a rage. Some even thought that no character on Indian television had been conceived bigger than this. But once mother Tulsi Virani shot him dead, people stopped talking about him. His new role as Trishul in 'Kkusum' has failed to create even a whimper. It will not be wrong to say that he will require luck to draw eyeballs to his role in Ketan Mehta's new show on Zee TV.
