Being a peacemaker is one hell of a job! | ||||
Friday, February 23, 2007 10:7:23 IST | ||||
He takes shit from producers and directors but still manages to keep cool | ||||
How does it feel playing peace maker in 'Ghar Ek Sapnaa'? Do you relate to the character? You seem to have a long association with Ajai Sinha. What's so special about working with him? He's a rare exception when it comes to my experience with producers and directors. As an actor, you're supposed to be a moron and almost a slave to the producer and director. It's professionally the done thing to take shit that they so proudly dish out at times, quietly 'say' your lines and 'be done' with the scene, pose no questions about decent working conditions and times, and ask no questions about your time being misused. You may be required at three in the afternoon but if they make you sit from nine in the morning, you are supposed to 'lovingly' accept it, in fact, kiss their feet! The list goes on and on. Mr. Sinha allows an actor to have his own mind provided the actor has it. He understands that no two human beings can agree on things all the time and that differences will always be there. In fact that's the dynamics that brings things to life in a creative process and we as a team are supposed to function with only one objective of making a good product and any input in this direction is welcome. Professional differences are not to be carried home. All that shows in his work. Do you find Hindi films are more challenging and fulfilling than television? Are you doing any more films after 'Corporate'? For someone who has dabbled with all three mediums, which do you find most enjoyable. Why? How do you want to see yourself five years from now? |
Perfect, tense
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TV actor Ujjwal upset with talent hunt organisers
Ujjwal refuses to comment on the 'saas-bahu' - sagas, which dominate the Indian small screen.
By IANS, [RxPG] New Delhi, March 7 - Small screen actor Ujjwal Rana, who stars in the daily soap 'Ghar Ek Sapna' on Sahara One, believes the organisers of reality TV programmes let a lot of talent fade away once the show is over.
'I feel talent hunt shows provide a great opportunity to wannabes and is an encouraging platform for the common man. Also, the competitors get strong media attention. But once the show is over, the organisers do not do the follow up properly and all those faces fade away. I want to know where those faces are. I really want to know,' Ujjwal told IANS.
Ujjwal himself dislikes participating in reality shows.
'I don't find myself comfortable being a part of a reality show because I don't want to get into nasty situations.'
Before taking up his role as Samman in 'Ghar Ek Sapna', Ujjwal did a cameo in Shaad Ali's 'Saathiya'. He confesses that films are his first preference but at the same time he doesn't want to compromise on quality.
'Offers keep coming, but as I am just a beginner and also not so popular, it is difficult to get meaty roles in Bollywood.'
Ujjwal agreed to work in Ajai Sinha's serial because he gives importance to quality. The director has hit serials like 'Hasratein' and 'Astitva' to his credit.
'There are some names in the industry with whom an actor would like to associate himself. When you work with Sinha, you are sure he would never compromise on quality. He is a progressive director. He goes with the trend and gives you a chance to challenge your own creativity.'
The actor reveals that initially he wasn't very keen to take up acting as a career option.
'I was an athlete and acting was the secondary option for me. I was ashamed of venturing into acting.'
Ujjwal refuses to comment on the 'saas-bahu' - sagas, which dominate the Indian small screen.
'I will not say that the saas-bahu saga has muddled up things but, yes, conditions must change. A revolution has come in films. The audience has grown smarter and they want believable and real things. In the next five years, a change will come in the television industry as well.'
http://www.rxpgnews.com/entertainment/TV-actor-Ujjwal-upset- with-talent-hunt-organisers_18323.shtml
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Harsh Chaya's Hollywood Calling! | ||
By Our Correspondent 2007 Bollyvista.com | ||
When contacted, this is what the man had to say, "I'd rather do some good work for our Indian industry here than do a measly role in an English movie with a top star." Quiet a modest fellow, especially considering that he didn't talk about it for so long!! | ||
http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/32/7420/ |
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'Creativity can't be treated like instant coffee': Harsh Chhaya
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Harsh Chhaya has been around for 15 years, doing landmark shows (Tara, Swabhimaan, Hassaratein, Astitiva), always picking roles that leave a lasting impression, yet he's devoid of the fame he rightly deserves. He's currently busy with Star's Thoda Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman and Sahara One's Ghar Ek Sapna, the association with the latter being dicey.
News has floated that he wants to part ways with this Ajai Sinha show. It was recently reported that Harsh was giving the production department a tough time due to his constant interference.
Prashant Golecha confronts the actor, who swears by the three Ps - professionalism, perfection and practicality. Here's his candid take straight-from-the-shoulder.
Q. Are you quitting Sahara One's Ghar Ek Sapna?
A. As of now I intend to quit. I want the channel and the production house to stand by me and negate the statement which has been printed in a tabloid. I have been patiently waiting since three weeks for them to show me in the true light.. As of now I am shooting as I am a professional actor.
Q. Are you enjoying doing Smriti Irani's Thoda Si Zameen….?
A. I like essaying the negative character, Dushyant. New producers like Smriti are breaking from typical saas-bahu mould, which is good.
Q. So you don't see yourself working with Balaji ever?
A. That isn't the case. We have been discussing many a projects for a long time but nothing concrete. In fact I have done a cameo in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki.
Q. What kind of roles are you longing for? Your criteria for selection?
A. I see myself doing good roles in films that interest me. Now-a-days a lot of small budget movies are being made which has scope for professional actors. Talking about the criteria I look for are the idea / concept, my role and of course the production house.
Q. What bugs you the most about today's TV scenario?
A. The industry has changed for the worse. Creativity can't be treated like instant coffee. Efforts and time aren't being given to get the creative juice flowing. Everything is TRP driven. Directors now-a-days have been reduced to a liaison officer between channel and the production house. The only requisite are those twenty pages needs to be shot in one day, no matter what. Knowingly anything goes to meet the deadline of daily soaps.
Q. "The industry has changed for the worse"
A. It is becoming difficult for established TV actors to get work. Comment.
It's difficult to get work if you are very particular about what you want to do. I will take up roles only if I relate to it. Then you can fairly be unemployed like me.
Q. Films, theatre or television?
A. Theatre is great fun. I am doing Kacche Lamhe based on short story written by Gulzar. It is my kind of work and is not at all like a boring art piece. I'm doing television because of the money element, the range of work oscillates between mediocre to bad and sometimes worse. Films have that added glam factor which is good for a professional actor.