\|/ :: Devon Ke Dev Mahadev- Article Archive :: \|/ - Page 80

Mumbai: Though Mohit Raina, whose stint as Lord Shiva has ended, says it is time for him "reinvent" and adds that he is not looking at any mythological show but he will make sure his new roles befit the dignity of Mahadev's character.

Excerpts:

Devon Ke Dev Mahadev' is over. What is the first thing you intend to do now?

A: Visit my hometown in Kashmir. I haven't been there for five years. I'll spend some time there and then have a family vacation.

Not having to constantly live up to the image of a super god, does it not give you a feeling of liberation?

It does! Oh yes, it does. I feel relaxed and happy, Being the face of the show was a huge responsibility. But whatever responsibility I was given I fulfilled to the best of my abilities. Today, when people come to me and say I've touched their lives and that their perspective and vision on life has changed, it feels good. In comparison with their happiness, my discomfort seems negligible. The show has changed lives. I am happy about that. But I am also relieved.

What was the atmosphere like on the sets during the closing weeks?

A: Everyone was mentally prepared for the end. I am not the only one who is proud to be associated with the show. Each and every person, even those doing the smallest of jobs, proudly declared they worked for the "Mahadev" series.

You became the brand ambassador for Lord Shiva?

Yes I did. I took Mahadev's message across the world. The experience has made me a better human being. I now value life more. I understand the cycle of nature...Everything in life is connected. Every person is equal. All the things that I've learnt while playing Mahadev will really be beneficial to my life. This wasn't just a serial for me. It was a learning experience. I hope the people's love and respect for me remains even when they stop thinking of me as Mahadev.

Unless you suddenly go wild and start dancing on bar counters?

I don't see the possibility of that happening. I've never done it. Why would I do it now? I see myself as having a huge responsibility. For me, the art is important.

What next?

I don't know. But whatever I do, I'll maintain the dignity of my part as Mahadev. I don't know what lies in store in future. Whatever I do won't be contradicting what I've done so far. But first, I am taking a break. I need to completely reinvent myself.

So another mythology is ruled out?

Yes, absolutely. There have been rumours regarding this. But no, I am not looking at any mythology.

Any movies?

I am a meeting a lot of filmmakers. They are keen to sign me. I thought they might not be interested. It's every actor's dream to cinema. Again, I have to choose something that befits the dignity of Mahadev's character. So I guess the real struggle begins now.

What about your personal life. Would you finally admit to being in a relationship?

So far I've not focused on a personal life. Now I will.

What do you think of Maha Kumbh', the show that replaces Devon Ke Dev Mahadev'?

I've seen the promos. It looks fantastic. The same people are the brains behind the two shows. I think Maha Kumbh' is a worthy successor to "Devon Ke Dev Mahadev".

Hope to see the fun side of you after the show?

There is that side. But it is buried too deep inside.

Though Mohit Raina, whose stint as Lord Shiva has ended, says it is time for him "reinvent" and adds that he is not looking at any mythological show but he will make sure his new roles befit the dignity of Mahadev's character.

Excerpts:

Q: "Devon Ke Dev Mahadev" is over. What is the first thing you intend to do now?

A: Visit my hometown in Kashmir. I haven't been there for five years. I'll spend some time there and then have a family vacation.

Q: Not having to constantly live up to the image of a super god, does it not give you a feeling of liberation?

A: It does! Oh yes, it does. I feel relaxed and happy, Being the face of the show was a huge responsibility. But whatever responsibility I was given I fulfilled to the best of my abilities. Today, when people come to me and say I've touched their lives and that their perspective and vision on life has changed, it feels good. In comparison with their happiness, my discomfort seems negligible. The show has changed lives. I am happy about that. But I am also relieved.

Q: What was the atmosphere like on the sets during the closing weeks?

A: Everyone was mentally prepared for the end. I am not the only one who is proud to be associated with the show. Each and every person, even those doing the smallest of jobs, proudly declared they worked for the "Mahadev" series.

Q: You became the brand ambassador for Lord Shiva?

A: Yes I did. I took Mahadev's message across the world. The experience has made me a better human being. I now value life more. I understand the cycle of nature...Everything in life is connected. Every person is equal. All the things that I've learnt while playing Mahadev will really be beneficial to my life. This wasn't just a serial for me. It was a learning experience. I hope the people's love and respect for me remains even when they stop thinking of me as Mahadev.

Q: Unless you suddenly go wild and start dancing on bar counters?

A: I don't see the possibility of that happening. I've never done it. Why would I do it now? I see myself as having a huge responsibility. For me, the art is important.

Q: What next?

A: I don't know. But whatever I do, I'll maintain the dignity of my part as Mahadev. I don't know what lies in store in future. Whatever I do won't be contradicting what I've done so far. But first, I am taking a break. I need to completely reinvent myself.

Q: So another mythology is ruled out?

A: Yes, absolutely. There have been rumors regarding this. But no, I am not looking at any mythology.

Q: Any movies?

A: I am a meeting a lot of filmmakers. They are keen to sign me. I thought they might not be interested. It's every actor's dream to cinema. Again, I have to choose something that befits the dignity of Mahadev's character. So I guess the real struggle begins now.

Q: What about your personal life. Would you finally admit to being in a relationship?

A: So far I've not focused on a personal life. Now I will.

Q: You've been constantly linked with your co-star Mouni Roy.

A: Whatever the truth, it will be out in the open soon. I am a very private person.

Q: What do you think of "Maha Kumbh", the show that replaces "Devon Ke Dev Mahadev"?

A: I've seen the promos. It looks fantastic. The same people are the brains behind the two shows. I think "Maha Kumbh" is a worthy successor to "Devon Ke Dev Mahadev".

Q: Hope to see the fun side of you after the show?

A: There is that side. But it is buried too deep inside.

Typical saas-bahu sagas and run-of-the-mill concepts outlived their popularity on the small screen. This was evident from the success of finite series like "Zindagi Gulzar Hai" and "Humsafar" from Pakistan, which not only captivated audiences but also topped the charts.

The year saw megastar Amitabh Bachchan making his debut in fiction space on TV with "Yudh". Co-produced by Amitabh's production company Saraswati Creations and Endemol India, the show was appreciated for its concept but failed to make it big. Many new shows were launched, but hardly any one of them found viewership. It's time for the TV to reinvent and bring new concepts.

Here is the list of the shows that clicked with the audience this year. Out of them some may have gone off air but have definitely left audiences wanting for more.

"Zindagi Gulzar Hai": Coming from across the border, the Pakistani show struck a chord with its zeal and youthful romance between the lead characters - Zaroon Junaid and Kashaf Murtaza - who hate each other but eventually fall in love. A heart-warming story, it highlighted the intricacies of life. The show was instantly appreciated for its realistic approach and finite number of episodes. Aired on Zindagi channel, the show was launched in June and summed up on a happy note in July. Fawad Khan">Fawad Khan, who played the male lead, was also seen making his Bollywood debut with "Khoobsurat".

"Humsafar": Another Pakistani marvel brought to India by Zindagi channel. "Humsafar", which again starred Fawad Khan">Fawad Khan along with Mahira Khan in the lead roles, was about a couple who were forced into marriage. It's not a love story where the eyes meet and the wind blows, but a gradual and slow building-up of emotions. The show was started Oct 14 and concluded Nov 7. Now, Mahira is all set to enter Hindi filmdom with "Raees", a film that stars Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Ye Hai Mohabbatein: The show is a perfect embodiment of Ekta Kapoor's success formula with the right amount of love, drama and comedy. The story of a couple who come together for the sake of a child has been appreciated. With the main plot, the show also highlights intermingling of two cultures - South Indian and Punjabi in a humorous way. The Star Plus show was launched in December 2013.

"Crime Patrol": The crime show has managed to retain its popularity after being launched in 2008. Based on true crime stories, it sees actor Anup Soni, who hosts the show, taking audiences to various parts of the country where the incidents take place. The show is credited with spreading awareness about evil incidents happening in the world and makes people more cautious.

Devon Ke Dev. Mahadev: The mythological serial on Life OK channel managed to give a taste of Lord Shiva's life. The show captured the notion of good wins over evil. The male lead Mohit Raina has also amassed a massive fan following courtesy the show, which was launched in 2008 and went off the air in December this year. Be it his marriage or the 'tandav' dance, the show kept audiences on the edge of the seat with mesmerizing performances.

Maat: The Zindagi channel's show focused on sibling rivalry, where a girl is competing with her own sister. The title is also apt as it means checkmate. The makers portrayed things like materialism and ambitions without overdoing it. The show was launched in July and was wrapped up in August.

Tumhari Paakhi: Based on a novel "Naba Bidhan" by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, the show about child marriage depicts how a girl waits for her prince charming, who moves on in life and settles down with a different woman in a hill station. The sizzling chemistry between the lead pair - Iqbal Khan and Shraddha Arya - was also applauded. The Life OK show was started with a great story but lost the plot mid-way and met an abrupt end in November.

Doli Armaanon Ki: Another show that caught the Indian audiences' attention was "Doli Armaanon Ki", a show that talked about a small town girl and how her dreams about marriage get shattered thanks to her chauvinistic husband. While Neha Marda plays the lead, Mohit Malik is seen as her abusive, short-tempered and unfaithful husband. The show, which went on the air in 2013 December on Zee TV, has managed to remain interesting so far.

Ajeeb Daastaan Hain Ye: The triangular love story launched actress Sonali Bendre in the fiction genre on television. She has hosted shows, but this was her first stint with the soap and the story has so far managed to entertain the audience. With Apoorva Agnihotri and Harsh Chhaya in the male leads, it was touted to be a finite series. This is a different show from Ekta Kapoor who is known for focusing on kitchen politics in her TV shows.

"Aunn Zara": Another show from the neighboring country, which was comical in nature, appealed to the masses. What happens when a guy spoiled by his mother, grandmother and aunts gets married to a tomboy.

Let's see what Romanch has to share with us...

What is adventure according to you?

Adventure according to me is something that I have never done before.

Share your most adventurous day...

I had been to Thailand and enjoyed doing water sports like Scuba Diving, Jet Ski and many more. It was the most adventurous day.

Your favorite adventure?

I love scuba diving.

One thrilling adventure on your wish list?

Sky diving.

Who would you want to take for a thrilling activity from the industry?

I would like to take my friend Gurmeet Choudhary for an adventurous activity .

Aakruti Damani 

Bharat Ka Veer Putra - Maharana Pratap has been enchanting the viewers with all the new tracks that the makers of the show are bringing in. While earlier we had seen Bhatiyani (Aashka Goradia) getting shot and dying in the show, viewers will now see a new entry in the show.

Our source reveals, "Tarun Khanna will be the new entry. He will be seen essaying the role of Zeher Sakaa in the show. According to the story line, Zeher Sakaa is sent by Akbar (Krip Suri) to kill Pratap (Ssharad Malhotra)."

When contacted Tarun Khanna, he answered saying, "My character is not a full fledged one but it is a huge challenge for me. I am doing a historical role for the first time. I took up this character because it is a cameo because I have something else scheduled as well. Another reason why I took up the show is because I love to speak Urdu. I always wanted to essay the character of Pratap post the leap; so with this, I got an opportunity to be a part of the show."

Tarun Khanna has shown a lot of variation when it comes to essaying roles. "Out of all the shows I have done, I loved working for Devon Ke Dev. Mahadev, Rangrasiyaand Neeli Chhatri Wale. Though I have worked only for an episode, but Neeli Chatri Wali has an amazing team. I would love to be a part of that show again. Their direction, writing, everything is just fantastic. Ashwini Dheer is doing a fantastic show."

TellyBuzz wishes Tarun Khanna all the luck for his venture.