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Jyothy Laboratories clarifies on exiting venture with Ekta Kapoor - EquityBulls.com

2009-07-19T05:08:00.001-07:00

Jyothy Laboratories clarifies on exiting venture with Ekta Kapoor - EquityBulls.com

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Australian Olympic team hockey player Kate Hollywood relaxes after training in Perth

2008-08-26T03:59:00.001-07:00

Australian Olympic team hockey player Kate Hollywood relaxes after training in Perth

Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice models Davenport underwear

2008-08-26T03:58:00.001-07:00

Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice models Davenport underwear

Logan Tom, outside hitter for the US women's Olympic volleyball team featured in FHM magazine

2008-08-26T03:57:00.001-07:00

Logan Tom, outside hitter for the US women's Olympic volleyball team featured in FHM magazine

Allison Stokke - Pole Vaulter from USA (she didn't make it to this Olympics - putting her pic for the 2012 London Olympics - She is just too beautiful

2008-08-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

Allison Stokke - Pole Vaulter from USA (she didn't make it to this Olympics - putting her pic for the 2012 London Olympics - She is just too beautiful)

Is Salman is stoping kat to doing films with akki

2008-08-13T04:52:00.000-07:00

Kasamh Se girl is doing good job as Host Roshini Chopra

2008-08-13T04:48:00.001-07:00

Hot host from ekta kapoor's camp Mandira Bedi

2008-08-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

Sexiest Hosts on Television Malaika Arora Khan

2008-08-13T04:44:00.000-07:00

television host lay a hot bod

2008-08-13T04:42:00.000-07:00

Mandira Bedi

Miss India is bold and very beautiful.

2008-08-13T04:41:00.000-07:00

Neha Dhupia

Outrageous Sherlyn hots up everyone

2008-08-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

Sherlyn Chopra

can you believe she is mother of a five-year old.

2008-08-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

Malaika Arora

stunning Mallika Sherawat.

2008-08-13T04:38:00.001-07:00

The sexiest woman in the world!

2008-08-13T02:45:00.000-07:00

Deepika Padukone the splash.

I share a high comfort level with Ekta: Ronit

2008-08-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

He's the original dude of tv who went on to woo the couch potatoes with his macho looks, understated style and charisma as affable Mr Bajaj and Mihir Virani.

Ronit Roy's onscreen chemistry with Shweta Tiwari nee Prerna endeared him some more to his fans. Then rumours of their estrangement started. But now, grapevine has it that the two estranged friends have patched up after seven years of cold war. NT speaks to Ronit to check out the latest on this front.

The moment you ask him to give the details of his patch up with Shweta, he says, "These rumours are amazing! It is true that Shweta and I had a small friction when she punched me in the stomach because I had smeared a lot of gulal on her face for a Holi scene. When you are working with somebody for years, the ups and downs certainly happen. But, despite that we have always bonded well, exchanged smiles and shared jokes with each other. Shweta has gone through a lot in life, and everyone has their off days. I understand and respect that."

Did Shweta share her marital problems with Ronit, especially when she was allegedly being harassed by her husband Raja Tiwari? To this Ronit says, "There were times when she did share some of her problems. There were also times when she withdrew in a shell, and we left her alone to sort out the issues within. But, I am glad that she has left that extra baggage behind and is more relaxed these days. Both of us are together in a reality show as judges and the friendship is there for all to see."

With his acting acumen and screen aura, does he plan to look beyond Ekta Kapoor's serials? To this Ronit says, "I share a high comfort level with Ekta because I know her inside-out. She's very concerned about her actors and their welfare, hence, it is only natural for her to be so possessive about them. It's a give-and-take process after all. Sometime back she and I also had a minor spat and then she sent me an SMS saying that over the years we have come to know of each other's strengths and weaknesses and let's remain friends always. Naturally, I have a fine equation with her."

When other television actors like Rajeev Khandelwal have veered into Bollywood, does he also plan to tread this path again? "I started my career from films, but television is like my mother. It has given me name, fame and individuality. So, I am not losing any sleep over films. In the past couple of months, I have read more than 35 scripts, but only one script has excited me enough. Let it mature in my mind and you will soon hear something on this front."

Refurbished and redressed ***** 5 stars

2008-08-05T00:16:00.001-07:00

What’s it about?The Balaji factory has dished out another product, having the same prototype as any other Ekta Kapoor family drama prefixed with a K. Based on one of our most colourful and complex epics, The Mahabharata, this one is in true Kapoor style, melodramatic. The series kick-started with the vastraharan scene and then went on to introduce the main characters starring in the epic.

Who’s in it?This serial is a typical case of multiple identities. Switch on your TV sets and you will be pleasantly surprised or shocked to see the Agarwal, Virani and the Basu families all thrown into Hastinapur. All the characters, right from Bheeshma to Kansa look like those from Greek mythology, thanks to their costume designers who are heavily inspired by the Age of Mythology, perhaps. The key characters include Ronit Roy as Bheeshma, Saakshi Tanwar as Ganga, Hiten Tejwani as Karan, Akashdeep Saigal as Kansa, Chetan Hansraj as Bheem and Aryan Vaid as Duryodhan.

What’s hot?Kapoor’s popularity has given the serial much needed hype and publicity which are just about enough to enhance TRPs during the initial weeks. Familiar faces with perfectly toned bodies and a golden tan gives this epic serial a new improved macho look. The sets created are a refreshing change from the typical ones which look really made up. The

Leh-Ladakh landscape adds a touch of originality to the sets. The VFX and the background score add to the effect. The war scenes are executed well with special effects put to good use.

Mr Bajaj and Prerna are friends again

2008-08-05T00:14:00.001-07:00

Ronit Roy and Shweta Tiwari have kissed and made up.

Recently, their friendship was renewed on the sets of the show Aajaa Mahi Vay . Ronit and Shweta had stopped talking to each other while shooting for Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagi Kay, in which they played Mr Bajaj and Prerna respectively.

When Kasautii... began, Ronit and Shweta shared warm vibes. However, later they had a spat on the sets while shooting for a Holi scene in Kasauti i... as Ronit smeared Shweta with colour without her permission. Not one to take these things lightly, Shweta was quite miffed with Ronit. They had a heated exchange of words.

“But the cold war is now over. Nowadays, Ronit goes out of his way to care for her. If she is late to report at the sets, Ronit keeps asking about her,” says a source from the sets of Aajaa Mahi Vay .

Our source adds, “Ronit seems to be making the most of this opportunity to set things right with Shweta once again. Of late, Ronit has been very affectionate towards Shweta. Recently, Shweta was finding it difficult to get off the stage and Ronit helped her get off the stage (see pic).

When contacted, Ronit confirmed that things are now fine between Shweta and him. “We had some problems but we have put it behind us. Shweta has undergone a lot in her life. I too have grown up,” he said.

When asked what prompted him to help Shweta off the stage when she was struggling to get down, Ronit said, “Any gentleman in my place would have done the same thing.”

How is she as a sister?

2008-08-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

Tusshar Kapoor gets chatty about Ekta's role in his life, his upcoming film C Kkompany and his ambitions

C Kkompany is your third film with your sister Ekta Kapoor's company. Is she the interfering producer she is made out to be?
Ekta may be interfering when it comes to her serials, but believe me Ekta does not even know the story of C Kkompany and she did not come on the sets even once! She left the creative side to Sachin Yardi, the director, and the production part to me.

How is she as a sister?
She's extremely emotional! In fact I am the practical one. Contrary to what people think it is I who boss over her. If I tell her I don't like a person and she should stay away from him, she listens to me.

But there were reports about you and Ekta having a tiff on the publicity designs of the film.
Like I said, she does not even know the story of C Kkompany, but wanted a change in the publicity posters. And when I explained why I wanted a particular design she relented ! Such discussions are normal during the making of any film!

What's your role in C Kkompany?
The film is a comedy revolving around Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav and me. We play three losers who live in the same neighborhood and have almost given up on life. We are very helpful to the neighbours and because of our magnanimity one day we are elevated to heroes. We even represent our colony in Parliament.

How do you choose your films?
I hear the narration and if I like a script I try and get to know the people I'll be working with. I generally go with my gut feeling. If it is Ekta's film I say yes straightaway, like I did Kya Kool Hai Hum. No other actor was willing to do the film! But there's no preference for any genre as such, for solo starrers as multi-starrers have benefitted me more than solo films.

Are you involved with Ekta's serials in any way?
No! She gets angry because I don't even watch them! I like to watch American serials while my parents watch other stuff.

Do you plan to turn producer or director in the near future?
I am more likely to become producer, that too with Balaji Films only. I am very curious about all aspects of production and I involve myself in each when I work in my home productions. And also I can produce and act but I cannot direct and act!

Are you interested in doing television?
Television is an excellent medium to promote films, but I definitely don't want to act in serials! I would love to host a show though, as I am a talkative person and my Hindi is good!

You started off as a romantic hero with Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, but now you are very comfortable in action and comedy as well.
It is always exciting to do something outside your comfort zone. I liked myself as the gangster in Shootout At Lokhandwala and Golmaal is my favourite film. It was hilarious without any double meaning.

How do you look back at your releases?
There has been a mixed response. My last film One Two Three received mixed reactions, Dhol was an average hit while Aggar was a disaster, and Good Boy Bad Boy was a flop. I liked the script of One Two Three but I think the double meaning dialogues did not go well with the audiences.

What do you look forward?
After C Kkompany, I want to see the response to Rohit Shetty's Golmaal Returns in which I play a dumb hairdresser. Neeraj Vora's Run Bhola Run with Govinda is another laugh-riot while in Abbas-Mustan's Life Partner I play a Gujarati guy.

Sanjay teams up with Ekta & Suniel

2008-08-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

Titled, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, it’s meant to be the ultimate comprehensive look at the city’s underworld. Sanjay and his director Milan Luthria will take audiences through a whole decade of gangsterism in the 1980s.

Producer Suniel Shetty says, “Initially, we wanted to focus on one aspect of crime and smuggling in the 1980s. Now we’re taking into account the whole era and ethos leading up to terrorism in current times.”

Sanjay has played a gangster in many films including, Vaastav and Plan, apart from funny ones like David Dhawan’s Hum Kissise Kam Nahin and Raju Hirani’s Munnabhai series.

Sanjay Dutt shoots a promotional video for C Kkompany

2008-08-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

Sanjay's voice is pretty unconventional for playback singing but the uniqueness of his voice has always attracted music composers. Sanjay Dutt has recorded a song for Balaji Motion Pictures' forthcoming film C Kkompany. It is the title track of the film.

The song is written and composed by Anand Raaj Anand and Sanjay also features in the video of this title track choreographed by Bosco - Caesar. While recording the song in the Studio, Sanjay looked very much in an ecstatic mood, got engaged in conversations with director Sachin Yardi, music director Anand Raaj Anand, Dharam Uberoi and Ramesh Sippy and also took out some time for the shutterbugs and media. Talking about the song, Dutt says, “I will be introducing the characters of the film C KKompany through this song and I am doing this song on the request of my friend Ramesh Sippy, CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures Ltd.”

“It has been a wonderful experience being associated with Balaji Motion Pictures in the past with Shootout. I really liked the concept of the film C Kkompany and the way they incorporated me to introduce the 3 protagonists in the title song. I enjoyed the song when I heard it and also since it was proposed by Mr. Ramesh Sippy who is like family, I immediately agreed to do it. This is just the beginning of our long association”, quips Sanjay Dutt.

C Kkompany stars Tusshar Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav and Raima Sen. The film has been produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. It will be releasing on 22nd August 2008

I used ‘cheerharan’ to grab viewer attention: Ekta Kapoor

2008-07-30T00:32:00.000-07:00

Ekta Kapoor, whose “Kahani Hamare Mahabharat Ki” went on air early this month, tampered with the structure of the Hindu epic and began the series with “cheerharan” to grab viewer attention. She started the series, that premiered on 9X channel July 7, with “cheerharan” or the episode in which the Kaurava brothers try to strip princess Draupadi.

“I decided to do my own take and take on the criticism from the very first episode. I used the cheerharan like a prelude to grab viewers’ attention. People are shocked by our beginning,” Ekta told IANS in an interview.

Ekta says this is her most ambitious project.

“I’ve been ready for the raised eyebrows. Every change in the original ‘Mahabharat’ has been done in close consultation with me. I don’t want this to be just another one of my soaps that comes and goes. Twenty years from now I want someone to call up another producer and say, ‘Dude you just made the new version of Ekta’s ‘Mahabharat’.’

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Your Mahabharat is finally on air?

A: I wanted to see everyone’s expressions. And the response has been a relief. Frankly, when I saw the first episode I liked what I saw.

Q: But Mukesh Khanna seems to hate it.

A: (Laughs) I know some people hated it. I was prepared for it. On Tuesday Mukesh Khanna went on television to blast our ’sets’ for ‘Mahabharat’. He didn’t realise we shot on location at the Aamer fort in Jaipur. He said, “It is not at all an authentic set.” My response, “It is real location, sir.” We shot the first two episodes at the Aamer fort. It took me seven days.

Q: How was it shooting at Aamer fort?

A: I love the Aamer fort. The response I got was overwhelming. I did it without caring about the results. I’ve made the “Mahabharat” for a new generation. I don’t care what the traditionalists think. For the first time critics liked what I’ve done. But with the joy came the sadness. I lost my most trusted director Gary Bhinder.

Q: That came as a blow?

A: Yes. His death really hurt me. Just the other day June 15, I was explaining the scene to Gary and I promised him we’d hug each other on the day the first episode of the “Mahabharat” was released. Today, he isn’t there. It makes you wonder what is life about.

Q: How much of a difference will his departure make to the “Mahabharat”?

A: Gary and I knew each other so well - we had interconnected minds. We knew exactly where to take the “Mahabharat”. But we’ve a fantastic team. I don’t think the serial will be affected half as much as I am. At any given time we’ve four different directors working on four different units of “Mahabharat”.

There’s a creative head supervising each and every episode. We’ve canned only nine episodes in three months. Each episode takes 11 days as compared to an average episode of my other soaps, which takes one-and-a-half-days.

Q: How will you cope with the deadlines?

A: I’ll increase the number of units. But I won’t compromise on quality. I’m loving the feedback I’m getting.

Q: You’ve tampered with the structure of the “Mahabharat”. You started your narration with the cheer-haran episode?

Q: Yes! I decided to do my own take and take on the criticism from the very first episode. I used the cheer-haran like a prelude to grab viewers’ attention. And people are shocked by our beginning.

This is my most ambitious project and I’ve been ready for the raised eyebrows. Every change in the original “Mahabharat” has been done in close consultation with me. I don’t want this to be just another one of my soaps that comes and goes. Twenty years from now I want someone to call up another producer and say, “Dude you just made the new version of Ekta’s ‘Mahabharat’.

Q: Are you setting aside your other soaps for “Mahabharat”?

A: Not at all! I’m doing everything I was doing earlier. But yes, I’m a little more enthusiastic about this project.

Q: Are you marketing your “Mahabharat” on DVD?

A: Of course, we’re already getting eye-popping offers for DVD deals…

Q: Is it true Mukesh Khanna was offered Shantanu’s role while he wanted to play Bhishm Pitamah again?

A: No comments.

Q: Why have you cast all the regular Balaji artistes in “Mahabharat”?

A: Oh, there’re lots of new faces. All the gods and goddesses are going to be completely non-Balaji artistes. How can audiences accept actors they’ve been seeing for years and months as deities?

Q: What about your reality show “Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket”?

A: Very honestly, the “Mahabharat” came a day after the reality show. I’ve been too taken up with the Mahabharat to bother with anything else.

Ayush Maheshwari to host Big Indian Show on 9X

2008-07-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

After launching two reality shows in quick succession, Ekta Kapoor' Balaji Telefilms is gearing up for another one - Big Indian Show on 9X.

The format isn't clear. The show's host, Ayush Maheshwari, retorts, "Does life have a format?" Ayush, originally from Kolkata, has been in the US for a few years. As a boy, he was complexed about his looks. He hated football and liked playing with dolls. Ayush had sexual orientation problems too.

"My mum, dad and brother are very successful but I was labeled a loser," he remembers. In an attempt to make his own space, Ayush decided to cut a remix album. At 12, he arrived in Mumbai and recorded one.. there were no takers for it. "It was a horrible album," he laughs.

Ayush returned home. He flunked mathematics in class 12. After a few years, he left for the US. At 23, he was the youngest director of a Fortune 200 company.

The Big Indian Show, Ayush explains, has been named after him. His American friends would mockingly call him Big Indian because they felt he was too much of a hulk to be an Indian.

The show, loosely based on The Oprah Winfrey Show, will be shot on location and in the studio. Ayush will meet people from all walks of life, fulfill their dreams, listen to their success and failure stories et al.

When does the show start? "That is an amazing question," guffaws Ayush. "I don't know myself. Maybe two months down the line? Just in time for my 31st birthday ."

Male actors sweat it out for Ekta’s ‘Mahabharat’

2008-07-30T00:28:00.000-07:00

The actors in Ekta Kapoor’s epic soap “Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki” say they had to hit the gym regularly and work out hard to suit their macho roles in the period drama. Actor Ronit Roy, who plays Bhishma Pitamah in the new, technologically enhanced version of Hindu epic “Mahabharat” claims no actor has been working harder than him to get into shape.

“I started with training for three hours a day and now I work out for about two hours every day,” Ronit told IANS over phone from Mumbai. “I have worked extremely hard on my physique, in fact no body has worked harder than me.”

Chetan Hansraj, known for his well-toned, tall and broad body frame, plays the role of Bheem, considered the most powerful of the Pandavas. Even he vouches that Ronit worked really hard on his body.

Chetan also followed a strict training and diet regime.

“It took me almost four months of training and nutritional control to get into shape for the role.

“I have also been on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. I had to stop my intake of cheese and rice and my diet mainly constituted of chicken with other supplements.”

Although he isn’t much of a workout person, Chetan, who played the negative role of Sasha in “Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki”, had to drag himself to the gym.

“It has been very difficult for me because basically I’m a very lazy person,” he confessed.

Compared to other members of the team, model-turned-actor Aryan Vaid, who essays the role of Duryodhan, says he didn’t have to work too hard.

“I haven’t put in any special efforts in terms of physique, neither did I change my diet. I think I was already in good shape and I guess that’s the reason why the producers cast me,” he said.

Aryan stressed that working out has become a daily habit for him now.

“I generally work out for one-and-a-half hours a day and I have been working out for the past 16 years. I really haven’t done anything for ‘Mahabharat’,” he said.

Actor Harshad Chopra, who is also a fitness freak like Aryan, plays Arjun in the mega serial.

“I have always been a fitness freak. I work out regularly so my workouts have been more or less the same,” he maintained. Harshad said bagging the role of Arjun just motivated him to continue his workouts.

“This is like a new motivation for me to keep fit. I knew that I would have to appear semi-nude on screen for the role so I had to look good,” he said.

“Kahaani Hamaare Mahaabhaarat Ki” is one of Ekta’s most expensive and lavishly produced shows on television with spectacular sets and designer costumes. It has an array of popular TV stars including actresses Sakshi Tanwar and Anita Hanssanandani.

Ekta's Krishna is born

2008-07-30T00:27:00.001-07:00

After making a number of daily soaps, Ekta Kapoor ventured into a new territory and set out to make Mahabharat once again.

Her show Kahaani Hamaarey Mahabharat Ki on 9X has raked in high TRPs and the telly czarina is more than happy with the way the magnum opus has shaped up, she tells BT...

Sanjay Dutt teams up with Ekta, Suniel for gangster film

2008-07-30T00:26:00.001-07:00

Sanjay Dutt, who celebrates his 49th birthday Tuesday, is all set to play a gangster once more - this time in a joint production by Ekta Kapoor and Suniel Shetty.

Titled Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, its meant to be the ultimate comprehensive look at the citys underworld.

Through the venture by Ektas Balaji Telefilms and Suniels Popcorn Entertainment, Sanjay and his director Milan Luthria will take audiences through a whole decade of gangsterism in the 1980s.

Producer Suniel Shetty said: Initially, we wanted to focus on one aspect of crime and smuggling in the 1980s. Now were taking into account the whole era and ethos leading up to terrorism and international terrorism in current times.

Sanjay has played a gangster in many films including Vaastav and Plan, apart from funny ones like David Dhawans Hum Kissise Kam Nahin and Raju Hiranis Munnabhai series. So why one more?

Said Suniel: Because Baba (as he is fondly called by friends) really suits the role. And both Ekta and I want him to be part of the film. Basically, wed like Baba to do as many films for us as possible. Hes in our film Gen Next also. This is the one where the winners of Ektas reality show Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket will co-star with Baba.

Earlier, the plan was to only feature one female and male winner in the film with Dutt. But now Suniel feels the doors should be open to more talent.

Baba feels there can never be too much fresh talent. And Ektas show goes on for five years. So there will be a lot more fresh talent coming out of the show and into Balaji and Popcorn films.

Suniel doesnt want to act in films that he produces. It becomes too messy. Theres too much looking over the shoulder. Too much anxiety about whats happening behind the scenes.

Suniel, however, did make an appearance in Mission Istanbul.

But its only a bit role. I made sure Im not featured in the publicity. Right now Im busy as an actor in other peoples productions.

The actor-producer is now shooting for his first intense love story since Dharmesh Darshans Dhadkan.

Its a really mature love story directed by Kabir Sadanand called Tum Milo To Sahi and Im cast opposite Vidya Malavade.

C KKOMPANY is releasing this August: Tushar Kapoor

2008-07-30T00:25:00.000-07:00

22nd August is turning out to be one hot Friday!!

With 8th August seeing the release of SINGH IS KINNG, 15th August boasting of twin biggies in the form of BACHNA AE HASEENO and GOD TUSSI GREAT HO and the month of September expected to be dull for the box office due to the ’shraddh’ period, 22nd August and to an extent 29th August are the only viable dates for the number of other films which are lined up for release.

Last one heard, Tusshar Kapoor starrer C KKOMPANY and UTV production MUMBAI MERI JAAN (Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Madhavan, Paresh Rawal) are already confirmed to arrive on 22nd August. Moreover, even MAAN GAYE MUGHAL-E-AZAM (Rahul Bose, Mallika Sherawat, Paresh Rawal, Kay Kay Menon) and CHAMKU (Bobby Deol, Irrfan Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Danny Denzongpa) are eyeing the same day release.

Tusshar disgusted by spoof on Ekta

2008-07-30T00:24:00.001-07:00

Actress Rakhi Vijyan who played the airheaded Sweety in Ekta Kapoor's long-running sitcom Hum Paanch, didn't quite leave Balajee in a flurry of glory.

The bitterness of the parting shows up now in a savage spoof on the tv tycoon in this week's comedy Money Hai To Honey Hai.

Ekta's protective brother Tusshar is surprised to see the satire on his sis surface on celluloid.

"When I first heard about my sister being satirized in Money Hai To Honey Hai I asked the producers how they'd feel if we did something similar to one of them in of our Balajee films.

They assured us they'd remove the scenes featuring the spoof on my sister. Now I'm told those scenes are still there. This film is going to come and go without creating any impact. Why give it any importance?

People love to pull you down when you're an icon, like Ekta. What they've done is not right. But then this industry has all kinds of people. I don't want to degrade my sister by over-reacting to this.

But I wonder if this film's director (Ganesh Acharya) would dare do this with a Shah Rukh, Aamir or Akshay Kumar? Obviously not. Because as a director he wants to work with the big stars, not antagonize them."

Tusshar says there's a difference between a homage and a spoof. "In our production C Kcompany I'm named Akshay Kumar.

I'm an ordinary Mumbai middleclass guy a crime reporter who acquires a macho heroic image through his name. My name is so much in contrast to my character. We're actually paying a homage to Akshay."

According to a source very close to the Kapoors, when Ekta heard about the sppofing in Money Hai To Honey Hai she asked Rakhi about it. When the actress admitted she was indeed playing a character like Ekta, the volatile tv tycoon slammed the phone down on Rakhi.

"What can I say?" laughs Ekta. "I'm flattered to have moved from being a humanbeing to mythology. When we heard about this my brother was more upset than I was."

This isn't the first time that Ekta is being put on screen. In a recent film Gulshan Grover had played a tv tycoon inspired by Ekta….supersititious, arrogant, imperious, etc.

"Is that how I'm being perceived by these people? Well…let me tell these filmmakers I've already spoken to my lawyers. Let them put me on screen in a positive way I don't mind. But if I'm attacked for my religious beliefs or my work ethics I'll sue the hell out of these clever filmmakers."

Ask producer Kumar Mangat about the spoofing, and he brushes it off. "We didn't even have Ekta Kapoor in mind when we did the character…No, Tusshar didn't speak to me directly. But he did send me a message through someone. I told him to see the film and decide. I don't think the character is offensive.

Karan's relationship with Ekta

2008-07-30T00:22:00.001-07:00

Everyone is aware of the kind of dostana Karan Johar and soap queen Ekta Kapoor share. The other thing the duo is known for is r love 'K' factor as their each and every project starts with this magical alphabet. But after seeing Ekta giving up the 'K' factor with her upcoming release C Kkompany, it seems Karan too has been inspired to experiment without this alphabet.

Karan's first attempt to do away with the 'K' was when he wrote the story of My Name is Khan, although we do see that he still retains the alphabet, albeit in the middle. Dostana would be his first attempt to do away with it completely. The film will star Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Bobby Deol and Priyanka Chopra and is going to be directed by Tarun Mansukhani, who had earlier directed animation for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

`Jaane Tu...` a hit, Aamir busy with `Ghajini`

2008-07-26T05:19:00.000-07:00

perfectionist that he is, Aamir Khan does not like to sit idle - unless it is Shahrukh licking at his feet!

The actor was busy promoting his nephew’s debut and his production 'Jaane Tu…' and he has seen to it that no body missed it. He is now looking forward to completing - the now legendary!- Ghajini.

"Aamir has recovered from his injury. About three days of shooting for Ghajini is left and it was stuck up due to rains…it will be shortly resumed," Aamir’s representative told Spicezee.com.

Aamir was also busy attending Katrina’s birthday party to which he was invited by Salman Khan. Did he make peace between the warring Salman and Shah Rukh Khan? "Has Aamir ever talked about his own controversies that he will spill the beans on this one?", the rep asks candidly. No, I answer sheepishly. Its an internal matter, rep adds. So at least there is no complete denial to the show down and Aamir acting the good mediator.

And what's up after 'Ghajini'? As an actor, he will start shooting for Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots, based on Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller Five Point Someone. The flick stars Kareena, Sharman Joshi and Madhavan in the lead cast.

Aamir’s next production is Delhi Belly, which is in pre-production stage and will be shot keeping an international audience in mind.

Finally, did the happy mamu jaan gift a BMW to Imran? "Its just media speculation…we haven’t seen any BMW. Moreover Imran is away shooting for Luck" Oops, the prying eyes were wrong again, I guess. May be it was a Merc afterall!

Kahani Manish Malhotra ke Mahabharat ki...!

2008-07-24T05:28:00.002-07:00

The earlier Mahabharat made by BR Chopra had an insightful dialogue (amongst many) between the epic’s writer-narrator Maharshi Ved Vyas and princess Gandhari just before her marriage to king Dhritarashtra. On hearing about her decision to blindfold herself to identify with her husband’s disability, contrary to the other gasping wows and praises, he actually admonishes her mildly, stating, “Dhritarashtra to janam se andha tha, ab tum ne bhi apni ankhon par patti bandh li… Mujhe to ab sab kuch andhera hi andhera nazar aa raha hai…’
The essence of that observation (and my reference) is that sage Vyas had already foreseen the events leading to the battle of Mahabharat. And yet, he forever maintained a detached connect with the goings on in the lives of the kings and princes of the Chandra Vansh (the dynasty of the Pandavas and Kauravas) as an unpopular, but often heeded elderly voice of sanity sans emotions, behooving a sage of his stature. Ekta Kapoor’s Mahabharat (with all the extra A’s) begins with a bellowing and walloping (thankfully he wasn’t beating his chest) Vyas (Makrand Deshpande) off the battlefield of Kurukshetra regretting the war’s futility and complaining to Lord Brahma about its destruction, in complete contrast to the nature and personality of the learned sage.
If that wasn’t enough, the take off episode also had a screeching, inaudible Draupadi (the show’s weakest acting link revealed so far) in the ‘infamous’ Vastraharan scene with Dushashan (grimacing like one of the rapist sidekicks of a B Grade Hindi film villain) unleashed to ample shock effect with the mandatory zip-zap-zoom effects and an ear splitting background chorus chanting stuff in little tandem with the onscreen happenings, a la any of the other primetime soaps from the ‘K’ factory.
To be honest and irrespective of the pre-launch doubters on Kapoor’s ability to pull off a multi-layered story of such magnitude and spiritual depth, I had actually approached the show with hope and a promise of something new. After all, the country’s leading television production house was attempting a retell of the world’s longest epic with a tested and popular cast to boot. The show could have become Balaji Telefilms’ showcase for the next creative big leap in television programming, especially in the tackling of the mythological genre. Alas, it has ended up being just another costume drama with all the narrative shortcomings and sensibilities of the production house’s melodramatic saas-bahu sagas.
Ramayan and Mahabharat are not just two great stories anyone can tell. Every character in these epics lives his life on almost two different levels of existence - the human and the divine. Kapoor and her creative heads have managed to tap the human element of these characters, only partially. The divine connect that comes from a thorough understanding of the epics is sorely missing in the conduct and carriage of all the characters unveiled so far. Or else sage Vyas wouldn’t have been shown lamenting on the Kurukshetra battlefield or Bheeshma prancing around in black robes (there’s a reason behind the son of Ganga’s signature donning of the white) fighting pre-historic monsters in a scene that seemed a straight lift from the establishing shots of the Greek war film 300.
And, while on the Greek influence, even if one gives allowance to arguments by the show’s makers that there is no concrete proof of kings and princes wearing crowns in the Mahabharat era, one wonders the source of their ‘new’ research that has them don the cast in outfits akin to Hollywood biopics on ancient Rome. Ronit Roy’s Bheeshma even looks like a Julius Caesar straight out of a Shakespearean play.
But even if one allows Balaji Telefilms’ the sartorial and occasional narrative licence to digress, (after all both the great Indian epics have been variously interpreted and re-written down the ages as per the sensibilities and cultural influences of the-then writers), the production house’s limiting of its take’s uniqueness to scouting actors with six-pack-abs and dressing mythical Indian heroes in Greco-Roman costumes only, smacks of a creative laziness bordering on convenient cosmetic shocks.
Ironically, those very ‘contestable’ outfits actually stand out so strongly as the show’s lone differential vis-à-vis the myriad televised takes on the Mahabharat - Draupadi, Mritunjay and Sanjay Khan’s Mahabharat - since the success of the Chopra saga that it wouldn’t be odd to call it Kahani Manish Malhotra Ke Mahabharat Ki.
As regards the acting, apart from Hasanandani’s disappointingly loud Draupadi act and the young Bheeshma’s expressionless monologues, the actors unveiled so far seem to be doing justice to their briefs - especially Ronit Roy (effective as Bheeshma), Ravee Gupta (convincing as Satyawati) and Aryan Vaid (surprisingly restrained and confident as Duryodhan).
Verdict
If you view the show as one more costume fantasy for kids like Aladdin, Raajkumar Aryan, Arslaan or Dharam Veer with some impressive special effects, it will engage and entertain too; but if you are seeking the depth and spiritual connect of the epic, Kapoor’s interpretation will disappoint in its all body-no soul approach. Old wine, old bottle
Wednesday, 7:00 pm, Zoom
Here comes one more documentary biopic chronicling the prodigal success story of Bollywood super star Shah Rukh Khan. Khan’s accessibility, media savvy attitude and a predominantly open book approach to his life and times have spun forth many a biography (which the show liberally quotes and sources pictures from) and documentaries by Indian and foreign (NRI) filmmakers in the recent past.
So does this latest documented take present anything we haven’t seen before? Not exactly, though it uses the ‘King Khan’ success story to make quite a few researched observations on the rapidly changing Indian film industry scene. Beyond that, it opts for the predictable route of interviews with Khan’s friends, childhood neighbours and film fraternity colleagues, apart from showcasing photographs and film-situation inserts to dramatise the momentous events in his life. While some photos seem unnecessarily repetitive (like the frowning couple shot of Khan’s in-laws), the filmy scenes often end up being unintentionally funny like the juxtaposition of the shot of a sword-wielding Khan in Ashoka, as the voice over talks about his winning the St. Columbus School Sword for being its best student.
Given the access of the commissioning channel Zoom to the celebrity and stars set, one expected more candid takes from the actor himself, (surprisingly lacking) and a researched questionnaire (many of the other actor interviews seem to be dated inserts recorded off a party or public event). Also, the narrative could do with a slight toning of its almost eulogizing, fan like track. However, one does get to see some rare and interesting pictures like one of boy Shah Rukh dressed as Hanuman in a local Ram Leela.
Fans are also treated to a lot of trivia like how Khan first introduced himself by the name of Abhimanyu to his girl friend and future wife Gauri’s Hindu parents or the fact that he simultaneously captained the cricket, hockey and football teams of his school. Indeed, a born multi-tasker!

'I had no apprehensions whatsoever playing Ganga' - Sakshi Tanwar

2008-07-24T05:28:00.001-07:00

How interesting was it to play Ganga, since it’s a very brief though important role?
Ganga was indeed a very interesting role to play for two reasons. First the length of the role was not much so whatever I had to do was in the three-four scenes that I had. Second, Ganga was all about the aura and mystique of the river Goddess in the human form. So in a way it was a challenge to get the right combination and I hope I have lived up to it. Though short it was an experience I will always cherish.

Did you have a choice to play any other character? If yes, which one and why did you not accept that?
That's not important anymore… what matters now is that I played Ganga.

Were you skeptical before accepting the role considering it's an epic you guys are dealing with and so any goof-ups may not go down well with our viewers?
Long ago, Ekta had offered me a role to do, which I was not sure I wanted to do. It was Parvati and the rest, as they say, is history. This time, I had no apprehensions whatsoever for I knew that if Ekta was convinced that I could play Ganga then she would be right. I went by her conviction. My job as a performer is to do my role with 100% honesty and dedication. The canvas here was huge, the sets, the costumes, the treatment of scenes… the entire feel was so mesmerizing.

Can you describe Manish Malhotra's costumes? Did you two discuss the costumes or did you just go along with his designs?
To me, Manish Malhotra is synonymous with magic. He created magic for me as Janki in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and yet again as Ganga. Manish and Ekta decided on the look
and it was one of the looks that got approved at the first go itself. The costumes added the much-needed ethereal touch to the character.

Reportedly, both Anita Hassandani and Chetan Hansraj had problems with Manish’s clothes. Did you too have any reservations about them?
I just let myself be led by Manish for I have implicit trust that he will do wonders with me.

What are your memories of B R Chopra’s Mahabharat?
I was very young when the earlier Mahabharat had come. It was a magnum opus. I was a big fan of the show and watched it religiously.

Pray why were you shooting at Laddakh for Mahabharat? Are the initial portions shot there? You developed some health problems, right? What happened?
Laddakh has the most amazing beauty in the world. Nature in its most diversified, beauteous and mightiest form…. scenic beauty to die for…. And I am sure you have seen the same on screen. It’s truly God’s land. I just had the usual acclimatization problem on the first day that many people face at Laddakh due to lack of oxygen. In fact I resumed
shooting the very next day, finished my whole schedule in Laddakh and came back and shot here too. I had taken a small break for it had become too hectic. But that was it. I am hale and hearty now.

What next?
I have done a film with Gurbir S Grewal called Coffee House with Ashutosh Rana and a cameo in Balaji Motion Pictures film C-Kompany, directed by by Sachin Yardi. As an actor I am always greedy for good roles. So far I have been lucky to play strong and powerful roles on TV, now I am also looking at doing good cinema.

After 'Istaanbul', Apu has another 'mission'

2008-07-24T05:27:00.001-07:00

With Mission Istaanbul slated for release this Friday, its producers - Popcorn [Suniel Shetty] and Balaji [Ekta Kapoor] - have decided to repeat director Apoorva Lakhia for their next venture. While Mission Istaanbul explores the issue of global terrorism, their next venture, called Generation X, will be an action-comedy.

"This one's a 7-hero film," Apoorva enlightens me. So far, the makers have finalized only four names - Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Zayed Khan and Tusshar Kapoor. "I would love to work with Shabir Ahluwalia and Nikitin Dheer [they enact key roles in Mission Istaanbul]. Plus, we will cast the winner of the reality show Bollywood Ka Ticket in one of the leads," Apu adds.

Apu is yet to zero in on three leading ladies [under finalization]. Generation X begins filming next year.

Chetan gets angry

2008-07-24T05:25:00.000-07:00

Chetan Hansraj (TOI Photo)

Taking his role as the hot-headed Bheem in Ekta Kapoor’s neo-Mahabharat too seriously, Chetan Hansraj pushed contestant Puneet to the ground in the Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket, thereby increasing the level of realism on our reality shows.

“He had it coming,” says a fuming Chetan. “Trust me. It was not rehearsed or pre-planned. This guy was looking for it. And when I finally gave him a shove, the judges were as shocked as I was. I didn’t mean to throw him to the ground. But I guess what had to happen had to happen.”
According to Chetan, Puneet had been misbehaving from Day 1. “In the first episode he showed his middle finger to all us TV we were trash.” How could a contestant be allowed to make such an obsecene gesture on television?

“That I don’t know,” shrugs Chetan. “But I warned him against behaving so badly about my fraternity. But again he did the same thing. And he pointedly abused me and my colleagues from television. That’s when I lost my cool and hit him. I don’t think the judges minded. Puneet was openly misbehaving and being rude and obscene right in front of Suneil Shetty, Shabana Azmi and the rest of the senior judges.”

After the incident, the contestant called up Puneet and apologized. “But I will hit him again if he behaves the same way,” says Chetan. "It isn’t only about me. It’s about all my colleagues from television. Who’s Puneet to pass disparaging comments about television actors?” Chetan is all set to play the angry Bheem in Mahabharat. “Right now I’m reading the Mahabharat to prepare for my part. I come in after 35 episodes so I’ve lots of time to prepare

Celina Jaitley adds Oomph in C KKompany

2008-07-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

Balaji Motion Pictures’ new venture, C KKOMPANY is all set to tickle the funny bones of the audience. Ekta Kapoor’s fortcoming film is going to be a multi-starrer film. Apart from the main cast of Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, and Raima Sen. There are many celebrities doing small cameos and the spice up girl Celina Jaitley is doing an upbeat Punjabi item number.

Actors Tusshar Kapoor and Celina Jaitely shot for an item song for the Balaji Motion Picture’s C KKOMPANY at Klick Nixon Studio in Mumbai recently. They also celebrated the last day of the shoot. The song is choreographed by the young innovative choreographer Rajiv Goswami. The song has been written and composed by Anand Raj Anand who also sung the song with Sunidhi Chauhan. Celina, who is one of the sexiest ladies in Bollywood, says this is her first item song which will be used for the promotion of the film in the second half of the film. She is very excited about her first item because it breaks the monotony of her regular work in films.

Celina says “Tusshar is a very good friend of mine. My father is a Punjabi and this is a Punjabi up beat song so I love to do a Punjabi song. These are some reasons that’s why I opt for doing an item song.”

The plot of the film is based in Mumbai and revolves around three best friends, the three underdogs of different age groups from a middle class background, who are striving to achieve their respective dreams. Akshay Kumar, a crime reporter, Mr. Joshi, who is a retired accountant trying to deal with his ungrateful son and Lambodar. These 3 share their respective plight with one another and find solace in each others company.

On one occasion, these 3 play a harmless prank to tackle their problems. One thing leads to another, and before they realize, the incident becomes news. But things don’t stop there. They put their new founded fame to good use, and this in turn triggers off a series of incidents, which propel them to such heights that the 3 become the talk of the nation.

Things get beyond their control, and the 3 are left with no choice but to be mute spectators to their newly acquired fame, especially since no one knows their identity. C KKOMPANY is the journey of 3 middle class men from their 300 sq. ft. flats to the corridors of the parliament, and finally becoming heroes of the entire nation. One harmless prank takes a 360 degrees U-turn in the lives of these three characters, a situation that they never ever had imagined in their live.

Sachin expects a lot from his directorial debut as he quotes “I wrote my two films and enjoyed the two different genre of cinema, comedy and issue based. But sooner I realized that Comedy is my forte. C Kkompany is a light comedy and feel good film. You can say its a mix of Hera Pheri and Munna Bhai.”

The film has been produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. The music of the film has been scored by Anand Raj Anand and legendry music director Bappi Lahri’s son Bappa Lahri. The film involves many turn arounds and is a full fledged comedy with excellent theme, which suits its punchline reading as “When Loosers….. Become Rulers.”

BALAJI MOTION PICTURES LTD march towards presenting top-line entertainment software to Indian feature film audiences after Balaji Telefilms Limited, whose serials rank among India’s most watched television programming. With C KKOMPANY awaiting release and Big films like Bhool Bhulayian, Sarkar Raj, Mission Istanbul EMI under its belt, this group will also actively produce and distribute both Indian and Foreign motion pictures all over the world.

Bappi, Bappa and Rema Lahiri share common platformThis one may well enter the record books!

2008-07-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

This one may well enter the record books!

An entire family of musicians has come together for a single track in one of the songs from upcoming films C KKOMPANY. The feat is achieved by the Lahiri family which sees Bappi Lahiri, Bappa Lahiri and Rema Lahiri sharing a common platform.

This happens for the song 'Khoka' which is composed by Bappa Lahiri (who is slowly but steadily making an impression in creating Bollywood soundtracks) and has his father Bappi Lahiri along with sister Rema Lahiri lending their vocals. A complete family affair with Mika Singh leading from the front, 'Khoka' is a Shabbir Ahmed written number which is pitched as a promotional track for this Sachin Yardi directed comedy fun flick.

A song about the power of money which makes the world go round and how it aids in elevating the status of an individual, 'Khoka' sees the trio of Tusshar Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Rajpal Yadav coming together on the same frame and gyrating amidst a bevy of beauties.

Produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, C KKOMPANY is aiming for a release on 22nd August.

'God Tussi Great Ho arriving on time'

2008-07-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

Together, Salman Khan and Sajid-Wajid have delivered multiple hits in films like Partner, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Tere Naam, Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Hello Brother and Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. With their 10 year association continuing to go strong, the trio now comes together for God Tussi Great Ho which also stars Priyanka Chopra and Sohail Khan. Jalees Sherwani and Shabbir Ahmed write the lyrics.

Rahul Mallika on kissing spree

2008-07-23T04:50:00.001-07:00

Rahul Bose is at it again. Even before we could get over his smooching spree with Mallika Sherawat in Pyaar Ke Side Effects, he's back at it in Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam.

"I've four kissing scenes with Mallika this time. Every time my director Sanjay Chhel was frustrated by my lack of talent, he asked me to kiss Mallika," said Rahul. Is there a direct link between Mallika and Rahul's kissing urges?

"It's not as though we volunteered to kiss. It was a part of the story. Mallika isn't the only co-star I've kissed. I kissed Laila Rouass in Split Wide Open, Perizaad Zorabian in Mumbai Matinee. And in Govind Nihalani's Takshak, I kissed Nethra Raghuraman.

"Lately, I've kissed Saba Azad in Dil Kabaddi. So my kisses spread far and wide. Did I kiss Rinki Khanna in Jhankaar Beats? I can't remember."

That's quite a track record, almost a rival to Emraan Hashmi's reputation as a serial kisser.

"Thank you. I only aim to satisfy," laughed Rahul. "As for the second question, that's unfair to the other actor. Kissing on screen is always a gamble. It somehow doesn't come across as aesthetically as it should. So I'm not a great fan of on-screen kissing.

"However, I must say all the kisses I've done so far have been integral to the script, barring the one in Mumbai Matinee."

Rahul admits his interaction with Mallika on the sets of Maan Gaye... was relatively limited.

"In Pyaar Ke Side Effects, we were constantly together. But here there was a vast cast on the sets, including Paresh Rawal who's one of the most talented actors I've ever worked with."

Doing straight-faced comedy comes easily to Rahul. But this is the first time he is doing this broad satirical kind of comedy.

"Did I have fun shooting Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Aazam? Let's get one thing straight. It's never fun to shoot. It requires a great deal of discipline and energy to make a film look like fun.

"I believe a film should be as light as a souffl . And to make a souffle isn't easy. But yes, the film is fun. Sanjay and I had a great deal of verbal jousting going on. We had this north Mumbai versus south Mumbai war going on. I kept ribbing him for being a Hindu fundamentalist. He kept teasing me for being a pseudo-secular."

Then Rahul reveals a secret.

"Actually, I started my career as an actor on stage doing the kind of comedy I've done in Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam. In the play Topsy Turvy, I did nine roles, all of them satirical. I always wanted to do the broad satire in cinema. So here I am."

The actor says he would love to do at least one film from every genre. "I'm doing my first full-on action film in July. We're shooting it at Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok."

Shilpa to host Bigg Boss season two?

2008-07-23T04:48:00.001-07:00

Bigg Boss used to be one of the popular shows of Sony Entertainment Television. Now the second season of Bigg Boss is to be aired very soon by a newly launched channel, Colors and the organizers are planning to rope in Bollywood diva Shilpa Shetty as the host looking at her popularity quotient that she had earned through Big Brother win.

Her racial discrimination has created much hullabaloo all over. The organizers are trying to take full use of her fame by casting her as a host of the show. To them, she is the perfect choice. Shilpa has been signed with a whopping price of Rs 8 crore by the production house. They are yet to finalize the participants.

Shilpa took some time to give her consent due to the racial discrimination issue. After much thought, she has given her nod to the show. The show will be aired just after Akshay Kumar ends up with Khatron Ka Khidali. Rajesh Kamat, CEO of Colors confirmed the news but he refused to comment anything about the host.

Aamir Khan's new take on Imran and upcoming projects

2008-07-23T04:46:00.000-07:00

Aamir Khan is going through the best phase, professionally. "No one can predict which way the pendulum will swing, before a film releases. But Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na has fared beyond my expectations. I only wish Chachajaan [the late Nasir Husain] was alive to share the happiness. He was very close to Imran," says Aamir in a heart-to-heart conversation.

With Imran's debut vehicle proving a major hit, is Aamir guiding his nephew how to go about in his career?

I would never do that. It's important to take your own decisions. You must learn to walk without crutches. Right from the start of my career, I took my own decisions. I made mistakes, but those were my mistakes. I think, I've learnt more from my failures than hits and I would advice Imran the same.

But a number of people feel that if one wants to sign Imran, it has to be via Aamir. True?

Yeah, that's what everyone feels. In fact, a number of people do call up, enquiring about Imran, but I tell them, Yeh lo number, Imran ko khud phone karo," he laughs.

You have incorporated a song that was deleted from the final version of Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. Why?

It's my favourite number, but Mansoor, Abbas and I took a call jointly. We felt the song was only making the film lengthier. But since the results are out, the song has been added in its third week. Initially, we thought of retaining it for just one week. But looking at the feedback, we may stretch it to three weeks. However, let me add, the song will not be a part of the final cut in the DVD. It will be featured in the unseen portions.

What’s up next as Ghajini is almost complete and slated for release in November?

I will begin shooting for Rajkumar Hirani's film from August onwards. It's called 3 Idiots. I am looking forward to working with Madhavan and Sharman Joshi [the Rang De Basanti team]. Kareena is also doing the film.

The topic moves on to his next project. Has he thought of his next directorial venture?

Not yet! I haven't started looking for stories either. Earlier, I was busy with Ghajini, then the release of Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na took most of my time.

But the buzz is, Aamir intends casting Bachchan Sr in his next film.

I was at a loss of words when Mr Bachchan said that he would love to work in a film directed by me. He's my favourite actor. It would be a privilege to direct him, but like I said, I haven't zeroed in on a subject yet.

What about Delhi Belly? Reportedly, the film will be made in English and not Hindi.

That's true! We are targeting the global audience. I don't want it to be a bilingual. We tried that earlier with Mangal Pandey but it didn't work.

With Ranbir Kapoor not part of the project anymore, will Imran step in?

Ranbir couldn't do the film due to date hassles. As for Imran, let's see. We haven't taken a call yet.

Angelina Jolie leaves hospital with twins

2008-07-21T03:56:00.001-07:00

Angelina Jolie and her newborn twins left the hospital in Nice, France, on Saturday morning. The 'Wanted' actress - who gave birth to Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline on July 12 - left the Fondation Lenval hospital by car at around 4am on Saturday.

Hospital representative Nadine Bauer confirmed: "Angelina Jolie left the Clinic Santa Maria of Fondation Lenval early in the morning of July 19. The mother and babies are doing very well.

We enjoyed having her and her family here very much." Angelina and the new babies are reported to have been driven in a grey Volkswagen minibus to the luxurious Chateau Miraval in Correns, France, which she and partner Brad Pitt rented in May.

An onlooker added to People magazine: "There was a sudden spray of light out of the hospital's garage way and then four or five people came out of that through a rear doorway. "The courtyard entrance was suddenly opened by someone who was waiting in the bus stop beside the hospital.

This group of people got into the van, very quickly. It was all done in a hurry - very rapid. And then 'Pouf!' they were gone." Brad and Angelina are expected to stay in Chateau Miraval with their adopted children, six-year-old Maddox, four-year-old Pax, three-year-old Zahara, and two-year-old biological daughter Shiloh for the rest of the summer.

why Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan fight on kat birthday

2008-07-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

The spat between the two Khans

The ugly turn of events started at Katrina Kaif’s birthday party when an inebriated Salman Khan started passing sarcastic comments on poor ratings of his guest Shah Rukh Khan’s show on the television . As things heated up Shah Rukh Khan made an inappropriate comment on Aishwarya Rai, the ex-girlfriend of Salman Khan. Things now almost came up to blows.

Actor Aamir Khan intervened and tried to cool things between the two stars. Then Gauri Khan, SRK’s wife, insisted on leaving the party at once and thus prevented a physical fight between the two.

Now the entire industry is caught up in the spat between the two. Actors like Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Khanna, Zayed Khan, Fardeen Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor called up Salman Khan and expressed their sympathies.

On the other hand, directors like Yash Chopra, Karan Johar, Farhan Akthar , Kunal Kohli and others like Javed Akthar and Sajid Khan made enquiries with Shah Rukh Khan. Thus Salman Khan got sympathies mostly from the actors and Shah Rukh Khan from the directors!

Thus the entire industry is divided in its sympathies over the two king Khans.

2008-07-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, starring newcomer Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza, looks very promising. Directed by ace writer-turned-director Abbas Tyrewala, the film will be out on July 4.

Before you watch the film, catch the action right here right now!

24 with 45 will she marry with salman????????

2008-07-21T03:39:00.000-07:00

picture: Salman Khan and Katrina in a still from Maine Pyaar Kyon Kiya.

world's sexiest woman Katrina Kaif turns 24 today, July 16

2008-07-21T03:37:00.000-07:00

2008-07-21T03:21:00.000-07:00

Ugly Aur Pagli releases on August 1 while Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam releases on August 22.

Some of the best closeup shots of Aishwarya in Sari.

2008-07-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

Some of the best closeup shots of Aishwarya in Sari. Looking gorgeous as ever.

Celina Jaitley in a pink embroidered sari from Jashn Sarees. Looking Pretty.

2008-07-18T23:04:00.001-07:00

Celina Jaitley in a pink embroidered sari from Jashn Sarees. Looking Pretty.

sexy girls in the bollwood cover show

2008-07-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

The Maxim magazine has seen some of the sexiest star photographs adorn its pages.
YANA GUPTA IS ONE OF THEM.

The kim sharma

Arjun Rampal's cousin Kim Sharma and gf of yuvraj singh.

The sexiest Sherlyn Chopra

Sherlyn Chopra may have started her career with small-time movies, but she has slowly but surely got herself noticed and how!

The sexiest Shriya Saran

Sivaji actress Shriya Saran got into trouble when a Hindu organisation lodged a police complaint against the Tamil star for wearing a skimpy outfit at a function. Wonder what they have to say about this outfit!

The sexiestcdf Celina Jaitley!

Did you know that Celina Jaitley has an Afgan mother and Indian father?

The sexiest Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is one of the most successful actresses in the industry today,

The sexiest Soha Ali Khan

Soha Ali Khan shed her girl-next-door-image with her hot Maxim photoshoot, much to the alleged shock of her brother, Saif Ali Khan.

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Pray before you leap

2008-07-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

Gayatri Mantra, the foremost mantra of Hinduism was a prayer that was religiously chanted by Akshay Kumar and his 13 beautiful participants before the commencement of each stunt in Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi. Akshay Kumar recited the prayer to encourage the participants, increase their inner self- belief and make them fearless while performing death-defying stunts in South Africa. The teachings and powers incorporated in the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ fulfill this purpose. Confirming this, Akshay Kumar, said, “Whenever I do my stunts I say the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ in my mind. I strongly believe that our body is animated by life energy and according to India’s science of sound healing; you can gather and direct that healing life force through the power of sacred sound. Hence to help the girls overcome their fear, I thought its best to start their stunts with this ultimate chant.” Yana Gupta, one of the participants, did not know the ‘Gayatri Mantra’, Akshay Kumar then sat her down and made her learn the chant. Thereafter, Yana Gupta could recite the mantra with absolute ease.

Balram to Bhim
Chetan Hansraj is probably the only actor to have the distinction of being a part of`both the Mahabharats on TV. Chetan who is playing Bhim in Ekta Kapoor’s Kahaani Hamary Mahabharat Ki had played the young Balram in Ravi Chopra’s Mahabharat. “I remember it clearly. I used to find it difficult to mouth the dialogue because it was too sanskritised,” grins Chetan. Though the actor is playing Bhim, the other characters he likes are Arjun and Duryodhan which have a lot of scope for an actor. He, however, wasn’t given a choice and is happy playing Bhim who he feels shared a “cute relationship” with Draupadi. “He was very friendly and Draupadi found him the most approachable,” smiles Chetan who is also part of Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket on 9X. The actor had already made a foray into films but couldn’t really sustain. “That doesn’t matter, you get all kinds of experiences,” says Chetan who is ready to give it another try through the show.

Sandeep Anand too fast too soon!
Sandeep Anand who plays Tarun Pahuja in Sun Yaar Chill Maar on Bindaas has done it all. We mean he has donned all the possible characters one gets to play. And that too in just one single show. He has played a cowboy, a Prithvi Raj Chauhan, a Salim, a seventy -year old man, to name a few. Says Sandeep, “I’m very fortunate to have got this opportunity of playing so many characters in a short span of time. I have learnt a lot with experience and some by utter wrong moves. The journey so far has been worth every effort put in. After doing this show my comic timing has certainly gone a notch higher but then I would also like to experiment with other genres.”

They need a break
Roping in popular actors for her mythological Kahaani Hamaray Mahabharat Ki, Ekta Kapoor must have thought, will get her instant connect with the viewers. While that may have succeeded in getting the initial eyeballs to her take on the epic drama, we can’t help but point out that the overworked actors, Saakshi Tanwar and Kiran Karmarkar are part of daily soap Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii look completely fatigued. While Kiran’s Shantanu looks like he wouldn’t mind a quick nap, Saakshi’s Ganga looked like she was in a zombie, not having slept for days.
With the latest technology at Ekta’s disposal, shouldn’t Ganapati’s trunk and ears to be as realistic as possible. But one glance at the elephant god and a seven year old giggled, “look at the mask ganapati is wearing”.
Tsk tsk, we expect better things from you Ekta.

Remote Control back in August
In May, 9X had yanked off all its weekly shows which included Remote Control, Jamegi Jodi.com, Dhak Dhak In Dubai and Babbanbhai Vs Bimlatai. Off them, Remote Control, produced by Hats Off is all set to be back on air from August. The half-hour show is being stretched to one-hour and will be a weekly.
The other Hats Off show Jasuben Jayantilal Joshi Ki Joint Family has recently completed a century which producers J D Majethia and Aatish Kapadia celebrated by throwing a bash for the cast and crew of the serial. “It is our fastest century and we wanted the cast to enjoy it,” says JD. Soon, there will be celebration time in the serial as well with Jayantilal’s birthday. “Every family member will give him a gift and the most innovative gift will get a reward from the Joshi patriarch,” grins JD.

Pot belly, tattoos rule Ekta's Mahabharat

2008-07-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, July 15: Just when you thought that better sense has prevailed over Ekta Kapoor, as she took up remaking the classic Hindu epic Mahabharata, she proved us all wrong. The very first episode of the show indicated that Ekta�s Mahabharat will be a sobby �maha drama� and nothing else.

Right from squashy dialogues, pot bellied �Draupadi�, to the five Pandavas sporting six pack abs and flashy tattoos, one is left wondering as to whether the story carries any resemblance to the original happening of the epic or it is just another glossy melodrama crying out aloud for some undeserved attention.

So what begins �Kahani Hamari Mahabharat Ki�?

Well, it�s the highly dramatised and overplayed �Draupadi Vastraharan�. Yes, Ekta played the sensational sequence right in the very first episode that got her the maximum eyeballs and severe flak for going overboard with the script.

What we saw was Ekta�s loyalist Anita Hassanandani playing the sultry Draupadi, wearing a flashy red Manish Malhotra creation that exposed the starlets bulging and sagging belly. Leaving her dressing sense aside, the young starlet has simply failed to match with Rupa Ganguly, who played �Draupadi� in the earlier version of Mahabharat (produced by BR Chopra).

Anita not only lacked the look but also failed to depict the dignity and grace that was elegantly pulled off by Rupa in the previous make of the epic.

The five Pandavas are being reduced to puppets in the show. None of them except for a guy playing �Yudhisthir�, have been given any dialogues to speak of. As a result, one sees them filling the empty screen space.

But in case, you are thinking that the diaster ends here, let us tell you that the worst is yet to come. So, if you still wish to watch this heavy duty drama, we would suggest don�t take it too seriously or you are to get your facts messed up for bad.

Celina talks about her first ever item number in C KKOMPANY

2008-07-18T03:07:00.000-07:00

BALAJI MOTION PICTURES LTD.’S new venture, C KKOMPANY is all set to tickle the funny bones of the audience. Ekta Kapoor’s forthcoming film is going to be a multi-starrer film. Apart from the main cast of Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, and Raima Sen. There are many celebrities doing small cameos and the spice up girl Celina Jaitley is doing an upbeat Punjabi item number.

Actors Tusshar Kapoor and Celina Jaitely shot for an item song for the Balaji Motion Picture’s C KKOMPANY at Klick Nixon Studio in Mumbai recently. They also celebrated the last day of the shoot. The song is choreographed by the young innovative choreographer Rajiv Goswami. The song has been written and composed by Anand Raj Anand who also sung the song with Sunidhi Chauhan.

Celina, who is one of the sexiest ladies in Bollywood, says this is her first item song which will be used for the promotion of the film in the second half of the film. She is very excited about her first item because it breaks the monotony of her regular work in films.

Celina says, “Tusshar is a very good friend of mine. My father is a Punjabi and this is a Punjabi up beat song so I love to do a Punjabi song. These are some reasons and that’s why I opted for doing an item song.”

The plot of the film is based in Mumbai and revolves around three best friends, the three underdogs of different age groups from a middle class background, who are striving to achieve their respective dreams. Akshay Kumar, a crime reporter, Mr. Joshi, who is a retired accountant trying to deal with his ungrateful son and Lambodar. These 3 share their respective plight with one another and find solace in each others company.

On one occasion, these 3 play a harmless prank to tackle their problems. One thing leads to another, and before they realize, the incident becomes news. But things don’t stop there. They put their new founded fame to good use, and this in turn triggers off a series of incidents, which propel them to such heights that the 3 become the talk of the nation.

Things get beyond their control, and the 3 are left with no choice but to be mute spectators to their newly acquired fame, especially since no one knows their identity. C KKOMPANY is the journey of 3 middle class men from their 300 sq. ft. flats to the corridors of the parliament, and finally becoming heroes of the entire nation. One harmless prank takes a 360 degrees U-turn in the lives of these three characters, a situation that they never ever had imagined in their live.

Sachin expects a lot from his directorial debut as he quotes “I wrote my two films and enjoyed the two different genre of cinema, comedy and issue based. But sooner I realized that Comedy is my forte. C Kkompany is a light comedy and feel good film. You can say its a mix of Hera Pheri and Munna Bhai.”

The film has been produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. The music of the film has been scored by Anand Raj Anand and legendry music director Bappi Lahri’s son Bappa Lahri. The film involves many turn around and is a full fledged comedy with excellent theme, which suits its punchline reading as “When Loosers….. Become Rulers.”

BALAJI MOTION PICTURES LTD march towards presenting top-line entertainment software to Indian feature film audiences after Balaji Telefilms Limited, whose serials rank among India’s most watched television programming. With C KKOMPANY awaiting release and big films like Bhool Bhullaiya, Sarkar Raj, Mission Istanbul and EMI under its belt, this group will also actively produce and distribute both Indian and Foreign motion pictures all over the world.

Kahaani Humaarey Mahaabhaarat Ki - A Look at the First week!!

2008-07-18T03:06:00.000-07:00

OK, Ekta Kapoor finally unleashed her version of the Mahabharat on 9X last week and before we get to see the second's week's happenings, here we go analyzing the start of Kahaani Humaarey Mahaabhaarat Ki.

Unlike most of her serials, which get away showing rubbish, viewers won't take too kindly to any liberties taken with the much-loved epic. First things first, while she was bang on, in the first episode starting it off with the crucial Draupadi vastraharan – after all Ekta's penchant for drama is well known -- and she sure knows that it's that one episode in Mahabharat which is bound to attract eyeballs and give ample scope for theatrics – the actors fudged it up with their loud, screechy performances.

Anita Hasanandani as the sultry Draupadi (in flaming red Manish Malhotra sari) looked sexy alright; all spit and fire, but somehow lacked the gravitas a Rupa Ganguly had brought to the queen of the Pandavas two decades ago in B R Chopra's Mahabharat. Anita screamed and screamed, doing no justice to her heavy-duty lines.

Worse, none of the Pandavas were given a chance to open their mouths because sadly except for the guy playing Yudhisthir, the others seemed to be 'extras' filling in for the real actors. Cheat shooting, anyone? So all we saw was a well toned, glistening back of Bheema and Arjuna's bow, Bheeshma's clenched fists, and Drithrashtra's blinking eyes. Come on, the least she could have done was get the main cast in place and have them ready and kicking for the first episode.

Aryan Vaid as Duryodhana underplayed his wicked part (thankfully) while the actor paying Dusshasan went hammer and tongs as his kohled-eyes did a Kathakali dance. Yet, it was a fairly gripping episode with the foundation laid for some heavy duty drama.

Alas, the second, third and fourth episodes were a journey downhill. Sakshi Tanwar as Ganga, despite her flowing Ganges look, couldn't rise above Parvati Agarwal, a character she's known for, for seven years now. Ditto, Kiran Karmarkar as the insipid Shantanu. He looked tired against the breathtaking locales of Ladakh (that begs the question, why Ladakh?). Makarand Deshpande as Ved Vyasa hammed to the hilt and the actor playing Lord Ganesha looked despicable riding a hairy mouse! (gross).

While the Thursday episode ended with a tight close up of Ronit Roy (haggard) as Bheeshma, it remains to be seen where this kahaani hamare Mahabharat Ki takes the viewers. And it's sure going to be one hellish ride.

So what's wrong with Ekta's version? Getting popular established actors to play key parts is a great idea but sadly, that works against their performances. For instance, it's very difficult to see a Sakshi beyond Parvati or Ronit beyond Bajaj.

Putting up a K-saga in a blue and pink cardboard room set is one thing and mounting Mahabharat is another, especially when viewers still hold the original Mahabharat close to their hearts. A face off between a Tulsi Virani and Ansh Gujral is a sure TRP winner but when you have Shantanu and Devrata (a young Bheeshma) fighting with cardboard swords – a situation which doesn't exist in the Mahabharat – just for the sake of drama, it's just not right.

And so, all said and done, it's a humble request to Ms Kapoor to be careful with her depiction of the maha epic, lest it ruffles the feathers of die-hard Mahabharat fans.

Ekta hosts a glam do in Mumbai

2008-07-18T03:05:00.000-07:00

Ekta Kapoor’s ambitious debut reality show 9X— Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket — was presented to the public the other afternoon .

The Queen Bee of Indian television was present in a joyous mood, even as she gamely fielded innumerable questions, despite having a choc-a-bloc schedule ahead. “We are looking for a pair with a winning combination of screen presence, histrionics and pizzaz,” said Ekta. One of the mentors on the show, the divaesque Zeenat Aman was there too, adding to the glam quotient. She brought a smile to the faces in the audience as she spoke of how she remembered “Ekta as a little girl in frocks!”

Some of the contestants were present too — Chetan Hansraj sporting a ponytail; Jay Bhanushali who proclaimed: “This time I’m in a reality show to make friends, not enemies”; Mihika Verma who chatted with Naman Shaw about doing her first reality show; Resshmi Ghosh and Karan Patel who launched into a no-nonsense spiel about the need for more such shows. All in all, there was paisa vasool entertainment here... and this wasn’t even the actual show!

Prachi doesn’t want to dark roles

2008-07-18T03:03:00.000-07:00

Ekta’s blue-eyed girl says that she can only relate to good and positive characters on the big screen, reports Prithwish Ganguly

Though Prachi Desai says that she wants to try out various roles in different genres of filmmaking, the dark characters make her cringe.

The actor says that she is only interested in goody-goody characters as she is able to relate to them.

“I’m young and I want to experiment with different genres of films from comedies to action to romance. I want to play different roles that challenge me as an actor. But at the I want to play good characters essentially. I think they’ll suit me better and I will also be relating to it since I think I’m an ethically right person,” Prachi says.

Prachi still admits that she owes all her success to her character Bani in Kasamh Se. She became a household name while doing the soap. She was barely out of high school at that time.

“It (the soap) was a great stepping stone for me as it gave me exposure and I also got the opportunity to learn and fine tune my acting skills. I owe my career to Bani,” she says.

However, Prachi says she was bored doing the same role for over two years. Kasamh Se started in January 2006 and Prachi left the soap on April 2008.

“I was really bored after doing the same thing for so long. I was really tired and wanted to change. And then a few opportunities for Bollywood films came along. I decided that I had to leave the show. I have no regrets that I did it. I’m very happy doing films now in which I can live so many characters,” she says.

Prachi says she walking out of Balaji’s soap did not create any enmity between her and soap queen Ekta Kapoor.

“I’m their child and they are very excited that someone from their house is trying to make a mark in the film industry. They are backing me and are also going to promote my debut film Rock On in a big way,” she ends.

'There are no restrictions from Ekta's side'

2008-07-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

After Gauri Pradhan’s entry in Tony and Deeya Singh’s show Left Right Left a month back, how could hubby dear Hiten Tejwani be left behind?

Well, the actor is playing a mysterious character in the serial who does “good things for bad reasons and bad things for good reason”, according to Hiten. “I’m playing the role of Abhay Verma. It’s a very interesting character. I can’t reveal whether it’s a positive or negative character, it’s a surprise for the audience,” he says, adding, “It’s not a continuous role but with my entry there will be a twist in the story. So just keep watching,” he says not wanting to divulge any details.

Known as a strong Ekta Kapoor loyalist, did he have to take permission from the soap queen to take up a show outside the K-camp? “I’ve always maintained that I’ll take up whatever good roles come my way as long as they don’t disturb my schedules with the shows of other production houses. Ekta has never stopped us from doing good work so long as it doesn’t interfere with the dates given to her shows,” says Hiten defensively.

And how does he manage working in all the three shows — Kyunki saas bhi kabhi bahu thi, Left Right Left and the reality show, Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar? Says Hiten, “That has not been a problem for me at all. My timings are taken care of by the production house as my two shows are with the same production house. I’ve planned my shoot for the other shows accordingly. So it’s worked out proper that way,” he explains. This definitely seems to be a package of three-in-one for Hiten and Gauri fans as they will now see the hot couple in not one but three shows!

The epic retold: K... style

2008-07-18T02:58:00.002-07:00

Business Standard weekend cover on Balaji Telefilms, I remember going to Mumbai and waiting for hours for the assignment to begin. Our interview with Ekta Kapoor, scheduled at her office, kept being postponed by the hour (we didn't meet her eventually), and as part of a damage-control exercise we were finally ushered into an editing room.

hat I witnessed shocked me immensely: huddled in this tiny room were two editors racing against time to trim an episode of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki that had to be aired the next evening on the primetime slot. Outside the room, an employee of the TV channel waited impatiently to collect the CD of the episode that needed to be aired in less than 24 hours.

"We need to show trailers too and it's already so late," she said, biting her nails in anticipation. If this wasn't enough, a call from Madam's secretary confirmed their biggest fear. "Now Ekta wants to see the edited version," screamed the lady editor, throwing up her hands in despair.

"It won't happen before 1 am. Just pray she doesn't have any meetings," she hissed. On my part, I was too scared to look at the TV channel's employee, fearing she may have chewed whatever little was left of her nails.

It was while watching Kapoor's latest offering, Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki on Wednesday evening that I remembered this episode. For now, the promos look impressive.

There are background shots of Ladakh that are pleasantly different from the usual sequences the company shoots on sets and the costumes by ace designer Manish Malhotra are, umm, alright too. And though Kapoor and her brand of directors can't think of a scene without jarring camera movements, she and, more importantly her editors, I bet, will breathe easier.

The production house has obviously canned a substantial number of episodes, edited them to perfection (by their standards) and made a tidy library in one of the rooms of the Balaji building. For now, the Mahabharat series will be the darling of the entire production house, a baby waiting to be pampered and nurtured to lure in TRPs and advertisers alike.

But there'll be a time when this baby, worth crores, will grow up to face peer pressure from other channels, other serials and other family dramas. There will be issues about actors too, their contracts will expire, they'll exit for films, live shows and what have you… Take any of Kapoor's serials till date —changes in storylines, generation leaps, actor replacements are the order of the day. How will she manage these issues here, I wonder?

In most of her dramas, she handles these niggling areas by changing the basic plots of her stories (after Prachi Desai's exit from Kasamh Se, the entire soap has undergone a sea-change and now concentrates on a business tycoon with two wives) but with a set story like Mahabharat, one wonders how she'll manage so many changes.

Perhaps that's why Kapoor's called it Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki, which could only mean that she'll serve up the epic, her style.

Though it would be easy to write off Balaji's new offering completely, in a market where masses and not critics rule, Kapoor's version of this epic on 9X (Monday-Thursday, 9 pm) might just pull in audiences and generate good ratings for the channel. She obviously sees Mahabharat as a great saga complete with family bickering and politics, staple fare in all the soaps she has churned out at an alarming pace.

But for how long can Kapoor pull this off? That'll be a plot worth checking out.

Anything for Prachi : Ekta Kapoor

2008-07-18T02:58:00.001-07:00

Though Ekta Kapoor is not a part of Rock On, she will promote Prachi Desai who makes her big screen debut in the film

m_ranjib@dnaindia.net
When it comes to her favourites, Ekta Kapoor can go to any heights. The favourite in question is none other than Prachi Desai who is making her big screen debut with Rock On. The television czarina is all set to promote her protégé Prachi Desai and her film Rock On through her shows.

It’s common knowledge that Ekta is very fond of Prachi who made her show Kasamh Se a big hit. In fact, when Prachi got her big offer, Ekta unlike other cases, let her quit the show. She, in fact, did not want to continue Kasamh Se without Prachi, but it’s still on because Zee TV insisted on it.

Now, as Rock On is ready for release, Ekta wants the film to be a success and has decided to promote the movie.

Prachi is quite elated with the development. “I heard something like that, but I am not quite sure. However, I know for sure that Ekta will always be there for me. When I got the offer, she never forced me to continue in Kasamh Se,” she says.

Prachi also tells us about how she got the role. “Actually, the director of the movie Abhishek Kapoor is Ekta’s cousin. And when they were looking for a fresh face for the movie, his mother spotted me on TV and recommended my name. That’s how I got my big break,” she says.

Ekta confirms, “Yes, I am definitely going to promote Rock On and what better vehicle than my shows. But, this time, it’s special because it’s Prachi’s debut. She is like a part of our family. She has given her 100 per cent while she was part of Kasamh Se at such a young age, which speaks about her professionalism. Everyone in my family is fond of her, and it’s just natural that we would like the movie to be a success.”

She adds, “Besides Prachi, it’s also the debut of Abhishek Kapoor who is the director of the movie and whom we fondly call Gattu. Though the movie is not produced by Balaji, everyone in my family is mighty excited about it.”

Another interesting fact is that Ekta’s present caller tune on her phone is the title track Rock On.

“I have seen the promos of the movie, and they are awesome. The songs are so good and that I have picked one of them as the caller tune. It’s the flavour of the season,” Ekta signs off.

Playing the waiting game - Priya Bhatija

2008-07-18T02:57:00.001-07:00

Priya Bhatija is surely having a ball being part of Sony's Kabhi Kabhii.. as she is paired with the guy of her life, Jatin Shah.. So is it that they get to spend quality time out there? Get to know from her...

Sony’s Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar is the first on screen outing for the love-birds Jatin Shah and Priya Bhatija.

As their fans wait with bathed breath to see them shake their leg together, Priya seems to be bit tense as Jatin is not able to give enough time for rehearsals. “I am on a short break right now from Kasamh Se as I am concentrating on Kabhi Kabhii… But Jatin hardly gets time to rehearse as he is needed for almost every scene in Kasturi, and I cannot rehearse alone”, laments Priya. She adds on to say, “He has his task cut out as he needs to rehearse not just with me, but also with Shalini”.

Talking about their first-ever reality show experience, Priya quips “It’s been great. We have been waiting for this reality show to start as we could at last get to spend some time together. The going here has been hectic, but eventful so far!! We did quite well in the episodes that have been shot till now. The competition is really tough, so let’s see!!”.

Well, Jatin, don’t keep your beau waiting for long, mate!!

Mukesh Khanna has again made a fool of himself: Ekta Kapoor

2008-07-18T02:55:00.000-07:00

Mahabharat is finally on… Mukesh Khanna once again makes a fool of himself, and ekta is Laughing…in spite of setbacks.

Your Mahabharat is finally on air?
I wanted to see everyone's expressions. And the response has been a relief. Frankly when I saw the first episode I liked what I saw. Did you?

Yes I did. But Mukesh Khanna seemed to hate it.
(laughs) I know some people hated it. I was prepared for it. On Tuesday Mr Mukesh Khanna went on television to blast our 'sets' for Mahabharat. He didn't realize we shot on location at the Aamir fort in Jaipur.

He said, "Yeh to bilkul authentic set nahin hai. 'My response, 'Yeh to asli location hai, Sir.' We shot the first two episodes at the Aamir fort. It took me seven days.

There's no escaping Aamir these days.
Ha ha. I love him. And I love the Aamir fort. Thank God we shot there. The response I got was overwhelming. The best one was, 'I can't believe this is you. Have you hired someone else to produce Mahabharat?' I did it without caring about the results.

I've made the Mahabharat for a new generation. If I manage to do this I don't care what the traditionalists think. For the first time critics liked what I've done. But with the joy came the sadness. I lost my most trusted director Gary Bhinder.

That came as a blow?
Yes. His death really hurt me. Just the other day on 15 June I was explaining the scene to Gary and I promised him we'd hug each other on the day the first episode of the Mahabharat was released.

Today exactly three weeks later everything that we had imagined has come true. But he isn't there. It makes you wonder what is life about.

How much of a difference will his departure make to the Mahabharat?
Gary and I knew each other so well, we had interconnected minds. We knew exactly where to take the Mahabharat. But we've a fantastic team.

I don't think the serial will be affected half as much as I am. At any given time we've four different directors working on four different units of Mahabharat.

There's a creative head supervising each and every episode. We've only canned 9 episodes in 3 months. Each episode takes 11 days as compared to an average episode of my other soaps which takes 1 ½ days.

How will you cope with the deadlines?
I'll increase the number of units. But I won't compromise on quality. I'm loving the feedback I'm getting. A friend from London called to say, 'Dude, you just re-made Ben Hur for me'. I died.

You've tampered with the structure of the Mahabharat. You started your narration with the cheer-haran episode?
Yes! I decided to do my own take and take on the criticism from the very first episode. I used the cheer-haran like a prelude to grab viewers' attention. People are shocked by our beginning.

This is my most ambitious project and I've been ready for the raised eyebrows. Every change in the original Mahabharat has been done in close consultation with me.

I don't want this to be just another one of my soaps that comes and goes. Twenty years from now I want someone to call up another producer and say, 'Dude you just made the new version of Ekta's Mahabharat.'

Are you setting aside your other soaps to look into the Mahabharat?
Not at all. I'm doing everything I was doing earlier. Plus I am also doing the Mahabharat. But yes I'm a little more enthusiastic about this project. No one can touch Ved Vyas as a writer.

Would you like to employ him at Balajee?
You think we could put him in a time machine and bring him back?

Are you marketing your Mahabharat on the dvd?
Of course. We're already getting eye-popping offers for dvd deals, even if Mr Mukesh Khanna faults us on authenticity although we shot on location (cracks up with laughter). He thought we were shooting on a Balajee set.Dude, this isn't Kyunki.

Is it true Mukesh Khanna was offered Shantanu's role while he wanted to play Bhishm Pitamah again?
No comments.

Why have you cast all the regular Balajee artistes in Mahabharat?
Oh, there're lots of new faces. All the gods and goddesses are going to be completely non-Balajee artistes. How can audiences accept actors they've been seeing for years and months as deities?

But Sakshi Tanwar is cast?
She's playing Ganga. I could only think of her for the role.

What about your reality show Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket?
Very honestly, the Mahabharat came a day after the reality show. I've been too taken up with the Mahabharat to bother with anything else.I think we all are too excited by this project to bother with anything else.

Watch out for them in C KKOMPANY

2008-07-18T02:53:00.000-07:00

Promotion of C KKOMPANY has begun and though it does have a trio of Tusshar Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Rajpal Yadav filling up the frames, there is a lot more that one can expect to see in the film. Apart from Raima Sen who is the only leading lady in the film and Mithun Chakravorty who plays a pivotal role in this comic entertainer, the film would see a plethora of special appearances.

While Sanjay Dutt would be leading the bunch, film makers like Mahesh Bhatt and Karan Johar too would have an important role to play as a part of the plot. Dilip Prabhawalkar, known for his Gandhi act in LAGEY RAHO MUNNABHAI and recently as Rao Saab in SARKAR RAJ, has been roped in for C KKOMPANY as well while one of the favorite TV bahus of Ekta Kapoor, Sakshi Tanwar, will also be making her big screen debut.

Apart from the aforementioned names, Celina Jaitley would be sizzling the dance floors for an item song and dance appearance.

A Balaji Motion Pictures film which is produced by Ekta Kapoor & Shobha Kapoor and directed by debutant Sachin Yardi, C KKOMPANY is looking at 22nd August release.

Kahaani Ekta Ke Mahabharat ki

2008-07-18T02:52:00.002-07:00

Six-pack abs, waxed chests, off-shoulder blouses and a scantily-clad Draupadi decked in a chiffon sari... that’s what Ekta Kapoor’s version of Mahabharata is all about.

And since sex sells, her version of the epic started off with Draupadi’s vastraharan. The departure from the tried and tested has generated a whole lot of interest and even more feedback. Much of it negative.

Online reviews have panned the strong saas-bahu flavour of the epic, the inappropriate costumes by Manish Malhotra, and the language used. Anita Hasanandani as Draupadi has received the most brickbats.

As for the pros, there are just a couple: Aryan Vaid (Duryodhana) is looking hot and Daler Mehndi’s title track is good. The Buzz18 review says: “Draupadi is introduced in signature Ekta style. Her free flowing red sari reminds us of Prerna’s red dupatta in Kasautii Zindagi Kay. Anita Hasanandani as Draupadi is good with her histrionics but fails to strike the right chord.... The incessant screeching, the glycerine eyes are tad too much to handle.”

Indicine.com comments: “It looked like a normal Ekta Kapoor saas-bahu serial. It wasn’t realistic, at least Ekta Kapoor should have had a look at Jodhaa Akbar, a costume drama which was presented in a very realistic way. Anita Hasanandani as Draupadi shrieked at the top of her voice, cried like she does in all those saas-bahu series and in comparison to Rupa Ganguly, failed miserably.”

Viewers have given their verdict — and it’s a hung jury. Bhojpuri hero and TV star Ravi Kissen says, “I found it interesting and different. It’s something new that will attract the youth. And starting the serial with Draupadi’s vastraharan shows that sex sells.”

Saakshi, 23, has no compliments to pay. “It’s more like soft porn!” she exclaims. “They are flaunting their bodies with tattoos and low-waist dhotis. The dialogues need to be censored. One went something like ‘Tum mere pati ke saamnay nanga kar rahay ho!’”

MNC executive Rohit Chawla, 26, thinks the show won’t last more than a week. “There’s not even one per cent of the Mahabharata we’ve seen in our childhood.” IP University student Deeksha Somani, 18, says, “Anita as Draupadi is intolerable. Everyone is overacting.” Vidisha Sharma, 20, is positive: “If you don’t go by the story, then the men are looking hot, especially Aryan Vaid with his jewellery and kohled eyes.” If you don’t go by the story. That says it all.

Double whammy

2008-07-18T02:52:00.001-07:00

Dimple Jhangiani on her dual role in Kuchh Is Tara and the new reality show Kabhi Kabhi Yaar...
She never thought she would make it this big in the entertainment industry, but Dimple Jhangiani has successfully essayed the lead role of Karishma in Ekta Kapoor’s TV serial Kuchh Is Tara on Sony. Dimple was selected for her role after she was spotted in one of her TV advertisements. However, this nubile actress was not enthused with the idea of working in soap operas. “I was averse to the idea of working in those overly dramatic saas-bahu sagas. But when I heard the refreshing and unique concept of Kuchh Is Tara I just had to say yes,” says Dimple.

In a latest development in the serial, Dimple’s character develops a split personality. On the one hand she is Karishma, a sweet, simple but ambitious young girl and on the flipside she is Natasha, a wild, aggressive and angry woman. Dimple claims to be enjoying every bit of her double whammy on the show. “Playing a character with a split personality is double the fun. I get to play two characters in the same serial,” she smiles.
One needs to applaud the young actress’ enthusiasm as it takes courage to play psychologically disturbed characters. Though her character has negative shades, Dimple believes that playing dual characters only has advantages. “My split personality kicks in when I see fire. It is an interesting concept and challenge and it allows me to access the entire gamut of my acting skill set,” she reckons.

Her popularity on the show has fetched her an innings on Ekta’s new reality show Kabhi Kabhii Yaar Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar. Poised as a unique dance show, it clubs three TV celebrities, two of which are a couple and a third one a la Pati Patni Aur Woh. The aim of the contesting triangle of celebs is to see who has the better chemistry, the real couple or the reel couple. Dimple who teams up with Vishal Singh and his beau Parineeta is not a trained dancer, but is confident of her dancing abilities. “Vishal, Parineeta and I are good friends so we do not feel uncomfortable working in the awkward environment. In fact, we recently shot an episode for the show where the judges remarked that Vishal and I had better chemistry than his real girlfriend. It could have created hassles but we took in a lighter vein,” said the bubbly actress.
Dimple does not rule out the scope for controversies as she remarks, “Later in the show, things could get ugly because the real partners could feel bad about sharing their partners. For now it’s early days and contestants are taking it well.” When Dimple is not juggling between her dual-role and dancing to tunes she dreams of a big screen debut with Fardeen Khan. “I adore Fardeen and I would prefer working with him over any other Bollywood star,” she grins.

Ekta kapoor's version a mockery of Mahabharata

2008-07-18T02:51:00.001-07:00

AFTER THE recent success of the new ’Ramayana’ on NDTV Imagine, this week Ekta Kapoor’s ’Mahabharata’ went on air on 9X. There was so much publicity and emphasis on the recreation of the older version that I decided to watch its first episode. To my surprise, it started with ’Draupadi cheerharan’, which looked like a scene from some B-grade film, and then the acting by the leading television personalities was so pathetic that I didn’t watch the next episode. The first episode was just the mockery of the older version of the epic on TV.

I can vividly remember twenty years back when the historic ’Mahabharata’ was aired, everything used to come to a standstill. The first ’Mahabharat’ was by BR Chopra’s production and it changed the history of Indian television. The Sunday mornings saw the busiest of the roads desolate. The power cut would simply make the viewers curse the electricity department. Every lip had the words, "yada yada hi dharmasya...." The characters of Bhishm, Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuns, Sri Krishna, etc are still addressed by their Mahabharata names. It entered the Guinness Book of World Records as having been watched by over 96 per cent of Indians around the world.

Ekta’s ’Kahaani humaaray Mahabharat ki’ is zilch in comparison to BR Chopra’s version. The older version had new characters and yet they acted so brilliantly. The great thing about it was that every character seemed to be born to play their role. Mukesh Khanna was brilliant as Bheeshma, when you think of Lord Krishna the picture of Nitish Bhardwaj in those costumes still comes to mind. The new version has renowned actors from television but they are just repeating their act of ’Saas-Bahu’ soaps in this. The way the ’sexy’ Draupadi said to Dushasan - ’chup reh mein apne pati se baat kar rahi hoon’ (keep quiet, I am talking to my husband) makes one to wonder what kind of language the epic characters were using in those times.

The creative head of the show Suraj Rao said in an interview that ’"Mahabharat’ has its own inherent dialogues, which are being offered in a new package. It is an altogether new ’Mahabharat’ that has never been shown on television. I totally agree with him that this type of Mahabharata has indeed never been shown. They have added a glamour quotient, used excessive technology, sexy wardrobes, western armours etc. But they missed on a few basics while making the mythological serial. They don’t have that royal presentation, the premium language and accent of epic characters, the base of power and mightiness in elders’ voice, the charm and personality of Krishna-Arjun-Duryodhan generation. This version of Mahabharata has no realism and everything seems fake. The leading men in the serial have concentrated only on their looks and body. They have failed to show their acting prowess.

My argument with Ekta has been hyped: Tusshar Kapoor

2008-07-18T02:50:00.000-07:00

Tusshar Kapoor says his recent argument with sister Ekta Kapoor over the publicity campaign of their situational comedy “C Kkompany” has been exaggerated. Tusshar designed the publicity campaign for the film, but Ekta rejected it. This led to a heated argument between the two and they did not speak to each other for two days.

“It was just a brother-sister kind of cold war that has been hyped. Yes, we did not speak with each other for a day or two but we don’t carry our fights for long,” Tusshar told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The matter was sorted out after Tusshar agreed to incorporate some of Ekta’s suggestions in the campaign.

“It was just an argument but later on we both agreed and came to a common consensus,” the actor said. Tusshar is usually referred to as either Jeetendra’s son or Ekta’s brother.

Asked whether this gave him an identity crisis, he said: “I don’t really look at it that way. I am an actor and I have made my own mark. My name in being associated with my father or sister doesn’t affect me at all. It would have if I were not successful. I’m quite happy with the way my career is shaping up. I’m learning every day and I have no regrets.”

Also, there have been comparisons drawn between brother and sister regarding their success quotient.

But Tusshar said, “There is no question of comparison between Ekta and me. I’m an actor and she is a producer and both of us belong to different mediums professionally.”

He will now be seen romancing Raima Sen in “C Kkompany” that releases Aug 22.

“Raima plays my girlfriend in the film and a gangster’s sister. I’m in love with her. It becomes an awkward situation where my character (a crime reporter) faces trouble in getting married to a gangster’s sister,” Tusshar revealed.

Made under Balaji Motion Pictures, “C Kkompany” is the directorial debut of Sachin Yardi, who wrote “Kya Kool Hain Hum” and “Traffic Signal”.

Apart from Tusshar and Raima, the film also stars Anupam Kher and Rajpal Yadav in pivotal roles along with Mithun Chakraborty.

It is the story about three middle class friends who are in need of money and decide to play a prank, which goes awry. And co-producer Ekta makes a small appearance in the movie.

So is sister Ekta finally stepping into the realm of acting?

“She is not interested in acting. That is her professional choice. She is more on the creative side behind the camera, which is a personal choice,” said Tusshar.

The Who's Who of Mahaabhaarat

2008-07-18T02:36:00.002-07:00

Ekta Kapoor's Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki is making waves on television. We take a look at the main characters of the epic, and the actors playing them.

Ronit Roy plays Bhishma

After essaying the popular role of Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Rishabh Bajaj in Kasauati Zindagi Kay, the award-winning actor will play Bhishma.

Who was Bhishma?

Bhishma was earlier called Devavrata. He was the son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga. Devavrata came to be known as Bhishma because he took the bhishan pratigya -- the vow of life-long celibacy and service to whoever sat on the throne of Hastinapur, his father's kingdom. Devavrata vowed never to accept the crown so as to allow the union of his father with his stepmother.

Bhishma was granted the boon of Ichha Mrityu -- he could choose the time of his death but not, as may be suggested, one of immortality.

Anita Hassanandani plays Draupadi

Anita made her television debut in the big hit Kabhia Sautan Kabhie Saheli, but she is more popular for her role as Anjali in Kavyanjali.

Anita has also dabbled in South Indian and Hindi films. More action is in store for this actress, as she gets ready for the desi version of Fear Factor.

Who is Draupadi?

Draupadi is the daughter of King Drupada of Panchala, who weds the five Pandavas. Draupadi was humiliated in the Kaurava court when the Pandavas lost to them in a game of dice. Her cheer-haran, which literally means stripping of one's clothes, marks a definitive moment in the story of Mahabharata. This was the main reason for the Mahabharata war, as Draupadi egged the Pandava princes to seek revenge for her humiliation.

Krishna treats Draupadi as his sister, pledges his friendship to her and protects her whenever she asks him for help.

he Who's Who of Mahaabhaarat

Uma Shanker plays Yudhisthira

Uma, who hails from Uttaranchal, is a student of the National School of Drama. He came to Mumbai to make a career in acting in 2001. When films didn't click, he turned to commercials.

Uma is a clinical psychologist by profession.

Who is Yudhisthira?

Yudhisthira was the eldest son of King Pandu and Queen Kunti of Hastinapuraand Indraprastha. When Duryodhana's maternal uncle Shakuni challenged him to a game of dice, he could not refuse. Thanks to Shakuni's cheating, Yudhisthira lost each throw, and eventually gambled away his kingdom, his wealth, his brothers and finally, his wife.

He was forced to pay the debt by spending 13 years in exile in the forest, with the condition of anonymity in the last year, before they

The Who's Who of Mahaabhaarat

Harshad Chopra plays Arjun

Harshad bagged his first prominent role in Left Right Left, where he played Cadet Ali Baigh. He moved on to Amber Dhara but the stint did not last long. After remaining out of action for a while, Harshad bounced back with the popular Balaji show Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil.

Who is Arjun?

Arjun is the third of the five Pandava brothers. His skill in archery won him the hand of Draupadi, his first wife.

He played a central role in the conflict between Pandavas and the Kauravas. He was reluctant to take part in the battle because of the ensuing slaughter he knew he would cause in the enemy ranks, which included many of his relatives. He was persuaded by his charioteer and friend Lord Krishna to change his mind. Their dialogue about issues involved in war -- courage, a warrior's duty, the nature of human life and the soul, and the role of Gods -- forms the subject of the Bhagavad Gita.

The Who's Who of Mahaabhaarat

Chetan Hansraj plays Bheem

This is not the first time Chetan Hansraj is part of a mythological show. He starred in the B R Chopra's Mahabharat, when was about 15 years old. He played the young Balram. He has also been a part of Prithviraj Chauhan, playing the negative character, Bheemdev. He was also popular for his role in Kaahani Ghar Ghar Ki as Saasha.

Who was Bheem?

Bheem was the second of the Pandava brothers. He was distinguished from his brothers by his great stature and strength.

He was furious when Yudhisthira lost the game of dice to Duryodhana. When Dushasana attempted to strip Draupadi in the court, Bheem swore that he would kill him one day and drink his blood.

Deepak Sandhu plays Nakul

Deepak Sandhu was one of the contestants of Gladrags Manhunt 2008.

Who was Nakul?

Nakul is one of the brothers among the five Pandavas. He was said to be very good-looking, and was known for his horse-riding skills. According to legend, he could ride through rain without water touching his body.

Jatin Shah plays Sahadeva

One of the hottest actors on television, Jatin started his career with advertisements and later got offers from Balaji Telefilms. He was popular for his cameo in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki. Currently, he plays Rounak, a negative character, in Kasturi.

Who was Sahadeva?

Sahadeva is Nakul's twin. During the Pandava's exile in the Matsya kingdom of King Virata, Sahadev vowed to kill Shakuni, who had tricked them all their life. He was successful in his vow and killed Shakuni in the second-last day of the battle.

Aryan Vaid plays Duryodhana

Aryan bagged the Mr International title in 2000. He has done a couple of films like 36 China Town, as well as TV shows like Bigg Boss.

Who is Duryodhana?

Duryodhana is the eldest Kaurava, the son of the blind king Dhritarashtra and queen Gandhari. He was mentored by his maternal uncle Shakuni, who desired the elevation of his sister's children at the expense of the Pandavas. Shakuni masterminded most of Duryodhana's plots to humiliate and kill the Pandavas. After Yudhisthira lost the game of dice to Duryodhan, he encouraged his brother Dushasana to strip Draupadi of her clothes in court.

Smriti Irani out of ‘Kyunki…’ again?

2008-07-18T02:36:00.001-07:00

The Idiot Box is no less than Big Bad Bollywood, when it comes to controversies and strange happenings and Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms is foremost in offering sizzling hot onscreen and offscreen gossips.

Smriti Irani deserted her ‘Tulsi’ role in ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ for greener pastures and opted to pursue her career elsewhere. This came as a shock for the production house and everyone thought that Smriti Irani’s absence will affect the TRPs adversely. However, Gautami Gadgil was roped in for the role of ‘Tulsi’ and she managed quite well.

Later, Smriti agreed to come back as ‘Tulsi’ and she was accepted the role with an opinion that she will manage to pull up the TRPs. But Smriti failed to create the response, she once generated. In fact, the TRPs dipped even more than when Gautami was ‘Tulsi’.

A source said, “The TRPs were definitely higher when Gautami was Tulsi. Viewers just don’t seem to be responding to Smriti as Tulsi anymore. Whenever the plot veers towards her character, the TRPs dip. This has come as a shock to us.”

Now, the channel has taken this issue seriously and has urged Ekta Kapoor to bring Gautami back. Though at this stage of the serial’s progression, Balaji Telefilms cannot make drastic changes in the plot, yet, the return of Gautami Gadgil is very probable.

The way Balaji Telefilms is switching their leading actors seems no less than an episode out of one of their soap operas, which is full of twists and turns, as for now guess it is again the time to bid a goodbye to Smriti!

Our maha cast

2008-07-18T02:35:00.001-07:00

Ekta Kapoor's latest project, Kahaani Hammaray Mahabharat Ki, hit TV screens on July 7. While Kapoor has chosen some of the leading stars of small screen to play the roles of the epic characters, we decided to put together our very own cast of big screen celebs - all in jest.

Krishna: Who else but King Khan? He's the reigning god of Bollywood, has hypnotic charm, is mischievous and witty, too. Oh, and those dimples go perfectly with Krishna's flirty ways.

Yudhishtira: Our vote goes to Aamir Khan, who is known in the industry for being a stickler for principles (no, we did not say boring). A goal fit fin' the role of Yudhishtiva, the son of Dharma.

Arjun: He is the good-looking archer who defeated an audience of prospective suitors for Draupadi hands down with his deadly shot. Hrithik Roshan, with his perfectly sculpted body and aquiline features is our choice

Bhima: He was tall, hungry, and / ever so strong. No marks for guessing, Khali, standing gigantic at 7 feet 3 inches, makes the perfect match for Hidimba... DURYODHANA: Scheming, jealous and immensely powerful, this bad boy could be none other than Salman Khan, the sometimes-good-sometimes-bad boy of Bollywood

Draupadi: Few in the industry can take on five men at once with the same dignified ease as the bold and the beautiful Sushmita Sen.

Karna: After the ease with which he played Langda Tyagi in Omkara. there's no one but Saif Ali Khan who can do justice, to Karna's complex character.

The new age Mahabharat

2008-07-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

With remixes and remakes mushrooming every single day, the remake of the classic television serial Mahabharat is the latest to join the league. Ekta Kapoor's new age Mahabharat reflects a clear generation gap with the older B R Chopra's Mahabharat.

It seems gods on TV will now come buffed, with bulges in the right places if serial-makers are to have their way. Ekta kapoor's latest version of Mahabaharat seems to be replete with modern day influences including the designer look her characters don in the show. The chiseled biceps and six pack abs are far cry from the earthly characters of its earlier version.

Unlike the current ones, the earlier mythological shows didn't lay onus on actors with desirable bodies. Even BR Chopra's Mahabharat that took the nation by storm had actors who hardly fitted the category of being called chiseled.

Now, with mythology getting a taste of six packs and bulging biceps, we hope the epics most widely told tale doesn't get overshadowed by the brawn.

Ekta returns with her new show

2008-07-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

his new show Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar has been produced by Balaji Telefilms. According to Ekta Kapoor it is very important to have the right partner both in reel life and real life. So contestants will perform with both their real and reel life partners. And the judges will decide the celebrity quotient for both.

The show will air every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 pm beginning July 09, 2008.

REVIEW: Ekta's Mahabhaarat

2008-07-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

Our take on what's hot and what's not on television!

So just what can you expect when Ekta Kapoor decides to make a serial out of the epic called The Mahabharata? Jump cuts, freeze frames, flowing sarees and what have you… it's all there.

Well, the 'K' Queen's new epic daily Kahaani Hamaaray Mahabharat Ki (Monday-Thursday 9 pm on 9X) finally took off. Quite unlike BR Chopra's version, this one starts off from the draupadi vastraharan episode, which many say was the root cause of the epic bloodbath.

Draupadi screaming, protesting, cursing, Yudishtir looking every bit a broken man after losing everything in the game of dice, Bheem clutching his mace, Arjun his bow and arrow, Bheeshma clenching his fists and the blind emperor Dhritarashtra clenching his fists in agony. This is pretty much how we are introduced to the epic characters.

Also as a marked departure from tradition, in the place of the Hastinapur courtroom where the action is said to have taken place, Ekta gets her actors out in the open with wild winds blowing away the flowing robes and locks.

The actors

A new actor plays Yuddhishtir, the eldest of the Pandavas. It probably would be too early to comment on the actor's acting capabilities since he had no dialogues in the episode.

Aryan Vaid plays Duryodhan, the eldest of the Kauravas (and first cousin to the Pandavas) and quite looks the part he plays. And even though he doesn't talk much, his brother (and sidekick) Dusashan does all the yelling for his brother. Nonetheless he does have a convincing screen presence.

Now for the most important character - Draupadi who is introduced in signature Ekta style. Her free flowing red saree reminds us of Prerna's flowing red dupatta in Kasautii Zindagi Kay. Anita Hasanandani as Draupadi is good with her histrionics but fails to strike the right chord with her shrill voice. The incessant screeching, the glycerine eyes are tad too much to handle.

'Replacing Prachi as Bani was simple'

2008-07-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

Gurdeep Punjj’s docile nature isn’t restricted to her characters on the small screen.

Speak to her for a couple of minutes and you find the endearing Dr Juhi again. Is that character, which Gurdeep essayed in Sanjeevani, the reason for her success? “That’s how I am,” laughs Gurdeep, adding, “Playing Dr Juhi was never tough; it came pretty naturally to me and that’s why it will always remain close to my heart. It is great that people remember me for my performance.”

Having entered Ekta Kapoor’s Kasamh Se on her terms, as she says, Gurdeep had no hang-ups replacing Prachi Desai, who had become synonymous with the character of Bani. “I’m unable to understand the furore about me not having any inhibitions in accepting the role. Not only is the script great, but the response too has been very good ever since I became a part of the soap.

TRPs are relatively self-explanatory. There was no room for scepticism because I have done similar roles all through the seven years that I have worked in television. Hence, replacing an actor who has been popular was never a concern. Faith in your work is the key element,” she clarifies. Talking of replacement, there is nothing that can replace the importance that Sanjeevani holds for her. “Oh! I met Arjun, the love of my life, on the sets of Sanjeevani. It took me less than a year to be convinced that I had to marry him.”

Fortunately, Gurdeep’s professional equation with Ekta has been smooth. “I share an amicable bond with the production house. Agreed, all my terms and conditions were accepted without any hitch. However, nothing can change the understanding you share, which is a must when a daily soap. And I know what it means to carry a show on one’s shoulder.”

She admits that she has learnt loads while enacting Bani. “Dr Juhi was my debut role; I learnt on the job. Unlike Juhi, Bani is an intense character who is neither submissive nor a victim of circumstances. Rub her the wrong way and she knows how to give it back. It makes for drama that is being thoroughly enjoyed by people everywhere. I now know what it takes to give a strong performance,” replies Gurdeep and accepts daily soaps come with a price. “I know what it is to work for a daily soap, pressure is seriously high than a weekly that hardly exist these days,” she says. And Nach Baliye 2 helped the couple spend quality time and feel the same jitters performing on stage. “Nervousness would be so intense that we wouldn’t even talk minutes before our performance,” she laughs.

Will glamour, technology driven 'Mahabharat' prove popular?

2008-07-18T02:25:00.000-07:00

TV tycoon Ekta Kapoor's 'Kahani Hamare Mahabharat Ki' scheduled to go air Monday night on 9X, is already the talk of the town for its array of TV stars, designer costumes and spectacular sets, but it remains to be seen whether it will match the standards of B.R. Chopra's version of the mythological drama.

Suraj Rao, creative head of the show, refutes the perception that the mega epic has lost its sheen and appeal only because of the renewed look given to it.

''Mahabharat' has its own inherent dialogues, which are being offered in a new package. It is an altogether new 'Mahabharat' that has never been shown on television. But the spirit of the epic remains the same,' Rao told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

Big names from small screen like Ronit Roy, Chetan Hansraj, Sakshi Tanwar, Hiten Tejwani and Kiran Karmarkar play pivotal roles in the show.

Bollywood's ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra has designed the costumes for the stars. The sets and actions have been digitally enhanced to give a new-age look to the show based on the epic.

Amar Shetty, action director of the show, said: 'This 'Mahabharat' is completely hi-tech and based on the favouritism of people in this tech-savvy world. People's perception has changed now. Movies like 'Krrish' have earned great business due to their visual effects and the digital technology they have used. We have tried to add a different flavour to the epic.'

The serial has been shot at different locations to bring about a unique background effect so that they appeal to viewers.

'We went on varied locations according to the demand of the scenes. All the romantic scenes between Shantanu and Ganga have been shot in Ladakh and whenever we were required to show summer scenes we shot them at Jaipur,' explained Rao.

Many see a strong possibility of the technological aspect of the show overshadowing the content, but Rao doesn't feel so.

He said: 'We are just bringing the show in a new package to the public keeping the drama in its original form.'

Ever since Ekta's version of 'Mahabharat' was announced, people have been wondering whether or not the new version will be able to recreate the same magic that B.R. Chopra did.

Since the latter had left an indelible mark in the minds of the audience, it seems difficult for the new show to gain high television rating points.

Mukesh Khanna, who essayed the role of Bheeshma Pitamah in Chopra's version, says that whatever digital technology might be used in the new version of 'Mahabharat', actors would find it difficult to match the standard of dialogue delivery.

'We used to work from 7 a.m. till late night to perfect each shot and dialogue. In today's hectic schedule, it is not possible for anyone, not even me, to devote so much time to a single project,' Mukesh explained.

From a clinical psychologist to Mahabhaarat!

2008-07-18T02:23:00.000-07:00

A clinical psychologist with a roaring practice in the upmarket suburb of Bandra in Mumbai shuts down everything to pursue his passion for acting. Sounds unbelievable?

But that is what has happened in the case of Uma Shanker, the actor identified to play Yudhisthir in Ekta Kapoor's Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.

A student of the National School of Drama, New Delhi, the actor spent some time chatting with Srabanti Chakrabarti just before the serial went on air. Excerpts:

Also Read: 'I will defintely be compared to Rupa Ganguly'

How did a clinical psychologist land into the glamour world?

I am originally from Uttaranchal and have always been interested in acting. In 1999, I did a one-and-half year course on acting from National School of Drama and landed in Mumbai to make a career in acting in 2001. Unfortunately, nothing really clicked for me on the films' front. That's when I started acting in commercials.

Though my ads became really popular, my film career was not taking off. I decided to call it quits and go back to my original profession -- clinical psychology. I opened my chamber in Bandra and started treating people. I also started taking up consulting assignments in the area of psychology. Currently, I am a consultant.

How did you get selected for the coveted role of Yudhisthir?

Though I had called it quits some time back, the passion for acting was burning inside me. Thus, when I read in the newspapers that Ekta was looking for actors for Mahabhaarat, I went for the audition. After an initial audition, the creative team there offered me two small roles -- Chintrangad and Parashuram. I politely declined since I was looking for a bigger role. Some days later, I got a call from them informing me that I had been identified for the role of Dharmaraj Yudhisthir.

How did you prepare yourself for the role?

After I got selected, I started researching on the role. One of the biggest doubts that I had was why do people call him Dharmaraj as he was a man who sold his wife. I started reading everything on the epic that I could get my hands on and finally got to know that one of biggest hallmarks of a Kshatriya is to accept challenge and Yudhisthir did that even during the game of pasha.

How was your look modified for the role?

When I decided to act in serials, I made up my mind not to do saas bahu soaps or mythological shows. One of the main reasons being the costumes and looks associated with these shows. However, when I got to know the way they were handling the looks in Ekta's Mahabharat, my idea changed completely.

Manish Malhotra (fashion designer for Mahabhaarat) has changed the concept of designing costumes for epics completely. The characters in this show don't wear gaudy jewellery or colourful dhotis. The outfits are very new and will be a welcome change from the usual ones. My look has also undergone a change for this serial. You will see me sporting a beard!

How was the experience shooting for Mahabhaarat?

I am just back from a shooting schedule in Jaipur. It was a fascinating experience working with Mr Shantaram, the director of the show. Ekta's attention to detail is also mindblowing. Before every scene, she would come up to me and brief me on the scene and the character, and how to enact the scene.

How do you think this version of Mahabharat will be different from the old one?

The story will be the same -- how can one change the story of an epic? But the look and feel of the show has changed completely.

Catch Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki every Monday to Thursday on 9X at 9 pm.

REVIEW: Ekta's Mahabhaarat

2008-07-18T02:20:00.000-07:00

Our take on what's hot and what's not on television!

So just what can you expect when Ekta Kapoor decides to make a serial out of the epic called The Mahabharata? Jump cuts, freeze frames, flowing sarees and what have you… it's all there.

Well, the 'K' Queen's new epic daily Kahaani Hamaaray Mahabharat Ki (Monday-Thursday 9 pm on 9X) finally took off. Quite unlike BR Chopra's version, this one starts off from the draupadi vastraharan episode, which many say was the root cause of the epic bloodbath. [ALSO READ: Sallu brings out the best in Aamir]

Draupadi screaming, protesting, cursing, Yudishtir looking every bit a broken man after losing everything in the game of dice, Bheem clutching his mace, Arjun his bow and arrow, Bheeshma clenching his fists and the blind emperor Dhritarashtra clenching his fists in agony. This is pretty much how we are introduced to the epic characters.

Also as a marked departure from tradition, in the place of the Hastinapur courtroom where the action is said to have taken place, Ekta gets her actors out in the open with wild winds blowing away the flowing robes and locks.

The actors

A new actor plays Yuddhishtir, the eldest of the Pandavas. It probably would be too early to comment on the actor's acting capabilities since he had no dialogues in the episode.

Aryan Vaid plays Duryodhan, the eldest of the Kauravas (and first cousin to the Pandavas) and quite looks the part he plays. And even though he doesn't talk much, his brother (and sidekick) Dusashan does all the yelling for his brother. Nonetheless he does have a convincing screen presence.

Now for the most important character - Draupadi who is introduced in signature Ekta style. Her free flowing red saree reminds us of Prerna's flowing red dupatta in Kasautii Zindagi Kay. Anita Hasanandani as Draupadi is good with her histrionics but fails to strike the right chord with her shrill voice. The incessant screeching, the glycerine eyes are tad too much to handle.

Ekta’s pilgrimage continues!

2008-07-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

To propitiate the gods – and perhaps seek their aid to boost the TRPs – Ekta Kapoor has embarked on a tour of different temples in the country as she inched closer to the premiere of her most costly television soap to date. Industry insiders describe Ekta as an ‘extremely religious and superstitious’ person when it comes to her productions.

Apart from naming all her serials and films with a ‘K’, Ekta reportedly put forward hundreds of kundalis to her astrologer to zoom in on the baby who will essay the role of Krishna in the aforementioned soap, Kahaani Hamaray Mahabharat Ki.

It is already known that every year, Ekta makes a trip to the Balaji temple, to offer pujas. This year however, she has gone there several times. Says a source close to Ekta, “She named her company after ‘Him’ (Balaji) and wants to keep her favourite god happy at this time.”

Besides doing the rounds of the Siddhivinayak Temple, she has already been to the Dagdu Seth Ganesh temple in Pune. Sources say that the Ganesha idol that will feature in the show will resemble the idol at Dagdu Seth Ganesh.

Ekta has an envious collection of Ganesha idols at her home and office. “Yes, I have just come back from Tirupati temple and I am now in Pune to pay a visit to Dagdu Seth Ganpati. Dagdu Sethji is so great that I actually wanted to make our Ganpati (idol) in the show exactly like him. But, that’s a patented idol, so we have tweaked the look a little. I am very sure it will bring good luck to the show,” Ekta said.

Ekta says that she wanted to visit the Jagannath temple in Puri. However, by the time this article comes out, she would have a made a round at the Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur. “This year, due to a tight schedule, I could not make it to Puri. But I am told that Mahalaxmi (in Kolhapur) makes all your wishes come true. So, I am on my way to the temple to seek Her blessings,” she added.

Ekta says that since her show is about gods and goddesses, it will be religious in nature. “It’s our greatest epic and all the gods are there (in the soap) as characters. Obviously, it would be devotional in nature. Otherwise the show can’t meet with success. Being religious, it will have the true bhakti bhaav,” she stresses.

The all new hi-tech Mahabharat

2008-07-18T02:15:00.000-07:00

TV tycoon Ekta Kapoor's Kahani Hamare Mahabharat Ki scheduled to go air Monday night on 9X, is already the talk of the town for its array of TV stars, designer costumes and spectacular sets, but it remains to be seen whether it will match the standards of B.R. Chopra's version of the mythological drama.

Suraj Rao, creative head of the show, refutes the perception that the mega epic has lost its sheen and appeal only because of the renewed look given to it.

"Mahabharat has its own inherent dialogues, which are being offered in a new package. It is an altogether new Mahabharat that has never been shown on television. But the spirit of the epic remains the same," Rao said on phone from Mumbai.

Big names from small screen like Ronit Roy, Chetan Hansraj, Sakshi Tanwar, Hiten Tejwani and Kiran Karmarkar play pivotal roles in the show.

Bollywood's ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra has designed the costumes for the stars. The sets and actions have been digitally enhanced to give a new-age look to the show based on the epic.

Amar Shetty, action director of the show, said: "This Mahabharatis completely hi-tech and based on the favouritism of people in this tech-savvy world. People's perception has changed now. Movies like Krrish have earned great business due to their visual effects and the digital technology they have used. We have tried to add a different flavour to the epic."

The serial has been shot at different locations to bring about a unique background effect so that they appeal to viewers.

"We went on varied locations according to the demand of the scenes. All the romantic scenes between Shantanu and Ganga have been shot in Ladakh and whenever we were required to show summer scenes we shot them at Jaipur," explained Rao.

Many see a strong possibility of the technological aspect of the show overshadowing the content, but Rao doesn't feel so.

He said: "We are just bringing the show in a new package to the public keeping the drama in its original form."

Ever since Ekta's version of Mahabharatwas announced, people have been wondering whether or not the new version will be able to recreate the same magic that B.R. Chopra did.

Since the latter had left an indelible mark in the minds of the audience, it seems difficult for the new show to gain high television rating points.

Mukesh Khanna, who essayed the role of Bheeshma Pitamah in Chopra's version, says that whatever digital technology might be used in the new version of Mahabharat, actors would find it difficult to match the standard of dialogue delivery.

"We used to work from 7 a.m. till late night to perfect each shot and dialogue. In today's hectic schedule, it is not possible for anyone, not even me, to devote so much time to a single project," Mukesh explained.

K for Kishore Kumar

2008-07-18T02:14:00.000-07:00

This was an evening dedicated to ‘K’... no, it wasn’t a party hosted by the superstitious Ekta Kapoor for her string of ‘K’ serials.

It was in fact, a musical evening in honour of singer Kishore Kumar, a special tribute to the legendary singer and comic actor.
There were a mix of singers and musicians present at the occasion, right from veteran singer Shabbir Kumar to the younger lot including music director duo Sanjeev-Darshan, Bali Brahmbhatt and Babul Supriyo, all of who sung along with Navin Rathod. Babul and Navin even put up an impromptu dance act. Adding to the entertainment was the fact that Navin sung all the songs in different get-ups... including that of a girl!
Actress Amita Nangia and comedian Sunil Pal who came with his wife, were among the Kishoreda lovers present that evening, who enjoyed a memorable sing-song affair. With a voice like that, the legend and the songs will live on...

Are you looking forward to Ekta's Mahabharat?

2008-07-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

Some of us watched B R Chopra's epic show, Mahabharat, and loved it. Now, Ekta Kapoor will show us a new and improved version of the epic, called, Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.

The serial stars some of the hottest and most popular actors on television currently, like Ronit Roy, Saakshi Tanwar, Chetan Hansraj, Anita Hassanandani, Rakshanda Khan and Jatin Shah, among others.

The look of the serial is very interesting, with Manish Malhotra doing a grand job on the costumes.

Are you looking forward to watching Ekta Kapoor's Mahaabhaarat, which premieres today, July 7? Have you reserved the 9 pm slot this week for this show?

Reality show performers are the gladiators exposed to the lions: Mahesh Bhatt

2008-07-18T02:12:00.000-07:00

Mahesh Bhatt would yet again be seen judging an upcoming reality show Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Kabhi Kabhi Yaar, presented by Ekta Kapoor. The yesteryears’ veteran director talks about this new dance based reality show and also speak out the controversies associated with these kinds of shows.

. What is the reason behind you judging this reality show?
A. First of all, India is a country of youngsters. We, after getting into a big position, start getting detached from our younger generations. So when these kinds of reality shows come and we see the youngsters showing their talents, there forms a kind of relation and connection with them.

Q. As a director what is your point of view on dance based reality shows?
A. Dancing and choreographing are both similar because dancing is a part of choreography. But the basic connection between them is the space and the chemistry between the two persons and until they perform well as a team, connecting to each other, the performance always looks bad. So my role will be to see and build the connectivity between the two persons.

Q. What will be your take away from the show?
A. My take away would be an exposure to 7 to 8 days of spears competition between the young television stars who have made their mark with their work in television. I think we can’t remain wrapped up only with the world of cinema but will have to connect with the people of this country which is not more easily accessible. Television is the best medium of mass communication. I do not want to leave this very powerful root of communication.

Q. Reality shows are always under scanner of controversies, what is your take on it?
A. Something has to be understood and since it connects with the taste buds of the consumer it is in finding repetition in all kinds of media. I think the lines between the performer and the audience is not getting less. People want access into your life and the world has already become a wider place and they want to see what is going on in your life all the time. So I think these reality shows are catering to the widest need which is common in mass.

Q. Don’t you think that everything is not real in reality shows?
A. Yes. There is a time structure which is not real and everyone is aware of it. But anything that is edited ceases to be real.

Q. What is entertainment then?
A. Entertainment is illusion. We are not into reality capturing business at all. We are marketing the illusion of it.

Q. Do film making and judging a reality show offer the same experience?
A. When you are making a serial you are in the process of giving instructions to the artists and the juniors, same is the way that you follow while making films. So there is no such radical difference between the set of television reality shows and imaginative set of films.

Q. It can’t be denied that television is getting bigger but do you think it is getting better?
A. It is very hard to describe what is getting better. Everything is dependant on audience and their changing point of views. It has frozen to the reference of the by gone days and even creators are alarmed by what audience want from television. There is a young India where 55% of it is under 35 years. Somehow what is expected by the mass has been getting respectability. Today Akshay Kumar has earned a respect for himself in every one’s eyes because he delivers in numbers. So the references of your culture have changed. What is commercially viable is respectable. I have no reason to sit down and pass judgment. You can’t argue with success.

Q. How different is the show Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Kabhi Kabhi Yaar from other reality shows?
A. The concept is the body of the show. I think that this is a medium which appeals to the cave man. The world has now become an Amphi-theater where you are the spectator and these reality show performers are the gladiators exposed to the lions. And the kind is sitting up there watching and enjoying grapes (laughs).

Q. Will you direct anything for the small screen?
A. No, I don’t think so. But I have done that years ago by making the serial called Swabhimaan. It was 1200 episodes so I have had my belly dose and nothing else now. I think it is too alien domain for us.

Q. Why is it said that television stars cannot make it big with films?
A. Watch Shah Rukh Khan.

'I loved playing Ganga'--- parvati.......Saakshi Tanwar

2008-07-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

Saakshi Tanwar, who is best known for her role of Parvati in the popular Kaahani Ghar Ghar Ki, has a lot in her kitty, starting with her role as Ganga in the mythological serial Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.

Earlier too, Saakshi played a spiritually inclined woman with a strong connection to goddess Durga in the serial Devi. The actress will also be seen in a few movies later in the year like Coffee House and Ekta Kapoor's [Images] film C Kompany.

Rajul Hegde caught up with the busy actress to know more about Ganga.

How was the experience of playing Ganga?

It was a wonderful experience. Something I will always cherish. The aura and the mystique surrounding Ganga is what made the character such a challenge to portray. A short yet powerful role, I loved playing Ganga.

How much do you know about Ganga?

My basic knowledge about Ganga was acquired from whatever I had seen in B R Chopra's Mahabharat. I was a big fan of the show and watched it religiously. But I was amazed to know that in our mythology there are so many other stories about Ganga apart from Mahabarat. All this was very enriching for me.

What kind of research have you done for this character?

I was given detailed narrations about the character and then I just followed my instinct to portray it.

Let's talk about your look and costume.

Ekta [producer] knew exactly how she wanted Ganga to look like. I appeared for a 'look' test with Bharat and Dorris. It was instantly approved. My costume has been designed by Manish Malhotra, who has always performed magic for me. He made me look like a dream. That's the response I got from everyone, who saw the hoardings and promos.

How long you have been shooting for this show?

I shot for just 10-12 days, as it is a brief role.

How has the experience been so far?

I really enjoyed shooting for Mahabharat. With every different show, an actor learns and grows as a performer, and the same has been with me on Mahabharat. The canvas on which it was shot was huge -- the sets, the costumes, treatment of scenes -- the entire feel was so mesmerising.

It was reported that you fell sick during the shooting. What happened?

Nothing much. It was just a little acclimatisation problem in Ladakh due to lack of oxygen. I was fine in a couple of hours and resumed shooting the next day as scheduled.

After that, you didn't resume shooting for sometime. Are you trying to work harder now to keep episode bank?

Not really, since my role as Ganga was very brief and everything was managed very well.

How was it to share screen space again with Kiran Karmarkar who play's Shantanu, your husband?

Having worked with Kiran for the last many years, there is a comfort level and a great on-screen rapport which helped both of us in portraying our respective roles with so much ease.

What is the kind of response you have got from people, who have already seen it?

Well, everyone who has seen it liked the look of my character. Now the performance remains to be judged. I have my fingers crossed.

Are you working hard because the show is being aired before the scheduled time?

My work was done even before the telecast date was decided so there are no pressures on that end.

Will you be able to evoke the same kind respect which you got for playing Parvati?

I have performed with full earnestness, honesty and 100 per cent dedication. Now it's for the viewers to decide. It's their verdict that finally counts.

Does it mean that you will be seen less as Parvati in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki?

(Laughs) No, I am still there in 14 out of 15 scenes in Kahaani.

What next?

I have recently done a film directed by Gurbir Grewal titled Coffee House opposite Ashutosh Rana [Images]. I also have a comic cameo in Balaji Motion Pictures film C Kompany directed by Sachin Yardi. As an actor, I am always greedy for good roles. So far, I have been lucky to play strong and powerful roles on television. Now, I am looking at doing good cinema.

Catch Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki every Monday to Thursday on 9X at 9 pm.

The boys are looking hot in Mahabharat'

2008-07-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

Rakshanda Khan entered our homes and hearts with her spicy characters like Tanya in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Mallika in Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin.

Now, the actress will be seen in a different avatar in Ekta Kapoor's [Images] Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.

She talks to Rajul Hegde about her character Amba in the mythological show.

What made you take up Mahabharat?

I got a chance to act in a mythological show, which doesn't come one's way often. I am doing a cameo for three episodes.

I liked the character of Amba because it has tremendous potential. Mahabharat started because of two women, Draupadi and Amba.

Amba wanted to marry Bhishma after King Shalva and King Vichitravirya rejected her proposal, but due to his oath to remain a bachelor throughout his life, he couldn't marry Amba. So she held him responsible for her plight and wished to take vengeance by killing him.

You have a glamorous image. Why take up a mythological show now?

As an actor, we should try different kinds of roles. Doing a mythological will add to my portfolio and help me mature as an actor.

Tell us about the costumes in the show.

Grand is the only word I can use to describe everything. Balaji Telefilms [Get Quote] has not shot any of its shows on such a grand scale on television before.

The boys are looking really hot and stunning in Manish Malhotra's desgined costumes. He has given the characters of Mahabharat a modern look, keeping traditions in mind. I have really not worked with many women on this show, but their costumes are also awesome.

Were you offered Amba, or did you choose to play her?

The creative team had thought of one or two other characters too but Ekta Kapoor felt this role suited me better. I liked the character of Amba because she is a strong woman. It's worth doing this role.

What kind of homework did you do for this character?

I have not read the Mahabharat. But as a kid, I religiously watched it on television. Ronit Roy [who plays Bhishma] is a walky talky Mahabharat. He is well versed with the all characters and the stories behind it. If I had any doubts, I would go to him and ask him to describe why I had to give a particular expression. He would always explain. Also, there were creative heads and directors around to help us if we had any queries.
How was your experience?

It has been wonderful. I have worked with Ronit in Kyunki but in his show, I got to see a different side of him. He is so dedicated that he goes home and rehearses his scene before he comes next day for the shoot. Yesterday, I got to see an extensive war scene between Ronit and the others, and the kind of effort they have put in is amazing.

You are also hosting a reality show Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar.

Yes, I am hosting a reality show for the first time. Here, the actor participants has to dance with his real and reel life partners. I am having a blast shooting for this. My track in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi ended three or four months ago, and I could not spend time with my friends.

Now, I am spending a lot of time with Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan [Images] [who are a part of Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar] and I am having fun. After Kyunki, I was just travelling to different countries, which I enjoyed too.

Will we see you in Kyunki again?

Not right now. But they told me that they will bring me back after some time. I have no clue when and how I will be shown again.

Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar, a trend setter from Sony..

2008-07-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

Life aur dance dono mein sahi partner ka hona bada zaroori hai…'Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar', Balaji Telefilm's & Ekta Kapoor's new reality dance show on Sony Entertainment Television starting July 9, Wednesday & Thursday at 8.00 p.m.will give you just that!!

The uniqueness of this show is that a celebrity will perform with his/her real and reel life partner and judges/viewers will check their chemistry quotient. Temperatures are surely going to soar high as the competition heats up amongst Indian television's favorite stars!!

Celebrities dancing on screen with their lead actors are very common and we accept the pairing simply because we find they share an excellent chemistry between them. But what happens when you pair them with their spouse and screen partner? Herein starts the real excitement of Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar.

The 7 celebrities chosen to participate are known to share a great chemistry with their on screen partners. Where does that leave their spouse? While the celebrity sizzles with the on-screen partner, will the spouse suffer in silence or will she strike back? Temperatures will soar and looks will freeze. Fragile egos and even more fragile equations will be on a rise. It will it be a competition to die for or to kill for-dance, masti, nok jhok, loads of gossip and entertainment.

The show that will be twice a week for 7 weeks will have 14 fun filled one-hour episodes. In the first episode all 7 celebrities will perform with their spouses. In the second episode, the same celebrities will perform with their on-screen partners… and so on.

The most awaited moment of the show is when the bottom two celebrities will have to choose one of his partners, (either the spouse or the on-screen partner depending on who got better marks). Whom will he/she choose? That's the moment to watch for! Will he/she choose his on-screen partner to retain professional harmony or will he/she opt for the spouse to retain domestic bliss? The choice is between the devil and the deep sea!!!

From week two, one trio will be eliminated, till the last two trios are left to compete for the finals. There will be no viewer voting. Marks given by the judges will be the ultimate deciding factor. The judges are well-known filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, choreographer Ganesh Hegde & beautiful actress Sameera Reddy.

Said Albert Almeida, Executive Vice President & Business Head- Sony Entertainment Television: "We at SET believe that this show will become a trend setter among dance reality shows. Dance based reality shows have an emotional, dramatic and visually appealing side to it. However in Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar the viewers will witness for the first time the actual chemistry between their favorite star and his/her reel and real partner respectively. Viewers will also get a chance to get up- close and personal with their favorite stars and the drama that unfolds, as a consequence, will be with a twist."

Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar is the joint effort of Suneil Shetty's Popcorn Entertainment & Balaji Telefilms. The sprightly Rakshanda Khan & popular actor Sachin Tyagi will host the show.

Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar will present 7 popular trios:

Protagonist - Real life partner- Reel life partner

*Hiten Tejwani-Gauri Pradhan-Nandini Singh
*Kashmera Shah-Krushna-Mukul Dev
*Amit Sarin-Vinisha Amit Sarin-Aashka Goradia
*Karnvir Bohra-Teejay Siddhu-Tina Parekh
*Vishal Singh - Praneeta Sahu- Dimple Jhangiani
*Jatin Shah -Priya Bhatija- Shalini Chandran
*Mridul -Tina -Wasna Ahmed

Sameera in Ekta Kapoor's reality show

2008-07-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

elevision has become the safest ground for flop actresses who haven't got any mentionable films in their hands. The not-so-happening actresses like Urmila Matondkar and Isha Koppikar have already appeared on television judging reality shows. Even when Shilpa Shetty's career was going downhill she, too, took on the role of judging one of the seasons of Sony's reality show Jhalak Dikhla Ja.

Now joining this league of such actresses is non-other-than bombshell Sameera Reddy. This gorgeous babe would now be seen judging Ekta Kapoor's upcoming reality show Kabhi Kabhi Pyar Kabhi Kabhi Yaar.

The other judges accompanying Sameera Reddy will be Mahesh Bhatt and choreographer Ganesh Acharya. With no work in one's hand undoubtedly these reality shows provide these divas not only with money but also with an opportunity to kill their idle time. Adding to it, these gorgeous babes also get the much needed free publicity to boost their declining filmy career, well, if possible.

Sibling Rivalry between Tusshar and Ekta Kapoor

2008-07-18T02:03:00.000-07:00

Ekta Kapoor must have the last word. And this is what was demonstrated visibly in her office when she had a huge spat with her brother Tusshar. The siblings had a massive argument over the publicity designs of Balaji Films' upcoming film C-Company.

The entire publicity campaign was designed by Tusshar. Apparently, when Tusshar brought the designs to the office for Ekta's approval, she rejected them.

Our source from the production house says, "C-Company is Tusshar's home production, hence he is actively involved with the film in many ways.

Ekta did not approve of the designs which Tusshar had prepared, but Tusshar stood his ground and insisted that they were fine. What initially started as a difference of opinion ended up in a heated argument."

Our source adds that there was some tension between the two and they did not speak for two days after that. When the things came to a standstill Ekta agreed to meet Tusshar again after ensuring that he incorporates some of her suggestions.

Reveals our source, "However, later they met halfway on the publicity designs."

When contacted, Tusshar confirmed the story. He said, "Yes, Ekta and I did have a big argument. Creative differences happen sometimes, at work."

Is it true that they didn't speak for two days? "Well yes, I didn't meet Ekta for two days after that," Tusshar replied diplomatically.

C-Company, directed by Sachin Yardi, stars Tusshar Kapoor (as a crime reporter) and Raima Sen and Mahesh Bhatt, Karan Johar and Sanjay Dutt have important cameos in the film.

Ekta Kapoor unveils her reality show

2008-07-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

It seems queen of the 'K-series' has been bitten by the reality bug as well as she is all set to do Balaji's first ever reality television show.

Despite the fact that reality shows have been at the receiving end of television debates, it was soap Queen Ekta Kapoor unveiling her first ever reality contest.

Although popular for her saas-bahu sagas, the new venture according to Ekta would differ markedly in its flavour and presentation.

It's not only the concept of the show, but also the celebrity presence in it that would add to its appeal, and to make that happen, Ekta has roped in some of the popular names to judge the show.

Ekta Kapoor speaking on her reality show said, "I think nothing can pull a viewer bigger than spice, and this show has that. The magic ingredient in any outstanding show is spice."

Actress Sameera Reddy, one of the judges on the show, reacting to the upcoming task said, "I always wanted to judge a show where there are children. I have been waiting for this opportunity. The moment I got this chance I really liked it."

The move from daily-soaps to reality shows is Ekta's way of following the audience'spulse but, would this move repeat the success of her earlier ventures is something only time will tell.

Ekta Kapoor's reality show on television is named 'Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Kabhi Kabhi Yaar' will be aired on, and Sony television and will go on air from July 9 on Wednesday and Thursday at
8 pm.

Filmaker Mahesh Bhatt will have actress Sameera Reddy and choreographer Ganesh Hedge for company as judges on the show.

The participants are seven celebrities with their real life and reel life partners. The 14-episode show has been jointly produced by Sunil Shetty's Popcorn Entertainment and Ekta Kapoor.

Will Ekta’s Mahabharat work?

2008-07-18T01:57:00.000-07:00

Soap queen Ekta Kapoor’s maiden mythological show was shrouded under lot of suspense and secrecy. When news came that Ekta was planning to make Mahabharat for television, people speculated whether she was making it for Star Plus. But soon Star announced its mega series on the mythological epic with Bobby Bedi as producer. Then news came in that Ekta was making Mahabharat for 9X. The channel kept quiet and Ekta also declined to confirm whether her show was aimed at 9X though regular meetings between the two to discuss the creative and logistics aspects of the show continued. Finally news came that Ekta was indeed making the mythological serial for 9X which was titled as Kahani Hamaaray Mahabharat Ki. Three weeks ago, the channel’s founder and CEO Indrani Mukejea had told this paper that they were planning to telecast the show from mid-August. However, the latest bit of news about the show is that its telecast has been pre-poned and it will come on air from July 7.

Why the show was kept under wraps for so long and why is it being launched more than a month ahead of its scheduled telecast date? Sooraj Rao, a senior creative head at Balaji who is the creative head of Mahabharat, refused to comment saying that he won’t be able to say anything on the matter. However, Indrani says the show was kept under wraps for some time because it was a half-baked project. “We were not ready to talk about it. We rather prefer the show to speak for itself instead of us talking about it,” she says. Ask her why the launch date has been preponed and Indrani says the show was actually planned for August launch. “We have shot at outdoors in Laddakh, Rajasthan, Hyderabad and Wai. Currently there are three units working at the Film City in Mumbai. Because of rains we wanted to play safe and August seemed ideal to go on air. But we have been lucky. Rains didn’t disrupt our shoot and we have a good bank to go on air from July 7,” she explains.

According to Indrani, it is important to contemporise the epic and match people’s expectations, given the technical and technological progress. “As a child I had seen B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharat and have good memories of watching it. I went through the series all over again when we decided to make it for 9X. Since we are making it two decades after it was first made for DD, we will have as many special effects and computer graphics to make it look good. The whole idea is to appeal to as many people as possible,” says Indrani. Generally fresh or lesser known actors/faces are preferred for mythological serials. Chopra’s Mahabharat had film actors like Mukesh Khanna, Puneet Isaar, Girija Shankar, Gufi Paintal, Roopa Ganguli and Surendra Pal in key roles. They were not unknown actors but were definitely not seen much on television.

However, Ekta’s Mahabharat has well-known television actors. Ronit Roy, Hiten Tejwani, Chetan Hansraj, Shakshi Tanwar, Makrand Deshpande and Harshad Chopra have all invaded our living rooms and become household names in negative and positive roles. Now from July 7 onwards, viewers will see them as mythological characters. Will these actors’ current or past image create disconnect with viewers? Will viewers find it difficult to accept them in mythological roles? Indrani doesn’t foresee any problem. She feels a show like Mahabharat needs well-known faces with proven acting skills. “Take Chopra’s Mahabharat. It had fairly known film actors who were easily accepted by viewers. Why do we rush to watch a Shah Rukh Khan film? It’s because he is not only a super star but an actor with proven acting skills,” says Indrani. Similarly, in her view, Ronit, Makrand, Aryan Vaid, Hiten and Chetan are well-known actors with proven skills. “You need stars to bring in eyeballs,” she adds.

Sooraj doesn’t disagree, “With as many as ten GE channels around and several mythological shows being made, you need known and relatable faces to connect with viewers. Not that it makes the task easy. The same amount of effort and hard work goes into the project but known faces are a definite plus point,” feels Sooraj, adding further, “While Chopra’s Mahabharat had film actors, our show has television actors.” In Indrani’s view, Mahabharat is not a mythological epic about Gods but a socio-mythological about people. “It’s about fight between two families. So why will known actors not be accepted as Bheeshma Pitamah, Kans, Karna, Bheema and Duryodhan? The only God in Mahabharat is Lord Krishna and for the role of Krishna we will cast a fresh or lesser-known face,” she elaborates.

In fact, Indrani says she and Ekta took quite some time to decide on the cast. “We discussed, debated and then decided to go for known faces because they are successful television actors” adds Indrani. Hiten who plays Karna doesn’t foresee any problem in connecting with viewers. “I have played many characters and Karna is one more role for me. Ekta has cast me in the role because she is confident that I will stand up to her expectations as well that of viewers,” says Hiten. Ronit Roy who plays Bheeshma Pitamah has kept his fingers crossed. “My only fear is that whether I will be able to play the role convincingly. But I am working hard and it should go down well with viewers,” feels Ronit.

However, Chetan Hansraj who is well-known for his negative role of Sasha in Kahaani... expects some problem initially. “People know me as Sasha and might find it bit difficult to accept me as Bheema. But I have not done Kahaani.. for the last three months and have been working on my physique to play Bheema. I don’t think there should be a major problem as viewers are now used to seeing actors in different characters,” says Chetan. Whatever it is, but a lot is at stake. The sudden spurt in mythological shows on satellite channels is a result of thesuccessful launch of Ramayan in a daily format on NDTV Imagine. Ever since its launch on January 21, Ramayan has been a channel driver. Now it remains to be seen whether Mahabharat in a daily format will also prove to be a channel driver for 9X.

Cut & paste Stars!

2008-07-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

It all began when soap czarina Ekta Kapoor replaced her main lead character Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, essayed by Amar Upadhyay way back in 2001.

Amar wanted to quit the small screen for films and was replaced by Indra Kumar for all of six months, before Ronit Bose Roy made the character more iconic ever. Eight years later, ‘replacements’ of main lead characters/character artists in prime time, evening and afternoon soaps are almost a given. The minute actors throw starry tantrums, get pricey (read: demand pay hikes) or move on to the next big thing (Bollywood) —there’s solution at hand. Just ‘plot’ an accident or something and replace the character.

Sometimes, they work wonder, sometimes the ‘replacements’ have a tough time walking in the original’s footsteps. Gautami Kapoor for example, replaced Smriti Iraani a year ago in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi . A year later, thanks to the demands of TRPs, Ekta Kapoor wooed back Smriti. Even Sonia Kapoor, who just bagged the lead role in Zaara Pyar Ki Saugat , is facing a tough time as the show is going off air.

Shilpa Anand, who played the female lead in Dill Mil Gaye , found television, too small for her dreams and is joining Bollywood. So, she got replaced by Sukirti Khandpal promptly.

Sample some other replacements — television hunk Iqbal Khan by Nikhil Arya in Chhoona Hai Aasman , Pulkit Samrat by Yash Pandit in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi , Twinkle Bajpai by Gunjan Walia in Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan , Krystle D’Souza by Wasna Ahmed in Kahe Na Kahe , Samiksha Jug by Sonya Kapoor in Zaara-Pyaar Ki Saugat , Dev Keshwani by Amit Verma in Annu Ki Ho Gayee Wah Bhai Wah ... the list goes on.

Gunjan feels the sad part about replacements is the inevitable ‘comparison’. “Initially, people wanted Twinkle to come back, but gradually the audience is trying to accept me,” says Gunjan. Did she try hard for that role? “Well, I am trying to work hard and am adding my individual touch to it,” she explains.

Yash Pandit, the new Lakshya in Kyunki ..., says, “Since it is one of the finest and most popular shows on television, I paid heed to what the ladies in my house had to say about the character before I signed up for the show. The audience has been satisfied and I want to do the role my way.” Gurdeep Kohli, who replaced the youngest bahu of Indian television Prachi Desai in Kasamh Se , says she didn’t find it “difficult to do a character done by someone. It was just an extension of what I have been doing before. I have my own individuality and audience respects it and love my work.”

Amit Verma, who replaced the male lead in Annu Ki... recently, claims he joined the show only after he was “assured by the makers of the show” that he could do the role the way, “I perceived it”.

Newcomer Sukirti Khandpal, who’s just walked in Dill Mil Gaye, says that “positive feedback” made her work more. “If the audience is more receptive, then it’s fine,” she says.

Ekta Kapoor to team up with Ameer?

2008-07-18T01:54:00.002-07:00

JOINING the long list of corporate production houses who’ve come to Kollywood is Balaji Telefilms by Ekta Kapoor.

The Queen of Soaps who provided several tear-jerkers on TV, beginning with ‘k’ like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kkusum, and Kasamh Se, is said to be eyeing Kollywood as the next destination for her movies. And she has approached director Ameer of Paruthiveeran fame for a possible project together.

Speaking exclusively to this website's newspaper, director Ameer, who is currently shooting for Yogi, said “Yes, I got a call from her about four days ago. She asked if we could do a movie together. We’re still discussing the script and no hero has been finalised.”

It was also said that Ekta had discussed scripts with director Simbhudevan. When contacted, Simbhudevan denied that there were any discussions between them. “I’ve not been contacted by Balaji Telefims at all,” he declared.

Director Ameer is currently working on his first movie as an actor, Yogi, which is being directed by Subramaniyam Siva. Following this, the director is said to be working with Jayam Ravi on a movie titled Kannabiraan.

Meanwhile, Ekta Kapoor, though very successful on the small screen, hasn’t created great box office magic on the film scenario. She has produced over seven films, including the largely successful Kya Kool Hai Hum.

Will the queen of tear-jerkers and the award-winning director come together with the project they’re now discussing? One only has to wait and watch.

Zeenat Aman joins reality show

2008-07-18T01:54:00.001-07:00

Yesteryears actress Zeenat Aman is again back with a bang. Soon she will be seen in a reality show 'Kaun Jeetaga Bollywood ka Ticket.' Zeenat will take the seat of judge. She, along with Shabana Azmi will judge contestants who have a knack for acting and have the capability to make to the silver screen. The show will be produced by Ekta Kapoor. Ekta always wanted Zeenat to judge the show as she finds her a fine actress who can select the right candidate. Speaking about Ekta Kapoor, Zeenat said, "Ekta has been so sweet. I’ve watched her grow up in front of me. I’m happy that my first foray into television is for her, though I must admit I don’t watch much TV."

Zeenat has retired from bollywood long back to devote her full time to her family. Now that her two sons have grown up, she is again planning to make her comeback in small screen if not in silver screen. Maybe this is Zeenat’s first step towards her entry into Bollywood again.

Farhan-Arjun gets set to 'Rock On'

2008-07-18T01:52:00.000-07:00

While all eyes are set on Harman Baweja and Imran Khan who would be making their high profile debut with LOVE STORY 2050 and JAANE TU YA JAANE NAA respectively this Friday, one actor is quietly looking forward to a big screen debut with ROCK ON!!

The man is Farhan Akhtar and even though he is an established director with three big films like DIL CHAHTA HAI, LAKSHYA and DON - THE CHASE BEGINS AGAIN under his belt, he has chosen a restricted budget for his acting debut.

Farhan's co-production with Ritiesh Sidhwani, ROCK ON!! is a film about four rock stars played by Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny and Farhan himself. The film is set on a medium budget and also marks the big screen debut of TV starlet Prachi Desai.

Interestingly, even though Farhan has worked with the likes of Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna in the films directed by him, he has no qualms working with relative newcomers in ROCK ON!! with Arjun Rampal being the senior most.

ROCK ON!! is directed by Abhishek Kapoor who made his debut behind the camera with ARYAN - THE UNBREKABLE. Even though the film was a flop (mainly due to a delayed release), ARYAN did meet with a decent response from those who saw it. Earlier, more than a decade back, Abhishek had made a beginning as an actor with a film called AASHIQUE MASTANA but subsequently dropped plans for an extended acting career with a failure like UFF YEH MOHABBAT.

With music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and lyrics by Javed Akhtar, ROCK ON!! is all set for a 29th August release.

Ram says no to 'Mahaabhaarat'

2008-07-18T01:51:00.000-07:00

Following wife Gautami’s ‘exit’ from Kyunki..., Ram Kapoor has become the third actor to turn down Ekta Kapoor’s Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.

Sources confirmed that he was approached for Mahaabhaarat... and also that he has refused the offer. Apparently, Ram has cited the reason that he is busy with Kasamh Se and since the the show takes up a lot of his time, he wants to focus on one show at a time to give it his best shot.

A highly placed source told us, “The husband wife duo ain’t scared of infuriating Ekta. They think that everyone has a false impression of Ekta. She is very understanding and when she had offered Gautami Kyunki..., she agreed to all her conditions. Gautami hopes that Ekta would approach her when she has a role for her.”

Look Who’s Here

2008-07-18T00:46:00.000-07:00

Zeenat Aman is all set to turn mentor for the first time on a reality show

How did the show, Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket?, happen, especially when you have turned down so many other offers?
It is a combination of many things — one, it is by Balaji and Ekta Kapoor. They had approached me over the years for several projects, which didn’t materialise. But I was sure that when I did anything for television it should be with her. I also liked the fact that this show is giving a platform for young people. The winners will get to act in a film, and that is really good. The show will not take away too much of my time also. Besides, Ekta has people like Shabana Azmi on board as well.

Is this the first time you are making an appearance on TV?
I have appeared as guest on various talk shows but that was completely different. This is the first time I’d be in show throughout.

What do you think of reality shows?
I don’t watch a lot of TV but I’ve seen a few reality shows.

Do you think actors today have the Zeenat Aman style?
I think we have very stylish actors. Aishwarya Rai is a very stylish lady. Kareena Kapoor is looking very good and so is Katrina Kaif. Every era has its own lovely ladies.

Ronit Roy: Nervous about playing Bhishma

2008-07-18T00:45:00.002-07:00

After essaying the popular role of Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Rishabh Bajaj in Kasauati Zindagi Kay, Ronit Roy will switch over to another popular character on Indian television.

Ekta Kapoor's [Images] Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki will see him play Bhishma, earlier played by Mukesh Khanna in BR Chopra's version of Mahabharat.

He talks to Rajul Hegde about his new role.

How did you get the role?

Ekta Kapoor told me that she was making a spectacular Mahabharat, and I said that I would love to be part of the show. I read the Mahabharat, and was convinced that if there was a character I wanted to play, it had to be Bhishma. I sent an SMS to Ekta and told her that I wanted to play Bhishma. She agreed.

Why did you want to be a part of this show?

I respect Ekta Kapoor's creative judgments, and I like working with her. I only take up projects that excite me and feel passionate about. When I was approached for Mahabharat, I had informed Balaji that I wanted to finish my current projects and then start with this show and they agreed.

Why Bhishma?

Bhishma is one of the most powerful and beautiful characters in Mahabharat. The character is larger in magnitude and I am proud that I am playing Bhishma. At the same time, I'm very scared and nervous too.

The first face that comes to mind when you think of Bhishma is Mukesh Khanna.

I am proud to play the character of Bhishma, which Mukesh Khanna essayed in B R Chopra's Mahabharat, and made history. The new generation has not seen the old Mahabharat; they will be seeing it for the first time. So it will be a big challenge to get accepted. It's a huge task and I will try my best to justify the role.

Mukesh Khanna said in an interview that it is dangerous to remake an epic and that it will be a flop.

Mukesh Khanna is a senior actor; he has every right to give his opinion. As far as the show is concerned, whether it is going to be a hit or a flop, we will know once it goes on air on July 7. Let us leave it to the audience.

Since this is your first mythological show, did you have any problem with the dialogues?

I speak good Hindi. I had a problem with chaste Hindi for a couple of days. Now, I'm used to it.

What kind of preparation did you do for this role?

I prepared at two levels. One, being the son of Ganga signifies purity. He would also have the qualities of his father, Shantanu, a Kshatriya king. The journey of Bhishma from Gangaya to Bhishma Pitama reflects various shades. To depict so many shades makes it challenging for an actor. I have to keep both in mind and make sure my mannerisms fit my character.

Tell us about your look.

The look and the costumes are very different from what we would normally imagine. We don't have mukut and golden armour. There is a different kind of headgear for different characters. I am very comfortable with the traditional costume, dhoti.

Tell us about the shooting experience.

I have been shooting for this show for the last two months in Wai, Ladakh, Jaipur and Mumbai. We shoot for 10-12 hours a day. We are trying to keep an episode bank since the show will be aired before the scheduled time.

It has been a fantastic experience. This show is produced by one of the biggest production houses, Balaji Telefilms [Get Quote]. Ekta has a great vision and is producing Mahabharat on a bigger scale than the earlier one.

What next?

I am just doing Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Mahabharat.

Ram Kapoor opts out of Ekta's Mahabharat

2008-07-18T00:45:00.001-07:00

After Gautami Kapoor decided to turn down Ekta's Kahani Hamaray Mahabharat Ki, her husband Ram Kapoor has also decided to follow suit.

Reports DNA After Hours that the actor claims that he wants to focus at the work at hand rather than take up more work...

"I just want to do one project at a time," says the actor. "I am busy with Kasamh Se and it takes up a lot of my time."

Ram also states that actors like Ronit Roy and Hiten Tejwani may be able to juggle multiple projects and shows but "that doesn’t mean I would have to do the same. I don't intend to work in several projects at a time," he adds.

The industry shudders to make Ekta mad... And Gautami allegedly didn't even listen to the role that Ekta had to offer. She just said 'no' outright! So isn't the couple afraid of straining ties with the most powerful woman in the industry?

"This is a false impression of Ekta that people have," says Gautami. "She is a gem of a person. When she took me in Kyunki... she agreed to all my conditions. I am sure she would approach me whenever she has some more good roles for me."

Karnvir Bohra In; Naman Shaw Out!!

2008-07-18T00:44:00.001-07:00

Karnvir Bohra-Tina Parekh fans can get a smile back on their faces as the very popular duo of Kasauti Zindagi Kii have now given it a second thought to shake their legs in Ekta Kapoor’s upcoming reality show on Sony, Kabhie Kabhie Pyaar Kabhie Kabhie Yaar.

Confirming this news is Karnvir who says, “We will be making it to the reality show now and this is confirmed news. I like this concept a lot and am excited as nobody has seen me and my wife dancing together. Above all, I will get to dance with Tina Parekh and the thought of sharing screen space with her after such a long time makes me jubilant”. When asked the reason for refusing this reality show earlier, the actor confides, “Well, the issue was with money, but now things are sorted out. Also, I would say that we are here just because our fans wanted to see us in this reality show”.

While the trio Karnvir Bohra-Teejay-Tina Parekh has stamped their presence in the reality show, another popular actor Naman Shaw has backed out from the dance show. “I am already doing the 9X reality show ‘Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket’ and to concentrate on two reality shows will be very difficult. So I have decided to opt out of Kabhie Kabhie Yaar…”, quotes Naman. For the uninitiated, Naman Shaw was to be seen with his girl friend and Krithika Singhal (Naina of Kya Dill Mein Hai).

According to our source, “The show will be launched on 9th July and will be telecast between 8 PM – 9PM. This will be a bi-weekly show wherein the central figure in the jodi will get to dance with his/her on screen partner on Wednesday and with the off screen partner on Thursday”.

Well, a lot has been talked about who-is-in and who-is-out till date!! Guess it is finally time for some action now!!

I am just a fledgling who is starting whereas Ekta is a stalwart: Kavita Barjatya

2008-07-18T00:43:00.000-07:00

Kavita Barjatya tells Jyothi Venkatesh that she is just a fledgling on TV unlike Ekta who is a stalwart.

How tough was it for you to get a foothold in the business of television considering you have a film legacy at Rajshri Pictures?
Initially it was quite a tough task but we have now managed to get the grip. It was no doubt an entirely new business for us at Rajshris, because earlier we were only making films with our own courage of conviction.

What is the major lesson that you have learnt while making serials?
I have learnt that one has got to understand that one is working for the channels and consider them our bosses, who should be kept happy. The earlier one understands this mantra, the better it is if you happen to be a television producer.

How has been your experience with your bosses, like Sahara One, NDTV Imagine and Star Plus?
I have been fortunate that all the channels for which we have produced the shows have had immense trust on us and hence fortunately for us it has been a smooth sailing right from day one.

By God's grace, our show Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki has now completed 725 episodes. I can say with a sense of pride that our show is the No 1 flagship show of the channel.

How is your show Main Teri Parchai Hoon faring?
Though Main Teri Parchai Hoon started with almost nil publicity, everyone who has been watching the show on NDTV Imagine is talking about it. In fact after Ramayan, I am told that ours is the most in demand show on NDTV Imagine. The show speaks for itself though we did not publicize it at all.

What is your USP as a TV show producer?
The channels for which we are making the shows give us a daily soap briefing and do not meddle with its making because they think that we can churn out emotional soaps, since it has been proved that it is our forte.

Do you mean to say that the channels do not pressurize the producers at all?
I cannot talk about the other producers who deal with the channels but I can vouchsafe that the channels for which we make our shows have never pressurized us, because they believe that the content is the king and one has got to bow down in front of the story.

Why did you then replace Arjun Punj with Kashif first and later with Aamir Ali in Woh Rehene Wali Mehlon Ki?
Arjun Punj had to be killed in the show because of the leap that the story took and replaced by Kashif. Arjun wanted to come back though he had left the serial for films.

After Kashif, we roped in Aamir Ali because the story demanded that we cast him, not because the channel pressurized us.

Isn't Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki yet another rona dhona serial?
I beg to differ. It is not a rona dhona serial. It is more of good versus evil serial with a subtle message. It has been nominated by one of the TV awards as the best serial on social message.

How did you zero in on Reena Kapoor to play the main protagonist ion WRWMK?
We go as per the requirement of any character whether it is for our films or for television serials. We decided to cast Reena because we needed a good actress, who is also not over exposed on television. The best thing about television is that you get an opportunity as a producer to create an image.

How happy are you with your choice of Reena Kapoor as the main protagonist of WRWMK?
I am more than happy with Reena who is now identified as the WRWMK girl though she had earlier acted in a few films as well as serials. Just Imagine, Reena became a household name with the show though earlier for the same channel, bigger stars like Sridevi, Raveena Tandon, Hema Malini etc. could not salvage their shows.

Why is WRWMK your favorite serial?
Though all my serials are my favorites, I am particularly attached to WRWMK because after watching the show, people take the name of Pari, the character that Reena is playing in the serial in the same breath when they take the name so other ever green characters of television like Tulsi and Parvati.

Though you are churning out serials, why are you very low key unlike Ekta Kapoor?
Remember I am just a fledgling who is starting whereas Ekta is a stalwart as far as television is concerned, though I concede that unlike Ekta who is new to films, we at Rajshris have a film legacy for the last several decades.

We want to grow from strength to strength. My main priority is to maintain the image of my dadaji who used to make clean and healthy family fare.

Which was your biggest compliment in recent times?
I was on a high when Aamir Ali told me after he won the Nach Baliye crown with Sanjeeda that he was of the opinion that he had got all the votes in his favor not because of him but for the character of Saumya which he is playing in Woh Rehnewali Mehlo Ki. It was so sweet of him.

Why do you make only women-oriented serials?
My serials may be woman oriented because that is the need of the hour as far as television is concerned since we have to keep in mind our women viewers who remain glued to their television sets but at the same time the hero in our serials have substantial roles.

What according to you is the difference between films and TV shows?
On TV, the deadline hangs above your neck unlike in films where you can delay the release by planning depending upon how your film is progressing. You can shoot a scene which you have missed out in films during the patch work but there is no such luxury as far as TV is concerned.

What is your aim as a producer now?
My main aim at any point of time is to keep people happy and in the process also keep myself happy but at the same time I want to limit my work, by concentrating on quality more than quantity and devote time to my large joint family. There are fifteen members in our family. My mother Usha is the pillar of my strength.

What is your biggest achievement as a producer?
Besides the fact that I do not allow any actor to work beyond 9.30 pm on the sets of my shows, not a single episode of any show of ours has been repeated due to want of fresher episodes, unlike some of the popular shows which have had repeat shows because the producers could not deliver the newer episodes. That I think is my biggest achievement. -Jyothi Venkatesh

Star set to divorce Balaji Teleflims

2008-07-18T00:42:00.000-07:00

After a happy marriage of four years Star India is all set to divorce Balaji Teleflims. Considered to be one of the biggest splits in the Indian entertainment industry India's biggest entertainment channel will sell its stake in Balaji Teleflims known for its saas-bahu soaps. Star which currently holds 25.99% stake in Balaji and is not planning to renew its exclusive contract with Balaji beyond the present period.

Balaji Teleflims where Ekta Kapoor and her family control almost 40% share are not too keen to buy Star's share, however negotiations are on to find a suitable buyer. Star had entered to an exclusive contract with the production house in 2004 to produce exclusive content for its prime time slot. Star has been paying a huge premium to Balaji for this contract.

Om-Parvati join Ekta's Mahabharat

2008-07-18T00:41:00.002-07:00

TV actor Kiran Karmarkar, best known as Om of Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii (KGGK), joins the cast of ekta kapoor's much-talked about show Kahani Hamaray Mahabharat Ki.

He will play King Shantanu in the show, which will be aired on 9X channel.

In the serial, once again Kiran will share the screen space with his co-star Sakshi Tanwar, who will play Ganga, his wife in it.

The versatile actor joins the team of much-admired actors like Ronit Roy, Anita Hassanandani, Rakshanda Khan, Aryan Vaid, Chetan Hansraj, Makarand Deshpande and many other known actors in this mega mythological show.

Zeenat Aman joins reality show bandwagon, maybe soaps too

2008-07-18T00:41:00.001-07:00

After years of demurral, Bollywood's glamour icon of yesteryears Zeenat Aman has finally said yes to television. She will be a on Ekta Kapoor's reality show "Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket" to be aired on 9X.

"Ekta has been so sweet. I've watched her grow up in front of me. I'm happy that my first foray into television is for her, though I must admit I don't watch much TV," Zeenat told IANS.

"But every time I'd run into Ekta's mom - and that is once a year - she'd tell me to please let them know when I'm ready for television."

The former beauty queen, who has starred in many memorable has been offered a number of soaps in the past, which she declined to do.

"TV does take a lot of time. Very honestly, I wasn't willing to invest the amount of time it required. And my priority has always been my family. But this time I was approached with such enthusiasm, I just couldn't say no."

She admits "Kaun Jeetega..." requires a more pronounced level of commitment than the average

"This is a reality show about discovering new talent and needs to be treated with special care. I'm willing to go that extra mile for it. To be able to find fresh talent for our industry is wonderful.

"And Ekta has gone into it with such passion - just like in everything she does. I'm so delighted to be on board with her," said the actress.

"There was no plan, thought or conscious strategy to do or to be anything. I just did what I wanted to."

At the moment both of Zeenat's sons, who were studying away from home, are back with her.

"And to me, having my children around is the most important thing in life. I lead a very contented and private life. I've my sons, dog and lots of greenery surrounding me. What more could I ask for?

"Honestly, I'm treating this project as a one-off thing. I'm not looking ahead at what I'd be doing or not doing. At the moment I'm just happy to be focusing on 'Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket'. As for soaps, maybe yes. I've never said no to anything."

Zeenat starts shooting "Kaun Jeetega...' on July 1.

"Basically it'd take up no more than a week. I hope to enjoy it. It provides a platform for young people. The winners will be given a chance to work in a film produced by Ekta.

"Today there're such platforms for hopefuls. When I had entered, the opportunities for newcomers were so limited," said the actress who was seen in such memorable hits like "Yaadon Ki Baraat", "Don", "Qurbani" and "Satyam Shivam Sundaram".

Zeenat is looking forward to meeting up with her old colleague Shabana Azmi on the show.

"Yes, she's a colleague and we did a film together: 'Ashanti' - Shabana, Parveen Babi and I - it was loads of fun."

On veteran Dev Anand's autobiography, which has pointed references to his friendship with her, Zeenat answers with consummate clarity.

"Dev saab is a senior person, and someone I respect very much. Due to him I had my first success 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'. And subsequently I shared a long and fruitful association with his banner Navketan.

"However, two different individuals have differing perspectives of the same situation. I leave it at that."