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.
Showing posts with label Ekta kapoor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ekta kapoor. Show all posts
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ekta Kapoor unveils her reality show
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.
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?
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.
Ekta Kapoor to team up with Ameer?
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.
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.
I am just a fledgling who is starting whereas Ekta is a stalwart: Kavita Barjatya
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
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
Om-Parvati join Ekta's Mahabharat
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
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."
"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."
Kiran Karmarkar joins Ekta’s ‘Mahabharat’
New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) 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 Hamare 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.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
OMG!! rajshree is gonna dance with SRK
wow srk n lara dutta cumin in a balaji awards show!!!! lucky pplz here manReally hope SD and Dulhann win awards, cant wait to see all the performances!!
OMG!! rajshree is gonna dance with SRK???!!!It feels great because my record of dancing with girls will remain intact too. LOL!! HES TOO QUTE!!i just hopw and wish my Hiten-Gauri wins the jodi award,best of luck to my cuties,HGT will brun the dance floor,can't wait to see them
best of luck to others also:)i hope hiten gauri wins best jodi award
OMG!! rajshree is gonna dance with SRK???!!!It feels great because my record of dancing with girls will remain intact too. LOL!! HES TOO QUTE!!i just hopw and wish my Hiten-Gauri wins the jodi award,best of luck to my cuties,HGT will brun the dance floor,can't wait to see them
best of luck to others also:)i hope hiten gauri wins best jodi award
Ekta Kapoor’s grand telly event
At Ekta Kapoor’s grand telly event, Shah Rukh Khan will perform with this new set of Chak De girls, who include TV actresses. They belong to all age groups. Right from Sakshi Tanwar to Neena Gupta, from Mona Singh to Anita, they are all there. There’s Gautami Kapoor, the current Tulsi, too. And there’s somebody as well... none other than Smriti Iraani herself! Nevermind all the rumours doing the rounds about trouble between Ekta and Smriti, the latter will feature with Shah Rukh Khan.Now here’s what the act will be all about... SRK enters with a big bang in a fauji look. For those who are not aware, Shah Rukh made his acting debut on TV many years ago. He acted in the popular TV serial Fauji. Naturally there couldn’t be anybody bigger and better than him for this event,which will be telecast on 9X.
While on stage, SRK will introduce each of the women as Chak1, Chak 2 etc. Of course this team is smaller than the original Chak De team.
The act has been choreographed by Ganesh Hegde. There’s excitement about the performance. Actress Divyanka Tripathi from Dulhann, who’s also part of this Chak De team, says, "I really admire SRK a lot and I’m very happy to be performing with him." Navniit Nisshan, who’s known even today as Tara after her successful serial a few years ago, is also one of the team mates.
What many people don’t know is that Navniit and SRK have worked together in films a long time ago. They first did a parallel cinema film Ahmak. Navniit also signed a film with Shah Rukh and Raveena Tandon. "I even had a hot scene with him," she laughs. However, the film was only 40 per cent complete. "After some 14 years the filmmaker approached us to shoot for it again. We couldn’t do that because we had all changed so much over the years! Finally the movie did release in a very distorted manner!" says Navniit.Well, let’s watch Navniit reunite with her former hero on stage!
Bollywood badshah Shah Rukh Khan was there and so was Kareena Kapoor
Bollywood badshah Shah Rukh Khan was there and so was Kareena Kapoor, looking gorgeous in a slinky red sari and backless blouse, with current boyfriend Saif Ali Khan in tow at Balaji Telefilm's gala television awards function.
The Future Group Global Indian TV Honours event on Friday night at the Andheri Sports Complex, in northwest Mumbai, also had Lara Dutta, Suniel Shetty and Karan Johar adding to the Bollywood presence.
Shah Rukh came to the function not because he had begun his acting career on television. He came as a Bollywood superstar and proved it when he presented an inimitable act at the function.
Balaji honoured him for being the best anchor in the quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 3.
Siddharth Basu, who put together the show for Star Plus, announced at the function that Shah Rukh would again host the show that is to be telecast soon.
While Lara Dutta came to perform at the show, Suneil Shetty conferred the Global India TV Honour to Karan Johar, whose chat show Koffee With Karan (Season 2) was adjudged as the Best Talk Show of 2007.
Karan and Ekta Kapoor, the owner of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, broke into an impromptu jig on the stage together. Later, both did a short spoof on Koffee With Karan when Ekta interviewed him.
"What will be the title if he ever made a serial on Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham with Shah Rukh Khan heading the cast?" Ekta asked. Karan replied: Kabhi Saas, Kabhi Devdas.
The next question: "If you roped in all the Khans of Bollywood for a serial, what title will you give to it? "Khan-Dan", Karan quipped.
Bollywood's star turnout was also the biggest at Ekta's show. Most of them were called up on stage to confer the honours, unlike in other television award functions where TV artistes hand over awards to one another.
The Bollywood touch added glamour to her show and made it all the more alluring.
Perhaps, the head honcho of Balaji Telefilms planned it that way. Otherwise why would she choose to confer an honour on Kareena Kapoor at a television function.
Kareena's tantalising presence in red sari and backless blouse as she sashayed to the stage to accept the award from Jeetendra and Raakesh Roshan fetched loud cheers. Boyfriend Saif Ali Khan was there among the audience cheering lustily.
The Future Group Global Indian TV Honours event on Friday night at the Andheri Sports Complex, in northwest Mumbai, also had Lara Dutta, Suniel Shetty and Karan Johar adding to the Bollywood presence.
Shah Rukh came to the function not because he had begun his acting career on television. He came as a Bollywood superstar and proved it when he presented an inimitable act at the function.
Balaji honoured him for being the best anchor in the quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 3.
Siddharth Basu, who put together the show for Star Plus, announced at the function that Shah Rukh would again host the show that is to be telecast soon.
While Lara Dutta came to perform at the show, Suneil Shetty conferred the Global India TV Honour to Karan Johar, whose chat show Koffee With Karan (Season 2) was adjudged as the Best Talk Show of 2007.
Karan and Ekta Kapoor, the owner of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, broke into an impromptu jig on the stage together. Later, both did a short spoof on Koffee With Karan when Ekta interviewed him.
"What will be the title if he ever made a serial on Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham with Shah Rukh Khan heading the cast?" Ekta asked. Karan replied: Kabhi Saas, Kabhi Devdas.
The next question: "If you roped in all the Khans of Bollywood for a serial, what title will you give to it? "Khan-Dan", Karan quipped.
Bollywood's star turnout was also the biggest at Ekta's show. Most of them were called up on stage to confer the honours, unlike in other television award functions where TV artistes hand over awards to one another.
The Bollywood touch added glamour to her show and made it all the more alluring.
Perhaps, the head honcho of Balaji Telefilms planned it that way. Otherwise why would she choose to confer an honour on Kareena Kapoor at a television function.
Kareena's tantalising presence in red sari and backless blouse as she sashayed to the stage to accept the award from Jeetendra and Raakesh Roshan fetched loud cheers. Boyfriend Saif Ali Khan was there among the audience cheering lustily.
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna at Balaji Telefilms'
Ekta Kapoor had earlier refused to shake a leg with Karan Johar but has changed her mind. She will be seen dancing with the director to Rock n Roll Soniye from his Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna at Balaji Telefilms' first award function Friday evening.
"It's meant to be the surprise of the evening. But Karan and Ekta are actually going to dance together," a source said.
"Though Ekta had earlier refused to do so because she didn't want to end up looking ridiculous, Karan convinced her to get jiggy on this occasion," added the source.
After the jig, Ekta and Karan would be doing an impromptu Q&A session on stage.
"I can never say no to Ekta about anything. In fact, I did a stint of acting for her last week," said Karan who will receive a special lifetime achievement award at the do.
Ekta Kapoor -- who has made the entire television industry dance to her tune
The stage is all set for the Balalji Telefilms' awards function, which is to he held in Mumbai on Friday (February 1, 2008). And the Television soap opera queen -- Ekta Kapoor -- who has made the entire television industry dance to her tune, is all set to put on her dancing shoes to set the stage on fire.
The Global Indian TV Honours will witness Ekta Kapoor performing along with the dashing Karan Johar.
Expressing jitters before the event, Ekta seemed more nervous than enthusiastic about her performance:"More than the award function, I'm nervous about this dance. I'm so scared!". The award function was earlier scheduled to be held in Dubai, however, the venue has now been shifted to Mumbai.
Viewers will not only witness Ekta and Karan grooving to the music but will also see Shahrukh Khan matching the steps with screen divas. Shahrukh Khan, who seems to appreciate television talent even after accomplishing heights of success on the big screen said:"I like the performance especially with such good and famous actresses, who have single handedly controlled television, including Ekta. So I am very happy to be a part of it."
However, the major grouse against this award has been that it will be swept by Ekta's protegee's and tonight's events may or may not set that notion right. It's only a matter of hours until we discover the outcome.
Balaji Telefilms' awards function
The stage is set for the Balaji Telefilms' awards function that will see megastar Shah Rukh Khan performing on February 1, but Ekta Kapoor refuses to shake a leg even at her own event. Subhash K Jha speaks to her.
Subhash K Jha: What makes your awards different from the other TV awards?
Ekta Kapoor: First of all, it won't be patronised by Balaji artistes alone. I've personally called up all the other TV production houses. My dad has called up the channel heads. We want the television and film industry to come on February 1 in full force. I wanted the credibility level to be high. And we've worked to ensure that. Beyond that, how different these awards will be from other functions remains to be seen. We can only pray that there are no mess-ups on stage. Planning is just part of the process.
Subhash K Jha: How is your pal Karan Johar participating?
Ekta Kapoor: I'm honouring him (chuckles). I'm going to enter the stage after the top TV stars perform. Then I'll do a rapid-fire question and answer with him. I'll have the questions ready, but he won't know them. He should be caught unawares. He's too cute. Actually, I was to enter for Karan with a jig. I refused. Sorry, I can't dance even for my show.
Subhash K Jha: How will you ensure that cynics don't accuse you of giving away the awards to all your Balaji soaps?
Ekta Kapoor: Sajid Khan asked me this. I told him it isn't my award function. It's Balaji's function. Irrespective of whether Balaji wins or not, I'll be sitting in a corner and clapping for all the winners and hoping the awards go to non-Balaji shows.
Subhash K Jha: But how can Balaji soaps not win when they occupy a majority of primetime?
Ekta Kapoor: Well, you are right. We do 40 percent of soaps and dramas. But what about comedy, reality, anchoring... ? In drama too, there is a lot of competition from other production houses. This is the best year to start our awards function. Three years ago, there was hardly any competition. Today, luckily we'll get a run for our money. We have a jury and an evaluation system where we don't even know the nomination process, let alone the decisions. This is the best time to start our awards.
Subhash K Jha: Are you going to honour the stalwarts?
Ekta Kapoor: Well, we want Kundan Shah to be there. He's one of the founding fathers of fiction on Indian television. I still remember as a kid sitting with my bag of chips watching shows like Nukkad, Fauji and Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi. I wonder what happened to shows like that! I wanted to have an awards function that honours the minds behind such serials.
Subhash K Jha: Are you excited?
Ekta Kapoor: I've butterflies in my stomach. It's my first time. We've always made sure Balaji stands for quality and commerce. That goes for the awards function. Everyone should see our transparency and honesty. For us, it is a matter of prestige and credibility. I don't know how happening the function will be, but we want to be called honest.
Subhash K Jha: What plans for the awards in future years?
Ekta Kapoor: From next year it won't be just television awards. We're bringing cinema and TV together. And we'll give awards to people from cinema and television and anyone who deserves it. Whether y
Subhash K Jha: What makes your awards different from the other TV awards?
Ekta Kapoor: First of all, it won't be patronised by Balaji artistes alone. I've personally called up all the other TV production houses. My dad has called up the channel heads. We want the television and film industry to come on February 1 in full force. I wanted the credibility level to be high. And we've worked to ensure that. Beyond that, how different these awards will be from other functions remains to be seen. We can only pray that there are no mess-ups on stage. Planning is just part of the process.
Subhash K Jha: How is your pal Karan Johar participating?
Ekta Kapoor: I'm honouring him (chuckles). I'm going to enter the stage after the top TV stars perform. Then I'll do a rapid-fire question and answer with him. I'll have the questions ready, but he won't know them. He should be caught unawares. He's too cute. Actually, I was to enter for Karan with a jig. I refused. Sorry, I can't dance even for my show.
Subhash K Jha: How will you ensure that cynics don't accuse you of giving away the awards to all your Balaji soaps?
Ekta Kapoor: Sajid Khan asked me this. I told him it isn't my award function. It's Balaji's function. Irrespective of whether Balaji wins or not, I'll be sitting in a corner and clapping for all the winners and hoping the awards go to non-Balaji shows.
Subhash K Jha: But how can Balaji soaps not win when they occupy a majority of primetime?
Ekta Kapoor: Well, you are right. We do 40 percent of soaps and dramas. But what about comedy, reality, anchoring... ? In drama too, there is a lot of competition from other production houses. This is the best year to start our awards function. Three years ago, there was hardly any competition. Today, luckily we'll get a run for our money. We have a jury and an evaluation system where we don't even know the nomination process, let alone the decisions. This is the best time to start our awards.
Subhash K Jha: Are you going to honour the stalwarts?
Ekta Kapoor: Well, we want Kundan Shah to be there. He's one of the founding fathers of fiction on Indian television. I still remember as a kid sitting with my bag of chips watching shows like Nukkad, Fauji and Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi. I wonder what happened to shows like that! I wanted to have an awards function that honours the minds behind such serials.
Subhash K Jha: Are you excited?
Ekta Kapoor: I've butterflies in my stomach. It's my first time. We've always made sure Balaji stands for quality and commerce. That goes for the awards function. Everyone should see our transparency and honesty. For us, it is a matter of prestige and credibility. I don't know how happening the function will be, but we want to be called honest.
Subhash K Jha: What plans for the awards in future years?
Ekta Kapoor: From next year it won't be just television awards. We're bringing cinema and TV together. And we'll give awards to people from cinema and television and anyone who deserves it. Whether y
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Ekta says sorry for ‘derogatory’ dialogue in her TV serial
TV serial producer Ekta Kapoor yesterday apologised for a ‘derogatory’ remark in one of her popular soaps that triggered a storm of protests among a Hindu sect in Gujarat.
Hundreds of members of the Vaishnav community staged a massive rally in Junagadh and threatened to intensify the agitation in the BJP-ruled state. They were angered over a dialogue in prime-time serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in which the villainous character played by an actress screams against a ‘deity.’ Prominent citizens, including top businessmen of the city, even handed a memorandum to the district collector, demanding public apology from Ekta and her company Balaji Telefilms.
With murmurs of protest heard from other parts of India, Ekta tendered an apology through a Press release, saying that she was sorry for hurting the religious sentiments of the Vaishnavs.
“I request the Vaishnav society to forgive us for the uncaring and distasteful dialogue”, she said in the release and promised not to repeat the blunder.
The Vaishnav leaders had given a call to the community members and other Hindus to boycott watching the serial and even planned to initiate legal action.
Hundreds of members of the Vaishnav community staged a massive rally in Junagadh and threatened to intensify the agitation in the BJP-ruled state. They were angered over a dialogue in prime-time serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in which the villainous character played by an actress screams against a ‘deity.’ Prominent citizens, including top businessmen of the city, even handed a memorandum to the district collector, demanding public apology from Ekta and her company Balaji Telefilms.
With murmurs of protest heard from other parts of India, Ekta tendered an apology through a Press release, saying that she was sorry for hurting the religious sentiments of the Vaishnavs.
“I request the Vaishnav society to forgive us for the uncaring and distasteful dialogue”, she said in the release and promised not to repeat the blunder.
The Vaishnav leaders had given a call to the community members and other Hindus to boycott watching the serial and even planned to initiate legal action.
Khel Khel Mein describes the feeling of our film much better.
Ekta Kapoor’s C Company is now Khel Khel Mein
Name change: Tusshar Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor
The ‘K’ Queen, Ekta Kapoor, has gotten her way again and changed the title of her latest movie production from C Company to Khel Khel Mein.
Says the film’s leading man and Ekta’s brother Tusshar Kapoor stands up for her, “It isn’t my sister’s love for ‘K’ titles that made us change the title. C Company sounded like a spoof on Ram Gopal Varma. Khel Khel Mein describes the feeling of our film much better.”
What’s in a name?
Ironically, this isn’t the only Tusshar film to change its title. There’s Neeraj Vora’s Run Bhola Run where Tusshar teams up with Govinda for the first time. This film will now be known as Lucky 2.
Says Tusshar, “I don’t know when that title changed. But I’m very kicked and very scared about this comedy because I get to work with Govindaji for the first time. I can’t even begin to equal his comic timing. However, I’ve been sharpening my comic instincts and I’m pretty sure I won’t make a fool of myself
Ekta Kapoor announced on Sunday to telecast an apology
Taking cognizance of the widespread protests in Saurashtra over alleged 'demeaning remarks' in Kyunki Saas ... serial on Thakorji, the deity of Vaishnav community, Ekta Kapoor announced on Sunday to telecast an apology.
In an SMS to TOI , she said, "We have sent our apologies. It's a very big mistake. Not at all intentional, but a mistake nevertheless. I plan to put the apology in the show too."
Apart from the protests that had begun from Friday, a notice, seeking a public apology or facing a criminal case for the alleged 'derogatory remark', had been slapped by a devotee on the TV serial producer.
A protest meeting was held in Dhoraji of Rajkot district on Sunday. Already, two huge rallies - one in Keshod and the other in Junagadh - had been taken out to highlight the resentment in the Vaishnav community.
The notice was slapped on Ekta by a devotee, Manish Khilosiya. In a rally on Saturday, members of Akhil Bharatiya Vaishnav Samaj and other such Vaishnav associations had threatened Kapoor with legal consequences if she did not issue an apology during the serial's telecast itself.
The notice was slapped on Ekta by a devotee, Manish Khilosiya. The notice sent by Khilosiya's lawyer has given the producer a fortnight to tender the apology. Other than Ekta, the notice holds the writer, director and an actor guilty under Section 298 of IPC.
Meanwhile, at Dhoraji, women devotees, who gathered at Moti Haveli for their daily prayers, said this was not merely an affront, but an insult to the Vaishnav community. They carried placards denouncing Kapoor and calling for a boycott of all her serials.
"Even in the episode that sparked the controversy, in the end it was shown that good always wins over evil. We have already apologised to the people as nothing was done intentionally and we do not mind doing it on screen too," she added.
However, Anil Nagpal, the writer of the show is not apologetic at all and instead said, "We didn't intend to hurt anyone's sensibilities. But one should realize that the epitome of evil in our serial, which has been inspired from mythology has voiced it in the serial to Baa's obsession with Thakorji, in the future episode the positive characters will put the fear of god in the negative character.
Kyunki is one serial that has adored Thakorji with characters. We have not renounced Thakorji or anything, our serial has been propagating Thakorji and that is why it is so popular in Gujarat."
In an SMS to TOI , she said, "We have sent our apologies. It's a very big mistake. Not at all intentional, but a mistake nevertheless. I plan to put the apology in the show too."
Apart from the protests that had begun from Friday, a notice, seeking a public apology or facing a criminal case for the alleged 'derogatory remark', had been slapped by a devotee on the TV serial producer.
A protest meeting was held in Dhoraji of Rajkot district on Sunday. Already, two huge rallies - one in Keshod and the other in Junagadh - had been taken out to highlight the resentment in the Vaishnav community.
The notice was slapped on Ekta by a devotee, Manish Khilosiya. In a rally on Saturday, members of Akhil Bharatiya Vaishnav Samaj and other such Vaishnav associations had threatened Kapoor with legal consequences if she did not issue an apology during the serial's telecast itself.
The notice was slapped on Ekta by a devotee, Manish Khilosiya. The notice sent by Khilosiya's lawyer has given the producer a fortnight to tender the apology. Other than Ekta, the notice holds the writer, director and an actor guilty under Section 298 of IPC.
Meanwhile, at Dhoraji, women devotees, who gathered at Moti Haveli for their daily prayers, said this was not merely an affront, but an insult to the Vaishnav community. They carried placards denouncing Kapoor and calling for a boycott of all her serials.
"Even in the episode that sparked the controversy, in the end it was shown that good always wins over evil. We have already apologised to the people as nothing was done intentionally and we do not mind doing it on screen too," she added.
However, Anil Nagpal, the writer of the show is not apologetic at all and instead said, "We didn't intend to hurt anyone's sensibilities. But one should realize that the epitome of evil in our serial, which has been inspired from mythology has voiced it in the serial to Baa's obsession with Thakorji, in the future episode the positive characters will put the fear of god in the negative character.
Kyunki is one serial that has adored Thakorji with characters. We have not renounced Thakorji or anything, our serial has been propagating Thakorji and that is why it is so popular in Gujarat."
Ekta fits in the antithetical role in the film
While director Farhan Khan is currently facing the camera for the hardcore rock-musical Rock On, the camera-shy czarina of the home medium, Ekta Kapoor, is all set to do her first acting role.
And it’s brother Tusshar Kapoor’s brainchild that she is ready to break tradition and face the camera for.
“It’s for our home production. We’re doing this rib-tickling satire on the underworld featuring Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav and me. Mithun Chakraborty plays an underworld don. And Ekta fits in the antithetical role in the film like a hand in a glove,” revealed Tusshar.
Earlier, Tusshar had coaxed father Jeetendra out of retirement to play his son’s dad in Kucch To Hai. But sister Ekta was a tougher nut to crack. However, he managed to convince her. “Ekta couldn’t say no to me. Besides, the role is tailor-made for her. You see, she plays Ekta Kapoor in the film! And who better than Ekta to play Ekta?”
Ekta, meanwhile, is actually delighted to be shaking off her reticence and facing the camera this year. Of her acting debut, the big television producer said, “I’m giving them some time this week to shoot my scenes. It’s a small role and how could I say no to my brother? I don’t turn him down for anything. My scenes are with Mithun Chakraborty. So you can imagine how nervous I am.”
And it’s brother Tusshar Kapoor’s brainchild that she is ready to break tradition and face the camera for.
“It’s for our home production. We’re doing this rib-tickling satire on the underworld featuring Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav and me. Mithun Chakraborty plays an underworld don. And Ekta fits in the antithetical role in the film like a hand in a glove,” revealed Tusshar.
Earlier, Tusshar had coaxed father Jeetendra out of retirement to play his son’s dad in Kucch To Hai. But sister Ekta was a tougher nut to crack. However, he managed to convince her. “Ekta couldn’t say no to me. Besides, the role is tailor-made for her. You see, she plays Ekta Kapoor in the film! And who better than Ekta to play Ekta?”
Ekta, meanwhile, is actually delighted to be shaking off her reticence and facing the camera this year. Of her acting debut, the big television producer said, “I’m giving them some time this week to shoot my scenes. It’s a small role and how could I say no to my brother? I don’t turn him down for anything. My scenes are with Mithun Chakraborty. So you can imagine how nervous I am.”
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Ekta is planning to sequal of kya kool hai hum
Ekta gets as mushy as one of the women in her soap. "In fact I postponed my birthday party by a week for my brother who was away on a foreign location. And, by the way, I've thought of the ideal return gift for him... a sequel to 'Kyaa Kool Hai Hum'! Ha ha!" No, this isn't a joke. Tusshar gets to team up with Riteish again for the sequel. "I had to do it! "They were clamouring for it. And who am I to say no to success? Tusshar and Riteish have become such a hit pair. They've been offered four films together. "I guess a sequel was inevitable. Sangeeth Sivan will of course direct again. And let me assure you, this time the script will be absolutely original." Ekta Kapoor, daughter of Jeetendra and known as the youngest female tycoon of Indian television industry, remains perennially busy. "Between casting and scripting I had no time even to take the birthday calls, let alone celebrate! When I look at my dad's worried face writ large with 'Iss lakdi ka kya hoga?' (What would happen to this girl?), I wonder if it's worth it. "I've no time for the closest of friends, no time for a relationship," says the creative director of Balaji Telefilms.
Sonam Kapoor is my bachchi" - Ekta Kapoor
Which were your favorite films of 2007?
I loved both Saawariya and Om Shanti Om. And although Sanjay Bhansali and Farah Khan were rivals, I really love both of them.
You've been copying the colors and shot-takings of Sanjay Bhansali's Saawariya in one of your new soaps
(Chuckles) Yes, the show is called Kya Dil Mein on 9 X. It's a love story set in a Bengali family. It's my first drama, as opposed to soaps. It's a 60-episode serial. I've adapted it from two novels. This year I've fallen in love with two filmmakers Sanjay Bhansali and Farah Khan. Sanjay's work I've always loved. He didn't disappoint me with Saawariya.
What about the two newcomers?
I am so proud of Ranbir. I always thought he was the over-privileged boy with the golden spoon. When I saw him, I was shocked. I sms-ed him. And Sonam Kapoor is my 'bachchi'. Her mom and I were very close friends. When we had time on our hands, we used to take long walks together. Sonam was only 13, and so tall and pretty. I was very protective towards her.
Why Prachi is being launched in movies by Farhan Akhtar?
See, Prachi is my blue-eyed baby. I wish her absolutely the best in life. Not just me, but even my mom and dad think she's a wonderful actress and a lovely human being. We will definitely do movies with her after she finishes Farhan's film. Gattu (Abhishek Kapoor) who is directing Farhan's film with Prachi is my first cousin. So it's all in the family.
You read extensively for inspiration for your soaps?
I used to read a lot when I was younger. Kahiin To Hoga was very strongly inspired by Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Now I've a team reading. But I prefer to pick up ideas from real life. Soaps made from novels become more of sagas.
So now you've started delegating responsibility instead of running a one-woman show?
I have thorough professionals to take care of every department. You know, it's a myth that I don't like to delegate responsibilities at Balaji. Find me the right executives and I'll happily let them do their job. I know nothing about events management. I've these wonderfully capable minds and I follow them blindly.
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