PEHLI NAZAR FROM MOVIE RACE SUNG BY ATIF ASLAM
Friday, July 18, 2008
From a clinical psychologist to Mahabhaarat!
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
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!
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
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
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?
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?
The boys are looking hot in Mahabharat'
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..
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