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.”
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Ashlesha Sawant as Sheetal in KSYPH
Mumbai based and Pune bred Ashlesha Sawant is the latest buzzword on the telly circuit. Being the daughter of an air force officer she has seen whole of India with her dad. Here she talks about her tryst with television and much more……
Q 1: How did acting happen to you?
Ans: My dad’s last posting was in Pune and I had just completed my second year of college. That was the time when Balaji auditions were happening. I went there with my friend just for a lark. And 15 days later I got a call from Balaji saying that I was selected as the main lead for a new show, Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat.
Q 2: But as we all know that that Kya Hadsaa… never happened then how did you get Kyunki Saas Bhi…. ?
Ans: As Kya Hadsa… never happened I went on to play Sumeet Sachdev aka Gautam’s secong wife, Teesha in Kyunk Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Adding, “I was told that my role in Kyunki Saas Bhi…. Would wind up in four months but it went on for a year. People started liking the character so they let it go on.”
Q 3: Why did you suddenly disappeared from the television?
Ans: I would’t say I disappeared, infact I did some shows which never came on air, then I did Zameen Se Aasman Tak for Sahara. Obviously, these are channels that people don’t see, so I was never noticed.”
Q 4: You never did anything with Balaji after this, there is a rumour that you left Balaji on a bad note, how far is it true?
Ans: No, it is not like that. It’s just that when you start shooting a daily, and when you are playing a parallel lead like I was in Zameen… you realize that there is no time for anything else.The problem was that I was not keeping well at all. What could Balaji do? They had full right to move ahead, just because I was not keeping well, they obviously weren’t going the stop the show for me. I couldn’t report on the sets in time. Finally I decided to go to Pune to recover.
Q 5: How did Saat Phere happen?
Ans: After my 8 months break when I returned from Pune it was then that Zee’s Saat Phere happened. This put me back into the limelight.
Q 1: How did acting happen to you?
Ans: My dad’s last posting was in Pune and I had just completed my second year of college. That was the time when Balaji auditions were happening. I went there with my friend just for a lark. And 15 days later I got a call from Balaji saying that I was selected as the main lead for a new show, Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat.
Q 2: But as we all know that that Kya Hadsaa… never happened then how did you get Kyunki Saas Bhi…. ?
Ans: As Kya Hadsa… never happened I went on to play Sumeet Sachdev aka Gautam’s secong wife, Teesha in Kyunk Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Adding, “I was told that my role in Kyunki Saas Bhi…. Would wind up in four months but it went on for a year. People started liking the character so they let it go on.”
Q 3: Why did you suddenly disappeared from the television?
Ans: I would’t say I disappeared, infact I did some shows which never came on air, then I did Zameen Se Aasman Tak for Sahara. Obviously, these are channels that people don’t see, so I was never noticed.”
Q 4: You never did anything with Balaji after this, there is a rumour that you left Balaji on a bad note, how far is it true?
Ans: No, it is not like that. It’s just that when you start shooting a daily, and when you are playing a parallel lead like I was in Zameen… you realize that there is no time for anything else.The problem was that I was not keeping well at all. What could Balaji do? They had full right to move ahead, just because I was not keeping well, they obviously weren’t going the stop the show for me. I couldn’t report on the sets in time. Finally I decided to go to Pune to recover.
Q 5: How did Saat Phere happen?
Ans: After my 8 months break when I returned from Pune it was then that Zee’s Saat Phere happened. This put me back into the limelight.
Sumeet Sachdev, who became popular as Gautam Virani on Ekta kapoor serial
Sumeet Sachdev on why he doesn't believe in taking on much work. Sumeet Sachdev, who became popular as Gautam Virani on TV, almost disappeared from the scene a few months ago. Apart from a few brief appearances, the actor was nowhere to be seen on the TV circuit. The actor is now all set to return to the small screen with Sony's Khwaish . Of course, this too is an Ekta Kapoor production . So, hasn't he been missing the small screen? "Not really. I have been taking it easy. I don't believe in taking on too much work. Why should I put myself through hell?" he asks.
He adds, "Also, with Khwaish being based in Dubai, I have been living there for the past two-anda-half-months . I have recently returned to Mumbai," he says. Being far away from home has its advantages too. "When you are away from home you just don't feel that the working hours are too long, because you have nothing else to do. You are either shooting or getting bored! So, the long work hours don't really make any difference," he says. But work on the local circuit in Dubai doesn't seem to be on his agenda. "I wouldn't mind taking another if I was in Mumbai, but now that I am spending a lot of time in Dubai that doesn't seem to be happening," he says. But even on home grounds Sumeet never did too many serials. "I was with Kyunki. .. for a long time. Now I have this and Karbon Copy, so I am busy enough. I don't want to over-burden myself with work. Every few months I take it easy and I think that works for me."
He adds, "Also, with Khwaish being based in Dubai, I have been living there for the past two-anda-half-months . I have recently returned to Mumbai," he says. Being far away from home has its advantages too. "When you are away from home you just don't feel that the working hours are too long, because you have nothing else to do. You are either shooting or getting bored! So, the long work hours don't really make any difference," he says. But work on the local circuit in Dubai doesn't seem to be on his agenda. "I wouldn't mind taking another if I was in Mumbai, but now that I am spending a lot of time in Dubai that doesn't seem to be happening," he says. But even on home grounds Sumeet never did too many serials. "I was with Kyunki. .. for a long time. Now I have this and Karbon Copy, so I am busy enough. I don't want to over-burden myself with work. Every few months I take it easy and I think that works for me."
Shabbir Ahluwalia rocked on TV
Shabbir Ahluwalia who was adjudged the ‘Style Icon of the year’ at the Indian Telly awards . The guy who once aspired to be a sportsman has become one of the best loved guys of Indian television. He first found popularity as Rishi Grewal of ‘Kahin To Hoga’ by Balaji. This year he was also seen in ‘Kkavyanjali’. Known as Ekta’s blue-eyed boy, he is slated to feature in plum roles in her forthcoming ventures. One show that really rocked for Shabbir this year was ‘Nach Baliye’.
How did Shootout at Lokhandwala happen?
I met producer Sanjay Gupta through a common friend, who then approached me for the role.I play one of the members of the gang led by Viveik Oberoi’s char met producer Sanjay Gupta through a common friend, who then approached me for the role.acter. The role had really excited me. Besides being a multi-starrer, the film offered me a chance to learn a lot.
Any memorable moments while shooting?
In one of the scenes, Rohit (Roy) and I were supposed to hold a man upside down. He was quite heavy and we were at the edge of the parapet of an under-construction building. It was raining and the ground was slippery. It was quite scary experience, though we managed it eventually
Do you have a penchant for villainous roles?
The only criterion is that the role has to excite me. As an actor one needs to put in a lot of hard work for any kind of role. So it doesn’t really matter whether I am playing a good or a bad guy.
Did you always want to work in films?
For me, the medium doesn’t matter. I’m only interested in doing good work. I enjoy all the work that I do—be it acting for television or films or hosting a show. However, after Shootout releases, I might work in a couple of other films. But the projects are yet to be finalised
How did Shootout at Lokhandwala happen?
I met producer Sanjay Gupta through a common friend, who then approached me for the role.I play one of the members of the gang led by Viveik Oberoi’s char met producer Sanjay Gupta through a common friend, who then approached me for the role.acter. The role had really excited me. Besides being a multi-starrer, the film offered me a chance to learn a lot.
Any memorable moments while shooting?
In one of the scenes, Rohit (Roy) and I were supposed to hold a man upside down. He was quite heavy and we were at the edge of the parapet of an under-construction building. It was raining and the ground was slippery. It was quite scary experience, though we managed it eventually
Do you have a penchant for villainous roles?
The only criterion is that the role has to excite me. As an actor one needs to put in a lot of hard work for any kind of role. So it doesn’t really matter whether I am playing a good or a bad guy.
Did you always want to work in films?
For me, the medium doesn’t matter. I’m only interested in doing good work. I enjoy all the work that I do—be it acting for television or films or hosting a show. However, after Shootout releases, I might work in a couple of other films. But the projects are yet to be finalised
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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