Difficult to sustain as lead actress in industry, says Chhavi Mittal

Television actress Chhavi Mittal, popularly known as Disha of TV show 'Tumhari Disha', admits it is tough to keep getting lead roles in television shows.

'It's very difficult to sustain yourself as a main lead in the industry. I consider myself fortunate enough to still get the main leads. After working for so long, there is still freshness in me. I am exposed but not over-exposed,' she included.

'There are very few actors in this industry who have done different roles with each new show and I consider myself lucky to be one of them. The journey has been very satisfying so far. I have always tried to do different kind of roles,' Chhavi said

After doing modeling and anchoring in the capital for five years, she shifted to Mumbai, where she did TV shows like 'Twinkle Beauty Parlour', 'Virasat', 'Grihasthi', 'Nagin' and 'Bandini'.

She has also been part of reality shows and is currently seen in Zee TV's ongoing music show 'Star Ya Rockstar'.

She also tells out that 'it is difficult to carve a niche in the industry because of the competition.'

'There are so many newcomers. To carve a niche for yourself in the industry, you have to have it all - good looks, good performer, command over language. And your personality as a social figure has to be good -- if you are rude, you have no place for yourself. Moreover, your choice of roles is also important,' she included.

The actress, who is married to TV director Mohit Husein, finds acting liberating.

'There's an actor in every human being and there are different kind of moods. Since we live in a society where we are not able to show those moods to everyone acting gives you chance to express it,' told Chhavi, who was last seen in Sahara One's 'Ek Chutki Aasman'.

'You get to play different characters where you can shout and you can laugh out loud. You get to do so many new things that we can't do as a social animal, that's a great liberating feeling,' she included.

So Chhavi what have you learnt from the industry?

'I have learnt that you can't be moody all the time. I have grown as a person in this industry,' she told.

Kissing scene is like an action sequence for me: Ranbir

Ranbir with Rajat Sharma in Aap Ki Adalat

Bollywood Casanova Ranbir Kapoor has locked lips with his co-stars on screen and tells that shooting kissing scenes is like doing an action sequence.

'I do love stories most of the time. Naturally kissing scenes do come up. I don't say 'daalo' (put in) kissing scenes. Moreover, it's too uncomfortable to kiss a girl in front of hundred people on the sets and in front of camera and lights,' Ranbir, who had kissing scenes in 'Bachna Aae Haseeno', told in a TV show.

'It's too mechanical. For me, a kissing scene is just like an action sequence. Normally, I finish off the kissing scene in a single take,' included the actor who locked lips with Priyanka Chopra in 'Anjaana Anjaani'.

The actor, who is busy in promoting his upcoming movie 'Rockstar', however, got conscious when asked about his broken relationship with actress Deepika Padukone.

'I had a relationship with Deepika. She still continues to be my good friend. But the issue on which our relationship broke is a private matter. It will be very inequitable to the girl if I speak about that, because Deepika is single and may marry someone in future', Ranbir told.

In the meantime, the two actors are set to romance on big screen again in Karan Johar's new production 'Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani'.

John Abraham takes off on reality shows!

John Abraham in film Force

One star who isn't too excited about the reality show wave that's hit Indian television in full force is John Abraham.

The actor has taken off on reality shows in his forthcoming film Vipul Shah's Force .

Essaying the role of ACP Yashvardhan, John in a confrontation scene, talks about how today’s youth do not have police or army ambitions but are the first to jump the gun when it comes to participating in reality shows –

Says John "Its important for the youth today to start taking interest in socially relevant issues..Its easy to sit across the television screen and be entertained but it really takes courage to go out there and fight crime and put your life on the line for the country"


The otherwise reticent John Abraham was very keen on including the scene in the film, in spite of peer groups having certain reservations.

Says a source "The film was screened in bits to check for reactions and the scene did garner some doubt with the dialogue .However the producers and John were very keen on sticking to the scene after acquiring permissions from the censor board"

In spite of not being in favor of reality shows, John would be visiting them to promote his films after much convincing .

"John  has never liked visiting reality shows but since the production had already committed dates to a talent reality show. John visited them, after much convincing.", Adds the source.

Dharampatni touches a chord with housewives

Imagine TV’s popular emotional saga Dharampatni

Pankit Thakker

The family saga fever that once upon a time, peaked on Indian television with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, just seems to grow stronger and stronger with every soap and serial covering social issues. Moreover, the recent Anna Hazare movement against corruption has given an added boost to more innovative and meaningful social subjects for our drawing rooms.

The latest to conquer hearts is Imagine TV’s popular emotional saga Dharampatni; inspired from Mahatama Gandhi’s life and times. The daily soap has found tremendous favour with family audiences, especially housewives. So much so that inspired by its success, the makers are now introducing fresh tracks and characters to further enhance its ‘homely’ appeal.

Amongst the many actors who are being appreciated, is television’s blue-eyed boy Pankit Thakker, who was earlier patronized as ‘The Champ’ by female audiences in the Star One daily soap Dill Mill Gayye.

While television makers experiment with subjects, it’s the viewer who has emerged the ultimate winner.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shoots with TV stars!

Pavitra Rishta stars, Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Pavitra Rishta stars, Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande, are one fortunate duo as they get a chance to work with the very beautiful Aishwarya Rai, for a commercial.

In a casual chat with Aishwarya during the shoot, Sushant disclosed to Ash that during one of her performances on stage, she was lifted by him.

Sushant was super thrilled to work with the actress. He reveals, “Aishwarya was very well-mannered. It was really nice working with her. She was astonished to hear that we had danced together in the Australian Commonwealth Games in 2006 and now we were endorsing a product together.”

Aishwarya on the other hand, being in her 7 month pregnancy, is still living professional life also.

I am not fallen in love with any female till date: Karan Johar

During the chat show of well-known personality Simi Garewal, the celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar accepts that he is an individual bachelor and has not yet fallen in love with any female as of now. He also states that he is actually thinking about promising a commitment to any girl and as of date, he has not at all been in a relationship with anybody. There were plenty of gossips and rumors about his sexual course. In Simi Garewal’s chat show, Karan Johan the India’s most qualified bachelor gives a clear picture to the public that he is not in a relationship yet.

While speaking about Karan Johar’s sexual point of orientation, he told he is not concerned about what people gossip or comment on his sexual relationship. He also mentions that as he has reached the age of thirty-nine and he is still a bachelor, people will of course question him of why he has not yet wedded and settled in life. He also tells he has no reasons to say that he is not queered, gay or not bisexual.

Karan Johar and Kareena Kapoor make a very good duo of friends. Karan also spoke about Kareena’s and Saif Ali Khan’s forthcoming marriage. The filmmaker states that both Kareena and Saif Ali Khan will be a best pair after wedding.

Big B’s eagerness for grandchild!

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan is excitedly waiting for the arrival of his grandchild.

While shooting for Sony TV's 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', Amitabh met contender Ruksana's five-month old baby and after seeing the child, the veteran star disclosed the eagerness for son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai's first baby.

Amitabh had broken the news that Aishwarya is pregnant in June.

Pankit Thakker returns with Dharampatni

Pankit Thakker, the blue-eyed boy of Indian television, who was loved as ‘The Champ’ in the Star One daily soap ‘Dill Mill Gayye’, will now be seen playing a pivotal role in another mega daily soap titled ‘Dharampatni’ on Imagine TV from this week.

The story is inspired from the times shared by Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba, before Gandhiji emerged as the Father of the Nation.

Pankit, who plays the role of the eldest of three brothers, is super excited. “It’s a challenging role, and I’ve been working on my look, style, personality and diction for it. I’ve even put on a lot of weight to get into the skin of the character. I hope the audience appreciates my efforts this time as well,” says the versatile young gun.

Earlier, apart from ‘Dill Mill Gayye’, Pankit has charmed the television community with memorable characters in many successful shows like ‘Kabhi Sauten Kabhi Saheli’ and ‘Kumkum – Pyara Sa Bandhan’ (Star Plus), ‘Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan’ (Zee TV), ‘Special Squad’ and ‘India Calling’ (Star One). Lets see what ‘Dharampatni’ has in store for him now.

Stripping hot lass Poonam Pandey in Big Boss 5?

Poonam Pandey became an overnight famous person thanks to her promise to shed her clothes and give a secretive show to the Indian Cricket team if they won the World Cup. India did win the World Cup but there was no show of any kind from Poonam’s end. After this the model was seen in ‘Khatron ke Khiladi Torchaar’, an adventure show on Colors hosted by Akshay Kumar, but she failed to make any impression.

It seems that this 21 year old controversial model has been approached by Big Boss for being a part of their newest season. She has seemingly been offered around Rs. 2 crore for becoming a contestant in this reality show, because the production house feels that having her in the show may be a boost to the TRP of the channel.

Every contestant of this show is given a whooping sum of money and they have to sign a contract with the channel. Actually, Poonam’s contract claims that an ex-cricketer who is also participating in the show will ask her to fulfil the promise that she made during the World Cup.

According to close friends, because of this clause Poonam is still thinking about the offer and has not given any sort of confirmation to the producers of the show. It seems that the model is in the news for all unnecessary reason even before she does anything solid for her career.

Animal protection group opposes stunts in 'Khatron Ke Khiladi-4'

The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) objected to what it termed 'cruelty and mistreatment' of animals on the reality show 'Khatron Ke Khiladi-4', hosted by Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar.

FIAPO shot off a letter to Naresh Chahal, director (finance) of the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), on how the show, aired on Colors TV, has been airing stunts involving leopards, lions, crocodiles and ostriches.

'The show has been depicting cruelty and mistreatment of such animals by teasing them, either physically or with food,' FIAPO co-ordinator Alokparna Sengupta told in its letter.

The FIAPO has also criticized Akshay Kumar.

'Akshay Kumar has been a role model for millions of children and young people. Instead of participating in and promoting such cruel stunts, he should reach out to his audience with a positive message about animals and teach that action is not about taunting or hurting another being, be it human or non-human,' Sengupta told.

He criticized that as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, any person desirous of training or exhibiting a performing animal has to apply for registration to the prescribed authority and cannot exhibit or train any animal as a performing animal without the registration. Also, performances by lions, tigers, leopards, monkeys and bears are prohibited.

According to FIAPO, shows like 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' exploit animals by shooting in countries that do not have progressive laws to protect animals.

'Since we do not allow this type of mistreatment to take place in our country, we should not allow it to take place on our airwaves. We request you to issue directions to the producers of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' to refrain from showing such stunts,' Sengupta requested the BCCC.

I am not Chinese; Talk in fluent Hindi: Meiyang Chang

Singer-anchor-actor Meiyang Chang is tired of being considered a foreigner and finds it weird when people talk to him only in English.

'Don't understand WHY people INSIST on talking to me in English when I'm speaking to them in Hindi. My name is Chang & I'm not a foreigner (sic),' he wrote.

Chang, who became popular after featuring in singing reality show 'Indian Idol 3', is of Chinese descent but has lived in India all his life. He can speak effortless Hindi.

He has even featured in Bollywood movie 'Badmaash Company' and also hosts a lot of television shows.

Big B goes to memory lane of previous Kaun Banega Crorepati shows!

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who has started mock rehearsals for the fifth season of reality game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', relived the memories of past seasons by watching the old footage.

'One of the greatest joys and comforts of life is the time spent with family and relatives...I did today and loved it...Recounting old memories, watching personal archives camera footage of family occasions and reliving them ... so warm and affectionate,' Amitabh wrote on micro-blogging site.

The new season of the show will go on air Aug 15, and the 68-year-old is 'getting back into the groove'.

According to the actor, 'fresh additions' are being made to the show 'to make it more viewers friendly and participative'.

Sameer thinks, now men centric shows era has come on TV!

Indian television shows are seen mainly as a women's world, but if a new soap is any indication, then happier times are here for men on the small screen.

'Parichay - Nayee Zindagi Key Sapno Ka' is being oddly promoted via a sensitive and introspective male character. The show, to go on air in August, is produced by television tsarina Ekta Kapoor for Colors channel.

'I am so glad that the show is being promoted through the male protagonist. Otherwise, almost all shows are sold through a woman and her problems. It just goes to show that men are now really getting their due on TV,' Samir Soni, who is making his comeback to fiction via this show, said.

True to the promos, the show will also be strangely 'male-centric', according to Samir.

Men have played key parts in TV shows for long, but an entire story revolving around a male character has been a scarcity. Years ago, shows like 'Office Office', 'Karamchand', 'Mohandas B.A.L.L.B., 'Mr.Yogi', 'Shaktimaan' and 'Just Mohabbat' had men in the lead. But ever since the saas-bahu sagas like 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' and 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki' came in, women took centre stage as protagonists.

'Most shows have women in the lead and a lot of times it becomes difficult to tell one from another. So I hope this show stands out. The editors have done a great job with the promos,' Samir told.

The crisp promos are already grabbing eyeballs. Samir's character is shown in loneliness, and in the background, he narrates a diary item.

'My character is called Kunal Chopra. There's a lot of depth in this man, he has several layers to his personality, he is multi-dimensional...and that makes him one of the best characters I have played in a long time,' told Soni, 42.

He added, 'It is tough for me to explain the character without divulging too much, but Kunal is a guy who has gone through the highs and lows of life. He has experienced a professional and personal setback. He has been a lawyer, but he doesn't practise any more...so the show depicts his conflicts in life and how he deals with his grievances.'

'This new show is essentially a family drama. Obviously no TV serial is complete without women, but I am happy to say that our show is quite male-centric. Kunal Chopra is the main guy and he is central to the story and whatever happens happens around him,' he disclosed.

'There has been a lot of transition in content over the years. From the saas-bahu dramas, content moved into a more regional space with shows based in Gujarat, West Bengal and the like. They added a more ethnic flavor in Indian television. Now I see more mature, real content, through shows like 'Bade Achche Lagte Hain',' told the actor, who made his TV debut with 'A Mouthful of Sky' in 1996.

What has not changed, however, is the work environment in the industry, he tells, including, 'TV still requires a lot of hours from actors and technicians. We have to work round the clock. Also, since the competition has increased, the attention span of the audience is short; one needs to put in a lot more effort. The advent of reality TV also has changed the Indian TV industry. They are giving tough competition to fiction content.'

Samir's brush with reality TV came with the last season of the controversial show 'Bigg Boss', after which he tied the knot with actress-turned-jewellery designer Neelam Kothari. Now he is blissfully settled and enjoys getting back to work!

'I was offered more reality shows after 'Bigg Boss', but I had to settle down and get married. Now I'm committed for 25 days in a month, so no reality show for now,' he told.

Sanjay Dutt is ready to TV debut with Big Boss 5!

Bollywood celebrity Sanjay Dutt, who is set to make his small screen debut as a host of hot reality show "Bigg Boss 5", is very upbeat about creating 'double dhamaal' with friend, actor, and co-host Salman Khan on the show.

"I'm extremely delighted that I am making my foray into television through a concept like 'Bigg Boss' - a show that holds a nation's attention for more than three months," Sanjay Dutt told.

The 51-year-old, who was only just seen in the comedy movie "Double Dhamaal", is also eager about teaming up with Salman, who hosted the last season of "Bigg Boss".

"I loved watching Salman host the last season…I thought he was mind-blowing with his sense of humor and inimitable style," told Sanjay.

The two actors featured together in movies like "Saajan" and "Chal Mere Bhai".

Even Salman is looking forward to working with Sanjay once again.

"I think it's a great move by Colors to also sign up Sanjay Dutt for 'Bigg Boss Season-5'. It can only mean one thing for the viewers - more excitement and a differentiated appeal for this season," told Salman, who is happy to be back with the show.

"I greatly enjoyed working on 'Bigg Boss' last season and received a lot of positive response from fans and well-wishers alike. It's an exciting format that makes for compelling viewing and I am glad to be back for another season," he included.

Channel officials hope the chemistry between the two actors benefits the show.

"Given the way 'Bigg Boss' has been performing over the last four seasons, growing from strength to strength, this year we plan to leverage the chemistry and talent of Sanjay and Salman and with our plans on the content front, we are confident to make the show even bigger," told, head of programming, Colors.

"Bigg Boss" has 14 handpicked celebrities locked in a house for close to 96 days - with over 50 cameras following their moves 24x7.

"Over the last three years, Colors has taken 'Bigg Boss' to newer heights of entertainment and popularity. Now, with both Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt as hosts, we're sure that the appeal of 'Bigg Boss 5' will touch unprecedented heights," included Yardi.

TV working is not easy for Serial 'Dwarkadheesh’s lead actress Priya Bhatija!

Priya Bhatija

Priya Bhatija with Hubby Jatin Shah

Priya Bhatija

Priya Bhatija, currently seen in Imagine TV's 'Dwarkadheesh: Bhagwan Shri Krishna' as Rukmini, says working on television is not trouble-free.

'Before I came into television I thought it's a very easy job. You have to just say your lines and move on. But after being a part of it, I have realized it's not easy. There is a lot of hard work involved, so many technicalities involved,' Priya said.

Priya was launched by Ekta Kapoor with her show 'Khwaish' in 2007. After that the actress was seen in serials like 'Basera', 'Kasamh Se', 'Ram Milayee Jodi' and most freshly 'Baba Aiso Var Dhoondo'.

This is her first mythological show and the actress is totally in love with her character in 'Dwarkadheesh: Bhagwan Shri Krishna'.

'I was a little sceptical about it, but now I am totally in love with my character. Everybody knows about Radha-Krishna love story and how Krishna killed Kansa. Very few people know what happened after that and about Rukmini and Krishna, and Krishna as a ruler,' told Priya, who has shifted her base to Vadodara for the show.

She added, 'I really didn't get any time to prepare for the role but I am trying my best and putting in my 100 percent. I hope I am able to connect with the audience and they like me as Rukmini. I faced a little problem while pronouncing some Sanskrit words; otherwise everything just went with the flow.'

'I am never satisfied with my work. I always think I could have done it in a better way. I don't consider myself as an actor yet. Everyday is a learning process for me,' told Priya, who is wedded to TV actor Jatin Shah of 'Bandini' fame.

VJ Gaurav Kapur to host 'India's Minute To Win It-2'

Well-liked VJ Gaurav Kapur is all set to host the second season of AXN India's reality game show 'India's Minute To Win It'.

'Just had a planning meeting with the good folk at AXN, for Minute to Win It season 2. Who wants to play? So Rs.1 crore is up for grabs. How? Why? Where? When? Watch this space,' Gaurav, who hosted the first season of the show, wrote on his blog page.

The show gives contestants a chance to win a bumper prize of Rs.1 crore (Rs.10 million) after performing a series of tasks within a single minute.

The show is the Indian version of American show 'Minute to Win it'.