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TV Watch the story of a girl from a humble beginning becoming a star as Colors pay tribute to 100 years of Indian Cinema

Breaking away from the usual, Colors is paying tribute to 100 years of Indian Cinema with a serial called "Madhubala- Ek Ishq Ek Junoon". Starting this Monday, it has Drashti Dhami playing the title character of Madhubala, who manages to rise from humble beginnings to become a star. As soon as the name of the show was out, many rumours cropped up around the idea that the storyline was based on the life of yesteryear star Madhubala or that it dealt with the much speculated Dilip Kumar-Madhubala affair. "It has nothing to do with the life story of the legendary actor Madhubala, let me tell you before you ask," says the apparently excited actor Drashti. But she admits that she is quite nervous too. Quite a popular figure in modelling and television, Drashti shot to fame with her portrayal of the character Geet in "Geet — Hui Sabse Parayi".

Excerpts from a chat with the actor:

If not Madhubala, the actor, then what does the TV show deal with?

It is all about the real life of the reel stars and actors. It deals with their life behind the screen, their emotions and aspirations. It is not about one particular heroine.

Actor Madhubala's sister Zahida sent a notice to the show heads asking for a clarification on the serial's subject. Can you comment on such roadblocks and controversies the show has been facing since its announcement?

Any roadblock or controversy is adding to the publicity of the show. I believe that any publicity is positive publicity. People are at least getting to know that something new has been launched or something is cooking.

How do you see the transition from the very popular character of Geet to Madhubala?

I wanted to get back the freshness and all I kept doing was that. Yoga has helped a lot and to be frank, no such sort of 'preparations' for getting into the skin of the character was done. I have been playing Geet for almost two years and yes it was quite a challenge to switch to an altogether different character. I took a break and now I am refreshed, to become Madhubala.

We already have a spate of movies like "The Dirty Picture" and "Om Shanti Om" dealing with the behind-the-scenes aspects of actors in the film industry. Is the show any different from these?

I do not think such questions even arise. This is a TV show and cannot be compared with 2-3 hour-long feature films. These are two different media and should not be compared. However, the series is indeed a tribute to the Indian film industry.

So any Bollywood plans?

I do not believe in making such plans, I just want to go with the flow. I take life day by day.

janu narayanhttp://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article3460513.ece