Telly Stars Say vote Now
Ali Merchant talks about his new show Saat Phere,competition with Sara and much more
I simply can't compete with my better half-Ali
Ba, Bahu & now the Beti5 May 2009, 0000 hrs IST, NIKHILA PANT , TNN | |||||||
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Change is here, in Indian television that is. With the regressive soap, or is that sob, operas of the suffering bahu, scheming saas and the vicious
sister-in-law giving way to the khatti- mithi tales of daughters, there's a definite shift in audience tastes, and it's showing in channels' TRPs. As the sheen peels off the Virani mansion and our living rooms move to the outskirts of Haryana or Rajasthan, TOI deciphers the matrix of the paradigm shift in Indian TV content today. Out goes the bahu Tales of women dressed in crystal-studded sarees and noodle straps plotting against each other were lapped up by the masses when the saas-bahu serials made their way into our living rooms for the first time. But, as multiple cosmetic surgeries, innumerable marriages and generation leaps became the order of the day, the stories lost their touch. "Almost every channel had at least one such show. So, we had to replace the bahu with the beti. These shows had generated so much negativity, that shows addressing social issues and talking about the girl child instantly clicked with the viewers," says Virendra Shahaney, screenplay writer for shows like Uttaran, Bidaai and Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo. Shailja Kejriwal, executive vice president, content, NDTV Imagine, concurs, "Till last year, viewers had had their fill of the saas-bahu saga. People grew tired of watching protagonists across channels doing the same thing. Cotton-saree clad women were transported to this world of chiffon sarees, but now they are back to the world that they can relate to." Girl power Beti jaisi bahu aur maa jaisi saas ' all wanted but none got, and in the process, the viewers got bored. So everybody found solace in the daughter. Watching Ramlaal pray for a granddaughter (in Mere Ghar Aayi Ek Nanhi Pari) or Kuku Narang yearn for a daughter (in Sabki Laadli Bebo), the viewers suddenly turned into proud parents of daughters. "It may not have been a conscious attempt, but these shows did turn the attention of the audience towards their daughters. The shows send out the message that daughters are no more a liability for the family," says Kanwaljeet, who plays Kuku Narang. Championing the cause of the girl child, Kejriwal says, "Daughters are no longer the silent sufferers and pitiable characters that they used to be. They are go-getters and they can stand up for what they believe in. Students and working women could relate to Radhaa Ki Betiyaan..." Identity crisis? Ever wondered how the story of a family living in the interiors of Haryana, Bihar or Rajasthan clicks with viewers sitting in the suburbs of metropolitan cities? Shahaney offers an explanation. "There are three ways of identifying with a character or serial ' identification, aspiration and distinction. Viewers could identify with the characters of Malgudi Days, Hum Log and Buniyaad. Then came the saga of business class families, which rekindled the aspirations of urban middle class viewers. Today, when somebody watches a Balika Vadhu or an Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, they're able to distinguish their position from that of the protagonist, but are inquisitive about what happens in such remote areas," he says. Saurabh Tewari, creative director, Colors, credits the success of these serials to curiosity. "If it's not your story, then it's your neighbours'. Everyone is curious to know what's happening outside their homes and offices and that's what establishes that connect between a metro viewer and a mother in a Haryana village who wails when her newborn daughter is killed. These shows have become the window to the world. So a show set in rural Rajasthan generates as much curiosity as one set in an American suburb." What's the formula? Social issues, did we hear you say? "There's no formula now, it's a narrative, a story told from the heart, with real characters and real emotions," says Purnendu Shekhar, scriptwriter of shows like Balika Vadhu, Jyoti and Saat Phere. "A girl's fight against the discrimination that she faces because of her dark skin becomes a talking point in the age of fairness creams. A story isn't good unless it conveys a message. Everyone in India knows about child marriages, so, if the story is presented in an engaging manner, it'll surely strike a chord," he adds. "We are great copycats," confesses actor Kanwaljeet. "While no channel is trying to be preachy, these shows are clicking right now. Many don't innovate and just blindly copy, but those with the courage and creativity to do something new, are certainly the winners." Powerpuff Girls Mere Ghar Aayi Ek Nanhi Kali: A family that prays that the daughter-in-law is blessed with a daughter Na Aana Is Des Laado: About female infanticide Sabki Laadli Bebo: About a father who yearns for a daughter Jyoti: About Jyoti, eldest daughter and the only breadwinner of a family Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuchh Kar Dikhayengi: About Radha and her daughters who shift to Mumbai and how they take on the world Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo: About poor families selling their daughters off Hum Ladkiyaan, Saat Phere, Bidaai: About the plight of dark-skinned daughters |
Well known Bidaai actor is no longer single, and will soon reveal his non industry girl to the world and the media.
TB - Angad to unveil his love soon
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Onscreen pyaar, off-screen inkaar | |
Vandana Shukla/ Hill Road Media While it's quite common to hear mushy stories of onscreen couples pairing up in real life too, details of certain small screen lovebirds who can't stand to be near each other when the cameras stop rolling are lesser known. We give you the lowdown on the TV twosomes who may share great chemistry on their shows but are anything but lovers in reality. | |
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Seema Kapoor (Vasundhara) and Avinash Wadhwa (Vashu) A few months ago, it was reported that Seema Kapoor and Avinash Wadhwa, who play onscreen wife and husband (Vasundhara and Vashu Rajvansh) on Bidaai (Star Plus), were too formal on the sets. The reason they never got close was because of their ego problems. This led to the two only talking when it was absolutely necessary. But since, the issue has been resolved and they have made up. Don't get us wrong: they're certainly not friends, but they're no longer foes either. |
Many actors make their stand based of their looks but there are very few actors who are popular just because of their acting skills. One amongst them is a television actor who in his first break captured the attention of audience with his brilliant performance in Bidaai. Angad Hasija, the actor par excellence speaks exclusively to Masala Blitz regarding his work in Bidaai and more on his future plans.
How do you manage to pull off such brilliant acting?
Alekh's character is very challenging to play on screen. When I joined Bidaai, I had searched on net to find more about who people like Alekh behave. For example, what are their reactions, how they eat, how they sit. Basically, I studied the character very closely which helped me to portray this role. I was wondering if everyone would like me, but I have been getting appreciation from across the world. I used to do modeling before and this was my first break. I feel lucky to get a break from this big production house. I am so happy to be part of this team. To put it short, "Bidaai completes my world."
Have you taken any special training for this character?
I have never undergone any training. I got this role because of sheer luck. When I had gone for Audition, Rajan sir rejected me saying this character is too simple and I may not fit for it. But my friend worked upon me and changed my looks for next round of audition after which I got my approval. I still remember that my selection was done in the evening and by night I was shooting. As such for acting, I had taken little training and as I am a Punjabi, I was more focusing on fight sequences.
Can you tell more on the future track of Bidaai? When will Alekh be cured?
Well, there is a big story behind this red rose but I won't reveal about it right now (Laughts). It will take time for the viewers to know about this track. Everyone asks me when Alekh will get cured and even I keep asking the creatives. But I don't see that happening in near future. It may take one more year.
What are your future plans?
Right now, my full concentration is on Bidaai. I got many offers from bollywood, but I feel I have so much to do in Bidaai which is more challenging than any role and I enjoy playing Alekh. I have been given the permission to do commercials and modeling. So, you can see me in Ads.
Who is your favorite Co-Star?
I maintain good rapport with Seema Kapoor and Natasha Rana. With Kinshuk, it's more of a brotherly relationship. Off screen too we are just like the one on-screen. We make sure to catch up with each other everyday. Regarding Sara, we have so much fun together. Whenever either of us is busy, we ask the other to do our work. It's a very sweet friendship we maintain!!!
What is your fitness mantra?
I am very much disciplined when it comes to work outs and diets. I do workouts daily. Infact, whenever I find time, I go to gym as I love spending time there to keep myself fit. For my diet, I usually take half of the kitchen along with me as I prefer eating the diet I am prescribed.
What are your other hobbies?
I love music and painting. I keep scribbling something on paper. Many of the small drawings that you see in the show are done by me. I would say painting is the common factor between Alekh and Angad (Laughs).
How do your fans react when they see you normal off-screen?
I rarely go out, but when people recognize me, people keep telling me that I am so normal and that I have good body. Sometimes its so weird listening to such comments but I do feel good receiving good appreciation from my fans.
Message for your fans:
I just want everyone to keep appreciating me the way they are doing now. Whatever I do, I would give my 100% and we all work very hard. So, please keep watching the show and give us love.
Reporter and Author - AR Raghav
https://www.masalablitz.com/?p=1373
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