NOTES ON FASHION

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

Shilpa Anand Interview - Dr Ridhhima Gupta

I face things as they come: Shilpa

Shilpa Anand - Dr Riddhima Gupta Hardly had she dreamt of becoming an actress until acting just happened to her.

A software professional otherwise, Shilpa Anand is gaining all the attention on the small screen these days for her character Dr Riddhima in serial Dill Mill Gayye . We caught up with this pretty gal when she recently paid a visit to the city.

So how has been her experience on TV like?

“It has really been great. I am just enjoying my work though the hours are very long. But I don’t feel that it’s my first time on television. That’s also because my co-stars are quite supportive,” she says.

Wonder why this switch from being a software professional to an actor?

“Making a career in acting was not a deliberate decision. It was actually on the insistence of some of my friends that I started taking modelling assignments which gradually led to getting film offers from the South, which I accepted. Down South my work even received a lot appreciation. And that’s how my journey in this line began. But at the moment I’m happy working on small screen as it has really raised my popularity graph.”

But with so many fresh faces on screen, we ask her what would make her stand apart from them?

“See, each actor has his own style of acting. So do I. At the same time I keep working to improvise my acting skills so that I can stand apart from my small screen counterparts.”

Having done modelling too, we next ask her, what does she prefer between modelling and acting and she takes off, “There is a big difference between the two. In modelling one needs to be focussed for you have the responsibility of endorsing a brand while in acting the attention is shared by the other co-stars as well which makes it a bit convenient for the actor. Therefore I feel acting much easier then modelling.”

What plans for the future?

“See I don’t believe in planning things for future. I face things as they come. But yes I would definitely want to grow as an actor and that people know me for my acting. Be it comedy, romantic or thrillers I would like to try all of these and show my versatility.”

As she readies to leave we shoot one last question. What’s Shilpa doing when not acting? “Acting is a hectic job. So whenever I get time you’d find me sleeping. Also in order to maintain my figure and keep myself fit going to the gym is a part of my routine.”

Dr Anjali (Sunaina) Interview - Dill Mill Gayye

She's a small town girl with big dreams. It's precisely these dreams that brought Rohtak-born girl Sunaina Gulia to Mumbai. And ever since she landed in Mumbai, Sunaina has got ambitious by the day. After taking part in Miss India contest (2004), Sunaina took the Tellywood route. Sunaina will be seen in Star One's 'Dill Mill Gayye' - earlier titled 'Sanjeevani.'

"I play Anjali, who's one of Dean Dr.Shahsank Gupta's (Mohnish Bhel) daughter and she's one of the five interns. She's a very practical and ambitious girl, who dreams of becoming the head of Sanjeevani" said Sunaina.

When asked about her equation with her co-stars, she replied. "We are a great bunch. Not only do we have fun but we also create a ruckus on the sets. Things are going great since we have a youthful starcast." It's just not wit her young colleagues, Sunaina also shares a great rapport with acclaimed actor Mohnish Behl.

"He's an amazing guy. Normally, big stars just come on the sets, do their job and leave, but Mohnish is an exception. Initially I was a bit apprehensive but he's very humble and is always there to guide you. A key to success for any show is a healthy and free environment."

She might appear as a new face, but Sunaina has played the lead in serials like 'Kuch Love Kuch Masti,' 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na' and Kne Ghosh's 'Ada.' In between, she's also anchored a travel show ('Voyage').

Often models aren't rated much as actors. However, Sunaina has learnt this art from Anupam Kher's acting school. So is Anupam Kher a hard taskmaster? She replied, "Not at all. He's always been nice to us and he teaches himself," quips Haryanvi chori.

She was born in Haryana but Sunaina had the luxury of travelling to new places - courtesy her father's job. She's been to Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Kolkata and the entire south India. Later, she did her graduation in Mass Comm, Advertising and PR from Delhi and that's when she moved to Mumbai

Karan Grover Interview

KARAN GROVERz NEW INTERVIEW!

Karan Singh is numerology's latest victim."My real name is actually Karan Singh Grover.But I never used Grover earlier.I've made the change for numerological reasons. It comes to a better number."is his explanation

Landing in Dill...is quite a bonus."I went for an audition,a look test and got the role.And the going's great.I play Dr.Armaan Malik.It's fun because I play a character very close to myself,and someone who's my age too.Armaan is naughty and full of life.Also,it's a different show.I'm not saying family dramas are boring,but they are not something I can relate to myself,It's not the usual saas-bahu stuff;it's a youth oriented show about doctors.There is drama,but it's very profession related,not home related.Plus working here,in such a positive environment,helps immensely.There's no bickering,everyone gets along,and there are no insecurities.The story line may be quite cliched at times,but,still,it is shot differently.We dont have cheat shots,nor do we use duplicates.I'm quite involved in the creative side too.I read scripts beforehand,check the screenplay out,and even try and attend the creative meetings.I've never done all this for any othr show in my life,"he reveals.

He had to make a lot of changes for this chow, like dropping out of his previous projects to concentrate solely on this."Before I got Dill...I was doing Solah Singaarr and I even did Parivar on Zee for a weekThen I left both for Dill...Star and Cinevistaas needed an exclusivity contract.I didnt have a choice."

Was he disappointed with the way the show Solah Singaarr eventually turned out for him?
"I was disappointed by the change of the story actually.It turned out okay;the show is doing quite well.I liked the whole initial bit,when the story dealt with widow remarriage.That was a touchy subject.But after that something went wrong and more characters were brought in.I preferred the initial story anyday."

Wasn't he supposed to go back to working with Balaji with a very big show?
"Yes,that's true.I was playing the lead in Khwaish.To be precise, I was t play Sumeet Sachdev's younger brother.Sumeet's character eventually dies,and I was going to take over after that.That's why I was to shift to Dubai as well.We even shot for it,some of the shaadi sequences here.But the dates didnt work out,and then my passport was taking too long to get renewed.It had expired,and by the time I managed to renew it,it was a little late.Also they needed 25 days in Dubai,which I couldn't give,because that time I was doing Solah Singaarralso.15 days is all I had in hand.Initially,Balaji was okay with it,but then the passpost problem added to the confusion.They got stuck and had to find somebody else."

He's open to any new work that comes along the way.
"My shecule may be tight,but anything can be worked out.Work is work,and is always welcome!"

He's finally moved on from his painful break up with Barkha Bisht and has found love with Shraddha Nigam.A year ago,Karan had become quite a Devdas. Today he's happy and raring to go."Nobody stays depressed for so long in life generally.I've moved on,both personally and professionally."

He elaborates,"I've only started seeing Shraddha since about 6 months now. We used to keep bumping into each othet because of common friends.We mest properly at an after-party for an awards function.I remember it was the 31st March.Dates are not something I'm forced to remember;I just tend to remember dates,clothes,colours,scenes and dialogues.I even remember my dialogues from Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi.I can't help it.'

He goes on," So yeah,I met her at the party,where we partied for a bit.And then she didn't want to go home and I didnt want to go home either.So we sat at the J.W.Marriott all night,talking.It was the first time I spoke to someone for so long.I spoke to Shraddha from 1 o'clock in the night to 8 o'clock in the morning at the coffee shop.We were talking about anything an d everything in life,any nonsense.That's how it started."

How different is this relationship from the one he had with Barkha?"Very different!I'm also at a place in my life where I'm a little sorted in my head.And she's(Shraddha) been in this industry and in this world much before me.She's a little older than me.And she's very mature and balanced.That's the kind of person I needed actually.We connect at all levels. There are things which she doesnt even have to say and I just know."

He adds,"Sometimes you dont have this kind of relationship with your spouse.Sometimes you might have it with your best friend.With Shraddha,it's like that.The kind of connection I have with my best friends from college,whom I've known for some nine years now,I have with Shraddha in six months.It's very strange actually;nice but strange."

Karan doesnt wish to spoil things by dwelling too much on the future."I'm not thinking about the future and neither is she.We'd rather take it one day at atime.I've decided not to think so much anymore.I'm not thinking;she's not thinking;we're both just doing our respective work and we're happy that way."

But why so many denials initially?"I dont deny anything in life.But she was a little apprehensiveat first.Maybe she was worried because I've always been linked with so many women.Or perhaps she didn't want her parents to know.i really don't know.Women are always a bit antsy in the beginning.So I played along.She didn't want to tell anyone,so I didnt tell a soul." They dont know where to go from here."We really dont know.And my motto in life now is to not think at all.I dont think about tomorow.After all that I've been through in these 25 years of life, I realize that if you're really happy right now,then you'll be happy tomorrow as well.Just concentrate on now;tomorrow doesnt matter.What's the point of planning,when it might not work out?It just gets upsetting."

Now Shraddha is totally comfortable with Karan talking about their relationship."Now,I've interacted a lot with her parents.I keep going to her house for dinner quite often.Her mom and dad are also a little more comfortable with me now.Basically, she's totally cool with the fact that we're together."

Karan's new resolution-"Whatever you have right now,just give it your 140%,the rest will happen when it has to." 2 of his films,Magna Films' Bhram-An Illusion and Saurabh Shukla's I Think I Am 24

_________________________________________________________

Thanx to Suvarna

Karan Grover, popularly known as Dr. Armaan of Dill Mill Gayye, does not need to act at all. According to him, he gets paid for being himself on the sets.

Does the name Armaan ring a bell in your ears? Of course yes, because Armaan is a name that has always been associated with name, fame, success and a huge fan following. At first, Apurva Agnihotri achieved enormous success playing the role of Armaan Sir in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi. Now, the new Armaan to rock the television world is Karan ‘Dr. Armaan’ Grover who has set all hearts thumping with his looks and charming personality in Star one’s Dill Mill Gayye.

As bubbly and energetic as his character, Karan Grover talks about his character and much more, read on.

How is it playing Dr. Armaan? “It’s been awesome playing Dr. Armaan. I relate a lot to the character I play, so I need not put in much effort. I need to go there, play myself and get back. The best part is that, there is no need for me to act for the role. This is the way I am. The plus is that, I get paid for being myself on the sets.(laughs)”

How is it being a part of a serial, centered on youth? How did you all get on so well? “Yes, all come from different backgrounds, but we connected together so well. We got comfortable with each other in no time. We built up great chemistry and that too very fast. It is a serial for the youth, and about youth. We all understand our roles very well. Moreover, I feel, playing our age, we can relate to our characters better. Our Director Nizar Parvez is also young, so he understands everything so nicely. It’s really good to be working under a young director. To me, it does not seem like work. It is a dream role for me, and I am having fun.”

Is there any difference between Armaan and Karan? “The only difference between Armaan and Karan is that, Armaan is made to wear lots of clothes, while I wear next to nothing.” You have an enormous fan following on our forum. Are you aware of this? “Yes, I am aware of the fan following I have in India-Forums. Actually, my parents who are based at Muscat regularly visit India-Forums, in fact my whole family visits. Whenever they tell me about this fan following, I get thrilled.” So why don’t you login and directly interact with your fans? “Yes, I will surely do that.”, says a jubilant Karan.

How is it working with Mohnish Behl? “I have looked up to his acting as I grew up. It is awesome to work with him, I learn a lot from him. This is one reason why my scenes with him come out so well. It is a great experience, altogether.”

Your Salsa dance with Riddhima was appreciated a lot. “Yes, the Salsa was planned by the creatives. The lovely clothes were designed by our producer’s wife, who is a designer by profession. We had only half an hour’s practice for the Salsa. But it was real fun doing it. I would like to tell you that there is one more dance coming up this week in the show. Since it is Garba season, we are doing a Garba dance; I presume it will be shown sometime this week. We wear complete authentic dresses, please watch this episode, it is going to be entertaining for sure.”
With Salsa and Garba happening, why are we not seeing you in any Dance reality show? “Yes, I and my girl friend Shraddha Nigam were actually invited for this season’s Nach Baliye. But I am so into Dill Mill Gaye, so I could not take it up.” Quickly he adds, “Probably the next time…”

Does it mean wedding bells in the near future? No marriage on cards as of now. We have not even talked to each other about it. (smiles)”, says the actor as he signs off.

Dil mil gaye

Dil Mil Gaye - Dill Mill Gayye
M.B.B.S. Se Hatke Lovology Mein Aatke. Dil mil gayye is a tv show which airs on Star One. Dil mil gaye is a series two of sanjeevani.

Karan Singh Grover, Shraddha Nigam and Shilpa Anand

Thnx to Missy :)

Ayushi Pictures (Dr Muskaan)

Serial: Dil Mil Gaye (Dill Mill Gayye)
Channel : Star One

Shilpa Anand (Riddhima Wallpapers)

Saturday, 5 December 2009

Maria Wasti

Maria Wasti- Pakistani Actress

Jana Malik

Jana Malik - Pakistan Actress

Indian Singer Abhijeet Calls Pakistani Singers Besura

Singer Abhijeet, known as the voice behind some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable songs, including 'Main koi aisa geet gaoon' and 'Badi Mushkil Hai,' has hit out at Pakistan and Pakistanis once again. In the past, Abhijeet used the forum of reality shows to run down pop singer Atif Aslam for his lack of singing skills and training. In general, too, the Indian singer has been very vocal about his opposition to Pakistani singers recording and performing in India.

In a recent interview to the Times of India, Abhijeet has done it again. Referring to reports of links between director and producer Mahesh Bhatt’s son, Rahul Bhatt, and terror suspect, David Headley, Abhijeet said, ‘Years ago, I had protested about Mahesh Bhatt and his soft corner for Pakistan. But nobody took notice. And see what’s happening now. I want to know why a thorough investigation isn’t being carried out against the whole Bhatt family? How come no one else in the industry had any connections with US terror suspect David Headley except the Bhatt family?’

While criticising the Bhatt family, Abhijeet couldn't resist throwing a barb at his pet peeve: Pakistani talent. ‘Why do they call Pakistani singers and actors to work in India when we have so much talent here? Both the brothers, Mahesh and Mukesh themselves travel to Delhi and personally get the visas of Pakistani artists made. Why?’ he asked.

Abhijeet also described Pakistani singers as 'besura' (out of tune). 'People praise Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s voice, but have they heard Sukhwinder Singh? There’s no better singer than Sukhwinder,' said Abhijeet, adding, 'and the irony is that it’s hardly been a year since 26/11 and already songs of two Pakistani singers, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, are topping the Indian music charts.’

In an email to the media, Pooja Bhatt (Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter, a film producer and director in her own right) has hit back at the scornful singer. She writes: ‘[Abhijeet] is obviously going through a mental 'recession' and has a severe case of sour grapes as well since both Fisheye Network and Vishesh films do not consider using his voice for any of our films.’

Referring to Abhijeet’s rant about Headley's Pakistani connection, Pooja Bhatt retorted, ‘[Abhijeet] has forgotten one vital point, Headley's American connection. Headley was after all, half-Pakistani and half-American. Now should we stop our Prime Minister from working with Obama too?’