Divorce Earns ‘Pavitra Rishta’ A TVR Of 7.6

What an irony that it is a break-up that has helped ‘Pavitra Rishta’ (Holy relation) bring joy to its makers? Zee TV and and Balaji Telefilms must be wondering why they didn’t think of Archana-Manav’s divorce before.

Last Monday’s episode where Archana and Manav divorce each other, has clocked a staggering TVR of 7.6 making it the undisputed top show for the TAM week 23 (May 30-June 5). In fact, ‘Pavitra Rishta’ occupies the top five spot now. At number six is Star Plus’ ‘Pratigya’ which registered a TVR of 5.5. The top positions are occupied by four Zee TV shows with ‘Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo’ (5.3) and Colors’ ‘Uttaran’ (5.1) following close behind at the seventh and ninth spot respectively.

Throughout the week, ‘Pavitra Rishta’ maintained an average rating of 6.3 TVR – the only show to have an average TVR of over 5. Tuesday and Wednesday’s TVR stood at 6.1. There was a drop in the following two days with the show finishing with a TVR of 5.7 on Friday

The ‘Pavitra Rishta’ juggernaut, though didn’t change Zee TV’s position on the GRP ladder. The Essel Group owned channel didn’t gain a single GRP more than last week and stood firm at 249. The top positions remained intact, but both Star Plus and Colors lost 19 and 24 GRPs to finish at 317 and 271 respectively.

Colors must have expected more from ‘Balika Vadhu’, where Anandi and Jagdish were nearly separated after Massa had all but married off her grandson to a new bride, last week. However, this Sphere Origin show could only muster a TVR of 4.5. Star Plus has just one show at the top, but the collective result of all its shows ensured that it stayed at number one.

In non-fiction, Zee TV’s DID ‘L’il Masters’ continues to be top with a TVR of 4.5 After a good opening where it crossed 4, Colors ‘Chak Dhoom Dhoom’ (2.7) has dropped behind both ‘L’il Masters’ and ‘Zara Nachke Dikha 2’ (2.9). ‘Indian Idol’s’ TRPs dropped to 2, while ‘Desi Girl’ (1.7) continues to be the top rated show on Imagine TV.

‘Uttaran’ Not Being Stretched” – Tina Dutta

The audience is confused about the way the plot in ‘Uttaran’ is unraveling. Is the track going off beat just to create drama or is it abiding by its title ‘Uttaran’?

We spoke to Tina Dutta on this and she tried to give a reasonable clarification. “Uttaran is a story about how things are handed down from one person to another. While in childhood, it was Tapasya who would give her things to Ichcha , the roles have changed now. Tapasya receives Veer as ‘Uttaran’ and the story unfolds. ‘Uttaran’ is not being stretched at all. Every story needs to have some drama and masala in it, to create a high point; otherwise the audience will just lose interest. We are still following the title but from a different angle”

It is not very uncommon on television to see the shows going off track just to create drama in order to raise the TRPs. We thought a clarification is required when we felt that ‘Uttaran’ was going the same way. It would help to satisfy its viewers too. Well as per Tina, the show is very much on the track and going by the basic idea, but we think otherwise. Let’s wait and see what the viewers have to say!

'I was confident of getting a lead role' - Aarti Singh

Aarti Singh who was last seen in Grihasti as one of the sisters is finally back on television, with a lead role in Shristi Arya's COLORS show Thoda Hai Bas Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai.

Here is Aarti Singh in conversation about her new role, the reaction of her family members and much more..

Tell us about your character?
I play the bahu Mugdha, she loves her family a lot. She is shown to be the sacrificing lady, and can do anything for her family, to keep them united.

How did you bag this role?
I gave three auditions after which I got a call. Goldie Behl was there and the only tension they had was whether I would be able to manage the lingo of Marathi, as I did not know the language. I could see the reaction on their faces when I was reading the Marathi lines. I had a difficulty in adjusting for the first 3-4 days, but my co-actors and the production team helped me and motivated me a lot.

So how much of a homework did you do for this show?
I didn't do any homework as such. All my family members speak Marathi very well, it's only me who can't speak. I took help from all of them, who conversed with me only in Marathi from then.

How are Mugdha and Aarti different?
Both of them are not much different. Aarti is a very emotional person just like Mugdha is. I feel Aarti cannot sacrifice as much as Mugdha does, but the situations they come from are different. For both, family matters a lot.

You were last seen in Grihasti, and after that you are coming back after a long break?
When I was doing Grihasti I had put on lots of weight. I worked on it and had a regimented routine when it came to diet and exercise. I gave about 40-50 auditions in one year. I got lots of offers for a parallel lead but I wanted to play the main lead, and was confident that it would come to me one day (smiles).

You are an Urban girl, how difficult is it to wear saree whole day while shooting?
The only problem is that I feel very hot, other wise everything is fine. I am a very comfortable and adjustable person, I don't have any problem. I love to wear salwar kameez, but sarees is not a problem at all for me.

Your whole family is into in this industry, what kind of relationship you share with them?
We share a nice relationship, everybody in the family is happy. When Govindaji saw my promo, he was very happy because I was extremely tense regarding my work. He was very happy to see my saree, my look and he got emotional.

What about Ragini Khanna?
Yes she is also happy. People say there is a competition because her show is also at 7.30PM. But it's not true, her show audience is different and our show audience is different.

And what about Krushna Abhishek?
Krushna is my elder brother, my best friend and my father. I have got a three in one relationship with him. He is very happy and when yesterday he saw my photo he called me up and he is so happy. The only advice he gives me now is that 'Moti Mat hona ab'.

As you say you share a tremendous relationship with all in your family. What kind of relation do you share with Kashmera?
Kashmera and I gel very well; she is a very straight forward person. If she doesn't like a person she will tell him on the face. She is not at all diplomatic. Yes initially there were lot of differences between me and Kashmera, but my bhai loves her a lot and they are happy together. My brother's happiness is important for me.

Are you seeing someone?
No and if I see someone, I won't declare unless I am getting married to that guy. I belong to a family where I have to keep my dignity.

You belong to a family where comedy is core, will you like to try this genre?
I am scared of comedy. Chi Chi Mama was excellent and Krushna followed him, and now if I do it they will definitely say that I am bad in comedy. I am scared of this but definitely I would love to try it once. I would love to try one episode of Comedy Circus or any comedy show on COLORS.

Rohit Purohit gets a much-needed break

Rohit Purohit aka Aryaman of COLORS' Aise Karo Naa Vidaa is a happy man as he is taking a much-needed break after one and half years. The story in the show revolves around the love track between Reva (Aastha Chaudhary) and Yash (Anas Rashid), and this has given room for the character of Aryaman to take the back seat.

When contacted, Rohit Purohit told us, "I will not be there for the next 10-15 episodes. I am going on a break after one and half years. I have planned lots of things in this break, and am eagerly looking forward to it".

The first in the list of priorities is of course to go to Jaipur and meet his family. "Meeting my family is the first thing that I will be doing. I plan to join fight classes, dance classes etc", he states.

Before signing off, Rohit asserts, "I will be back soon in Aise Karo Naa Vidaa".

Dutta marries Nakusha in style..

It's a typical filmy shaadi of a gangster in COLORS' Laagi Tujhse Lagan, produced by Playtime Creations, as Dutta Bhau (Mishal Raheja) gets wedded to the dark beauty Nakusha (Mahhi Vij).

We have already seen Nakusha confessing her love to Bhau, and we wait with bathed breath to know how Dutta reacts to this. Well, Dutta the gangster decides to torture Nakusha by marrying her in the worst way possible.

According to our source, "Dutta is shocked to know that Nakku is in love with him. He in a drunken state decides to teach Nakku a lesson of a lifetime. With a bottle of alcohol in one hand and a gun on the other, he drags Nakusha to the mandap, which was decorated for his and Supriya's marriage. He instructs the Pandit to chant the mantra and threatens Nakku at gunpoint to follow his commands. An unbelievable Nakusha doesn't understand the situation and follows her master. Dutta lights the havan with alcohol and forcefully marries Nakusha!. He puts sindoor on her maang, and in typical Dutta style takes off his chain and puts it as mangalsutra on Nakku".

This scene was shot under the close watch of Producer Paresh Rawal who wanted to portray this wedding as a unique one, especially because it was the wedding of a gangster.

The dramatic wedding sequence will be aired in tonight's episode.

Pavitra Rishta, DID, propel Zee to No. 2 spot

The GEC warfare was mainly restricted to Star Plus and Colors, but the Indian Premier League has restored parity, thereby enabling other key players to up their ante. Cashing in on this is Zee TV, which has pushed Colors aside to reclaim the second spot.

Taking the charge for Zee TV are ‘Pavitra Rishta’ and ‘Dance India Dance 2′, especially the grand finale. The two shows clocked in a TVR of 5.7 and 5 respectively. While the former was the number two rated show, the latter came in tied at fifth with Star Plus’ Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Zee TV’s ‘Jhansi Ki Rani’ and ‘Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo’ occupied the eighth and ninth spot, respectively, for Week 17 (18-24 April).

Leading the pack once again is Star Plus with 298 GRPs followed by Zee TV (284) and Colors (276). Interestingly, Zee trailed Colors by just one GRP in the previous week, but this time it has gained 16 GRPs to Colors’ 7. Star Plus lost 19 GRPs but maintained its numero uno position.

Coming to the IPL, the first semifinal between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 21 April fetched a TVR of 7.4 while the second semifinal featuring Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers drew TVR of 5.8 across the country.

The rating of the IPL final will come next week but the Hindi GECs will now breathe easy as the IPL storm is over.

Vansh to die in Uttaran?

If everything is going smoothly in life then we’d never have our TV soaps. Tears/emotions are the fulcrum of any soap. Without it, no soap can function.

Colors show Uttaran been subject to an array of emotions right from the beginning. As always, poor Ichcha (Tina Dutta) has borne the brunt of all negative things. Firstly, she didn’t get the love of her life Veer (Nandish Sandhu) and in stead got married to his unstable brother Vansh (Rohit Khurrana)

Vansh is livid to know about Ichcha and Veer’s past but he still marries the girl. Life will only get more turbulent for poor Ichcha.

It’s now buzzed that Vansh will die in a road accident as this character is not appeasing to the die hard Uttaran fans. If this is true then it will further add to Ichcha's misery.

A source informs, “Vansh’s character may die but not before he makes life miserable for Ichcha. He will deliberately torture Ichcha in front of Veer. Though, there’s time for his death.”

An actor though offers a different take.

“If Vansh were to die then now how will the story progress? Yes, there’s no denying that currently he’ll be going through tremendous trauma after learning that his wife will never be able to love him. But he will not physically torture Ichcha. I believe the fans themselves keep coming up with their own scripts for our show. However, we actor get the actual script at the last minute," said the actor.

Both Tina Dutta and Rohit Khurrana remained unavailable for comment.

Ammaji to be kidnapped; entry of an equally fierce character in Laado.

Ammaji (Meghna Malik) of COLORS and Shakuntalam Telefilms' Na Aana Is Desh Laado has emerged as one of the fiercest characters depicted in the Indian Television history for the terror factor that she creates with her overpowering attitude.

But what if another character which is as dominant and terrifying as Ammaji comes face to face with the lady? Well, this is what is going to happen in COLORS' Laado in the coming episodes..

According to our reliable source, "There will be a huge twist in the coming episodes of Na Aana Is Desh Laado. Ammaji will be kidnapped by a person who is extremely powerful. Viewers will not be shown the face of the person to begin with, and will not even have an inclination as to whether this person is a guy or a girl. But it will later turn out that the person behind Ammaji's stunning kidnap is actually a girl who is as strong and powerful as Ammaji".

It is heard that the channel and production house have planned some major twists that will probably shake Ammaji from within.

A little birdie tells us, "Shikha Singh who was last seen playing a cameo in Zee TV's Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann will essay this dominant character and will be the girl who kidnaps Ammaji. Her entry will provide a big setback to Ammaji and this will be an interesting phase to watch out for. She will be portrayed more or less as the female version of Robinhood".

It is heard that the channel has shot a major promo which will show Ammaji's kidnap. The promo will provide this intrigue factor on the identity of the kidnapper, whose face will not be revealed initially.
Shikha Singh was last seen doing an episodic for Sony's CID.

We tried calling Shikha Singh and even sent her a text message, but she did not respond.

We even tried calling Meghna Malik, but failed to get any revert.

We could not get any confirmation on this big development in Laado from the channel as well as production house.

Well, it's payback time for sure in COLORS' Na Aana Is Desh Laado…

Nandish Sandhu joins the fight against drugs

Veer aka Nandish Sandhu, the sweet chocolate boy of Colors' popular serial Uttaran has put a step forward to help many more people like 'Vansh' who are suffering from 'Drug Addiction' in real life too.

Nandish strongly feels that the drug addicts ratio especially amongst the youth is rising at a very high pace and as a responsible citizen he has been rigorously working on his 'Say NO To Drug' campaign from past a month now.

"Yes, I really feel that this issue needs special attention because it has gripped many youngsters and this needs to be handled on a much individual level. I had also been to Delhi on March 21st and recently on April 3rd wherein we visited JIMS college, DLF mall and we conducted best slogan contest. We stopped over rehabilitation centers to spread awareness", conveyed Nandish.

When asked whether the track of his present serial motivated him to fight for this issue he swiftly replied, "No actually it's a mere coincidence that a similar track was worked out in the serial. Actually, some months back one of my very close friends expired due to drug addiction. Seeing the pain he was going through when alive and then the trauma that his family experienced after his death it just shook me from within and directed me to take this step."

Nandish at present is working as a one man army but aims to grow his campaign into a fully fledged institution very soon. "Certainly, I'm planning to get myself associated with a NGO working against drug addiction and I'm also trying to involve other television as well as bollywood celebrities in this campaign in due course of time. And when we proceed with it my team of Uttaran will be approached first," he says.

But as of now Nandish is fighting towards the drug addicton issue through a socializing platform, called SMS GupShup, wherein people who wish to support him could just send a SMS- JOIN NANDISH to 092195 92195.

So as Nandish is utilizing his television stardom for a social cause we hope that he receives utmost support and also helps in depreciating the drug addicts' ratio in our country.

Neha Desai eager to play her age in Aise Karo Naa Vidaa..

Neha Desai who will soon be entering COLORS'Aise Karo Naa Vidaa is happy that she has got a role which is young in age.

Neha will play the sister of Yashvardhan (Anas Rashid) and Aryaman (Rohit Purohit) in the show.

Talking about her role, Neha says, "I have played every role in Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki starting from a kothewali, to a wife, widow, mother and a keep. It feels really nice to be playing a young girl who is aged about 19 or 20. My character name is Jyotika; she is the laadli daughter and is very close to her brothers. She is very bubbly, positive and comes home for her brother's marriage. She had been studying somewhere abroad".

Neha took up the role for another reason. "Well, I was free for 15 days in a month, and for me, shooting means life. So when I came across a role that was full of life, I took it up".

Talking about her track in Woh Rehne Waali, Neha tells us, "Rani and the entire family has now got to know that Payal has not married the guy, and is just his keep. They have thrown her out of the house. But Payal's intentions have always been good, as she sacrificed her life for the betterment of her family. So we will soon proceed to the track wherein Rani will eventually get me into the house".

Coming back to Aise Karo Naa Vidaa, Neha Desai has started shoot for the show and her entry will be aired on 8th April. Watch out for tomorrow's. episode @ 2 pm.

India’s Got Talent 2 coming your way

India’s Got Talent proved to be a marquee show, a platform where an individual could display any talent. That’s why it is popular with the public. After a fairly successful first season, Big Synergy and Colors are set to launch the second season of India’s Got Talent in a few months time.

According to sources, the shoot of India’s Got Talent will commence from the first week of May. However, the show is only expected to come sometime in monsoon. The judges and the hosts are likely to be retained. So, Shekhar Kapur, Sonali Bendre and Kirron Kher will continue as judges while MTV VJs Ayushmann Khurrana and Nikhil Chinnapa will once again host the show.

With the show slated for a monsoon launch, channel and production officials are obviously being tight lipped about it. Perhaps, the curtain will lift in a month’s time when the actual shoot begins.

Keep watching this space for more on India’s Got Talent 2.

Priyanka Chopra replaces Akshay Kumar in Fear Factor..

Akshay Kumar had been the charming host of COLORS' Fear Factor for the last two seasons, but the macho host will be missed in this season of the show. The first two seasons saw glamorous girls from all walks of life trying their hand at adventure. This season will have a change in concept, and is expected to rope in 13 cricketers from all cricketing nations. Hence, the channel was on a lookout for a glam girl this time to host the show.

And it is the gorgeous Priyanka Chopra who has been finalized to take over the mantle from Akshay Kumar.

According to our source, "Talks were on with Priyanka Chopra for some time, but now it is official. She will be replacing Akshay Kumar in this season's Fear Factor as host. Priyanka has the right mix of glamour and enthusiasm when it comes to athleticism. Her action packed stunt scenes in the movies Don and Drona have classified the actor as being one of the fittest in the Bollywood fraternity. So she will be the friend as well as guide for the 13 cricketers who will be fighting the battle this season. This also marks the small screen debut of Priyanka".

As per the buzz, Priyanka has been an avid follower of Fear Factor and thoroughly enjoys watching it. So she considers this as a big challenge that has come her way. The beauty of the big screen is eagerly looking forward to this show which will feature some big names from the cricketing field..

Thakur and Amoli come face-to-face again..

COLORS' Bairi Piyahas shifted base to Meerut recently, wherein the protagonist Amoli (Supriya Kumari) has found some near and dear ones in the Pundir family.

Tonight's episode will see a high point wherein Digvijay Thakur (Sharad Kelkar) and Amoli will come face-to-face yet again!!

According to our source, "Thakur comes to meet his wife Urmila (Shubhi Mehta) at his maayka to request her not to divorce him. They have planned to meet at the purani khila near the Icha Purti Mandir in Singadh, MP. Sunanda Devi (Vaishnavi) has also planned a visit to the same mandir to seek the blessings of the deity there, as she believes that whoever prays there will get a good match. So she intends to take her entire family to pray for a suitor for her daughter Ankita".

"This is where Thakur and Amoli meet each other. Thakur tries to nab Amoli but the girl somehow manages to escape. On the other hand, Thakur also needs to flee for his life as he is being hunted by the police for the murder of Radhe", adds our source.

With Amoli escaping this incident, the coming episodes will also focus on the Thakur getting caught by the police.

We called up Supriya Kumari who said, "Yes, there is a very interesting sequence in tonight's episode where Amoli and Thakur see each other yet again. You will have to watch the suspense".

Let's see what's brewing here..

Ansha Sayeed and Aashka Goradia have a big showdown on sets..

Aashka Goradia and Ansha Sayeed play sisters Kalavathi and Roopmathi respectively in COLORS'Laagi Tujhse Lagan. The sisters go hand-in-hand in their plans to make life hell for Dutta Bhau (Mishal Raheja) in the show.

However, the two got caught in a very ugly fight which happened over the weekend in front of the crew members.

A little birdie from the sets told us, "Aashka and Ansha had been great friends, and would share their free time together in Aashka's private room. In fact, Aashka had gifted Ansha with costly gifts worth Rs. 3000/. But for some reason or the other, Ansha stopped talking to Aashka, and started avoiding her for the past few days. In fact, Aashka had even given Ansha some money as a mark of gesture when the girl needed money urgently on one particular day when she had come to the sets without money in her bag".

"The fight started when Aashka very politely asked Ansha when she would repay her money. But Ansha reacted very badly to it, and started abusing Aashka. She uttered some horrible words which a decent and civilized woman will never even think of uttering. The entire crew and cast members were witness to this ugly event. Ansha was also heard telling Aashka that she was no Ashwarya Rai, for behaving like this", the birdie tells us.

When contacted, Aashka told us, "I really did not expect this from her. In fact we were very good friends, and we have had some fun time on sets. She suddenly stopped talking to me. But one day, she barged into my make-up room, where I was with two other people. She yelled at the top of her voice, threw money at my face and talked in such nasty language that I will never forget. I have been in the industry for many years, and have never experienced such an incident. Even when she was talking, I kept quiet because I did not want to stoop low. And even when I was a new comer like her, I never ever remember behaving like this to anyone. Even today, I have a fond relationship with all my co-stars who I have worked with, in my previous shows".

The birdie tells us, "Aashka has taken objection to such behaviour from the girl, and has told the production house that she would not shoot with the girl anymore, till the time she gives her an apology".

Aashka told us, "Yes, I have informed the production house. In fact all of them knew how badly she behaved with me. She owes me an apology, and I will not shoot with her till then; and I stand by my decision".

We tried calling Ansha, but her cell remained switched off.

Anandi lives; to now lose memory?

The nation is mourning the death of their dearest little bahu Anandi but media reports suggest that this is just a move to gain in more eyeballs and that Anandi will return after remaining in coma for few days. Well, a new twist has now emerged to this saga with sources claiming that Anandi will return back to life but she will lose her memory.

“Anandi will remain in coma for a while but will survive. However, she will lose her memory thereby adding more twist to the tale. That track will be shot once Avika returns after her exams,” said a source.

Despite repeated attempts Avika Gor remained unavailable for comment. Producer Sunjoy Waddhwa too didn’t reply to our text message.

Well, if she does loses her memory one wonders whether the tears will stop flowing from the face of the amnesic Anandi.

Leher to to be troubled by Chandan Anand...

Abeer (Gaurav Khanna) and Leher's (Yami Gautam) budding love story in COLORS', will be in trouble very soon with the introduction of a new character, played by Chandan Anand.

Chandan Anand was seen in movies like Aloo Chaat and Mini Punjab, and has several ads to his credit.

According to our source, "Chandan plays the college mate of Leher and Bittan (Parul Gulati). His character name is Omi; he is a spoilt brat, a typical gunda type guy who will be after girls. He will literally trouble Leher in all ways possible. The actor has started shoot, and will enter sometime this week".

The track will now focus on the problems Leher will face because of this guy. Now it will be up to Abeer to protect his lady love from this problem.

Raghav takes the ultimate decision in Laado..

The stage is set for the grand wedding of Raghav (Aditya Redij) and Sonali (Deeya Chopra) in COLORS and Shakuntalam Telefilms' Na Aana Is Desh Laado. However, Raghav who is already wedded to Sia is in a dilemma whether or not to forget his love life and move ahead.

According to our source, "There is a major high point to come in Tuesday's episode, wherein Raghav will make a decision on what he wants in life. Ultimately, the big moment that the loyal viewers of the show have been waiting for, will arrive as Raghav fills Sia's maang with sindoor".

Raghav and Sia's love that went through many hurdles will eventually win, as Raghav chooses Sia, thus not considering the decision taken by Ammaji (Meghna Malik).

As per our source, "Deeya Chopra's character will be shown going back to London in the next few episodes. However, the possibility of her return into the show is not ruled out. The buzz is that lot more drama is expected after this particular track".

We tried calling Deeya Chopra who told us, "There is a big twist coming in the next few episodes. All I can say is that the viewers will be shocked with the twist".

Aditya Redij aka Raghav too confirmed that there is a big twist to come, but refused to divulge details.

COLORS' Saanjhi Dopahar to launch on February 15th..

COLORS' very much anticipated afternoon band Saanjhi Dopahar will be launching on February 15th with two shows, Agnipareeksha Jeevan Ki…Ganga at the 1.30 PM slot and Aise Karo Naa Vidaa at 2 PM.

Agnipareeksha Jeevan Ki…Ganga produced by BAG Films is a tale of a young girl Ganga who is a very talented singer, but the people in the society feel that she is cursed as she has some white marks on her skin. Jayshree Soni plays the protagonist while Sejal Shah, Jai Pathak, V.M. Badola will essay supporting roles.

Aise Karo Naa Vidaa produced by DJ's Creative Unit is the tale about a young and vivacious girl Reva whose open nature attracts one and all around her. Her life gets shattered when Prince Randheer gets smitten by Reva and ends up molesting her physically. The story is the journey of Reva who is forced to get into a compromise with the rich family to which the miscreant belongs to. Aastha Chaudhary portrays the title character, while Rohit Purohit, Anas Rashid,Jaya Bhattacharya, Lalit Parimoo, Kishore Shahane play important roles.

Talking about the launch of Saanjhi Dopahar on COLORS, Ashwini Yardi, Programming Head, COLORS tells us, "Saanjhi Dopahar kick starts on February 15th with two shows. There is a third show in the pipeline, which will be launched very soon. Ganga will take up the 1.30 PM slot while Aise Karo Naa Vidaa will be at the 2 PM slot".

"The planning for afternoon band has been happening for quite a long time now. But we wanted to first stabilize our prime time band, and then focus on the afternoon band. After we launched two new prime time shows in Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam and Laagi Tujhse Lagan at the 9-10 PM slot in December, our next aim was to provide the audience with fresher content in the afternoon band. Our design of shows for the afternoon will be a bit different, as we will be dealing with a different kind of audience, mostly comprising the house wives. We will be dealing with Women issues and will talk about the journey of women through our shows".

When asked about Shrishti Arya's show that is to take up the afternoon band, Ashwini Yardi said, "I can't disclose much about the third show. But we will be launching it very soon. All I can say is that the women in the show will be of different ages and will be going thro' different phases in their lives".

Watch COLORS' Saanjhi Dopahar from 15th February between 1.30 and 2.30 pm only on COLORS….

I want to try all the roles in this industry -Aditya Redij

We caught up with actor Aditya Redij aka Raghav of ‘Na Aana Iss Desh Lado’ over a hot cup of coffee and he shared his likes and dislikes with us in a little chit-chat.

Your favorite hangout place: The place where I am with my friends.

Your mouth waters when: I see Tandoori chicken.

Favorite beverage: Nariyal Pani (Coconut water)

Describe yourself in one word: Passionate.

Describe your parents in one word: My love.

Favorite actor/ actress: Johnny Depp and Nargis.

Website you always click on: as I use Blackberry, I am always on twitter and facebook.

Song you always love to listen and sing: Oldies, mostly that of Kishore Kumar.

Last movie you have seen: Avatar!

Dream role you want to play: All the roles in this industry.

Memorable moment: birth of my nieces.

Best birthday plan: Each birthday is best for me and I always do best things.

Perfect sketch for your life partner: I am still very confused about it.

One impossible dream means: The dreams which will make you dream forever about it!

A weird dream you have come across: I was flying in the sky.

IPL adds COLORS to Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) and COLORS (a Viacom18 channel), India's number #1 Hindi entertainment channel, today joined hands to launch a series of new entertainment initiatives to attract more fans into the IPL fold. The IPL on behalf of its franchisees has entered into a unique entertainment licensing deal with COLORS, to further enhance the 'Cricketainment' quotient of the league. As part of the agreement, COLORS will launch a series of entertainment shows around IPL and IPL players that will not only play out during the 45 day IPL 2010 Season, but in the post season as well. The announcement was made at a press conference held in Mumbai and addressed by Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner, IPL and Rajesh Kamat, Group COO – Viacom18 and CEO – COLORS, together with the Rajasthan Royals co-owner Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta of the Kings XI Punjab.

As part of this unprecedented fusion of cricket and entertainment, IPL cricket stars will now be seen on COLORS like never before - through various format shows, extending the IPL franchise beyond IPL season. Leading the pack will be none other than a Special IPL Edition of 'Fear factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi IPL Special', COLORS flagship format show. That apart, COLORS also plans 2-3 other shows including an 'IPL Awards Night' and 42 other 'IPL Nights', amongst others.

Commenting on the COLORS partnership, Lalit Modi, Chairman & Commissioner, IPL said, "Our partnership with COLORS takes the IPL cricketainment quotient into an all new orbit. I have always maintained that the IPL is a cricketing carnival like no other and with this unique partnership that we have entered on behalf of our franchisees, we are delivering on our promise to extend the IPL franchise beyond cricket, beyond the IPL season and quite frankly beyond imagination. This unique entertainment proposition will combine our IPL cricketers' mass appeal and COLORS flagship format shows to create an unprecedented genre of cricketainment".

Speaking on the association Rajesh Kamat, Group COO Viacom18 and CEO,COLORS said, "This partnership is about coming together of 2 of the biggest entertainment brands in their respective domains, IPL and COLORS - brands that have changed the landscape of Cricket and entertainment respectively over the last 2 years." He further added, "Cricket & Bollywood are two of India's biggest passions. While, COLORS always had Bollywood and glamour, now with cricket added, it cannot get any bigger."