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!

“People Said Don’t Be Too Attached To The Role”-Ulka Gupta

Ulka Gupta, the little protagonist of Zee TV’s ‘Jhansi Ki Rani’ seemed very sad while talking to us as she has to make an exit from the show. This is required as the show will be taking a leap. Even though the girl had been aware about the leap ever since she joined the show, she couldn’t control her emotions on the last day of her shoot and burst out tears.

“I was aware about the leap in the show since day one and knew that I would have to say good bye to it. But as I started shooting, it became my part of life, the sets, my make up room, my horse and everybody else in it. I started thinking that my role would continue till the end of the show. But the news of the show taking a leap proved to be bad news for me.” says Ulka sadly.

Ulka goes on, “All the people around me used to advise me not to get too attached to the role as I have to leave the character at some point of time or the other. It will be tougher to deal with if I do so. That’s exactly what happened! On the last day of my shoot, I had made up my mind not to make it obvious but as soon as the time drew to a close, I cut the cake and started crying. But I realized the truth as soon as I reached home and quietened down.”

Well we wish you all the best for you career ahead and hope to see you back soon again!

'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.

Star Plus takes over to ruby red from prior blue logo

Star Plus which tags itself as an inseparable part of each-other's family; on the eve of completing 10 glorious years in Hindi television and with a view to deepen it's bond with the viewers the channel has decided to feature a refreshed Star Plus logo, the Ruby Star and a new perspective.

On this significant occasion, Uday Shankar, CEO Star India Pvt. Ltd said, "It gives me pleasure to announce the refreshed brand for our flagship channel. India has always been a land of new thinking so we drive to revive the convention through refreshed brand promise 'Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi' (old relationship, new thinking). We are committed to entertain our viewers with content that propels them in a new direction."

The new logo ruby star which beckons viewers to enter the crystal world of Star Plus is scheduled to debut on June 13th with the Star Parivar Awards 2010.

Big 'B' to host KBC 4 ??

After highlighting many big names from Bollywood industry including Aamir Khan to host Kaun Banega Crorepati season 4, it seems as if the production house Synergy has summed down again to the legendary actor and persona Amitabh Bachchan who indeed holds the credit for making the season 1 and 2 a great success.

Though the core team has sorted out to retain their original host of the show but may be they couldn't do the same with the channel.

A little birdie informed us that, "The chances of Amitabh Bachchan hosting the upcoming season of KBC seems to be taking a practical turn. But there is a shift of channel the upcoming season would be telecasted on Sony unlike the past on Star Plus."

We even messaged Ajay Bhalwankar, head of Sony TV and Anita Kaul Basu, Managing Director of Synergy but couldn't receive a reply.

'It was my choice to quit the show'- Rati Pandey

The sweet, cute, chirpy character of Indian television and Miley Jab Hum Tum fame of Star One, Nupur speaks to her fans being herself, expressing her 2 years journey on the show, the remorse on her exit and much more exclusively with us...

How has been your journey in MJHT ?
The entire journey has been awesome. The experience that I have gained from this show has been outstanding. The character of Nupur was like a dream role for me because it was more of like me. The role was very entertaining. Though I was a bit apprehensive about the role my producer incited a lot of confidence in me.

How much would you miss the sets of MJHT?
Definitely miss the sets but not that much because I haven't left the sets in anger instead I have moved ahead gaining lot of knowledge and I'm still a learner so I would miss very sweet memories of the show but don't wish to get carried away in emotions.

How much can you relate to the lively,chirpy character of Nupur?
Not much because Nupur as a character was very confident, bubbly where her phrases weren't taken seriously so I'm very thankful to the creative's that they gave me such scenes where I could prove the strength in my character through different transitions and shades at regular intervals.
So I think Rati Pandey as a person is also equally confident as Nupur.

How much would you miss your on screen partner Mayank aka Arjun Bijlani?
As I said I won't miss any one that much because all memories are cherished. It's like I have done my job and now I'm all calm and relaxed.
So I would like to convey this to my fans too don't be upset just be practical and understand that Nupur's character had just that much to serve and it was also what the story demanded.
Even though we actors were told that none of the characters would die but before shooting the accident scene I was informed that my character will die. It was equally shocking news for me too but I was anyways planning to leave the show and it would have been more shocking and heart throbbing news if I would have walked out. But it was totally creative's as well as my decision and I got a very good opportunity to walk off. I found it to be the safest time to go so I approached my creative's and said if one character has to die let that be me.

But why in first place you wanted to leave the no.1 show on television?
I would say that I only think about myself so if I think that I had that caliber, that potential and I'm not getting an opportunity to showcase it then better quit. For me everything had been extracted from Nupur's character and how much could it be exaggerated.
I tried interacting with the creative's to inform them that I was a bit uncomfortable enacting certain tracks and I feel they have taken the right decision. And I feel this is the best turning point till now.

But along with you the other three characters are also long going so why just you very evicted?
I truly accept that but they wanted to kill the most popular character and by god's grace I have received immense popularity through this show and I'm thankful that all you people loved me so much. And I want all my fans to smile because it just the character that has died not Rati Pandey. And I bet you no one can replace Nupur and let her be as a legend.
And I'm confident that in my future projects I'll surely prove myself and beat the character of Nupur as well. I want you to remember Nupur but move on with Rati.

Are you satisfied with the present track of MJHT?
(laughs) Frankly after my last episode on the show I haven't followed it that much I have just watched 2-3 episode of season 2. I would just like to wish all the luck to the new comers and hope this show gets more successful.
I do not like the present track much but I'm happy that season 2 is happening because of Nupur. And from the audience point of view though the TRP's have gone up but I feel something missing in the track.

So do you look forward for a comeback?
I can't predict about that because the future is very uncertain.

Fan's have been very hurt by the creative's decision so what's your take on it?
I know the fans have been hurt it was shocking news. When I saw the episode and even while enacting it I had tears in my eyes. The last shot when I look towards Mayank in red saree it was a one take shot and my director and close friend Ravi's eyes also got wet. But I don't want my fans to get aggressive.

The channel had also conducted some voting poll so what's your take on it?
I have never believed in voting polls I have heard about it but haven't visited the website personally. Still I feel voting systems are all myth at the end of the day personal luck and hard work is what works.

Fans even feel that channel has manipulated the votes?
As per my knowledge they never plan anything as such so I can't comment anything on that but even if they have manipulated the voting system then I apologies on their behalf. But I don't think audience should have gone for this voting poll.
But I'm thankful to all my fans who voted for me and made me the most popular character but believe me even if Nupur would have been alive there would have been no thrill in season 2.

Fans feel that Nupur was the charm of the show and as you are not part of the show they won't view it anymore?
Firstly thanks for the compliment and secondly it's completely audience decision to watch it or not. But I would say give your good wishes to new comers also because I too was new comer once.

There was even a rumor that the creative scripted your exit because of your dictating terms on sets?
(smiles) if it's so then I would like to wish all the luck to the person who has spread this rumor as I feel he/she is more concerned about the show.

What's your take on your exit from the show?
I'm very happy and convinced and truly respect the creative's and channels decision. I didn't want to stretch Nupur's character further than this it has been 2 years though it was a pleasure I feel it was high time. And I feel it is for the betterment of myself too.

We had a word with your co-actors they too are quite upset with your exit so what's the message for them?
I have gone through 'n' number of mails and after going through all of them I feel I have the craziest fan and I have even received abusive mails so it's a request to my fans that please don't get so aggressive.
And for my co-stars I would say it's my personal and professional life and the decision has been taken under mutual understanding and there's no other reason apart from it.

Did you ever imagine that fans would show such kind of remorse for you?
I had never imagined that my fans would use such harsh language on my exit and my character is appreciated so much. And I get touched when my fans call my 'Dii' (sister) like I have just become an idol for them so please stand by me at this juncture too.

What was the reaction of your family members?
I have always treated them as my audience and never disclosed my storyline to them so they were equally shocked when they saw the last episode and my mother was very upset because no parent could even imagine their child's death but they believe in me and my talent and are all supportive.

So what's next now?
As of now I'm very chilled and relaxed and I'm going abroad with my family for a month's break and I don't wish to take any hasty decision. And I have been getting lots of offers from the time of MJHT but in future I would like to work in show which would be more individualistic and doesn't portray too many leads (smiles) so that I can portray my caliber again.

Message to fans.
I'm really touched and overwhelmed by the fact that audiences have appreciated Rati Pandey as much as they have appreciated my character of Nupur. You have understood me as a person so I feel I have got intelligent group of fans. So thank you so much for loving me so much and always stand by me because you are my strength.