Eva Grover to enter Jhansi Ki Rani

Zee's Jhansi Ki Rani continues to keep its audience glued even after the leap and the show is doing extremely well.


The latest is that, Eva Grover is set to enter Jhansi Ki Rani.


When contacted Eva, she confirmed the news saying, "Yes, I am shooting for this most popular show on TV now and it's an amazing cameo. As of now the character I am playing is mother of Manu aka Rani Laxmibai. She was dead while Manu was small. Now the track will show Manu witnessing her mother and Manu's mother will help Manu to get out of trouble. She will tell her who is what in industry."


Eva was last seen in Do Saheliyan. If her character in Jhansi Ki Rani gets a good response then it may get an extension.

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.

Kunal Verma Irked by Link-Up Reports

Kunal Verma and Pooja Bose are seeing each other. For long, it has been speculated. Some even joked (April Fool) that the two have secretly gotten married in Panchgani. Amidst these incessant speculative reports, the duo has always maintained that they are friends. Bose clarified this to us earlier. It’s now Verma who is seconding Bose’s claim. In fact, the actor, who usually is very reticent, is now tired of such gossip.

“There’s a prominent entertainment newspaper which wrote all these lies about my personal life. I’ve had enough of such gossip. Time and again, the media keeps coming up with such stories, but as always, there’s no truth in it,” said Verma.

Adding to that, he says, “Look, you develop a bond with your colleagues while shooting together. After all, most of the time you see the same faces. It’s not just with Pooja but also with my other colleagues from ‘Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna’. I’m not the one to hide anything about my personal life. If at all, there’s a girl in my life, I will surely come and disclose it to the whole world. Presently, I’m solely concentrating on my career.”

Guess, it’s high time we (media) take the actor’s word and assume that he’s indeed very much single and eligible too. Hey girls, what you’re waiting for?

'Enacting comedy is like playing a song' - Divyanka Tripathi

Divyanka Tripathi who started her journey in television with Zee TV's Banoo Main Teri Dulhann makes a hilarious comeback with SAB TV's Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabad wale.

Here is Divyanka in an exclusive conversation with us as she shares all her thrilling instances, the hard efforts she has put in and her heartfelt contentment on playing Mrs. Rashmi Sharma..

How's the feeling of enacting the character of Mrs. Sharma?
Mrs. Sharma is definitely a difficult character for me to enact because I'm not all that hilarious and funny in my real life. You will not find me cracking jokes very often; so this element took a bit more time to sink in, but at the same time it's an enjoyable experience.

Also I was a bit apprehensive about the role because it was exactly opposite to my previous character. Earlier I used to return home completely exhausted after a whole day's shoot, but now with the comic atmosphere on sets I do not feel the work trauma anymore.

What kind of response have you been receiving just through the promotional advertisements of the serial?
The response has been very positive, though I haven't received many on a personal front. However, I have heard through my parents and native people in Bhopal that I am being liked. My father runs a medical store in Bhopal and the people who know me as his daughter share their responses with them.

Also my recent personal encounter was at Haji Ali where a woman recognized me to be a television actress. The best part was that she remembered the name of my previous serial, but identified me with my present role of Mrs. Sharma. So I was amazed to know that audience have already started relating to me as Mrs. Sharma. What more can an actor demand for!

How easy or difficult was it for you to do comedy after Banoo Main Teri Dulhann?
I won't regard it to be simple or difficult because once a person understands the concept and his/her character, things start falling in place. The one aspect which makes comedy stand out from the regular drama shows, is that the actor cannot cut and elaborate a dialogue depending on one's convenience when it comes to comedy. Performing comedy is like playing a song; if you miss a single tune the entire song gets spoilt. So in comedy detailing with timing plays a very important role.

How much more effort did you need to put towards this role?
Yes of course comedy demands for a constant high energy in every shot because I have to put in equal amount of humour in my supporting dialogues or punches too. It's an amazing experience as it gives me a feel of doing a stage performance.

How much homework did you do to enhance the character presentation?
Firstly I started observing the people of Allahabad. I did not have a big problem with dialect as I am good in Hindi; I had to just make few modifications here and there. And we also worked on the usage of some sweet words like Mr. Sharma is a very 'my dear person'. Then I started observing my local family women to inherit the innocence and simplicity in the character.

At the look test how did you feel about the entire attire of the character?
I loved it a lot and didn't have to work much myself as far as the look is concerned. I was very much happy with this long sleeved blouse, the big red flower in my hair and I any ways love to put Sindoor on my forehead. So the look was just perfect for me.

Apart from the character do you think such simple and innocent women do exist in real life in the present scenario?
Finding such women in Mumbai could be a bit difficult, but in local places like my native place Madhya Pradesh people are still that simple and innocent. It comes very easily to them. Basically the nature of a person depends on the surroundings in which he/she resides; so in Mumbai one has to be smart and fast in their work, so things differ.

As you said you too hail from a small town so have you met a character similar to Mrs. Sharma in real life?
No, I haven't met someone like her because people around me miss that fun element in them. They do carry certain nuances of Mrs. Sharma but I had nobody from whom I could take a leaf.

Neha Saxena in Balaji Telefilms' Tere Liye..

Star Plus' Tere Liye, produced by Balaji Telefilms is going to be the next biggie for the channel when it comes to fiction.

As we already know, Harshad Chopra and Rajat Tokas have been finalized to play the leads. Shakktii Aroraa who was last seen in Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo will play a pivotal role.

The latest is that Neha Saxena who impressed one and all as Dhani in Star Plus' Sajan Ghar Jaana Hain (till the time she was replaced by Barkha Bisht), has been finalized to play the parallel lead in Tere Liye.

According to our source, "Ekta Kapoor personally liked Neha Saxena a lot, and Ekta was the one who wanted Neha in the show. Neha will play the girl opposite Rajat Tokas".

When contacted, Neha Saxena confirmed that she is part of the show, but refused to talk more than this.

Geetanjali Tikekar and Nikhil Arya will also be essaying important roles in the show. Noted actor Supriya Shukla will also be seen in the show.

The promo of the show featuring the kids is on air at the moment. The show is expected to take a leap after the initial 20-30 episodes.

Pankit Thakker in Imagine's Rakt Sambandh..

Pankit Thakker is a happy man these days, after being nominated for the Best Comic Role in the Popular category at the Gold Awards to be held in Mumbai this time!!

Well, the actor is elated for another reason too, as he has bagged a meaty role in Imagine's upcoming show, produced by UTV Telly Talkies, titled Rakt Sambandh.

According to our source, "Pankit Thakker will be one of the leads in the multi-cast show. He is the guy opposite Sonali Nikam, who happens to be the third sister. His is a performance oriented role, which he has never attempted before".

As per our source, the role was earlier to be essayed by Prashant Chawla, but now it will be Pankit donning the character.

When contacted, confirmed the news and said, "Yes, I am part of Imagine's Rakt Sambhandh. It is a challenging role, and this is all that I can say at this moment".

The promo of the show featuring the five sisters Bhairavi Gupte, Sayantani Ghosh, Sonali Nikam, Gungun Uprari and Sriti Jha along with their father, to be played by South actor Kitty has been shot near Satara. The show has gone on floors yesterday.

The promo is expected to hit the screens very soon.

Newly weds, Romit Raj and Tina in Ghar Ghar Mein..

The newly weds, Romit Raj and Tina Kakkar will appear on television for the first time in Zee TV's Ghar Ghar Mein, which will provide a sneak-peak into the couple's life!!

Romit and Tina have already shot for the episode, and it will be aired soon.

When contacted, Romit said, "It was great fun to be part of the episode with Tina. We had a great time with the entire team of Ghar Ghar Mein. We talked about the manner in which we met, got married and about the memorable moments in our life so far. On the whole, it was a superb experience. We played games like Narial pani. We were accompanied by my close friend Hemant Thatte".

Ask him about Tina's first experience before the camera, and he said "She was very comfortable, and it never seemed that she was facing the camera for the first time (smiles)".

The couple got married in Pune on March 28th. The episode will be aired very soon.

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.

Mata Ki Chowki in 12/24 Karol Bagh; Richa Sharma to perform

Zee TV and Sunshine Productions' 12/24 Karol Bagh will soon have a Special Episode that will see the Sethi family performing Mata Ki Chowki.

This episode will be aired this Wednesday, wherein the very popular playback singer Richa Sharma will be seen singing praises of the Mata.

According to our source, "Richa Sharma will perform at the Mata ki Chowki in Karol Bagh. This is the second time that the Sethi family will be organizing a Mata Ki Chowki. There will be many twists that will happen in the episode. One of the high points that will be seen is that Nakul's bad intentions will be revealed".

When contacted, Producer Sudhir Sharma confirmed the news and said, "Yes, we are doing a Mata Ki Chowki and Richa Sharma who has sung many popular songs in Bollywood will be performing in the event. She will sing a Special Mata Bhajan too for the episode".

Richa Sharma's recent number Sajda from My Name is Khan won her lot of acclaim.

Sarvagunn Sampanna will raise questions related to culture-Ekta Kapoor

Ekta Kapoor, the Czarina of Television is back with an array of new fiction shows, of which the first in the line is the tale of Swara, a Lavni based dancer who possesses all the good qualities that a perfect bride can have, but still faces problems from the society who refuse to look beyond her art form and accept her to be Sarvagunn Sampanna.

Here is Ekta Kapoor as she talks of her new Imagine show, Sarvagunn Sampanna.

What was the idea behind the concept of Sarvagunn Sampanna?
Actually I was looking for a concept that has a background which is culturally rich, at the same time talks of certain disrespectful attributes prevalent in the society. Basically I was looking for a show based on background versus character, like the recent Marathi movie 'Natrang'. The entire credit for this concept of Lavani goes to my Creative Head Prashant Bhatt.

This is your second show after Pavitra Rishta based on Marathi cultural background, so what's your take on it?
Yes, Pavitra Rishta is doing good. So I thought of another project based on the same base. I feel Maharashtra is a state which has so much lifestyle variation within one culture. For instance lifestyle of a middle class in all respects differs from that person living in a village, so this is an attempt to portray the life of a rural cultural family.

Along with the ongoing shows, you have so many new shows lined up. How do you look at it?
I would say that leaves me with no time to exercise (smiles).

So how do you plan to strategize the different concepts of your upcoming shows?
See that is what needs to be worked out now. I'm planning to space out all the serials systematically, so that no serial feels left out at any point of time. We work for the audience with full dedication, so don't want the purpose to be defeated.

What do you think would be the USP of Sarvagunn Sampanna?
I feel Sarvagunn Sampanna will raise those questions which have never been raised by a layman suffering the trauma as this. Even today dance as an art form is looked down in some parts of the country, so this serial would raise such questions attached to the culture and will also try to detach the individual personality of a person from his/her background.

So the message and USP of the show would be to inculcate questions related to the concept of a perfect bride in society.

Why did you choose Pooja Bose as your lead again?
Basically we were looking for a face that has some facial structure resembling to those belonging to that particular cultural belt. We auditioned thousands of people for the same but then when Pooja came in for the look test, we found her perfect for the role. Above all, she is a Bharatnatyam dancer, so it gets easier for her to pick the Lavani form of dance faster.

Shakktii Aroraa now joins Harshad in the 'Tere Liye' team..

The list of new serials to be launched post IPL seems like a never ending rope, and so is Balaji Telefilms, in the quest of giving the audience yet another show on Star Plus, Tere Liye.

TellyBuzz had recently reported that Harshad Chopra has been finalized to play the lead in the show, and playing his younger version is Devarsh Thakkar. Joining the cast now will be Shakktii Aroraa who has almost been finalized to play a pivotal role in the show.

According to our source, "Shakktii Aroraa who was recently seen essaying a negative role in Zee TV's Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo has been finalized to essay a meaty role".

The story will revolve around three brothers, and Shakktii is expected to play one of the brothers.

When contacted, Shakktii Aroraa refused to comment. He essayed the role of Mukul in Zee's Agle Janam.

The production house plans to start shoot from May 16th, but all depends on the finalization of the rest of the cast. The female lead for the show has not been finalized yet.

Kritika working extra hard for Zara…

All the contestants of ‘Zara Nachke Dikha’ are geared up to set the stage on fire with their sizzling moves. But along with this burning desire, there is that fear of getting eliminated that is constantly on their minds. Kritika Kamra shares similar feelings.

“I am trying very hard and rehearsing day and night for the show as our second technical will held today and final shoot for 3rd episode will be completed tomorrow,” says an exhausted Kamra.

She told that performing in a reality show is not an easy job and requires lot of energy. She added that the audience will only see their performance and that they won’t know at what hour of day was it being recorded so one needs to show his/her vigor even if shoot is happening at odd hours.

“Its just the start and I am already feeling tired, let’s see how far I go in the race and how much the audience likes me and my dance,” signs off Kritika.

Well, we wish her and the entire ‘Zara Nachke Dikha’ crew all the best .

Surprise! Sarvagunn Sampann to air at 7.00 pm

For over a decade, Balaji Telefilms has achieved prime time loyalty. As a premier production house, Balaji has seldom settled for any other slot.

Over the last fortnight, the industry has been guessing the time slot for their new show, Sarvagunn Sampann, on Imagine. It was widely speculated that Imagine will have to bump off one of its existing shows to make way for Sarvagunn Sampann. However, the other shows can breathe easy as Balaji, surprisingly, has opted for the 7.00 pm slot.

“Sarvagunn Sampann will launch on 10th May and will air at 7.00 pm. It wasn’t an easy decision for either the channel or the production house. In the end, one had to settle with it. New shows are expected but so far there’s been no decision on which show to axe. In the given circumstances, the 7.00 pm slot was vacant, thus, Sarvagunn Sampann had to be accommodated there,” said a channel insider.

Meanwhile, speculation over Pooja Bose’s future in the show now appears to be a publicity stunt.

An actor from the show informs, “Pooja Bose has been shooting with us daily. I don’t think she’s being replaced. We’ll be leaving soon for Kolhapur, too.”