PPAW : Articles Corner No COMMENTS - Page 4

Apoorva Agnihotri (Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin's Armaan) and wife Shilpa Saklani (Kkusum, and Ganga of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) are never at home.

"We are out for most of the day, shooting — it's only late at night or early morning that you will find us in the house," says Shilpa.

Shilpa does the talking

It is post 10 pm when we catch up with them. As usual, Shilpa does all the talking, while Apoorva answers in monosyllables, sometimes completes a line, or simply smiles. He prefers being reticent, "as there is nothing much to say anyway."

Moved in 8 months ago

Their home in a Lokhandwala highrise is simple. "We shifted here eight months ago from Yari Road, and we have done whatever we could," says Shilpa.

"There is not much time to actually go shopping for the house. That's Shilpa's territory anyway," says Apoorva. "The only stuff that I actually bought was a wall clock which I picked up at a lifestyle store. I liked it, I picked it up," he says.

"At the moment we have done up the living room, for the rest — the kitchen and bedroom — we are taking our time. We are in no hurry," adds Shilpa, who is partial towards glass. "I don't like bulky wooden pieces," she explains.

Summery hues

The living room has a bright yellow dining table with matching yellow chairs, while the sofas are in lime green. There are knick-knacks picked up from here and there, besides two orange beans bags placed near the window.

"This is our favourite corner. "Both us sitting on the bean bags survey the entire scene outside." Their house is on the 20th floor, so there is a good view of Lokhandwala and beyond.

Acting out roles

On the work front, Apoorva has exclusively acted in Jassi for two years. "There is no other acting offer on the small or big screen that has excited or tempted me. I am happy being Jassi's Armaan," he says. He prefers the Jassi of the initial days — the "real" McCoy, as she was at Gulmohar House.

Shilpa laughingly says she is "chakki pissaoing" with Kkusum and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The couple will be seen together in the soon-to-be-launched Star One show on telly husband-wife pairs.

Runaway Groom

Apoorva Agnihotri on wanting a makeover, getting married to Jassi and being the sidekick.

Sulakshana Gupta

So are you and Jassi finally getting married? We've already been married some three or four times in our dream sequences. But I'm told it will soon happen for real. (Catch the wedding on August 5). Are you still under an exclusive contract with Sony? No that was till last year. I'm free to take on other projects. Is Jassi... going the melodramatic way because of falling TRPs? It's difficult to sustain something that's been consistently different. For two years, we managed to stay ahead and people imitated our work. Also, audiences are easily bored'gimmicks like song and dance sequences keep them interested. Are you happy with the way Armaan Suri's character has shaped up? There's no room for creativity in a daily soap. Unless the plot's going haywire I try not to interfere. I butted in when my character was becoming too negative. Anyway, ten years down the line, viewers will only vaguely remember who Jassi and Armaan were. Doesn't it get lonely these days? Most scenes are romantic moments between you and Jassi? I definitely miss the old office gang and hope they manage to weave them back into the story. Parmeet Sethi's one of the finest comic actors I've seen. And these days Vikas Bhalla and I have really bonded. Were you ever threatened by Purab's (Samir Soni) popularity? No one person can carry a show on their shoulders. Plus, I wasn't intimidated while shooting with Shah Rukh Khan in Pardes. This was a piece of cake. Did you ever consider quitting? I'm under no illusions. The show is called Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin not Armaan Jaisa Koi Nahin. I have no hassles with doing television. I know tracks change and the spotlight can't be on me all the time. How would you have wanted Armaan Suri to turn out? When I took the role, he was a business tycoon who'd go to any length for his company. Today Armaan is someone who's learnt from his mistakes. Sometimes I feel the character's achieved its purpose, at other times, no. What did you think of the Jassi makeover? Would you undergo one? I loved the new look. On the sets we welcomed the change as we were tired of the glasses and braces. I did try long hair for a while but everyone hated it. Now friends are saying I should give it another shot. If you had to rewrite Jassi..., what would be different? I'd definitely have a scene showing Raj crying. I'd also turn Maddy into someone serious who Jassi can confide in.

Sweet on Armaan
   By: Anita Raheja and Heena Agarwal
   July 24, 2005

---

Apurva spent his early years in Kanpur and shifted to Mumbai in 1985. He was keen to become a pilot -- "I flew for around 15-20 hours" -- but destiny steered his course toward films when Subhash Ghai signed him for a pivotal role in Pardes.

Popularly known as Armaan Sir, Apurva is married to Shilpa Saklani who is better known as Ganga. After going through a Tom and Jerry chase, we finally pinned Apurva at Chaithrath studios, Powai.

In between mouthfuls of sinfully rich kheer brought by Rakshanda, he spoke about food. We had threatened to bop him on his head for giving us a run around but he was charm personified.

Apurva's thought for food

I normally have nine am shifts, so twice or thrice a week, I wake up early and go for a workout.

The first thing I have in the morning is a glass of milk shake -- either a protein shake or a mango shake. I have tea only when I am shooting. At home I don't have tea.

I go to a gym opposite Fame Adlabs for my workout. When I am working out, I don't speak to anybody; I am totally focused for half an hour. Later, I shower and head straight for the shoot.

If I have a day off, my mother prepares aloo ka parathas for me. Otherwise, it's eggs, bread and butter.

There was a time when I was gunning for those six-pack abs. People remarked that I had lost a lot of weight but I was feeling very fit. I was really in great shape, but then, I guess it took its toll on my face -- it began looking too slim. Now I don't care because I have realised that in television your physique hardly makes any difference, because you are dressed from head to toe most of the times.

In the studio, I prefer my tea with adrak. Since it's not always possible for them to organise that, I have started carrying elaichi from home, which I ask them to add to my tea.

Recently, Shilpa and I hired a cook and now carry our tiffins to the studio. I don't like to trouble my mother because she has done enough for us. My tiffin is very simple. It usually comprises paneer, rice, roti and a vegetable/dal.

I like bhindi; I dislike karela. Tadka yellow dal is my favourite.

I was a non-vegetarian previously but now I eat only eggs. My mom is a pure vegetarian. She asked to stop eating non-vegetarian. It's the least I could do for her.

When I am shooting, I keep sipping tea or coffee. By the end of the day, I have drunk 7-8 cups of tea --  that's quite a lot.

I am very fond of meetha; I like to have it with my lunch and not after it. I like kheer. My mother-in-law makes amazing sugar-free rasmalai. I am from Kanpur, so I like imarti jalebi and ladoos. I like pineapple pastries any time, anywhere.

My poison is Baccardi.

My mother-in-law is an awesome cook and I have decided that if in my life I ever open a restaurant, I will make her the cook-in-charge. She makes excellent cheesy Italian fare.

By evening, I am ravenous. I like to have a cup of tea and omelette sandwiches. Holiday Inn's masala omelette sandwiches are a class apart.

I like to have an early dinner, but of late, I have been undisciplined.

At times I skip dinner, altogether. I have a protein chocolate bar instead. I have soup and boiled vegetables for dinner on other days.

I love cheese so I like Italian food, especially pastas. After marriage, we have been going out at least twice a week. Our current haunts are Kareem's and The Marriott.

For me dal, chawal and roti is the ultimate meal.

In Kanpur, we used to live in a joint family. But our food habits have remained the same even in Canada, my cousins still prepare food as the family did when we lived together.

On a hot summer's day, I like to have a chilled glass of beer.

On a rainy day in Mumbai, I like to have omelettes. I am an egg freak.

On a cold winter's day, I would like to cruise on a bike at 100 mph.

I think I resemble a lauki, because I am lanky.

I have never entered the kitchen but I can whip up a mean omelette.

My favourite spice is elaichi.

My favourite appliance is the mixer.

An admission: I like baked vegetables with puris, followed by sugar-free rasmalai at my mother-in-law's.

Shilpa and I both love paneer bhurji. She can cook good non- vegetarian food even though she doesn't eat it herself.

When we were dating, every evening was a romantic evening. Shilpa and I are very fond of watching movies. So a romantic evening would include a visit to the theatre. If the film is boring, we end up binging on snacks.

Apurva's baked veggie

(Courtesy mother-in-law Priya Saklani)
Serves 3-4

1 bunch spinach (wash, boil, drain the water and grind)
2 tomatoes (slice into roundels)
1 packet mushrooms (dice into 4 pieces)
250 gm paneer (cut lengthwise)
150 gm processed cheese (grated)
3 tbsp butter

For white sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp maida
2 cups milk
1 tsp tomato sauce or puree
50 gm grated cheese
Salt to taste
Freshly grounded pepper

In a non stick pan, heat about one tbsp of butter, add the spinach paste and saute for 2-3 minutes till it is dry. Keep aside. In the same pan, add some more butter and saute the diced mushrooms till done. Keep aside.

To make the white sauce, heat the butter in a non stick pan, add the flour and saute on a low flame till golden. Slowly add the milk, stirring simultaneously. Add the grated cheese and the tomato sauce or puree to give it a tangy taste. Finally, add salt and freshly ground pepper.

To assemble the dish, grease a transparent baking dish. Arrange the sauted spinach. Top it with slices of paneer. Next, add a layer of tomato slices. Mix the saut'ed mushrooms in the white sauce.

Pour it over the paneer and tomato slices. Garnish with grated cheese. Microwave on high for five minutes and then grill for another five minute.

July 10, 2005
 
Ma Tujhe Salaam
By: Heena Agarwal
 
Apoorva Agnihotri says he is really an obedient son


In real life too, I'm an obedient son. Whatever my mom (Radha Agnihotri) says is final. She has been a great support to my sister and me, especially after my father (Gyandev Agnihotri, a well known writer) expired.
After he passed away and his body was still in the house, the first thing she told me was, "You don't have to worry that dad's gone. I'm still here and from now on I'm going to be your mom and dad."
I think that was a very brave thing to say. More than anything else, it's essential to have the emotional support of an elder at home. You need someone you can turn to for advice and for help in making decisions. Someone who can tell you what's right and wrong and whether you're on the right path.
Mom supported me a lot financially when I took to flying. I wanted to make a career of it at one point. You need to complete 250 hours to turn professional but I quit after only 15-20 hours. At Rs 25,000 per hour, that's quite some money down the drain.
Before Pardes, I was readying myself for a break. I enrolled in Kishore Namit's acting academy. He really helped me. He didn't want to take money from me because he used to know my father. God and my mother's blessings were with me. Mom always maintained that no matter what the outcome, you have to go out and try your best. That the pluses and negatives shouldn't bias you and there is no reason why you shouldn't be successful.
Poonam Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha's wife, was instrumental in my bagging Pardes. She's a family friend and organised a meeting for me with Subhash Ghai. When I met him while he was shooting Trimurti, he asked me to meet him after three months. I thought that must be his polite way of rejecting me. But after exactly three months, I got a call from his office.
I was thrilled when I got paid for Pardes. Subhashji asked me what I'd do with the money and I told him I'd give it to my mom. And I did. We shot in Vancouver for the movie and that was my first trip abroad.
Pyar Koi Khel Nahin, Kasoor and Hum Ho Gaye Aapke followed Pardes and I had complete support from my mom throughout. In fact, she even trusted and supported my decision to marry Shilpa.

"POOR GUY, HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE HERO OF THE SHOW"
            ~SAMIR SONI

"I HAVE NO REASON TO LOSE MY SLEEP OVER SUCH TRIVIAL ISSUES"
            ~APOORVA AGNIHOTRI


    Yesterday, he was called a late starter and a mediocre actor. Some even sniggered at his failed attempt to make it on the big screen. Indeed, Samir Soni has seen the tough side of life and has come up the hard way. Today, the scenario is different. Purab aka Samir is the most sought-after actor on TV. Thanks to his popularity in Sony's trump card Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, the actor has become hot property. And that's become a major cause of concern for JJKN's original hero, Apoorva Agnihotri, who's fretting and fuming, and not without reason. Now matters are believe to have reached such a tempo that both actors just cannot see eye-to-eye anymore.
    Normally, being applauded for their work puts and actor in the top slot. But in Samir's case, it worked adversely. JJKN, the story of plain Jane-turned-glam doll, was originally centered around its main protagonist Jassi nee Mona Singh and her prince charming played by Apoorva. The two characters became a huge hit, so much so that the other actors who were playing character roles in the show felt that they were getting a raw deal. A bunch of them even threatened to walk out as their track were going nowhere. Despite the inner politics and the favoritism that was played by the channel and the producers, JJKN ruled the roost and still enjoys the highest TRPs.
    Everything was sailing smoothly till Samir stepped in to play a cameo role in the show. Special appearances and cameo's have been a regular feature in JJKN> in the past, actors like Mandira Bedi, Gauri Pradhan, Neena Gupta, Malaika Arora, Divya Dutta and many others have enacted small roels in it. But it was Purab's character that became an instant rage. After essaying the role of a tycoon, Samir's popularity was suddenly rocking.
    Samir's earnest performance started drawing more attention than the arrogant Armaan Sir. As a result of which, everyone including Apoorva, started getting insescure about Samir's presence. It's believed that at one time, it was Soni's unprecedented popularity that caused his abrupt exit from the serial. Quiz Samir about this and he shrugs it off, "I'm clueless about this. Actually, my contract with Sony had expired and I had blocked my dates for another show that I was doing at that time. Yes, I too had heard stories but my schedule was so tight that there was just no time to find out what is true and what isn't. honestly, I don't even wish to know. I admit that my exit from JJKN was very abrupt. But,it was purely  due to time constraints. We needed time to plot my exit from the show and I could given them only a couple of days. Everything was so hush-hush that it wasn't possible to explain and incorporate the exit portion."
    Talking about contract, did he feel bitter when Sony did not renew his contract? "Not at all! It's just that at that point, the producers and Sony didn't think that I was required in JJKN and hence we parted ways. It was done amicably." That's Samir Soni at his diplomatic best.
    The actor might deny having any problem with the JJKN troupe but the story doesn't end there; it has another angle to it. It was rumored that last year, during the Singapore schedule of the serial, Samir and Mona Singh had got really cozy. What one though would not be more out to be a full-fledged affair. Obviously, makers Tony and Deeya Singh and Sony did not approve this development. They panicked when JJKN, their investment and a closely guarded secret, started getting closer to this good-looking man. They just couldn't afford to let their trump card have a rollicking time with the actor. It's said that the decision to put brakes on this relationship was made overnight and the only way of dong it was separating the two. Soni has a hearty laugh on this piece of information. "I was never involved with Mona Singh," he rebuffs the allegation. "The rumor doing the rounds is certainly figment of somebody's wicked mind. If I were seeing her, I'd admit it. And where is it written that an actor can fall in love only with his producers' consent? I was most certainly not thrown out of JJKN. And if what you are alleging is true then how come I'm back on the show?"
    Well, this isn't the first time that an actor has made a re-entry on a show. There have been a lot of actors who have got back to doing their shows after long gaps. But what really sets Samir apart from then is the number factor. This is not the first or the second but the fourth time that he has been brought back in JJKN. Reason? There are many but don't expect Samir to reveal more than what is required.
    But let's come to the most interesting part : Samir's rivalry with Apoorva. In fact, it's believed that the two are always vying for the bigger screen time. The unit members have confirmed that there was a lot of stress between the two before Samir opted out. "I don't mind healthy comptt. If you are competing with someone, you tend to be better than the best. Apoorva is a fine actor. But I don't have to compete with him to prove how good an actor I am. I just believe in doing my job, that's about it!" agreed but Apoorva's grudge is that he was signed to play the solo lead in JJKN and was even doing fine till Samir stepped in. the final nail in the coffin was Apoorva's diminishing and Samir's increasing fan following. Says Samir, "To begin with, I was really not aware of him feeling insecure about my presence in JJKN, till the media started hyping it. And if at all Apoorva is getting insecure about me, I think it's absolutely understandable. Poor guy, he was supposed to be the hero of the show and one fine day, I step in. I'm sure it must've driven him crazy. But that is very normal. I would have felt the same had I been in his shoes."
    When we spoke to Apoorva about his cut throat competition with Samir Soni, the guy sounded completely unfazed. "Look, everyone knows that JJKN is the story about Armaan Suri and Jasmeet Walia. A rich, spoilt and selfish businessman, who uses Jassi for his own good and eventually, falls in love withehr. There are other important characters in the serial as well but doesn't mean that I'll start feeling threatened by their presence." About Soni he says, "Samir's character is an integral part of the story. His role was supposed to be a cameo. Bu the extension happened when the script demanded it. In a daily soap, changes happen everyday." Ask him if he is feeling uncomfortable with Soni's second coming (or is it the fourth) in the serial and the hunk laughs. "There is no question about feeling uncomfortable."
    Is he aware of the poll that was conducted by a TV channel about who should be Jassi's knight in shinning armor? "No," he smiles. Obviously Agnihotri chooses not to remember it because the maximum number of people voted in Purab's (Samir) favor. In fact, that was one of the reasons why Samir was brought back on the show. Does this defeat dampen Apoorva's spirits? 'Not at all,' he says. "I know I'm doing a good job, so I have no reason to lose my sleep over such trivial issues."
    With this growing tension and the mounting pressure, who will be the one to win Jassi and the hearts of the audience? Armaan or Purab? We don't know but we do is that both the actors are busy to battling it out. No it isn't the personal battle we are referring to but it's their on-screen war that's keeping us hooked on to TV. Right guys?        
                            -- Reena Thapar Kapoor
                            Showtime, April 2005

March 18, 2005-Indiatimes Chat

Transcript of LIVE CHAT with TV actor, Apoorva Agnihotri at 14.00 hrs

Apoorva Agnihotri
TV actor

"Personally, I feel looking good is not the end of the road. However, with regard to Jassi's makeover I'd say that my job as an actor is to react only, not think about it."

Jena > Hi, despite fantastic debut in films with Pardes , why did you not make it big as a film actor? And why did you do insignificant roles in films after that one film?
Apoorva Agnihotri > The industry is quite a strange place. It likes to typecast actors. And that's what happened to me. The kind of roles I was getting after Pardes was more on the same lines (like Pardes ). I said no to a lot of films. And the films that I chose didn't do well. I did the roles (in later films) for money and creative satisfaction.

Hema > How do your co-stars especially Mona(Jassi) and Rakshanda (Mallika) Maninee(Pari)react to your ever stunning looks? What has been their compliment? I really wonder how do they work with you?? Hum to Behosh Ho Jate (I would swoon)!
Apoorva Agnihotri > > Thanks a lot.

Armaan4jassi > Apurva, you seem to be enjoying playing "Armaan Suri" (your character in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin . This role has many shades. The character is manipulative, charming, loving, adorable. How did you perform all this with perfection?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I think the perfection is yet to happen. All I am doing is to just work hard because my aim is to go above the lines that I deliver.

Littleheart > Who is your favourite co star?
Apoorva Agnihotri > My fav co-star is Parmeet Sethi ( Raj) in Jassi Jaise ...

Littleheart > How come you are so expressive with your eyes? You do it as though you know what heart break is. Any experience?
Apoorva Agnihotri > It's because I like to mean what I say and what I do. I think we all go through heartbreaks in someway or the other.

Angb > Do you prefer to work in movies or a serial like Jassi ?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I do anything which excites me. Right now it's Jassi.

Diva1 > Hi Apoorva! How did the glitz and glamour of showbiz allure this Kanpurian (Kanpur) from being an economics student at Bhawan College to aspiring to be a pilot and finally to become an actor?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I think it's destiny. There's only one word for it and nothing else.

Pagli > Hi this is Habi. Is Jassi going to marry you or Purab? Are they gonna change the original script?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I have no idea. Watch it, you will know in due course.

Unik > What drives you?
Apoorva Agnihotri > Motivation to excel.

Kamal > Honestly Apoorva. Would you have fallen in love with someone like Jassi in real life? What do you look for in women?
Apoorva Agnihotri > Yes, I would have honestly. Her heart should be of gold. She should be a nice person. The outer beauty vanishes. It's the inner one that remains with you forever.

Nila > Was it a conscious decision on your part to join television or did everything just happen by chance?
Apoorva Agnihotri > Everything just happened by chance for me. Tony and Diya Singh called me and said that they were coming up with something path breaking. When I heard the script, I loved it and didn't have second thoughts about it. I said yes to be apart of the project.

Diva1 > In an interview, your wife Shilpa confessed that your   very first sight irritated her while you went ga-ga over her. What was on your mind when you first met her through Rakshanda?
Apoorva Agnihotri > It was just marriage on my mind, as I wanted to marry her.

Pagli > I hate to just think Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi will end some time in the future. Please do more TV roles and show us your talent. We'll miss seeing you on TV. It's a request.
Apoorva Agnihotri > Yes, I will.

Diva1 > Why is Apoorva visible only in Jassi Jasisi ... and not in some advertisements and music videos? Do you think it is defaming for a Bollywood actor like you who has been a part of this industry for years to explore more opportunity on TV?
Apoorva Agnihotri > It's because I am too lazy to meet people but now since you are telling, I will do something about it.

Ultimateapoorva > Also, how is your relationship with Mona? Are you guys good buddies?
Apoorva Agnihotri > Absolutely! We are great buddies. I always feel that something magical happens when we perform together.

Rakhi > What would you say was the turning point in your career?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I think the turning point is yet to come.

Lili > Do you come from a film background?
Apoorva Agnihotri > Yes, my father was a film writer (late Mr. Gyandev Agnihotri) he wrote films like Mr. Natwarlal, Do Aur Do Paanch, Yaraana, Beta etc.

Littleheart > Why can't you forget Jassi and love me?
Apoorva Agnihotri > That's because I get to see Jassi and I don't get to see you haaahaahaahahahahah!

hema_kini > You have a beautiful wife in Shilpa! I am so happy for you! Is she a good cook? I know you are a vegetarian so what is your favourite dish?
Apoorva Agnihotri > Yes, she is a really good cook. I like Kaali Daal ?that's my favourite.

Snehasik > Was it your aim from childhood to become an actor or it just happened?
Apoorva Agnihotri > My aim was to become a pilot, but I guess it's destiny.

Gr8xenab2005 > Are you planning to do more films?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I have no idea. It all depends on how good the offers are.

Barkhain > What do you like to do besides acting?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I like to watch films.

Clod > Besides your wife, who would be your dream date?
Apoorva Agnihotri > Salma Hayek.

Motu > Apoorva are you interested in directing a film in the future?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I just love this person for the question. Yes, definitely I want to direct a film.

Ultimateapoorva > What do you see yourself doing in 20 years and how will that AA be different?
Apoorva Agnihotri > As I said earlier, I am going to be making movies for sure.

Hema_kini > What do you have to say about your popularity, the mass hysteria. Isn't it nice or does it bother you?
Apoorva Agnihotri > It doesn't bother me at all. I like it!

Priya > Hi Apoorva. How and when did you meet Shilpa? Was it love at first sight?
Apoorva Agnihotri > From my side it was love at first sight. And it took her some time. We got to know each other through Rakshanda Khan. We first met at a coffee shop in Mumbai.

Shilps > For me and my friends Apoorva Jaisaa Armaan Koi Nahin (there's none like you)! You have excelled in portraying in every emotion of "Armaan Suri." You turned him into a real-life persona from a reel-life one? Now please tell me - where can I find him?(he!he!). Jokes apart, how did you do that? What were your magic words? Do you think it's an actor that makes a character king size or vice versa?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I think more than the actor the credit should be given to the writer who has created such fabulous characters. I think it's the character, which becomes a part of everyone. I think it's sheer hard work, which has got me here today.

Armaan4jassi > Will "Armaan" miss his old Jassi when he sees the new one?
Apoorva Agnihotri > Yes, he will miss his old Jassi.

Priya > Hi Apoorva. I am Priya. Which was the most memorable day of your life?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I think it's when I signed up for Pardes . That was my most memorable day.

Dreamz > What do you think about this makeover business in JJKN and what's your take on beauty? Does one really need outer beauty to feel confident and get her man of dreams and receive that respect from the world?
Apoorva Agnihotri > I can speak for my self. I think that the outer beauty is something but not everything. Looking good is not the end of the road. It doesn't mean you have got it all. At the end of the day the heart is what matters. I think my job is to react only on screen, not to think about it.

Sign Off Message > Love me forever, I will love you back. Love, Apoorva.

January 11, 2005-Indian Express

NIGHTOUT with Apurva Agnihotri
By: Harneet Singh

Just say Yes Sir!

Apurva Agnihotri, aka Armaan Sir, feels Jassi should be alone. All her life.

BET you didn't know that Armaan Sir's special name for Jassi is Jasberry. And that she affectionately calls him Apu Singh.

On-screen in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, Armaan (n'e Apurva Agnihotri) might come across as a cad who breaks Jassi's heart every day. But in real life, they're good friends. Every time we do a scene together, something magical happens. If I had my way, I would work with her for the rest of my life, grins Agnihotri.

And a text message forwarded by the show's co-director

Diya Singh only reaffirms the couple's chemistry. Mona (Jassi) and Apurva are the Kajol and Shah Rukh of the small screen, conveys Singh. Agnihotri vows never to delete the message.

Mocha, Juhu, where we're chatting, is inundated with shouts of Armaan sir. A gaggle of girls hound the actor for pictures and autographs. Do you really love Jassi?'' 19-year-old Ashima wants to know. While collegians Shruti and Mehak declare, You have the best smile on TV.  Agnihotri smiles some more, flashing the deep dimple in his left cheek.

Jassi... has given the 28-year-old actor a fresh lease after his Bollywood career didn't work despite a dream launch in Subhash Ghai's Pardes. Now he can't live without Jassi. I've lost count how many times I say 'Jassi' in a day. All my lines begin and end with 'Jassi' and since we do about 10-12 scenes in a day, you can just imagine, he says, biting into a paneer panini.

Though he loves his Casanova character, he swears he's just the opposite in reality. Contrary to Armaan's indecisive nature, Agnihotri married actress Shilpa Saklani (Ganga of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) three months after co-star Rakshanda Khan introduced them. While it was love at first sight for him, Shilpa took time to be convinced. My screen image came in the way, he says.

His wife loves the serial, especially the scenes between Agnihotri and Parmeet Sethi. Both actors are so attuned to each other's timing, it almost seems like gay bonding. Agnihotri gives a bark of laughter. I know what you mean. I love Parmeet. He can chew up anybody in comedy.

Of course, he can't say the same about his other co-star Samir Soni who apparently left the serial because of ego clashes with Agnihotri. No way, denies Agnihotri. I really like Samir. He left for personal reasons, he shrugs, sipping a sugar-free black cuppa.

His contract ends in June, after which he hopes to sign some more serials or maybe films, if I get something substantial. For now, he hopes to see Jassi's much awaited makeover. I'm dying to see her coming down a staircase looking like a model, he says.

Who does he think Jassi should end up with Purab, Armaan or Nandu? Jassi should be alone. That's what happens to people who have such high standards and who are hell-bent on sticking to their principles. Now that's typical Armaan Sir.

Time table
Sexiest babe on TV: My wife Shilpa Saklani
Mona or Rakshanda: Rakshanda, because she changed my life after introducing me to Shilpa
Best actor on TV: Parmeet Sethi
Can't imagine TV without: My hair gel which I apply quite liberally to keep my floppy hair in order
One serial you wish you were a part of: None, because after Jassi.., others are routine fare

Name: Apurva Agnihotri

Calling In Life: Actor. "I'm actually an actor by default. I wanted to be a commercial pilot and I need 25 flying hours to get a licence. Hopefully I'll be able to do that one day. Till then, I'm enjoying films."

Jumpstarting Moment: Subhash Ghai's Pardes. "I was deluged with similar roles of the spoilt rich brat after Pardes."

Current Claim To Fame: As Arman Sood in Sony TV's Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. "Arman is suave, stylish, unpredictable and a conniving businessman who can be charming when he wants to. You don't get to live that kind of a character on the big screen often. And now that Jassi has been a TRP-topper we've been proved right in thinking that the 'nice girls also deserve their fairytale endings' formula works."

Educational Background: Economics graduate from Bhawan's College, Mumbai

Television: "Involves hard work. Working in two continuous shifts (almost 15-16 hours) is tough because you don't even get time to breathe. Doing films is
easier in comparison."

Likes To: "Watch MTV, Channel V and Discovery. I'm not really a soap loving person, though I've checked out some episodes of Jassi and have liked them."
Looking Forward To: Ahmed Khan's Lakeer, starring Suniel Shetty. "It's a great role."

A girl had a crush on me in school. She said she wanted to borrow my notebooks. That's how we started talking. Then we began taking the same bus though we stayed in two different corners of the city - just to talk to each other. At that time, all that matters is that you get to spend time with the person you like. We were getting closer and continued to take advantage of every single opportunity to meet or see more of each other. That was really fun.
Once, we even bunked school and headed straight to a nearby coffee shop - my first date ever. A couple of friends learned of this and began passing letters full of shayiri to her on my behalf (they were very naughty, you see), which she got very upset about. I still wonder what they had written in those letters that upset her to the extent that she stopped talking to me. I tried to explain things to her but she just wouldn't budge and refused to listen to me. And that was it - her father got transferred and she left the school, never to come back to me.
I think of her every time I think of my school days. I remember that not only was she intelligent, she also had a lovely smile. And she was of course, my first date and love.