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Apara Mehta in Virrudh
Putting rest to all speculations about a rift between Smriti and herself, Apara will make an entry in Virrudh. She's playing Uttara, Sushant's mother who has brought up her son single-handedly. She is aware of his fondness for Vasudha. Uttara, coincidentally comes to visit Sushant on the same fateful night when Sushant is mercilessly stabbed. She realizes that Vasudha is Dhirendra Rai's illegitimate daughter.
Talking about her role, Apara says, "I had agreed to play Uttara a long time ago, but kept a low-profile. My role is very different. You will find me sans make-up, jewellery and heavy saris which people are used to seeing me in. I am keeping my fingers crossed as to how they will accept me," quips Apara. The two have been touch over the phone, through sms and "wished each other on their birthdays". "Smriti told me that I have a huge role in the serial and I take her word for it," smiles Tulsi's maa.
Achint spews venom
Chaitanya Padukone
Sunday, April 08, 2007 22:09 IST
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Achint Kaur (R) in Virrudh
Actor Achint Kaur is now seen as Vedika in the recently aired show 'Virrudh' (Sony). The role has negative shades as she plays an alcoholic who does not miss an opportunity to spew venom at her media baron father (Vikram Gokhale). Yet she shares an affectionate relationship with her stepsister Vasudha (Smriti Z Iraani).
Achint, who played the menacing Mandira in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' (Star Plus), says, "I took up this role because it's not an extreme one. Thankfully, Vedika is not sadistic. She is justified in her bizarre behaviour because she is a troubled girl. She hates her scheming father for not letting her marry the man she loved." She adds, "It's a rebellious character, who is also wallowing in self-pity."
Achint reveals how she got her act right. "In order to play an alcoholic, I took inputs from my director Santram Verma and included my own observations at parties. Even when Vedika is drunk, she does not pass out, because her body has become immune to alcohol," elaborates Achint.
Incidentally, Achint who plays the headstrong Punjabi kudi Nikhila opposite Salil Ankola in Ektaa Kapoor's 'Karam Apna Apna ' (Star Plus) keeps abruptly disappearing from 'Kyunki…'. "Whenever the script demands my presence, I am back in 'Kyunki'," quips Achint in her husky voice, which she feels is an asset for her complex characters. "Strangely, I have played just four wicked characters out of the around two dozen roles that I have played. My forte has always been strong and spunky roles, regardless of whether they are good, bad or grey," she signs off.
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You are smart, handsome and successful. But do not have a girlfriend. This can be the beginning of a catastrophe because people might well suspect you to be a gay! Recently Bollywood actor, Ritiesh Deshmukh was asked if he was gay since he is not seeing anyone, and in addition to it has not been linked to any girl. The dilemma for men today is even if they find no time for relationships owing to their busy schedule or remain single by choice, they are sooner or later suspected to be gay. However our popular stars tell Ipsita Bhattacharya that it is not mandatory to be involved and there is no point in being in a relationship just to prove you are not a gay. Karan Mehra |
Though they act in the saas-bahu sagas, TV actors prefer to keep their kids from viewing such soaps.
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"Ekta called to say she liked my new serial"
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| Chaya Unnikrishnan Juggling between three serials of which she is producing two, Smriti Irani is in an exciting phase of her career... Between your two serials Thodi Si Zameen, Thoda Sa Aasman and Virrudh, which has got you maximum applause? There's a distinct difference between the background and stories of the two serials and as a producer I feel proud. Thodi Si... is about a simple, chawl life while Virrudh is about this extremely rich Singhania family. The story-telling, the way it's shot and casting are completely diverse. Thodi... is aired on weekends at 10 pm, which is not a popular slot. Yet, the serial has managed to reach a TRP of 3+ which is a big achievement. It's a different type of storytelling - realistic and idealistic. Virrudh, on the other hand is just two weeks old but it's getting a heartening response. It's appealing to the elderly crowd as well as the youth working in call centres. I have got a positive feedback from my peers, co-actors and producers. Even Ekta called to say that she liked the serial. How did you manage to get an ensemble cast for your serial? I have always looked out for actors who fit the characters. When I wrote the script I wanted Vikram Gokhale, Sushant Singh and Achint Kaur. And - surprise, surprise - when I approached them, everybody came on board within minutes of my narrating the story. I think the reason they agreed immediately was because I gave them their character graph from day one to the end of one year. As for Sushant, I had approached him earlier for Thodi Si... but it didn't work out. This time he was happy with the results and was willing to be a part of the soap. Apara Mehta's entry into the serial came as a surprise to many because of your alleged fall-out sometime ago. These kind of reports are written either to peak interest, increase TRPs or to create trouble. I have never used the press as a platform. People I am associated with know me and that's all that matters. I was very keen that Apara play this particular non-glamorous character and when I called her, she agreed. For the first time we are seeing her sans heavy make-up, jewellery and bindi. I wanted the actor Apara to be enhanced. How are you balancing your act between being a hands-on producer and actor? I think it's an exciting period in my career. Very rarely does one get such an opportunity on television and it is all about utilising it to the best. I am playing three different characters from different backgrounds... The age group of Uma (Thodi...) and Vasudha (Virrudh) is almost the same. Vasudha is a contemporary woman who's not overtly ambitious and is quite content with her life, whereas Uma is a fiery woman who's had to face too many ups and downs in her life and is hoping for things to smoothen out. As for Tulsi, even today I am charged about playing this character who's had a fascinating journey from a nubile 18-year old to the grand age of 60. There's a kind of thehrav to her. She's not as agitated as she was earlier. There was a time when Tulsi was considered real and hailed for her ideals. Is she still realistic? It's a melodrama. How real can she be? Now-a-days one sees a lot of your solo shots in Kyunki.... And whenever there's a group there's a feeling that a duplicate is being used. Comment. Time and again people have tried to create a controversy around the serial but thankfully I have stayed away from it. I don't answer such questions, these are technical queries that should be addressed to the person concerned. I am just a employee there. So, which is your favourite role? The one I play at home, that of a mom (laughs). Many actors who are playing the lead prefer to stick to one serial. You are the protagonist in three serials. Isn't it difficult? As I said I am enjoying this period in my life. When you start a new serial, it takes time to get into the character but then you kind of settle into it. This make it easy. I am not saying you can switch on and off from the character. But you also never ever become the character. You only incorporate personality traits you have observed into the role. What about the production hassles? Fortunately, I have had sincere support from my production teams. I have chosen the best names in all the fields from direction to cinematography who take care of all the minute details. Has your banner Uragya Entertainment lined up any more shows in the near future? Yes, there's one coming up for Zee. I can't talk more about it now. Will you be acting in it? |
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