Some TV actors are not ready to compromise with their talent even for money and fame

Sharp 7 o'clock in the morning the work begins. A quick break for breakfast, with little or no time for lunch and then slogging till the energy is drained out. At 10 in the night, which would often stretch to 11, the usual time to wind up work, he is left with little stamina to drive back home. This is the regular work schedule of TV actor. Hectic, creativity deprived, with little scope for an actor to grow, their’s is a mechanical job. This is the sole reason why so many TV actors are either taking a break or saying goodbye to the small screen.

The latest name to join the list of TV stars who have decided to take a break is Rajashree Thakur of Sapne Saloni Ke fame. She has decided to take a break for at least a year before she decides a come back. "I have been working all through for three years now. A daily shooting schedule of 14 hours leaves you with no energy to socialise at the end of the day," she says. After marriage, she feels that she hasn't given enough time to her family, "I strongly feel that some strict monitoring should be there to make sure actors aren't exploited. Beyond certain number of working hours, actors should not be forced to shoot."

For the same reason, Ayushmann Khurrana too stepped out of daily soaps and grabbed the opportunity to become a VJ. And, as he says, "Given an option, any TV star would do that." He also talks about the basic right of an actor, "We know it's not scribbled in any rule book, but it's natural for an actor to demand some breathing space. Instead, these days his creativity is stubbed by the producers." He feels VJing gives one a free hand where innovation and wit are indispensable. "While doing daily soaps one cannot tamper with dialogues and even if an actor is not convinced with the script, still he has to blindly follow it."

One can gauge the gravity of the situation from Mita Vasishth's statement who says the new league of actors are responsible for the grim scenario. "They are ready to work for lesser money and work for 14 hours together due to which the television industry has taken us for granted," opines she. Well, Mita does not have to shoot for long hours, as the producers know that even without their soaps, she is capable of surviving. She took a break one year back, when she thought it was too much for her to take, "It took me time to realise that anybody who faces the camera becomes an actor today, which wasn't the case before."

Manav Gohil and Shweta Kavatra, the off-screen couple left the small-screen almost a year back. Even the popularity and money that the medium guaranteed could not force them to stick on. "All that daily soaps allow you to do today is, build up your bank balance. Missing professional satisfaction gradually drains an actor's enthusiasm to act," avers Manav while sharing with us his opinion as to why he bid goodbye to the small screen. He feels that all soaps follow one pattern and the same script with little variations. Agreeing with her husband, Shweta adds, "Initially when I was given the same lines to speak, I took it as a challenge and tried to redo it in a novel way. But that wasn't possible beyond a certain point." As for the hectic schedule, she says, "I was probably one of the few actors who put their foot down for limiting working hours to 13 hours. Since today the supply of actors is more than the demand, guess soap producers are ruling the roost." ashima@tribunemail.com

Yeh Mumbai hai meri jaan, jo dikhta hai, wahi bikta hai…six pack abs, attitude, acting classes from Kishore Namit, Anupam Kher acting schools, and a passing mention of knowing Dharamendra at a personal level. Sounds like a lucrative resume. And do you need to add more? Kumar Sahil, the lead of Kash Mere Hotey to be released on January 2 is quick to add, "Make a column for hard work, dedication, struggle, din raat ki mehnat." And well, we cannot deny that. We give it to the debutant who is a picture of confidence, style and attitude.

"I have worked really hard to be in the film. It was at one of the acting classes at Kishore Namit, where I got noticed and then later picked up for the movie, wherein I play a professional photographer," says Sahil, in city for the promotion of the movie at Planet M.

Professional photographer! We haven't seen an actor play photographer for along time. They are too busy tickling funny bones with their comedies. "It was a great experience. I trained with Daboo Ratnani for about a month and half for the same. He taught me how to hold camera, various angles, how to work with celebrities and the mannerism of a photographer," adds this confident lad from Ludhiana.

More on kaash…"I do a lot of stuff in the movie- comedy, action, romance," puts in Sahil, who personally likes to do action roles. "I would like to do on the face roles and some hard hitting action, the way Sunny Deol does." Sahil also makes a passing mention of Dharamendra, who asked him to move to Mumbai and join acting classes.

Do we see a godfather here? "I know Dharamendra ji, and he is instrumental in my moving to Mumbai. That's it. I joined acting classes and worked hard enough to be on board, Kaash mere hotey." He adds, "A godfather can get you a movie, but it is up to the individual to transform it into a success and then sustain it." Clear and confident? "I have offers for 5-6 films. Lets see what happens next," signs off Sahil. Before he says a final good bye he expresses his desire to work with established heroines.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Singer Shankar Sahney is all set to make his acting debut with a Punjabi movie

Stardom changes the world around, but it does not affect certain things, like the strong bond of friendship. "I am still Bhola for them," smiles Shankar Sahney, in city to perform at Chandikrit 2008. "My pals are always waiting for me to drop in to Hoshiarpur. There is so much to catch up on. I am glad certain things don't change."

The same doesn't hold true for his professional life. Here, stagnation can be suicidal and change is the mantra. So, Shankar Sahney too has moved a step forward. And now, it's acting. You bet this munda is visibly excited about it. "I play the lead in an upcoming Punjabi movie," he adds. We wonder why most Punjabi singers are moving towards acting? "There is nothing startling in this. We act in our music videos also. It's just that now we have to act on a bigger platform. Besides, a performer needs to grow in life. Singing and acting are an 
extension of a performer."

Singing in Bollywood? "I have got some offers, which will materialise soon," says Sahney, who feels that it is much easier to establish in familiar grounds. "The newcomers have to work hard in Mumbai. Nothing comes on a platter. But, for those who are established, work flows like a stream. All the same, it is easy to work on home ground."

Not everything is easy but. For instance, to keep grounded. Says Shankar, "It is a package deal that comes with fame. I believe in working and living with the right kind of attitude. People, who acquire a fake sense of achievement, do not go far in their career. Rest, I feel maintaining stardom is the very difficult. For me it is like tapsaya. It is a tough 24X7 job that requires immense dedication.”

jasmine@tribunemail.com

I can't make Heera Mandi without Begum Para: Bhansali

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who worked with yesteryears glamour girl Begum Para in Saawariya, is deeply saddened by her death and wonders how he will make Heera Mandi without her.

"I wanted so much to work with her again. I wanted to cast her again after Saawariya. Moin Beg, who has written Heera Mandi, told me this project would be incomplete without Para aunty. I agreed completely. In fact, I had the perfect role for her in Heera Mandi. Now I wonder how I'll make the film without her," Bhansali said.

Bhansali describes the actor, who passed away Tuesday, as mercurial. The actress married Nasir Khan, Dilip Kumar's brother, in 1958 and quit acting.

Her last film was Kar Bala with Bhagwan Dada that came in 1956. Almost more than fifty years later she made a comeback with Bhansali's Saawariya. "She was indeed Begum Para," said Bhansali whose association with Begum Para went back to his childhood. "I remember my father would mention her very prominently among the beauties he admired from the 1950s. I had never seen her personally on screen. As a child I wasn't much of a moviegoer. For me, she was a myth, a beauty men were fascinated by." Bhansali says that when he was finalising the cast of Saawariya, writer Moin Beg, a friend of Begum Para, suggested her name. She played Sonam Kapoor's grandmother in the film.

"When we thought of that particular character in Saawariya, both my casting director Amita Sehgal and Moin Beg suggested Begum Para's name. The minute I heard her name, I remembered my father and I jumped at the name.

Over the years I was intrigued by her," Bhansali said. Recalling his first meeting with the legendary actor, he said: "Para aunty was immobile. She couldn't move out of bed. But she was so radiant and full of live. She had a sparkle in her eye. Her soul had not aged with time. She tied a pony tail high on her head and it would swing as she spoke animatedly."

Then she told me, 'The person you see over here in this bed is not Begum Para. Go over there and look at that picture." And she pointed me to a picture on the wall where she posed in her heyday in a bathing costume.

"Just a month ago I asked Moin about Para Aunty. I wanted to meet her, but it never happened. What a challenge it was for her to come back to movies after so many years and still remember her lines. After the first shot, she just flowed. How sad that her performance was not recognised by any awards committee in India,” he summed.

Clearing the air over the reported brawl between him and Salman Khan, SRK said it was ‘a disagreement and not a fight as put by the media’

''I have been in situations earlier where I have disagreed with people but this one just got blown out of proportion. Without blaming anyone I would like to say that it's not an important part of my life at all. The only negative impact of the incident to me, which made me thinking for two-three days was I felt small and be little.

''I am 42 years old and I have to explain to my kids why I got into this brawl because I don't want to be remembered for this. Please hate me for all the bad films I have done and dislike me for my fake acting at times. But don't remember me for the fact that I got into an overgrown tiff. I think it's a very small incidental part of my life,'' King Khan said in an interview to a private news channel.

Asked whether he and Salman would put the incident behind them and become friends again, Shah Rukh said, "You don't get into such disagreements with a pre-conceived notion that things will work. Salman said a wonderful thing 'we are different people. We don't work same, eat same, love same, respect same, read same books and etc etc, though we live on the same lane. I think like a father and he thinks like a son. I am happy if we don't have a conversation and I am happy if we get to have a conversation,'' he said.

On whether he felt stars like him were at times too big for their movies, the Bollywood Badshah said, ''Yes they do. And that's one thing I can control, the economics of the film. So I would never put the burden on the producer, including myself. If you make an expensive film, let it be a part of film expense. In this way, everything is well distributed and you earn expected profits too.'' At the same time, the actor denied that he was among the highly paid stars in the industry in these times of recession. ''I have been an economics student and I know how I price myself. An honest truth is I am currently the cheapest movie star in the country. I am just priceless. I just sign the contract in the end and people in the accounts department tell me, this much money I have at the end of 
the year.

''I have worked at Rs 2.5 crore in Chak De to 6 crore in Om Shanti Om. If you want to further cut. I am ok. I don't participate in profits of a film. Even in my own company, we have proper distribution rights and things work according to them,'' the superstar said.

Talking about his experience of meeting Robert De Niro in Dubai, Shah Rukh said, ''He is such a wonderful person and I am happy that I lived that moment. He has such a great family and I am happy for the time spent. As Thomas Hardy said, now I can pass away and die. I have met him, now I can pass away and die.'' 

Having made his presence felt in bollywood with Dil Dosti Etc, Imaad Shah son of veteran actor Naseerudin Shah returns with an English film Little Zizou

Little Zizou, directed by Sooni Saraporvala, is a film which brings alive the fascinating world of Mumbai's Parsis through the eyes of a young protagonist and his relationship with his artist brother, father and neighbours. The movie would see Imaad playing the character of a young cartoonist.

"It was great working in the film. Sooni wanted me to cast in the film after she saw one of my plays " Imaad said.

When asked whether his father had seen the film, the young actor said, "No, he has not and I am looking for a chance to show him the film." Sooni, who has written the scripts of Mira Nair's films Saalam Bombay and The Namesake, said she was inspired by her son's love for Football and Zidane to make the film.

She is planning to release the film in India in February-March and hopes to find an audience for her film and explores the necessity of love in human life through her characters.

The film stars Boman Irani, John Abraham, Imaad Shah, and Sohrab Ardesir among others.

After his successful jodi with Govinda and Salman Khan in films like Hero No 1, Aunty No 1, Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya and Partner, filmmaker David Dhawan has now teamed up with Bollywood hunk John Abraham for the UTV Motion Pictures Hook Ya Crook, going on the floors in January next year.

Written by Rensil D'Silva, the award-winning writer of Rang De Basanti, Hook Ya Crook, which stars John Abraham in the lead, is to hit the floors on January 7, 2009, sources in the UTV said.

Incidentally, this is the first time that the ace comedy director is teaming up with John for a complete entertainer. The film is also his first directorial venture for the UTV, which has been extremely eager to associate with David Dhawan.

Hook Ya Crook will be John's second film with the UTV Motion Pictures after last year's Goal, directed by Vivek Agnihotri.

Speaking about UTV's new venture, COO Production UTV Motion Pictures Alpana Mishra said, ''We are all gearing up to hit the floor by January 10. Our first schedule is in Mumbai, followed by Hyderabad where we have just started constructing a mammoth set! It's a film that will keep the audience hooked from word go.'' The sources said a lot of efforts have gone in the film's casting.

''We now have a fantastic cast, which bring alive characters penned by Rensil. The team of David, Rensil, Rajat, Pritam and our DOP Natrajan is a great one and with the cast we have it should be great fun making this film,'' they said.

Speaking about his new film, David Dhawan said, ''I am very excited about making this film. It is a very unique and a very challenging one. The team on the film has worked very hard all through the year to make it happen and we now go on the floors in January 2009. It will be a great way for me to start the New Year!'' Trade sources said Hook Ya Crook is an authentic cricket film with a big cricket match in the climax. The film, which has Genelia D' Souza in female lead, will also feature Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a key role.

The trade sources said the film is inspired from the 1981 Hollywood film, Escape to Victory, which featured football star Pele.

Besides John and Genelia, Hook Ya Crook also has Uday Chopra and Aditya Pancholi in key roles. —UNI, PTI, IANS 

The ongoing Youth fest at Panjab University has everything to cheer about

They call it 24th North Zone Inter University Youth Festival. Certainly a misnomer for something that ought to be spelt as 'five day extravaganza comprising three things- fun, fun and well, fun. The fest, in collaboration with Association of Indian Universities and sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt of India, is much more than dozens of participating universities, twenty-nine competitions, five days and four venues. It is a memory of lifetime, platform of potential and opportunity unparalleled. And since our very own Panjab University is playing the host, we catch the action live on day two and come back intoxicated. With pure, raw pleasure we mean.

Whether an artist, performer or just plain audience, there was much to cheer for. The day began with folk orchestra and skit at the university auditorium, which saw 14 universities participating including Panjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, University of Kashmir, Srinagar and Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh among others.

The first skit performance by Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar could turn even pessimists into cheerleaders. And why not? The effort just showed. Simar Kaur from Panjab Technical University said, "I have been practicing day and night for over a month now. And when I see others as good as our team, we feel we should have started even earlier." Despite the venue being separated into three auditoriums and one museum, the university auditorium was packed to capacity. Dr. Neeru Malik, the organiser from Dev Samaj College of Education, said, "Though it depends on the popularity of the event being held, but at times, there are rows standing to catch the event."

The exams, nip in the air did not seem to play much of a dampener. Each performance, one on top of the other had even the technicians in splits.

The action at Fine Arts Museum was of a different kind. With poster making and cartooning competitions already on and spot painting, collage making, clay modeling and rangoli competitions to watch out for, it promises to be an artist's paradise. Cartooning saw eighteen universities struggling for the prize. With themes like traffic awareness and election campaign, it sought to further not just the arts but also the awareness. As the judge J.M. Katyal, said, "We want to promote both art and knowledge." He added, "Did you know nobody showed the zebra crossing in their posters that I just saw?" Leaving the judging to the erudite, we save the feel-good things for you. At English Auditorium it was classical all the way. Classical Vocal solo and Semi-classical solo attracted its own loyalists.

There's more than one can keep pace with at the Panjab University. Outsiders please keep out and the sophisticated lot, there's a warning. You would end up hooting like a hooligan.

Rest, for the unfortunate souls who need guidance and cannot be everywhere, don't miss the much-hyped western group tomorrow and the folk and tribal dance on the last day.

On till December 17, at English, Evening and Evening Studies Auditorium and Fine Arts Museum.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

NGO ropes in school students to help a cause

It won't be an exaggeration to say that the sight of a leprosy patient can move heavily anaesthetisd persons, probably turn mountains into pulp and send rock solid hearts weeping profusely. Still, how many of us can be the light of leprosy sufferers like Baba Amte? Thanks to NGOs like Indian Development Foundation formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation, that has been trying to make a difference. The organisation, celebrating its 25 years of service, recently tied up with six of the city schools to carry forward the cause.

Its national coordinator, Narayan B. Iyer, recently in city, shares the success and predicament of less talked about, most suffered about disease. Having been into the cause for seventeen years and since class eleventh, he definitely can tell more than we can ask.

So what is the current leprosy situation in India? He says, "Way back in 1972 there were 40 lakh leprosy cases which has now come down to about 60, 000." Not a small feat considering the obstacles a diverse and resilient country like India can pose. As Narayan says, "The problem of lack of awareness amongst masses is compounded by the fact, there's a social stigma attached to it."

He further says, "Also, it's a visible disease, so the acceptability is not much." So among the initiatives adopted, raising awareness topped the list. He says, "Earlier, the patients were not going to the doctors because of fear. There was a time when there were hospitals and beds but no patients came."

The organisation believes in the power of engaging youth in any development activity. As he says, "We've been holding capsule programmes for students of schools and colleges. Currently, we have a chain of 10,000 schools in India." He adds, "Raising awareness and tapping students is the best medium to achieve our goals." Does he feel today's youth have a bent towards philanthropy? Answers Narayan, "There's been a transformation, realisation of social values and they are a spirited lot." Reason enough to hope leprosy to be non-repeating history. — TNS

Dr K.M Kapoor, head of Cosmetic Surgery department, Fortis hospital, Mohali talks about the advantages of liposuction and lipolysis to get rid of body fat

If despite dieting and exercise, there are still stubborn areas of fat that aren't going away, Liposuction can be the solution for you. Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Youngsters, who are conscious about the way they look and have the spending power should opt for it, says Dr Kapoor, who lets us know more about Liposuction and Lipopysis.

How is body sculpting done?

Earlier, liposuction was the only option. With recent technology, lipolysis is also a good option to remove unwanted body fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, love handles, banana folds, upper arms, double chin and male breast enlargement. In the case of male breast enlargement, lipolysis works if it is due to fat deposition. But it shows effect in a longer time as compared to liposuction, says Dr Kapoor.

How does liposuction work?

Liposuction is performed to remove unwanted localised deposits of fat cells from the body. The procedure is done for stubborn, diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits and to sculpt the body into a slimmer profile. The procedure is also known as Body Contouring. The result is a re-sculpting of bulging areas into more attractive contours.

How is lipolysis and liposuction done?

Lipolysis is done medically; the drug phosphatadylcholine is painlessly injected into the fat deposited area. Several sittings are required to achieve results and this method works well in areas like the abdomen where there is a large amount of fat deposition. It doesn't hospitalisation.

Where as, in case of liposuction, one-day hospitalisation is a must. But this procedure doesn't require various sittings to deliver results. Surgeon gently moves the cannula around under your skin and sucks away the unwanted local fatty deposits to create more attractive contours.

What about recovery?

Healing is a gradual process. After surgery, a person is advised to start walking as soon as possible to reduce swelling. After 2 to5 days, patient may resume normal activities. But he/she needs to wear snug elastic garment over the treated area to fasten healing. The stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first week and may take time up to ten days.

How will a person look after surgery?

You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of the body quite soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any 
persistent mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will be 
visible.

Success in liposuction is measured in inches rather than pounds.

The improvement in your body's contour is more dramatic than actual weightloss. Most important is your improved self-image and self-acceptance with new body shape.

anujaj@tribunemail.com