Hina learns driving

No political references
Mujtaba Ali Khan,who is playing the love interest of Sarvagunn Sampann’s Swara,may be new to satellite viewers but he has been a regular on Doordarshan with three serials under his belt starting with Saira Banu’s Stree Teri Kahani,Air Hostess and Apne Paraye. Having done a couple of South films that include Love and Pallakilo Pallikutru,Mujtaba was looking for a break in Hindi serials. “I always wanted to act in Hindi television serials,so I came to Mumbai from Hyderabad,my home town,” informs Mujtaba who was also a ramp model. He got his first break with Stree… where he played the lead role. When asked if films were on his agenda,the actor nonchalantly says that it will be difficult for him as he neither has a filmi background nor a godfather in the industry. “But I knew I could reach TV,” he says candidly. As for his role of a politician’s son,Aditya Deshmukh,in Sarvagann.. Mujtaba says the first thing that appealed to him about the character was like him,Aditya is close to his parents. Aditya is a powerful politician’s son and has two siblings. If this reminds you of the political family of Maharashtra headed by Vilasrao Deshmukh,Mujtaba is quick to deny it. “The story is set in Kolhapur and has nothing to do with that family,” he stresses.

Makeover for Sahara One
Look who has changed. SaharaOne which has been lagging on the charts has decided to go in for a makeover and add new shows to attract eyeballs. Two new shows targetted at the interior parts of India are being launched. Bitto,has started airing from May 17,while the date for Shor is yet to be announced. Says Avinash Kaul,CEO – SaharaOne Channels,“The expanse of real masses of India lies in the hinterlands and not only in its advanced metros. These masses form a huge chunk of consumers that are essential for the success of any brand in India. It is this viewer base that SaharaOne largely focuses on. The tagline ‘Nayi Kahaniyaan,Nayi Saheliyaan,Naya SaharaOne’ signifies that the channel is viewer centric and caters to their ever changing preferences while remaining rooted in traditions.” Talking about the new packaging he says,“The refurbished channel packaging reflects the shimmer of gold,with elements that signify the rich Indian tradition.” While Bitto tackles the caste system and has Pallavi Gupta playing the lead role,Shorr,is the story of Kankoo,who,though young and beautiful is mute. Snigdha Srivastava plays the lead role.

Double whammy for Rucha
Television actress Rucha Gujarathi will now be seen in Rang Badalti Odhani. She has replaced Priyanka Chibber and will essay the role of Natasha,who is in love with Shantanu (Karan Thacker). Rucha is upbeat about her role in this love triangle. She is however unperturbed about replacing Priyanka. She says,“This was the production house’s call. I have taken up the role as a new challenge and experiment.” She is also excited about being a part of Desi Girl,a new reality show. Along with seven other celebrities,the petite actress will lead a village girl’s life in a remote village in Punjab. Says Rucha,“I have always lived with my parents and have led quite a sheltered life. I never imagined I could live alone,wake up at 3 am and do the daily chores of a village belle like milking the cows and sweeping the floors.” According to her,the most challenging task was to wash buffaloes and make them walk on the ramp. She says,“It was quite tough as the animals can be quite aggressive. So one has to be really patient,” she smiles.

Creating role models
Star One’s women have decided to turn a new leaf and stop their whimpering and whining. The channel launched an intiative ‘Ek Nayi Udaan’ under which the protagonists of four prime serials have changed their fates. Geet (Dhrashti Dhami) from Geet Hui Sabse Parayi is a victim of a fraud NRI marriage who has been abandoned by Dev (the NRI husband played by Abhinav Shukla) a day after their marriage. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and listening to her family which wants her to accept her fate,she will fight for her rights. Khanak (Yashashree Masurkar) from Rang Badalti Odhani has been widowed a day after her marriage to her childhood sweetheart because of the negligence of Shantanu (Karan Thacker). Panchayat has decided on her remarriage but Khanak,agrees only on the condition that her family is given financial assistance and she will continue her fight for Suraj’s justice. In Dill Mill Gaye,Riddhima (Jennifer Winget) who was caught between her love for Armaan (Karan Grover) and Sidd (Karan Wahi) who supported her and married her at the time when she was alone decides to stick with Sidd. Ayesha (Sanjida Sheikh) from Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh Ajnabi who believed that Veer was responsible for her falling off the cliff realises her folly and tries to create a bond with him. Commenting on this initiative,Nikhil Mirchandani,GM Star One says,“Through ‘Ek Nayi Udaan’ we are trying to create strong resolute women who would be an inspiration to all those who face similar situations which the protagonists are facing on the shows.”

Weighing up
Laali aka Ratan Rajput of Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Ki Jo weighs less than 40 kgs! This was discovered in a unique way when the villanious character of Loha Singh weighed Laali in a huge tarazu to keep a check on her weight as she is pregnant with her lover Shekhar’s child. It was a serious scene but Ratan kept giggling through the shot. She found it amusing to be weighed on a giant balance. “Imagine a teeny-weeny me sitting on an enormous balance. I just could not get serious for the sequence. My director had a tough time getting the act right. It was a difficult shot and all of us were in a carefree mood.” She cheekily adds,“Hopefully my audiences will sympathise with me.”