Thumping response for KBC auditions

Said Ajit Thakur,EVP and Business Head,Sony,The KBC audition is probably the biggest Joint Entrance Exam in India where successful registrants from different socio-economic backgrounds across the country will compete to get a lifetime opportunity sit on the hotseat opposite Indias iconic superstar Amitabh Bachchan and win a life changing amount.

The conscience-keeper
We have seen Sonali Kulkarni in Fear Factor -Khatron Ke Khiladi doing tough stunts and in Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa where she showcased her dancing prowess.

The actress will now for the first time be seen in the serial Kaali 8211; Ek Sangharsh,which is a story of a corrupt politician and a young girl. The show will be aired on Star Plus.

It is power versus innocence, said Sonali,who has an important role in the serial. I am the sutradhar who will come at the end of every episode and appeal to the people. Ill raise questions and tell them about the shocking events in a young girls life. I play the girls mother,who dies when she was a toddler, explained the actress,who took up the serial on the insistence of writer Mrinal Jha.

Since it is an issue-based serial,the makers were keen that the problems had to be communicated to the people in the most simple yet hard-hitting way. The makers thought that since Sonali is an experienced actor she was the right choice for the role.

In a way,I shall be the bond between the characters and the audience, she stated adding,The fact that I am the mother of the girl will be revealed in the second week of its telecast. I felt the connect as I had earlier done an interview-based programme titled So Kool for the channel. It was directed by my brother Sandesh Kulkarni for which I even won the Best Anchor award. Doing Kaali 8211; Ek Sangharsh was like strengthening the bond with Star, said Sonali,who is presently shooting for the serial.

Yashpal Sharma opts out of Mera Naam..

Yashpal Sharma is quitting Mera Naam Karegi Roshan,a serial aired on Zee. The actor,who has many successful films to his credit like Lagaan and Ab Tak Chhappan, made his telly debut with this serial because he liked the script and his character.

However,he has had to reject many movie offers in the bargain. Says Yashpal,I love working for this serial but the Bollywood industry works on the adage 8211; Out of sight,out of mind.

So,the actor has decided to opt out of the serial. The story of Mera Naam Karegi Roshan currently revolves around Reet and her tryst with destiny where she is torn between her love for her father and Yagya,the love of her life.

JD Majethia says,Its a huge loss for us but we understand Yashpaljis plight. The rest of the story will continue the way it has been planned. We will use Yashpaljis episode bank for the time-being and take the story forward.

Dil Toh Baccha Hai on Zee Cinema

Zee Cinema is all set to launch a new slot titled Dil Toh Baccha Hai that will comprise eight Disney animated classic and contemporary movies,dubbed in Hindi and aired on Sunday morning at 10 am.

The line-up includes Finding Nemo,The Incredibles and Toy Story.

Says Mohan Gopinath,Business Head,Zee Cinema,We have earlier also telecast Hollywood films dubbed in Hindi. So,when the proposal of a tie-up of a world-class content with our channel came from Disney,we decided to partner with them. Each title has such a compelling family entertainment value and the essence of these movies is to bring the child out in each one of us. Also,the line-up perfectly fits in with Zee Cinemas Movies,Masti,Magic positioning. The series starts airing from September 19.

Roshni Chopra in Aahat

After being crowned as Desi Girl,Roshni Chopra appeared in an episode of Meethi Chhoori,and now is all set to do the horror series Aahat on Sony.

She will be part of an eight-part series that is based on a reality show format wherein every episode sees one character being bumped off. Roshni plays the protagonist.

Initially,the actress was a bit hesitant about taking up the show because she was about to promote her upcoming debut film Phirr and also was not keen on doing a short series.

But when the channel authorities assured Roshni that they just needed 20 days from her at a stretch,she went ahead because she wanted to explore this new genre.

Benaf aka baby in Jhansi Ki Rani

Even when she was barely knee-high,she walked away with international accolades for her turn as the cute lil Sasha in Santosh Sivans critically-acclaimed film Halo. You last saw her as the adorable Radhika in Baa Bahoo Aur Baby.

Benaf Dadachanji is now all set to make an entry in Zees historical saga Jhansi Ki Rani. Says Benaf,Im playing the role of a sweet,innocent girl Ganga in Jhansi Ki Rani. Shes the granddaughter of Dai Maa,the matron who attends to the Rani.

Benaf will be seen as a starry-eyed,small-town girl who gets overwhelmed looking at the huge palace of Maharaja Gangadhar Rao and all the luxuries it offers. The character will be seen getting deeply inspired by the Ranis bravery and valour.

Im quite kicked about the role! After performing the role of Baby for five long years,I took a break. I travelled a lot and then accepted this project because I found it rather off-the-beaten-track, explains Benaf,who started shooting for the show last weekend.

Baba Aiso Var Dhundo is about a female dwarf

Last week,we had mentioned that Imagine TVs new show Baba Aiso Var Dhundo,is based on the life of a girl who finds it difficult to find a groom because of her looks.

And the USP of the serial,according to Saurabh Tiwari,Programming Head,Imagine,is that the girl who is is acting in the serial is facing this problem in her real life. The channel is keeping her under wraps till the launch on September 20.

However,we have found that the girl is a dwarf whose height is only 3.5 8211; 4 feet. Apparently,it took around eight months to find the girl for this unique concept.

Ashish charms girls in Jodhpur

Ashish Sharma,who is currently shooting for his upcoming show Gunahon Ka Devta in Jodhpur,is collecting marriage proposals by the dozen!

Ashish,who plays Avdesh Singh Thakur,a bandit with a heart of gold,was earlier seen as an aspiring actor in Love Sex Aur Dhokha. It is nice but a bit embarrassing too when girls compliment me on my looks and their mothers come with marriage proposals for their daughters, grins Ashish.

However,he doesnt mind it in the least. I am happy,Avdeshs charm is working on them, he reckons.

8211; with Namita Nivas