Vandana Khandelwal: I never want to be in front of the camera!

 Ab Tere Bina lyricist Vandana Khandelwal doesn't want to try her hand at acting. "I never want to be in front of the camera. I enjoy the creative space. I have directed one music video and want to do more work as a director.

Also as a producer, I have produced a couple of web series, looking forward to doing more projects under my banner," said the lyricist, who hails from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. "I am a postgraduate. Being born with the perfect combination genes of a Marwari and a Bong, I believe I have been able to strike a balance between both creativity and business. From being a writer turned producer, it's been an interesting journey for me in the industry in the past three years," she shared.  Writing has always been her passion.
"Even as a kid, I used to write poems. Then I started writing quotes on Instagram which opened a new vertical for me. From writing quotes to writing jingles then eventually writing songs and scripts now," she said. Recalling her first break, she shared, "On TV my first break was the title track of Tu Aashiqui on Colors TV.  My first single was Love Da Tattoo, a Punjabi track on Yellow Music."
"I have done title tracks and songs for many TV shows like Tu Aashiqui, Bepannah, Beyhadh 2 and Inter Wala Love. I also did singles for Zee music, T-Series, Just Music like Dim Dim Light, Wajah, Judaai and Dil Ko Mere. I have had more than 20 song releases in the last 3 years," she added.
She feels that the entertainment industry has changed drastically over the years. "Today it's more content-driven and there is acceptance of varied genres and forms of music as it caters to a global audience. The artists are no longer dependent on big labels. It's the golden era for writers and content creators."
She has some favorite lyricists too. "Gulzar Sahab, the beauty of his poetry lies in his simplicity of expression yet so much depth and soul in the thought," said Vandana, who writes from the heart.
"My words are the pieces of my heart set free...to live a little within you and a little within me. I just write from my heart, it's like an instant connection, an instant thought and I go with the flow," she added and shared that had she not been a lyrics writer, she would have been an interior designer or a chef.

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ust 17 days after delivery Arpit Ranka's wife keeps Karwachauth fast, the actor is full of gratitude

 October has been a month full of blessings for actor Arpit Ranka as he and his wife, Nidhi, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, on October 7. While his wife is still in postpartum recovery, little did the actor know that she would continue the tradition of fasting on Karwa Chauth this year as well.   Karwachauth is an Indian festival where married women fast for the longevity and safety of their husbands. Nidhi has been keeping the fast for Arpit for 9 years now and she did not want to break the tradition this year. 

The "Mahabharat" actor said, "I have no words to explain my feelings. I did not want Nidhi to fast this year as she gave birth to our baby girl just 17 days back and her body is still recovering. She needs a lot of care and attention and I did not want her to put her body through any more pressure. But she still kept the fast, and it's a feeling which is very hard to explain. I have so much love and respect for her." 

Arpit further said, "This is her 10th year of Karwachauth. We have been married for nine years, but she fasted for me a year before we got married too. I know husbands also do a lot of things for their wives and their families, but what our wives do for our families needs to be appreciated every day."

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I would only consider myself a true lyricist when I will be able to deliver 10 percent of what Amitabh Bhattacharya does,” said Bollywood lyricist Alka khan

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is incomplete with its elaborate songs and the heart-touching lyrics it possesses. It has been observed that while the legendary lyricists are still dominating our industry, there are many young talents making a significant mark in bringing out songs that touch the audience’s hearts. One such artist is Alka Khan who has given us some great songs like ‘As Pass’ and ‘Higher’.

As she recently started out in the industry, we asked her who inspired her to become a lyricist, which she acclaimed. “I was always passionate about writing songs but when I came across the work of Amitabh Bhattacharya, I was truly inspired and in spite of my debut in the industry, I would only consider myself as a true lyricist when I am able to deliver at least 10 percent of what he delivers to the industry”. 

When asked about what sparked her interest in writing songs, she mentioned. “I inherited my love of writing from my father, and till today his shayaris inspire me to become a better writer. Being from Bareilly, my journey to Bollywood wasn’t easy but the support from my family and friends like Swati Sharma has been immense, and it inspired me to become better at my art”.

Alka Khan is bilingual and has been writing songs in English, Hindi, and Hinglish. She is working on some more drafts and is looking forward to mesmerizing her audience. 

Kashish Duggal: “Hari Mirch Lal Mirch is a saas bahu saga with a tadka!”

 Born and brought up in Delhi, Kashish Duggal has done over 100 TV series including Vishkanya – Ek Anokhi Prem Kahani, Hello Pratibha, Mooh Boli Shaadi, Bal Gopal Kare Dhamaal, films like Vishwas, Vidroh and Aakhiri Dastak. She earned her fame doing years of theatre and is known as the DD Queen in the that circle. She has also hosted LIVE shows on Doordarshan and some of her best work includes Kisi Ki Nazar Na Lage. In HMLM, she plays every actor’s dream dual role of Pushpi and Jwala. Both the characters are so different but they seem to have become an integral part of her being and she hopes that the characters get as much love as they deserve. Pushpi is a traditional, conformist, docile woman who is married into a family that has strong patriarchal values. She is a loving mother and matriarch who manages her family beautifully tending to the needs of one and all. She leads a dual life - that of being a ‘dabang’ police officer dreaded by criminal’s unknown to her family. Her husband supports her in this endeavour as she stives to constantly balance her family and career.  As Jwala, Kashish is a no-nonsense woman, a successful cop, strong, righteous, intimidating, brave, just and honest. From a ‘Saas’ who upholds traditions and patriarchal value systems within her family, as Jwala, she realises the value of individuality and liberty of women. Here, Kashish talks about her new show & more.

 

What is HMLM about?

Hari Mirch Lal Mirch Ek Teekhi Ek Karaari, It's a dramedy, the first in its genre on Azaad. (Drama and comedy). A saas bahu saga with a tadka.

 

How did you come on board for the show?

It wasn't as easy as it may seem to be. I auditioned for it in February during COVID lockdown. I practiced on my own and signed the show in April end. My journey from my self-tests to finally shooting for the show is in itself a story to tell.

 

What attracted you to play Pushpi?

Pushpi is a very loving mother, a dotting wife and an Adarsh bahu. I personally resonate with Pushpi as for her too, her family is her world, just as it is for Kashish.

 

Challenges to play the role?

The biggest challenge is the dual life Pushpi lives that is of ACP Jwala and Pushpi. They are both two extremely opposite personalities of one woman and its creatively very satisfying to enact.

 

 

How much are you similar/dissimilar to Pushpi?

Totally alike... Except the cultural background.

 

How did your acting journey begin?

 It all began when I was 11 years of age. I guess destiny had planned it for me. I'm always told that I am very expressive while I dance and that got me into the limelight.

 

A character that you loved playing?

Vanshika Banerjee and Kammo...a double role in 'Kissi Ki Nazar Na Lage'. It was a daily soap on Doordarshan that was produced and directed by Raja Mukherjee. 

 

Changes in TV industry you have seen?

Technology is changing every day and so is our industry. There are pros and cons to every situation and change. There's more scope to work for all with new opportunities on OTT platforms and upcoming channels like Azaad. It gives a chance to more and more talent.  One thing that really happened for the good during the pandemic was the self-tests which did not require the actors to doll up to the offices and waste hours and hours in travelling and wasting money on fuel. On the other hand, the casting now depends on the number of followers one has on social platforms, which is the most disheartening. The most deserving and experienced people are left out on this basis.

Watch Hari Mirch Lal Mirch Ek Teekhi Ek Karaari at 8:30 PM, every Monday to Saturday, on Azaad. The channel is available on Tata Sky 183, DD FreeDish Channel no 36 and free on MX Player.

&TV artists’ Karva Chauth celebrations

 Karva Chauth is celebrated with great fervour and vigour nationwide, where women fast for their husband’s long life while single women fast to get a good groom. Celebrating Karva Chauth will be &TV actors Akansha Sharma of Aur Bhai Kya Chal Ra Hai, Sapna Sikarwar (Bimlesh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) and Archana Mittal (Anuradha Agarwal, Ghar Ek Mandir-Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki). 

Akansha Sharma (Aur Bhai Kya Chal Ra Hai) says, “This festival celebrates the unbreakable bond between the husband and wife. I eagerly look forward to this day every year. I wake up early in the morning for Sargi, and towards the early evening, all women in my house and society gather for the puja. It is that time of the year when women thoroughly dress up all in their finery. Mehandi application is one of most favourite activities along with buying beautiful bangles. Mother-in-law and I eagerly await for the moon and then break our fast with water and sweet.” Sapna Sikarwar (Bimlesh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan) shares, “If there is one day where I get the most attention and pampered, it is the day of Karva Chauth. Every year I observe fast on that day. Different energy flows within me that makes me have the least food craving on Karva Chauth! I love the application of henna on my hands and be ready with the solah sringaar. My husband takes me on a long drive after diner, and we click lots of photos too. As every year, I am eagerly looking forward to Karva Chauth.” 

Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) shares, “Karva Chauth holds a special place in my heart because of the customs that my family has been following over the years. Every year my in-laws visit us a day before prep for the festival the next day. My mother-in-law and I wake up early in the morning to have sargi while my father-in-law and husband serve us food. My husband and father-in-law pamper my mother-in-law and me throughout the day. Dressing up for this day always tops my list. It’s been 20 years, and I still feel the jitters in my stomach when my husband gifts me something on this day.” Archana Mittal (Anuradha Agarwal, Ghar Ek Mandir-Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki) shares, “I’ve been married for the past twenty years and have celebrated Karva Chauth every year since. I am married in a Marwadi family, and I am a Punjabi, so there’s a difference in the customs. In Punjabi’s, we have the Sargi before Sunrise, whereas here in my household, there isn’t a Sargi; instead, we keep the Karva made of mud with sugar, mithai and thirteen wheat grains later used for the vidhi. Also, my husband loves me a little too much and tries his best to fast every year but fails (laughs). Lastly, I would like to wish all the beautiful women with a very happy Karva Chauth.” 

Watch Archana Mittal as Anuradha Agarwal in Ghar Ek Mandir-Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki at 9:00 PM, Akansha Sharma as Sakina Mirza in Aur Bhai Kya Chal Raha Hai at 9:30 PM, Sapna Sikarwar as Bimlesh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan and Shubhangi Atre as Angoori Bhabi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV

From singing at a bar to becoming a famous YouTuber, Bhuvan Bam opens up about his journey like never before on Zee Comedy Show

 Popular YouTuber Bhuvan Bam will be seen as the special guest on Zee Comedy Show on this Sunday ~

 

Even as the pandemic continues to cast its shadow of stress, Zee TV is attempting to lighten up the country's collective mood by offering its viewers an escape from all the stress via the route of rib-tickling comedy through its popular reality show, Zee Comedy Show. While the show has helped every Indian family unwind on their couch with some of India's top comedians making them LOL their stress away, this Sunday we will see the funny yet dapper YouTuber Bhuvan Bam making a special appearance on the show. Known for his fun-loving persona and great sense of humor, Bhuvan will make the audience howl with laughter, while promoting his upcoming web series, ‘Dhindora’. However, it will be the ten comedians of Zee Comedy Show who will come together as a Team Hasaayenge to make each one of us laugh out loud this time!

 

While the hilarious acts put up by all the comedians coupled with the witty reactions and comments of our Laughing Buddha Farah Khan left everyone in splits during the shoot, it was Bhuvan Bam’s unexpected revelation that left everyone surprised. Just after Aditya Narayan welcomed Bhuvan on the show, the latter when on to share an interesting anecdote from the time when he had just begun his career and how he went about writing his own web project. 

 

YouTuber Bhuvan Bam revealed, “I was about 20 years old when I started singing in a bar, it was a unique experience for me, I was even given free food during my shifts. That was the perk of my job that I loved. I have always been precise about my work and was always punctual, even if it was my first gig, to now when I have to perform for my YouTube channel. I guess that has helped me get where I am today. I actually started writing my new web series Dhindora four years ago. It's like my baby project wherein I am playing 10 characters in it. In fact, all of my YouTube characters are in it with a few more. Now when I watch it, I feel glad we pulled it off since showcasing all the characters together was a big challenge.”

 

While Bhuvan Bam’s revelation will surely surprise all of us, you cannot miss the comic acts by all the artistes of Zee Comedy Show during this weekend’s episode.

 

To have a hearty laugh and drive away your stress, tune in to Zee Comedy Show this Saturday and Sunday at 10 PM, only on Zee TV

 

*Nitin Kumar Gupta L.A.C controversy: I was disturbed at the propaganda my film was being used for, but as a director I felt satisfied that my work looked this authentic*

 Nitin Kumar Gupta’s forthcoming project LAC recently courted controversy. Stills and videos from the film, mistaken to be real happening in the Indo-China border, went viral. The director shares that they were not expecting something like this to happen with the film that stars actors Rahul Roy and Nishant Singh Malkhani, among others.

 

“I was shooting my new film in Russia when my friends forwarded some Twitter posts where footage from my film L.A.C was shown as Indian soldiers having captured 150 Chinese soldiers. I thought it was a one-off post but then I started receiving messages from everywhere about this news. I also found out that on the other side, Chinese websites were using stills from my film to show the victory of their soldiers. I was disturbed at the propaganda my film was being used for, but as a director I also felt satisfied that my film looked authentic enough to convince viewers. I immediately issued a clarification on my Instagram account,” says Nitin.

 

The film L.A.C. is loosely based on incidents and activities that happen at our borders. 

“We used real life incidents and fictionalised them. Since we used over 500 actors for some scenes, it was impossible to keep cell phone filming under control. Some of the actors filmed the fight sequences and uploaded them on their YouTube channels. Parts of these were picked up by various viewers and used for the wrong reasons,” he explains further.

 

Filmed in the winter of 2020 in real war locations in Kargil for over 25 days, L.A.C, according to Nitin, is Bollywood''s first single shot film. It runs without a single cut. Real army costumes and gears were used to make it look real. The post production of L.A.C has just been completed in Russia. “We have offers from a few OTT platforms but we are looking for a theatrical release if possible,” says the director.

  It is often said that both good and bad publicity helps. “Yes, controversy surrounding a film always leads to hype. But if the controversy causes negative feelings towards the subject or to anyone in real life, I would rather stay away from such controversies. The intention of a film should be to entertain, not hurt anyone,” adds Nitin.