Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 29, 2016)


The actor is all for the new medium. “Web series are the in-thing right now,” he says, adding, “Not many people go to theatres to watch films and TV is being hogged by the naagins. Web series, on the other hand, show content that is relatable to today’s youth and can be watched by people anywhere. Also, when Balaji offered me the series, it was an opportunity to work with them again after Parichay (which aired three years ago), a show that saw much success and won several awards. Besides, the script is interesting. I couldn’t stop reading it.”

The thriller, which revolves around an extramarital affair, has Samir playing a tycoon. “The story is a contemporary one and will push boundaries,” says the actor, who co-stars with Dipannita Sharma and Aditi Vasudev (of Suleimani Keeda fame). Sonam Nair (who helmed Gippy) is directing the series.

The series is expected to be bold and have intimate scenes. “It will definitely be talked about,” agrees the actor, who is looking forward to the response to the series.

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; June 1, 2016)

It's not uncommon for actors to indulge in ego battles on the set. However, this one takes the cake — and cherry too.

A source from the sets of daily soap Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai reveals that the lead actresses, Amrita Rao and Aditi Vasudev, do not get along. Incidentally, the show revolves around two sisters who are not on talking terms. What’s more, there is apparently so much bitterness between the two girls that the production house was forced to rope in a second director to manage the shoot.

Says the source, “A few weeks ago, Amrita and Aditi refused to shoot together. The makers were worried sick because the actresses still have some scenes together.” To ensure that the show goes on, the production house roped in another director, Mohammad Eijaz, to take care of Aditi’s scenes while Kushal Zaveri, the original director, continues to helm Amrita’s portions. “With this, the two don’t even cross each other’s paths on the sets. They shoot separately and it has now become a headache for the makers to stick to this arrangement everyday,” adds the source.

When we got in touch with Aditi, she said, “I really don’t want to say anything about this. Plus, I am shooting at the moment.” Amrita, on the other hand, didn’t respond to our calls or messages.

Sonup Sahadevan (MID-DAY; May 8, 2015)

Of late, Bollywood has been plunging into uncharted waters, exploring themes that were hitherto untouched. It has emerged that filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, who is known for his experimentations with offbeat cinema, has written a short film on circumcision.

Titled Skin Deep, the project has been helmed by his assistant Hardik Mehta and is part of Chaar Cutting, a collection of four short films.

The movie revolves around the trials and tribulations of a young couple after the guy undergoes circumcision. Aditi Vasudev and Naveen Kasturia of Sulemani Keeda fame play the lead pair.

Says debutant director Hardik, “We have touched upon a topic that is still considered a taboo in our society.
Vikramaditya has given the story a quirky twist.”