Showing posts with label Amar Upadhyay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amar Upadhyay. Show all posts
Maybe the next Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi season will be much earlier-Amar Upadhyay
10:07 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 12, 2026)
When Ektaa R Kapoor revived Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi for a second season in July 2025, it was a defining moment for its legion of fans. After a 15-month run, the Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay-led family drama is set to wind up on October 20. It’s a bittersweet moment for Upadhyay aka Mihir Virani.
“All good things come to an end,” the actor told mid-day, before adding, “It was supposed to be 167 episodes. But with Kyunki… doing really well, it got an extension in January. Then it kept on getting extended. But we were prepared that it would close at one point.”
So, is it the final goodbye from the Viranis? The family was first introduced in 2000; soon Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi topped TRP charts and became a landmark offering in Hindi television, running for eight years. Considering the show was revived 17 years later, Upadhyay is hopeful that it’s not the end of the road yet.
“It might come back in the future. This time, it returned after nearly 20 years; maybe the next season will be much earlier.”
The actor had exited the JioHotstar and Star TV offering in May for four months. He returned only last week. He revealed that his contract had ended, leading to his absence.
“Negotiations were happening, and, then the [narrative] shifted. The makers wanted to wind up the old track and then bring me back in a big way. Unfortunately, by the time I returned, it was time to wind up.”
Social media makes every emotion public-Amar Upadhyay
9:45 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 24, 2026)
With Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi introducing a six-year leap a couple of months ago, Amar Upadhyay’s portrayal of Mihir saw a significant shift. Before the leap, the character entered a morally ambiguous space, drifting emotionally and developing feelings for another woman, which unsettled viewers deeply invested in Mihir and Tulsi’s relationship. In today’s hyperconnected world, that narrative turn sparked immediate and intense reactions online.
Reflecting on the backlash, he says, “Initially, it did affect me because no matter how long you’ve been around, you’re still human. I was a little taken aback because Mihir wasn’t shown as someone with wrong intentions. He was emotionally conflicted, not manipulative or negative. Then I realized that such strong reactions come from the audience’s deep attachment to the character. When people respond so intensely, it means they care, and that helped me see it with more understanding.”
During the show’s original run, similar twists played out without the amplified scrutiny of social media. Today, reactions are instant and far more visible.
He shares, “Earlier, conversations happened at home or among friends. Today, social media makes every emotion public and immediate. People react instantly, sometimes even before the story has a chance to unfold fully. That adds pressure, but it also teaches you patience. Anyway, all is well now because Mihir is back to being what he always was, and people are liking it.”
Experience, he admits, has helped him develop perspective. He says, “With time, you learn what deserves your attention and what doesn’t. I value constructive feedback, but I don’t let random opinions disturb my peace anymore. Social media reactions are momentary, but your work and the honesty you bring to it are what truly last.”
He finds the current phase of Mihir creatively fulfilling. He says, “As an actor, this is extremely exciting. Mihir today isn’t just a heroic figure; he’s layered, emotional, and vulnerable. Those grey areas make him more human. Exploring that complexity keeps me creatively motivated and allows me to grow as a performer.”
Portraying morally complex characters has also made him reflect on how easily viewers blur the line between fiction and reality. “Audiences invest emotionally, which is beautiful, but sometimes that investment blurs the line between the character and the actor. I see it as a compliment that people feel so deeply. Our role is to present honest situations and let audiences think and feel, not to dictate judgment,” he concludes.
Amar Upadhyay on being compared to Shah Rukh Khan–Kajol jodi with Smriti Irani: "We are the OGs of romance"
9:38 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (BOMBAY TIMES; September 29, 2025)
While he doesn’t get much time to celebrate Navratri now, “playing garba is therapeutic and a great stressbuster” for Amar Upadhyay.
The Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi actor, who was born and brought up in Mumbai, shares, “I miss playing garba. During my childhood, I used to play garba every day during Navratri. But now, I am usually busy with work and so, I just visit garba venues for appearances. This time, I am shooting daily during Navratri, so I haven’t been to any event. Once I moved to Malad, regular celebrations became rare. We would take our children to garba events till the time they turned teenagers. Now, they go out on their own whenever possible.” Excerpts from a chat:
‘My father used to sing garbas’
I grew up in Kandivali, and Navratri was always fun. My friends and I would be excited the moment we saw the tempo filled with mandap ka saaman, and people setting it up. My father is a singer; he used to sing garbas at our pandal which was located between two housing societies, and we used to play garba. We waited for the weekend, as Saturday ko puri raat garba chalta tha. Hum garba khelne ke baad chai pite thay, prasad khaate thay. There were no garba classes then, so my friends and I used to decide every day that aaj yeh step karenge (laughs). My childhood memories of Navratri are fantastic. I prefer donning only traditional outfits, especially simple kurta-pyjamas. As kids, we got new kurtas every Navratri and wore them. Phir last ke dino mein wohi kurtas repeat bhi karte thay (laughs).
‘Filmi songs have no connection to the festival’
I believe old is gold. The garba songs we have grown up listening to are the actual ones. Today, we hear filmi songs during Navratri, which have no connection to the festival. Understandably, everything has become commercial now. But I feel Navratri playlists shouldn’t lose the Gujarati touch. There are so many garba and folk songs in our culture which are so rich, so why not do garba on those? We (Gujaratis) are known for our garba songs across the world, so we should preserve and cherish them.
‘Navratri celebrations in my hometown are very traditional’
I am from Bhiloda, and Navratri celebrations there are beautiful, pure, traditional and wholesome. I was there for Navratri some years ago, and we celebrated every day. We played garba all night and used to sleep all morning. My father and aunt used to sing garba there, and be it dance steps or outfits, everything is traditional. My father still goes there every year and shares pictures and videos.
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 30, 2025)
Life has not been the same ever since Amar Upadhyay returned as his most-loved character Mihir Virani in Ektaa R Kapoor’s Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. The reactions to the popular show have left him overwhelmed and thrilled. The best part is the ever-changing landscape of television, shares the actor.
“I am enjoying it more than the first season because of the different scenes, better writing, level of performances, and the way it is shot. Technological enhancements like the camera setups [have advanced]. We can shoot in one flow and close-ups can be taken simultaneously with the master shots,” explains the actor.
Upadhyay laughs when Smriti Irani and he are referred to as the Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan of television. He says, “Mihir and Tulsi are the OGs of romance.”
However, he feels that their experience of working together for years translates on screen. He notes, “We just read our lines and know what is required for the scene, what can make it stronger, and more impactful.”
While storytelling has changed, what thrills Upadhyay is the flood of offers pouring in — from movies, TV shows, to web series. He has greenlit a few roles that see him play a cop and a lawyer among others, but finding time for everything has become a challenge.
“I have been approached to play a cop in one, along with a superstar. It’s been a dream to play a policeman or lawyer or maybe do a love story or hardcore gangster role. I got another offer for a crime drama on OTT, but because I am shooting every day, I haven’t been able to do many meetings,” he says.
The daily soap, said to air for another six months, has the actor working 28 days a month. So much so that when a TV show came his way, he had to let it go. “I am so tied up with Kyunki... that I cannot take them up as Mihir and Tulsi are there in almost every scene,” he signs off.
Many unaware of Dr Pranjivan Mehta’s role in Gandhi ji’s life-Amar Upadhyay
10:16 AM
Amar Upadhyay reveals he is playing Dr Pranjivan Mehta, one of the Mahatma’s closest friends, in Gandhi; says the series spotlights his contributions in shaping the leader
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 11, 2025)
There are roles that are all too familiar for an actor, and then there are those that take them on a path of discovery. While stepping into the role of Mihir Virani for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 came naturally to Amar Upadhyay, being part of Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi led him to a novel character. The actor reveals that he plays Dr Pranjivan Mehta in the Pratik Gandhi-led web series that examines the man behind the Mahatma. “All I can say is the audience will see me in a different look and performance,” says Upadhyay.
Little is known about Pranjivan, who was among the Mahatma’s closest friends. A Doctor of Medicine (MD) and lawyer by education, and a jeweller by profession, he met Gandhi when the latter arrived in London in 1888 to study law. That encounter at Victoria Hotel marked the start of a deep friendship, and later Pranjivan provided financial and moral support to the leader’s movements in South Africa and India, including the Satyagraha movement. Some historical accounts suggest that he was the first to refer to Gandhi as Mahatma in 1909, when he used the term in a letter addressed to Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Gandhi’s book Hind Swaraj is said to be based on the exchanges between Pranjivan and him.
Upadhyay is thrilled to portray a man who deeply influenced the leader. Interestingly, the actor had auditioned for another part. “But Hansal sir felt I should play Dr Pranjivan Mehta. Many are unaware of Dr Mehta, but after the show releases, people will know his role in Gandhiji’s life. It was a challenge to put myself in that era. But when I got into the attire, I slipped into that persona automatically. Plus, Hansal sir was always there to tell us if we went overboard.”
For the actor, who was briefly seen in Scoop (2023), reuniting with Hansal is always a joy. He notes that the filmmaker has unusual trust in his artistes. “He can gauge whether an actor can manage on his own or needs help. Sometimes, when he knows that two actors are capable of taking the scene [in a particular direction], he may change their style. He can calmly handle any situation. In the worst of situations, he will say, ‘No problem, ho jayega’.”
Upadhyay is equally impressed by his co-actor Pratik. “He is a simple and down-to-earth actor who is very involved in his craft,” he shares.
Who was Dr Mehta?
Pranjivan Mehta was an MD who first met Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, then 19, when the latter had arrived in London in 1888. The two became friends. Over the years, he provided financial and moral support to Gandhi’s movements in South Africa and India. He is credited as the first to refer to Gandhi as Mahatma. Historical accounts suggest that in 1909, he used the term in a letter addressed to Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 launch date delayed-Amar Upadhyay
9:43 AM
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 30, 2025)
The buzz around Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 (KSBKBT) has been growing louder, but fans will have to wait a little longer than expected for its return. The show’s comeback has hit a brief pause.
A well-placed source tells us, “The show had to go on air on July 3 but now the launch date has been pushed. Ektaa (R Kapoor, producer) wanted some changes in the set and is reworking that. Hence, the delay.”
Actor Amar Upadhyay, who returns as the OG Mihir Virani opposite actor Smriti Irani’s Tulsi, says that the delay has everything to do with the set being reimagined to perfection: “It’s true. The set had to be reworked. Apparently, the colour combination on screen wasn’t translating the way it should. Ektaa knows exactly what she wants — she’s a perfectionist. And this is Kyunki, not just another show. It’s a legacy. She wants to do what’s best for it.”
While the show may no longer launch on July 3 — which would’ve marked 25 years since the original went on air — filming will begin on that date. “The mahurat shoot will take place on the 25th anniversary of the original premiere. It’s symbolic. To start again on the same date, feels like a full circle moment. The nostalgia is hitting hard. But this time, we’re stepping into it with new energy, updated storytelling, and a set that’s being crafted down to the last detail,” Amar adds.
We reached out to Ektaa regarding the development, but she was unavailable for comment.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 is being made keeping Gen Z in mind-Amar Upadhyay
9:26 AM
Having kicked off the shoot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, Amar Upadhyay, who will be seen reprising his role of Mihir, says the show will be made relatable to Gen Z and introduce the iconic serial to a new audience
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 21, 2025)
That opening song is unmistakable. Between 2000 and 2008, it would play at almost every home as families sat down post-dinner to watch the latest episode of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Will families tune in with the same enthusiasm as Ektaa R Kapoor’s show returns with a new season, 17 years after it went off air? Amar Upadhyay aka Mihir Virani hopes so. The actor began shooting for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 at Film City, Goregaon, on June 18.
Being offered the reboot felt surreal, he says. “In April, Tanusri [Dasgupta, Executive Vice President, Balaji Telefilms] called to say that Kyunki 2 was [in the works] and Ektaa wanted me to play Mihir. I said I’d love to play him again as it changed my life,” Upadhyay recalls.
Of course, Kyunki… would’ve been incomplete without Smriti Irani aka Tulsi Virani. She was the first to be roped in for the show. “Tanu said this season is Mihir and Tulsi’s story, and I said I’m on. I didn’t listen to my role; I just said yes. I trust Ektaa and her judgment,” Upadhyay adds.
The two co-stars, who built successful careers after the TV show, met at Kapoor’s birthday party earlier this month.
Upadhyay says, “Smriti and I have been in touch over the years. The day after the party, we had a narration where Ektaa narrated the entire story. Before she came in, Kamalika [Guha Thakurta], Shakti Anand, Smriti, and I were talking and laughing; we picked up where we had all left so many years ago.”
Will the show carry forward the Virani family’s story, with Mihir and Tulsi having matured as characters? “Of course,” he says, before adding, “TV content and audiences have changed. Kyunki… was different when it was first launched, and today it will be different too. We’re making it keeping Gen Z in mind. They have heard about the show from their parents. From teenagers to senior citizens, there is excitement across age groups for the show.”
Smriti Irani and my interaction is exactly how it it used to be 25 years ago-Amar Upadhyay
3:48 PM
Amar Upadhyay talks about playing Mihir Virani again after two decades in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; June 16, 2025)
After 17 years, the TV show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is set to return with Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay reprising their popular characters, Tulsi and Mihir Virani. In an exclusive chat, Amar shares, “I didn’t think Kyunki... would still be such a big deal, especially with so many shows airing today. But people from all age groups seem excited. They keep asking me about Tulsi and Mihir, about the show, and it’s made me realise how deep the connection still is. So, yes, the pressure is definitely there this time.”
‘The story justifies the return of each character’
Ask him how the reboot will handle the time gap, and Amar says the makers have taken that into account. “The story justifies the return of each character and how their relationships have evolved. The love between Mihir and Tulsi has matured. We’ve all grown as people and actors, and that shows in the story,” he shares.
The last time he exited the show, Mihir was written off with a dramatic death – only to be resurrected later due to overwhelming viewer demand. This time, he says with a smile, “Mihir is here to stay – right till the final episode.”
‘Smriti has always been grounded, and that hasn’t changed’
The second season of the show marks Smriti’s return to acting after 15 years. Amar says that despite Smriti’s political stature, she remains the same. He says, “When I met her at Ekta Kapoor’s house, it felt like no time had passed. We were just the same. She joked, ‘Tu boodha kab hoga?’ and I said, ‘Abhi time hai’ (laughs). She’s always been grounded, and that hasn’t changed one bit. Our interaction was exactly how it used to be 25 years ago.”
‘You can’t cast me and then underutilize me’
Amar doesn’t subscribe to the notion that male actors are sidelined in female-led shows. He says, “It depends on the actor. I’ve always given my best to all my shows and the audience has loved me equally in shows that were considered female-oriented. Relegation doesn’t happen when an actor is confident in his craft and knows what he brings to the table.”
That confidence also stems from the deliberate choices he has made over the years. “You can’t cast me and then underutilize me,” he says, adding, “I want to play a pivotal role — I can’t just be made to stand in a corner. That applies not just to television, but films as well. I won’t take on a token role. Even if I’m there for a short time, my character needs to be well etched. That’s what I’ve earned over the years in this industry.”
Dekh Bhai Dekh was way ahead of its time; such are not being made now-Vishal Singh
8:33 AM
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; May 7, 2023)
It was in May, three decades ago, when Dekh Bhai Dekh introduced the Diwan family and in no time, the show became an important part of many people’s evening routine. The members of the Diwan family not just made people laugh with their silly antics and subtle humour, but left such a mark that even after 30 years, their names still make people smile. The iconic show still evokes nostalgia and is remembered as one of most popular sitcoms of the ’90s, with a stellar cast that included names like Farida Jalal, Navin Nischol, Sushma Seth and Deven Bhojani.
As the show completes three decades this year, three actors who started their showbiz journey with the show tell us what makes Dekh Bhai Dekh one of the most loved sitcoms even after so many years.
A SIMPLE, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN SHOW THAT KIND OF WRITINGIS NOT THERE ANYMORE: AMAR UPDHYAY
Amar Upadhyay made his acting debut with Dekh Bhai Dekh and says that he owes a lot to it. It helped him meet his mentor, Aanand Mahendroo (director of the show), gave him a chance to work with actors like Shekhar Suman, Farida Jalal and others and gave direction to his acting career.
“I remember that Aanand Mahendroo saw my pictures and contacted me and asked me if I had acted before. I told him that I had done some commercials. He told me that doing a TV show is a lot different and asked me to repeat some lines after him. I did that and the next day I was on the sets! I was shooting with senior actors like Shekhar Suman and Farida Jalal, who I had only seen on screen till then,” says Amar, adding, “I was introduced in the show in the eighth or ninth episode and a few days after that, my mom and aunt were travelling in a train and they overheard some people talking about Sahil Chachu (his character), and that he had a pleasant personality. And that was such a happy moment for my mom. So that show gave me an identity. ”
He adds that the best part about the show was its writing. “Even after generations when we will talk about TV comedy writing, we will talk about Dekh Bhai Dekh. It was simple, pure humour, and it was a beautifully written show. We don’t see that kind of writing anymore. Aanand Mahendroo was writing in the morning, shooting in the noon and editing it himself at night,” says Amar.
PEOPLE HAD AN INSTANTANT CONNECT WITH THE DIWANS: URVASHI DHOLAKIA
Urvashi Dholakia was in Class X when she started shooting for the show and remembers how she would finish her school at 1pm and rush for the shoot at RK Studios. “I was a very quiet girl and the character I was playing, Shilpa, was the complete opposite, so I enjoyed playing it. It was one of the first sitcoms with so many senior actors – Farida ji, Sushma Seth ji, Liliput ji, Satish Shah ji. Now when I think of it, it is rare that one gets so lucky to work with such a cast,” says Urvashi, adding that even after so many years, people talk to her about Dekh Bhai Dekh.
“Almost every day someone approaches me or writes to me on social media about how much they miss Dekh Bhai Dekh or how much they loved the show. I think anyone who watched the show had an instant connect with the Diwan family, the setting was so realistic – we didn’t have those extravagant sets, the characters in that show were so relatable. The show will always remain special and maybe I will watch the show again soon with my children now,” says Urvashi.
THE WAY IT PRESENTED DAY-TO-DAY LIFE IN A HUMOROUS WAY WAS EXCELLENT: VISHAL SINGH
For Vishal Singh, the sets of Dekh Bhai Dekh was no less than an acting school. “I learnt so much from working with so many senior actors,” says Vishal, adding that a lot of thought went into making each episode.
“Those kind of shows are not being made now. There was a lot of creative freedom and the team worked hard to ensure that each episode was different and perfect. It was one of the first few shows to have a three camera set up at that time. It was way ahead of its time, both in terms of writing and technical aspects. The production team would spend around two-three days on one episode to make sure that the quality was unmatched,” says Vishal.
Vishal says that everyone he met found the characters relatable. “The way it presented day-to-day life in a humorous way was excellent. I remember we had to shoot a scene where I was falling from the stairs and we took 60 takes to get that right. I still laugh when I watch that scene,” adds Vishal.
Vishal Singh played Sanjay Diwan and Urvashi Dholakia played his girlfriend Shilpa
After 100 episodes, Amar Upadhyay exits from his co-production, Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho
8:20 AM
Amar, who had turned producer with Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho, walks out of the show after 100 episodes citing creative differences with co-producer
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; April 7, 2023)
In January, Amar Upadhyay had told mid-day that he was excited about turning producer with Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho that also saw him as one of the lead actors (It’s not an easy job, but it’s exciting, Jan 4). Four months and 100 episodes on, the actor-producer is exiting the Shemaroo Umang daily soap. Reason? Upadhyay attributes the decision to “creative differences” between him and Suhail Zaidi, with whom he had launched his production house, Hawk Eye Vision.
“After a while, my [business] partner and I started having creative differences, which later [escalated]. Our views were not matching, be it creative or financial. We were not on the same page anymore. It would ruin the show, and I didn’t want it to get affected,” he explains. Leaving Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho has been a heart-breaking decision for Upadhyay, who was thrilled that his maiden production had become “the number one show [on the channel].”
However, he feels now is the best time to drop out of the offering. “My character’s [Karan Pratap Singh] graph was coming to an end. So, it was the best time to move out of the company as well. It was my story, my product, and finances. So, I left the show with a heavy heart.”
What will be the way forward for the show, also starring Priyanka Dhavale and Haarsh Nagar? “I don’t know what will be the show’s fate. It is the channel’s decision on who will run the show, and replace me.”
The word kyunki is one of my favourite words and will always be-Amar Upadhyay
8:09 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 28, 2022)
Amar Upadhyay is best known as television’s original Mihir Virani because of the popular character he played in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi many years ago. Over the years, the actor has been part of many TV shows and has a special connection with the word kyunki. And now, when he has turned a TV producer, he has chosen a title for his show, which begins with the word kyunki.
In an exclusive chat, Amar reveals, “Yes, I am producing and acting in a show titled Kyunki Tum Hi Ho where I will play a character called Karan Pratap Singh who is from Gwalior.”
Ask him about his connection with the word and he says, “When we were all deciding the name along with channel officials, we did not think of my TV show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. It happened quite organically that we came up with the title. . . Kyunki Tum Hi Ho. We chose it based on the story of the show.”
However, he adds, “This particular word is one of my favourite words and will always be, because Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has changed many lives, including mine. That show is still one of the biggest hits on TV and even today when people talk about it, they just use the first word kyunki, not eventhe entire name. It is ingrained in the minds of the audience.”
Donning the producer’s hat and also playing the lead of a show is a lot of responsibility, he agrees, but is equally excited about it, too. He shares, “Initially, I was just producing the show, but when we were thinking about actors to play this role, the channel suggested that I should do it and after giving it some thought, I agreed. While I am involved in the creative aspects of production, on the sets I just focus on my performance as an actor.”
Given that in recent times, many shows have wrapped up within a span of three to six months, does that bother him? “Yes, it does bother me, not as an actor, but as a businessman. Somewhere it is there at the back of my mind. That risk is always there, but I feel that shouldn’t stop anyone from making shows and telling stories that they are passionate about. Having said that, yes, numbers and ratings matter and for that, we are putting in all our efforts into this show which is very different from what one has seen on TV so far,” says Amar who was recently seen in the film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
I shouldn’t have been so greedy as an actor-Amar Upadhyay
8:30 AM
Amar Upadhyay regrets quitting his hit show to try his luck in films; adds signing multiple projects took a toll on his health
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 7, 2022)
Actor Amar Upadhyay has been in the industry for almost three decades. However, he feels he has “just started” his career. “Especially with films, I feel I’ve just begun,” says Upadhyay, who featured in director Anees Bazmee’s hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
The actor rose to fame when he played Mihir Virani in the iconic show, Kyunki ... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. However, Upadhyay quit the show for films. Looking back, he recalls, “When I left Kyunki, it was a hard decision, because I was loaded with so much work. I had three movies in hand and was lead in six projects.”
The 45-year-old says that back then, he was a greedy artiste. “I shouldn’t have been so greedy as an actor. Today, I would have stuck to Kyunki and told them to wait,” he shares, as he goes on to reminisce about the years 2001 and 2002, which were extremely difficult for him.
“I didn’t sleep properly, which took a toll on my mind and body. I wasn’t able to give time to myself, forget family. Everyone was getting hassled, including my producers, since I couldn’t give them time for shoots. It was a big mess for dates. Some gave me an ultimatum and a few producers would have gone bankrupt if I left mid-way. I created a lot of mess concerning the dates,” the actor ends.
During Kyunki, there wasn’t a concept of vanity vans and we all used to get ready in a big room in a basement-Amar Upadhyay
8:23 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; February 24, 2022)
The iconic TV show Kyunki...Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which aired on Indian television 22 years ago, is back on the small screen. One of the longest-running daily soaps on TV, it made lead pair Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay stars overnight. Talking about the Kyunki... days, Amar Upadhyay gets all nostalgic. “I had been hearing for a while now that the makers and the channel wanted to rerun Kyunki... and finally, it is there on air,” he says.
Adding further, the Molki actor says, “It is a good feeling to have that show back on TV. A lot of my new young fans, who haven't seen me in Kyunki... will now get a chance. It is the only TV drama to have touched such high ratings in those days, especially when the death of my character was aired and then when I returned to the show.”
Amar wasn’t supposed to be in the show forever, he reveals. “Not many people know but when I had signed the show, I was told that my journey is going to be there till finite episodes only. But, the entire team had a lot of masti at that time since there wasn’t a concept of vanity vans and we all used to get ready in a big room in a basement which was divided into two parts. The whole gang of ours, including Smriti, had some really wonderful moments. Now when I shoot, I see that people are mostly busy in themselves, and are sitting in their vanity vans or their rooms, which didn’t happen earlier.”
The rumours of the remake of this show have also been doing the rounds for quite some time now. “I have heard about the sequel or the remake of Kyunki being in the pipeline. The remake of Kyunki is going to be the mother of all remakes, whenever it happens. Smriti, I think will not be able to be a part of it since she is a minister now, but if given a choice I would love to be a part of it again,” he says.
In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, I am paired opposite Tabu and Kiara [Advani] plays my sister-Amar Upadhyay
8:34 AM
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi actor Amar Upadhyay on his new-found popularity with his daily soap Molkki and bagging Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; August 31, 2021)
No matter how many roles he breathes life into, Amar Upadhyay continues to be synonymous with Mihir Virani, his much-loved character in Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. However, the actor claims he has got a new lease of life and a new fan base, thanks to his latest offering, Molkki. “Despite the onset of COVID and a dearth of job opportunities, I am fortunate to be working in a socially relevant show like Molkki.”
Upadhyay is thrilled that while his ardent fans continue to follow his work, Molkki has helped him to connect with a new section of the audience. “A lot of young children and people from all walks of life, who [probably] have not seen me in Kyunki... have started liking me, my personality, and performance,” says the actor.
Another reason why he holds the show close to his heart is because of its central theme. “The show has not only made a difference in my life, but has also affected villages that practice molkki [a practice of selling the daughter]. Sajjangarh, a village in Rajasthan, decided to eradicate the molkki pratha after watching the show. That is a radical change, and I am proud to be part of it.”
The actor has a big-ticket project in the Kartik Aaryan-starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. “In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, I am paired opposite Tabu and Kiara [Advani] plays my sister.”
With the horror-comedy, Upadhyay has fulfilled his long-cherished desire of collaborating with director Anees Bazmee. “The story has no connection with Bhool Bhulaiyaa [2007]. [The second instalment] revolves around a palace. Milind Gunaji plays my father while I essay the role of a prince [residing in] the castle.”
As Coronavirus cases rise, TV producers amp up safety measures
7:56 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 3, 2021)
Over the past few weeks, Maharashtra has witnessed an alarming surge in Coronavirus cases and several television artistes are among those who have tested positive. The latest to test positive for COVID-19 is Anupamaa’s Rupali Ganguly, who plays the title role. With the situation spiraling out of control, producers are ensuring that stringent safety measures are in place. Apart from following norms like wearing masks, social distancing and regular sanitisation, they have come together with new ways to curb the spread. This includes minimising outdoor and night shoots, and crowd sequences.
AVOIDING OUTDOOR AND NIGHT SHOOTS
J D Majethia, producer and chairman of Indian Film and Television Producers’ Council (IFTPC), says, “At the moment, we are following guidelines and restrictions, which were issued in May 2020. We are waiting for the government to make announcements. Meanwhile, producers are trying to shoot between 7 am and 8 pm. We will shoot at night only if it’s absolutely necessary, which is mostly the case with crime shows. We will also try to avoid outdoor shoots and scenes that require large crowds, as much as possible.”
Producer Benaifer Kohli says that she has become “stricter on the sets”. “We have cut down on unit hands. In any case, we had stopped shooting crowd sequences and night shoots long ago. Over the past one year, we might have had just one outdoor shoot,” she says.
PPE KITS FOR UNIT MEMBERS AND IMPOSING FINE FOR VIOLATION?
Producer Amir Jaffar points out that maintaining social distance is challenging at times. “A few months ago, when COVID-19 cases began to drop, we were hoping that normalcy would be restored gradually. Though we were taking precautions, complacency had begun to set in. For example, the crew size was restored. Now, the second wave has hit everyone hard. Wearing masks and using sanitisers are easy to implement, but it’s tough to expect people to follow social distancing constantly because of the nature of our work,” he says.
So, what’s the solution? “PPE kits will have to be reintroduced for people working in close proximity with each other. It’s a challenge to work in them in summer, but we’ll have to deal with it. Another good idea would be to hire a supervisor, whose only job would be to monitor everyone and call out those who are not following the rules. We can even start to fine people for every violation,” he replies.
REMINDERS FOR WEARING MASKS, SOCIAL DISTANCING AND KADHA FOR GOOD HEALTH
Producer Rajan Shahi shares, “The production team reminds the cast and crew about following safety protocols at regular intervals because it’s human to forget wearing masks or sanitising hands at times. We have taken every precaution, be it temperature checks, regular sanitisation, fumigation or social distancing. After every scene, the actors are asked to sanitise their hands. As much as possible, we shoot scenes that require the presence of fewer unit members. We also prepare kadha four times a day on the set of all our shows. The pandemic has taught me that nothing is more important than health, and so, I have encouraged all unit members to follow a fitness regimen as well.”
VACCINATION IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR
The makers feel that the unit should be administered vaccines so that they are safe. J D Majethia says, “We are encouraging vaccination for people above 45 years of age and those with comorbidities. We are speaking to hospitals to facilitate their vaccination and also plan to write to the government to prioritise jabs for people working on the sets.”
Producer Amir Jaffer adds, “No one knows what’s going to happen. We can only take precautions and hope for the best. The vaccination drive needs to be intensified. I am glad that the Maharashtra government is not planning another lockdown, but it needs to implement more restrictions.”
— With inputs by Saptaparna.Biswas@timesgroup.com
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18 CREW MEMBERS TEST POSITIVE ON THE SET OF DANCE DEEWANE 3
Despite all precautions followed on set, 18 crew members from Dance Deewane 3 tested COVID-19 positive. Reportedly, producer Arvind Rao arranged for a new set of people to replace those who were infected, to keep the show going.
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THE SHOW MUST GO ON
It’s not easy when actors test positive and have to quarantine themselves for 14 days, but the creative teams of shows are always ready with their back-up plan in terms of tweaking the story line or managing to get an actor to shoot a crucial scene on their phone from home.
TWEAKING THE STORY TO GIVE THE CHARACTER A BREAK
Since daily soaps have to keep the momentum going for almost five to six days a week, they keep a bank of episodes ready. “However, if we have to carry on without a particular actor, we tweak the story and delay the track involving his/her character. We get back to the track once the actor resumes shooting,” shares Rajesh Ram Singh, producer of Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein. Recently, when actor Amar Upadhyay and Priyal Mahajan from Molkki tested COVID positive, their track was postponed till the time they resumed shooting.
Benaifer Kohli, too, had a similar experience when Happu Ki Ultan Paltan actress Himani Shivpuri tested positive. “As makers of daily soaps, we are mentally prepared for contingencies. For instance, when Himani ji tested positive for COVID-19, we changed the plot overnight and showed that she had taken ill. She is a senior citizen, and we had to ensure that she feels completely fine before resuming the shoot. But, not every artiste will resume work after 15 days. So, we keep back-up plots ready, just in case we exhaust our bank of episodes.”
SHOOTING FROM HOME
Though changing the track can be helpful, it doesn’t work in all situations. Some actors have managed to shoot from home, too. Last year, Erica Fernandes and Aamna Sharif had shot considerable portions for Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 from home. More recently, Rajeshwari Sachdev and Paras Kalnawat shot from home for Shaadi Mubarak and Anupamaa, respectively.
I am doing a show with Ekta Kapoor again, feels like I am back home-Amar Upadhyay
7:46 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 5, 2020)
Ask him about the reasons that spurred him to quit Kyunki... and Amar is quick to dismiss it, saying, “That’s in the past.” He explains, “I was young and did not want to play an older man at that stage. To add to it, people around me also kept saying that you should be playing a hero in films. So, when I took the step to quit the show, it felt like the right decision at the time, today, I feel differently about it — it wasn’t a wise decision! Having said that, I don’t regret the decision, because I have learned from the experience. When you are at the crossroads, you have to pick a direction and walk. Whether it is right or not, you’ll know only after you have walked down the path.”
The upcoming show is based on a story of a young girl marrying an older man, which will be played by Amar. Happy to have bagged the show, he says, “I keep reminding myself that when God gives you something, you should not throw it away unless he takes it away from you.”
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After 15 yrs, Amar Upadhyay teams up with maker to spread awareness about age-old practice
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 5, 2020)
“It is based on a real-life practice that still exists in northern states like Haryana. When I was approached for the show, I didn’t know much about it, so I went online and most of the stories had a tragic end. I was deeply moved. Our show sends out the right message, telling people that even while following this age-old practice, you can treat women well,” says Amar.
The show reunites Amar with Ekta after 15 years. He had last done a cameo in Kasautii Zindagii Kay. “We are friends and in 2015-’16, she had offered me a show, but at that time I was already committed to another. During the lockdown, I got a lot of offers, but this was the one I felt I should be associated with,” says the actor, who starts shooting by the second week of October.
Promising to bring a new Amar Upadhyay to the world, complete with a new look, he shares that he has been learning Haryanvi. “I have been speaking Hindi all my life, so I wanted to do something new. The language has swag, I love that,” he guffaws, admitting that carrying a show on your shoulders is a different high despite the fact that with all the competition around, you have to prove yourself almost immediately. Isn’t he worried venturing out in the midst of the coronavirus-triggered pandemic? Amar reveals that he is being guided by his wife Hetal, who is a doctor and frontline warrior. “Inhaling steam is the best precaution at this time as the virus gets stuck in nasal cavities. I keep my steamer-inhaler with me, using it every three hours,” he informs. During lockdown, cooking, washing dishes, binge-watching OTT content and morning walks kept Amar busy. In pre-Covid time, he had run into his neighbour, Satish Kaushik, while walking in the park next to their building. “When he told me that he was directing a new film, Kaagaz, I asked him if he had any role for me. To my disappointment, he told me that he had already finished the casting. The next day however, he caught me in the parking lot and offered me the negative role. I simply asked him what dates he wanted,” Amar reminisces.
Satish gave him a month to grow his facial hair and would video call him daily to check on the look. The film is being produced by Salman Khan. While shooting for Bharat, Satish had outlined the story to Salman who loved it and told him. “Ye meri ho gayi picture.”
Apart from Kaagaz, Amar has a cameo in Abhishek Bachchan’s Bob Biswas, for which he shot in Kolkata in January. He also has Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. “I play Kunwarsa, the king’s son who is married to Tabu,” he reveals, adding that the much-anticipated sequel featuring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani in the lead, is half complete. “We plan to resume shooting by the last week of December or the beginning of January. Taking the whole crew to Lucknow isn’t easy during this time. There’s about 25 days of work left and if things go well, we will follow this schedule, otherwise push it by a month,” he signs off.
I am praying for Disha to return as Dayaben soon-Dilip Joshi
9:19 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 13, 2019)
Over the past few months, there has been constant speculation over Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s lead actress Dayaben aka Disha Vakani returning to the show. The actress, who had gone on maternity leave in 2017, is yet to resume work.
While the makers have confirmed that they are looking for a replacement, the lead actor of the show, Dilip Joshi (he plays Dayaben’s husband Jethalal Gada), is hoping that his co-actor will return soon.
In an exclusive chat with BT, he says, “Two years ago, when Disha announced that she was going on maternity leave, we were apprehensive about how the show will go on because Jethalal and Daya are crucial to it. It is not that an actor can’t be replaced. In the past, too, there have been such cases. For example, when Ronit Roy replaced Amar Upadhyay in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, many had wondered if the show would go on. But the fact is, the show goes on. Having said that, Kyunki… was a family drama and this is a comedy show. It is important that the actor, who replaces Disha, has good comic timing and fits the character.”
He adds, “Disha has worked on the character for 10 years, which is not a short period. I understand that when a woman becomes a mother, her priorities change, but at the end of the day, she is also an artiste. An artiste cannot stay away for long from the set, and so, I am praying that Disha will soon want to come back to the show. She has worked hard to establish the character and should not let it go waste.”
Meanwhile, a month ago, when we spoke to the producer Asit Kumarr Modi, he said, “If she returns, we are more than happy to have her back, but she needs to make a decision soon. If she cannot return due to her family issues, we will have to replace her, because the show must go on.”
Sudha Shivpuri was the naughtiest amongst us girls-Apara Mehta
7:43 AM
Sudha Shivpuri, best-known as the Baa of Indian television, passed away on Wednesday morning
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 21, 2015)
Sudha Shivpuri
14 July 1937 - 20 May 2015
"When she arrived on sets, the whole place would light up....," this is how Apara Mehta, who played Savita in Ekta Kapoor's long-running soap Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi..., remembers Sudha Shivpuri, the saas with whom she had a strained relationship in reel life, and as a family member once the camera stopped rolling. "I think she actually thought of me as her bahu. We would discuss everything from the maid not showing up to what was being cooked for dinner."
Baa, as Sudha came to be fondly known after Kyunki..., passed away on May 20 after a prolonged illness. She was 77. She is survived by her son Vineet and daughter Ritu who has acted in films like Aankhen and Elaan.
While Kyunki... made her a household name, Sudha's first stint with acting was in Basu Chatterjee's 1977 film Swami in which she played Shabana Azmi's mother. Before this she dabbled with theatre in Delhi, acting in several important plays, including Vijay Tendulkar's Khamosh! Court Jaari Hai. She moved to Mumbai after marrying Om Shivpuri, who she'd met while doing plays and who himself is remembered for films like Namak Haram Aandhi and Great Gambler. In Mumbai, Sudha went on to act in films like Insaaf Ka Tarazu and Sawan Ko Aane Do.
"She was a woman who celebrated life, her spirit was infectious," recalls Amar Upadhyay who played the first Mihir in Kyunki... "My second scene in the show was with her. When she cried on-screen the tears looked so genuine, it seemed like she was actually going through a crisis. Once when I asked her if there was any problem, she'd only laugh. She was just a fantastic actress."
Apara adds, "Seven year on one show... the memory will never fade away. She was the naughtiest amongst us girls, with a fondness for food. Her Kashmiri pulao was the envy of most industry caterers."
Apart from Kyunki..., Sudha also acted in other TV shows like Kasamh Se, Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil and more recently Maniben.com with her favourite Tulsi aka Smriti Irani, now Union HRD Minister who is currently in South Korea.
Sudha suffered a cerebral stroke in December 2013 which affected her lower brain and subsequently her basic motor skills. She couldn't talk much due to tracheotomy and quit acting completely. But for her colleagues she will remain unforgettable.
"Just like Smriti will always remain the first bahu and I'll be the first saas, Sudhajee will forever be remembered as Baa, the first grandmother of Indian television," says Apara. "May she rest in peace."
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