Actor Mona Singh is still basking in the success of the web series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. She chose the role with great care, but reveals that being selective has its own share of pros and cons. Prod further and she reveals, “I was approached for (TV show) Anupamaa years ago. But by then, I had decided that I didn’t want to continue doing TV. Hence, I denied the show.”

At that point in her career, the 44-year-old had made the conscious decision to focus on OTT projects by choosing character-driven roles, adding that she never takes up roles “just to be seen”. “For me, what matters is whether the role makes me happy and connects with me. I don’t want to regret my decisions later or carry any negative energy on set,” she explains.

The titular role eventually went to actor Rupali Ganguly, who has been portraying the character for over five years now. “I’m really happy for Rupali and (producer) Rajan Shahi. She is doing such a fabulous job, I think that role was meant for her, and she has owned it beautifully,” the actor opines.

But this approach to roles is not always easy. “It means waiting for the right project to come your way, but I’m okay with that. I don’t regret being selective,” the actor shares.

In the evolving dynamics of the industry, Mona acknowledges that social media often influences casting decisions. “We’ve all heard of instances where influencers with huge followings get cast to pull in more views,” says the actor, whose recent outing, Thode Door Thode Paas, revolves around the overuse of digital media and the much-needed digital detox. “I feel fortunate that people still value what we bring to the table as actors, not just the number of followers we have,” she ends.

In the TV show Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Vandana Pathak plays mother to Sharad Kelkar, who in real life is her age. So, does it bother her? “I was a part of Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, where I played an older character. For an actor, it is challenging to portray characters that are younger or older than their actual age. For me, that has never been an issue. In fact, it challenges the actor in me. I’m fine with playing mother to an actor my age,” she replies, adding, “I believe it is my background in theatre which has shaped this mindset.”

Viewers associate Vandana more with comedy because of her past roles, but she doesn’t feel she has been typecast. She says, “When Khichdi was on, people felt that I might get typecast in comedy roles, but I have done roles in other genres, too. So I don’t let these things bother me.”

Despite her three-decade-long career, Vandana says she still has the enthusiasm of a newcomer. “For an actor, if you are satisfied, then it’s over. I still have the hunger. I took time off from work when my kids were younger. I’ve managed to balance things well, and maybe that’s why I’m still here, working.”

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After an 11-year hiatus from daily soaps, veteran actor Vandana Pathak is back on the small screen with Tumm Se Tumm Tak. Known for her iconic roles in Khichdi and Hum Paanch, Pathak opened up about the shifting trends in Indian television and why she chose to return now. While her classic shows are fan favourites, she says she “rarely watches her old shows”. “Nowadays, because of Instagram, clips and videos are everywhere. It’s mostly Khichdi because the younger generation doesn’t know Hum Paanch as much.”

She admits that TV shows back in the day told “soulful stories”, and the shift from weekly to daily programming impacted content quality. “Change is natural. A weekly show had its own charm; people used to wait for a week. Now, we don’t have time.”

However, she remains optimistic, believing change will follow once viewers start seeking meaningful content. “Frankly speaking, I’m coming after such a long time. When you’re working in TV, you watch other shows. Even if you don’t, you know what’s happening. My father [Arvind Vaidya] is in Anupamaa, so I know about it. I cannot debate on content, but I feel there is a need for an arc.”

It’s become increasingly common for Indian entertainment to remake regional shows for wider reach. Tumm Se Tumm Tak, which marks Pathak’s return, shares thematic similarities with the Kannada show Jothe Jothiyali, which ran for three years.

When asked why channels prefer adaptations over original content, she shares, “It’s ultimately between the producer and the channel. Sometimes remakes don’t work, and sometimes they do wonders. Dubbed and adapted content can take actors far and reach out to larger audiences.”

While long-running shows often lead actors to complain about monotony, Pathak follows advice from her father to stay grounded. “My father says, ‘Take one scene at a time and live every day’. Even at 84, he shoots for 20 to 22 days a month. He enjoys it. And I’m just like that. I enjoy my work.”

A massive fire broke out early Monday morning on the set of the popular TV show Anupamaa, located in Goregaon’s Film City. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, sources say that it was quickly brought under control. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported.

The makers, Shahi Production, in a statement said, “An unfortunate incident occurred early this morning on the sets of Anupamaa. A fire broke out, but by God’s grace, there were no casualties. There was no shoot on Sunday, and Monday’s call time was scheduled for later in the day. At the time of the incident, no unit members were present — only security personnel and set staff, all of whom are safe. No animals were harmed, and proper precautions were taken to ensure their safety. The fire department and relevant authorities are currently investigating the cause, especially since the set was not in use and the main power lights were turned off.”

It further stated, “We have also been made aware of individuals spreading false and misleading information. We sincerely request everyone to refrain from believing or circulating any unverified news. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the senior associations, industry peers, and well-wishers who have reached out with their support and concern. We are also grateful to the channel for standing by us — and above all, to the Almighty for keeping everyone safe.”

Birendra Nath Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), told us, “The fire broke out around 5 am. It was a massive fire that caused significant damage.” He went on to highlight that a fire safety audit had recently been conducted on the Anupamaa set.

He said, “The production had undergone a thorough fire audit and was found to be fully compliant with all mandatory safety norms. Unfortunately, despite these precautions, the fire broke out — most likely due to a short circuit or electrical fault.”

Stressing on the need for stricter safety measures across the industry, B N Tiwari said, “All sets should go through proper fire and structural audits, especially since many older structures are still in use and pose serious risks. Clear and accessible exit routes, along with functional firefighting equipment, are critical. We urge producers to ensure comprehensive audits across departments and to maintain proper insurance coverage.”

J D Majethia, Chairman (TV & Web Series), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), added, “Thankfully, there were no casualties. Our biggest fear is the loss of lives. Unlike private premises, Film City spans 420 sets, making fire control far more challenging. Located in an open, uncontrolled area, it is crucial that we have full government support to ensure safety. Apart from individual producers being more vigilant and taking extra care and precautions, we urgently need to reassess Film City’s infrastructure and enhance security by developing more guarded and secure studios. Continuous and well-coordinated vigilance is essential. A centralized CCTV system should monitor every corner of each set, enabling immediate response to any fire outbreak. We plan to submit a formal request to the Chief Minister to address these concerns on the industry level in Mumbai and Maharashtra.”

1. Tenali Rama (Film City): In March this year, a fire erupted on the set due to an electrical generator issue; no casualties were reported.

2. Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin (Film City): A massive blaze caused by a short circuit broke out in March 2023. While the set was destroyed, there were no casualties.

3. Pandya Store (Film City): A fire broke out on the show’s set in February 2021, damaging costumes and materials. No lives were lost.

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On Monday morning, a massive fire broke out on the sets of the Rupali Ganguly-led TV show Anupamaa at Film City, Goregaon, Mumbai. The fire started at around 5am.

According to initial reports, the blaze caused significant damage, two hours before the shoot was to begin, but no casualties or injuries were reported.

Producer Rajan Shahi, in a statement, said that there was no shoot scheduled on Sunday and no unit members were present on set at the time of the incident. “The fire department and all concerned authorities are currently investigating the reason, especially since there was no shooting on the set and the main power lights were turned off,” he added.

Meanwhile, All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) condemned the negligence on set and called for an investigation into the fire’s cause in a statement posted on X. AICWA has also called for an FIR to be filed against the producers, the production house, and the television channel, as well as the Film City Managing Director and Labour Commissioner.

AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta also urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to initiate a statewide fire safety audit of all film sets and studios. He further demanded that any producer or production house found violating fire safety norms be blacklisted.

He might be in a transitional phase in his acting career, but actor Sudhanshu Pandey isn’t letting that get him down. The reason? His musical group, Band of Boys, is collaborating with legendary singer Asha Bhosle for their next single.

When asked how the collaboration came about, he says, “When Band Of Boys began in 2002, it was Asha ji who encouraged us. You could say we were born into the world of music with her blessing.”

The band includes actor Karan Oberoi, singer-music director Siddharth Haldipur, and singer Chaitanya (Chin2 Bhosle), who is also Asha’s grandson.

How was it working with someone of her stature? “Her age has nothing to do with her energy levels. She is as vibrant and focused as a 25-year-old. At 92, she is an inspiration to so many of us,” Sudhanshu says.

Talking about the single, which will be released on YouTube, he adds, “We shot some beautiful footage at Asha ji’s Mumbai home; she was kind enough to invite us in. Every meeting with her was an opportunity — we learned so much about how the music industry functioned back in the day.”

The single also marks the end of Sudhanshu’s musical hiatus — he had stepped away from the band to focus on acting but reunited with them last year. The 50-year-old explains, “I was already married and had a child. I had to make sure I earned enough to survive in a city like Mumbai. In India, bands don’t earn like they do in the West. Music is my passion, but I will always be an actor.”

As for acting, Sudhanshu recently wrapped up the television show Anupamaa and is now waiting for a project that excites him. “[Anupamaa] was my first daily soap, and it did well for everyone involved. During that time, I didn’t take up any other work since TV requires a lot of time. I’m now waiting for something good on OTT or in films,” he signs off.

The 15-year time leap in Anupamaa in October witnessed the exit of many pivotal characters. However, the one storyline that remained shrouded in mystery was that of Anuj Kapadia, played by Gaurav Khanna. After two months off the set, the actor has finally addressed his future on the show.

“People have been constantly asking me about my return to Anupamaa,” Gaurav says, adding, “Rajan sir (producer Rajan Shahi) had discussed the possibility of a grand re-entry for the character, and we waited two months for it to materialize. However, the storyline had to progress, and waiting no longer made sense. He, too, felt it was time for me to explore something bigger. So, for now, Anuj’s chapter is closed, but I see it as a comma, not a full stop. If the story demands and my schedule allows, I’d be happy to return.”

He further shares, “Anuj was originally planned as a three-month cameo, but it became a defining part of my career, lasting over three years. That kind of love is rare, and I can’t thank my fans enough for it.”

Reflecting on his exit from the daily soap, Gaurav adds, “Moving on isn’t easy. But life is about turning the page and embracing new chapters. Holding on too long can hinder growth. It’s important to adapt & keep moving forward.”

Looking ahead, Gaurav is excited about exploring new avenues, particularly in the OTT space. He shares, “Television has given me immense reach, but OTT offers well-crafted characters and meaningful storytelling. Whether it’s television, films or OTT, I’m here to work hard and let my craft speak for itself. Fame is fleeting; what lasts is your dedication and skill.”

Addressing rumours of a rift with lead actress Rupali Ganguly, Gaurav says, “I don’t engage in retaliatory interviews or respond to rumours. What matters is the work we’ve created together. I’ve always focused on my craft, and what happens beyond the ‘action’ and ‘cut’ is secondary.”

Sharing his perspective on camaraderie among co-stars, he says, “Being friends with your co-actors can help, but it’s not essential for delivering impactful performances. Acting, like cricket, may involve teamwork, but at the end of the day, your individual effort and preparation matter most.”

The makers of the TV show Anupamaa have addressed the tragic death of a crew member on set, calling it a “human error”. The incident occurred on November 14 when apprentice camera attendant Ajit Kumar, sent by the camera vendor, mistakenly picked up both a light rod and camera while not wearing footwear, resulting in an electric shock. Despite immediate medical help, he passed away.

In a statement released by producer Rajan Shahi’s production house, they expressed their sorrow and provided details of the mishap. “The DOP present on the set said that it was purely a human error. He was immediately taken to the hospital and given instant medical help but, unfortunately, we lost him. It was deeply saddening,” the statement read. They also shared that the production company covered the deceased’s medical expenses and arranged for his family’s travel from Patna.

The production further confirmed that all necessary legal formalities were promptly handled, and the deceased’s insurance will be disbursed to his nominated beneficiary. Addressing safety concerns raised by rumours, the statement urged, “We would like to request rumour mongers with certain vested interests to stop spreading false rumours; otherwise, we will take stringent legal action as per the law of the land.”

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The incident occurred on November 14 when apprentice camera attendant Ajit Kumar, sent by the camera vendor, mistakenly picked up both a light rod and camera while not wearing footwear, resulting in an electric shock. Despite immediate medical help, he passed away.

A camera attendant named Vineet Kumar Mandal died after getting electrocuted on the sets of the TV show Anupamaa on November 14. In its aftermath, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly reacted to the incident. AICWA president Suresh Gupta has written a letter to the Maharashtra CM demanding immediate action.

In the letter, the organization alleged that the cause of death was disregard for safety protocol, calling the incident an “institutionalized murder”.

A part of the letter read, “The worker’s death occurred due to electrocution caused by faulty equipment on the set. The production house resumed shooting blatantly ignoring the gravity of the situation. The hazardous conditions on sets, perpetuated by the use of old, damaged and poorly insulated electric wires patched with plastic tape, created a death trap for workers.”

AICWA’s demands include lodging an FIR under Section 302 against the producers of Anupamaa, the channel and the managing director of Film City, along with a compensation of Rs. 1 crore to the victim’s family. We reached out to Anupamaa’s director Rajan Shahi but there was no response.

Madalsa Sharma, who played Kavya in Anupamaa, has quit the show. The actress revealed how unlike her co-star Sudhanshu Pandey, her decision was not sudden and had been on her mind for a while now. In an exclusive chat with BT, she spoke about why she decided to move on.

The actress said, “When the show started in 2020, there were three main characters - Anupama (Rupali Ganguly), Vanraj (Sudhanshu Pandey) and Kavya. It was Kavya who brought an upheaval in Anupama’s life and that changed things for everyone. Kavya was shown to be an independent and strong woman, who had the guts to fall in love with a married man and pursue him. My character had tremendous growth, but in the past one year I felt that the story moved on from Vanraj, Kavya and Anupama.”

She further added, “There was not much spice or spark left in my character. Had Kavya continued playing the grey character that she played earlier, I would have continued to be a part of the show. For the past few months, the creative team tried to do something different with my character, but nothing worked out. So, (producer) Rajan Shahi sir and I mutually decided it was best for me to move on.”

On the personal front, Madalsa, who has been married to Mimoh Chakraborty for six years, said, “My mother, husband and father-in-law (Mithun Chakraborty) felt that I should move on if I want to pursue other things and grow. I wanted to leave the show when my character was being appreciated and liked. This character will always be close to my heart.”

Apara Mehta, who is doing a cameo in United State Of Gujarat, says that she took up a Gujarati show for the love of her mother tongue. She shares, “I can’t say no to a good project in my mother tongue. Also, sharing screen space with Ragini Shah again feels great. She is a senior actor and like an elder sister to me.”

She adds, “I had also enjoyed doing Bachubhai (2023) because it was a very important character. Surprisingly, I haven’t been offered any Gujarati film after that. But I would love to do more Gujarati films if I get good roles. I am glad to see that the industry (D-Town) is in a better space now and makers should keep exploring contemporary subjects. I am in the process of shifting to a new flat and have been busy. So, I have become a cameo queen (laughs); I did cameos in Suhagan Chudail and Wagle Ki Duniya-Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey.”

Talking about the trend of actors being cast based on their social media popularity, she shares, “It is wrong to cast actors based on their Instagram following. There are times when people cast based on their social media popularity fall flat on their faces while essaying a role. Acting is not as easy as people think. There is a difference between creating 20-second reels and playing a character on a show for a long time.”

Elaborating about the challenges TV actors face while pursuing OTT projects, she adds, “Unfortunately, makers of OTT shows don’t want to cast TV actors. There is this perception that TV actors are overexposed and also loud actors. It is not true. TV actors are popular and extremely punctual and professional; they can immediately grab eyeballs and do a great job when they take up any OTT project. I know that when I did Decoupled, the director (Hardik Mehta) had to really fight for me.”

Talking about her experience of doing OTT projects, she says, “Acting has changed over the years and while doing Decoupled, I had my share of insecurities as I struggled initially to make the necessary adjustments. I kept asking the director if I was doing fine. Acting on OTT is very different but thanks to my experience, I quickly managed to do what was needed. By the time I did my next OTT project (Staff Room-Teacheron Ka Adda), I was confident. I have a very expressive face and I am a very expressive person. But for my OTT projects, I had to tone down things a bit and unlearn a lot of things. I am new to Instagram and still not quite savvy with the medium. However, it’s wrong when people troll actors playing negative roles. They are just doing a job and a show is meant for entertainment.”

Talking about Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka (a remake of the Gujarati show Sapna Na Vavetar) which completed 25 years earlier this year, Apara says, “Apart from the great job done by the director and all actors, the show’s brilliant writing (Aatish Kapadia) was its biggest USP. We would first shoot a scene in Hindi, then we ourselves translated the dialogues to Gujarati (for Sapna Na Vavetar).”

She adds, “I have done 35 TV shows and I have been fortunate to be a part of some iconic shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which changed the history of Indian television. I also want to mention Anupamaa, which deserves applause for having a middle-aged female protagonist, a first on Indian TV. Apart from these, I think Balika Vadhu and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah have also been iconic shows.”

In a surprising turn of events, Sudhanshu Pandey, popularly known as Vanraj Shah from Anupamaa, announced his departure from the TV show during a live Instagram session. He revealed he hadn’t shot for the daily soap since Raksha Bandhan.

Reflecting on his sudden exit from the show after four years, in an exclusive chat with Bombay Times, Sudhanshu says, “I felt it was time to move on. There can be many reasons, but dwelling on them feels like taking a step back. All I want to say is that my journey as Vanraj Shah has been incredibly rewarding. I have received immense love and an equal measure of hate from the audience, and the latter makes me believe I did justice to the character.”

Ever since Sudhanshu announced his exit from the family drama, rumours have swirled that he was forced out. Addressing the buzz, he says, “Whenever something like this happens, stories inevitably start to build around it. I choose not to add fuel to the fire because I have always conducted myself with integrity and dignity. I believe everyone has their perspective, which can lead to conflicts, and I prefer to avoid that.”

He adds, “I have surrendered to Mahakaal and have always believed that He guides me in all my decisions, whether they happen suddenly or are pre-planned. This decision has been sudden. It came unexpectedly and I had to make a choice for reasons of my own. However, everything is positive; my mind is at peace, and I am happy. I see this as a blessing, perhaps the beginning of many more blessings to come.”

Many feel that his character has run its course. Did his decision to quit the show stem from that perspective? “Vanraj Shah is way too strong a character to fade out even if he doesn’t get the footage he deserves for a while. So, I never bothered about the arc or graph of my character. The only thing that could worry me was if I was shooting for fewer days, then obviously, one make lesser money (laughs!). I have given the character my all and always strived to make it interesting,” he replies.

As far as the possibility of returning to Anupamaa, given that actors often reconcile with makers and return to their shows, Sudhanshu is clear. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. When you decide to move on, looking back can cause you to stumble. I would rather keep moving forward. Once I say I’ve moved on, I mean it,” he asserts.

There’s been speculation about a fallout between him and Rajan Shahi, the producer of the show. Ask him about it, and Sudhanshu says, “Rajan is an old friend, and our relationship has always been like that of two brothers. We worked together back when he was starting as a director, long before he became a producer. From my side, nothing has changed in our equation. However, everyone makes their own decisions about how they choose to be with the other person. I have no hard feelings towards anyone.”

Sudhanshu admits he will miss the character, but is excited about what lies ahead. “It’s natural to miss Vanraj, but as an actor, I crave the opportunity to explore new roles and experiment. I dedicated four years to Vanraj, and while I will always cherish that time, I know I have so much more to offer as an actor. I hope to create more memorable characters like Vanraj,” he says.

Actor-singer Sudhanshu Pandey became a household name with his stint as the antagonist Vanraj Shah in the television series, Anupamaa, which also stars actors Rupali Ganguly and Gaurav Khanna.

Fans of the show received quite the shock after recent buzz suggested that both Ganguly and Khanna would be quitting. However, as it turns out, it is Pandey who has actually bid the show goodbye.

The actor announced the news to fans in an emotional Instagram live on Wednesday evening. He said, “Main pichle chaar saal se roz pahuch raha hoon aap ke ghar ek daily soap ke zariye. Ek kirdar play kar raha hoon jiske liye mujhe bahut saara pyaar aur narazgi mili, but woh narazgi bhi ek tarike se pyaar hi raha hai. Agar aap naraz na hote mere character dekh kar toh mujhe lagta main sahi tarike se nibha nahi pa raha hoon.”

He went on to add, “I want to tell all of you with a heavy heart that I am now not a part of Anupamaa. Raksha Bandhan episode se main show ka hissa nahi hoon, par itne din beet gaye thay aur meri audience mujhse naraz na ho ki yeh bina bataye kaise chala gaya, toh mujhe laga ye meri zimmedari hai ki mai ye baat bataun aap sab ko. Par humein jeevan mein aage badhna hi padta hai toh I want you all to keep loving me always in my future works.”

The actor has not revealed the reason behind his exit. However, producer Rajan Shahi had recently confirmed to us that both Ganguly and Khanna were still very much a part of the show.

Anupamaa fans were in for a shock when rumours that actors Rupali Ganguly and Gaurav Khanna might quit the TV show surfaced online. While Khanna plays Anuj, Ganguly plays the titular character. Speculation around their exit started when an upcoming leap in the storyline involving actor Aurra Bhatnagar Badoni, who plays Anupama and Anuj’s daughter Aadhya, was confirmed.

However, a source close to the production tells us that “Rupali and Gaurav have no reason to leave the show”.

When we reached out to the show’s producer, Rajan Shahi, he denied the buzz, saying, “The reports are false. Both Rupali and Gaurav are very much a part of the show and their characters are integral to the story.”

Ask about the possible reason behind such reports, and Shahi responds, “I don’t know where these rumours come from.”

Actor Rupali Ganguly saw the superwoman in her mother, Rajani Ganguly, for the first time after passing the 10th standard.

“Mumma said she wanted to complete her studies. Since she didn’t come from a well-off background, she had to give up her studies. So, she completed her graduation when I was studying too. That made me see my mum in a completely different light and I felt so proud of her,” says Rupali.

Mention it to her mum and Rajani quips, “People would tease me that I didn’t have any college degree. So I got a BA degree to shut everyone’s mouth.” Interestingly, Rajani also had a connect with showbiz, as she worked with the late choreographer Saroj Khan.

“Saroj used to work with Sohanlal (choreographer) master, and I, too, was there. I would just watch her dance and she’d often ask me to join. I was working in the group with them, and Saroj would take me along with her for choreographies. I worked on the (actor) Aruna Irani song Ae Phansa from Bobby (1973). I also did a lot of stage shows as a Lavani dancer with composer Vasan Desai. In director Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Aashirwad (1968), I did a solo Lavani act with (actor) Leela Gandhi as well,” she shares.

However, after marriage, Rajani decided to become a homemaker. “I had a dream to reach a point in my life, but I couldn’t fulfil that. But both my kids (daughter Rupali and son, choreographer Vijay Ganguly) fulfilled that for me,” she gushes.

The proud mother credits her daughter for not letting the difficulties in the journey faze her. “Rupali never let us feel her struggles. I used to feel bad that she did such amazing work in shows like Sanjivani, Parvarish and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, still she never got an award. But today, every award is hers to take. People call me Rupali’s mum and that is enough for me. I have got everything I could have asked for,” Rajani says.

Rupali says, “My mom is a brilliant orator. She can give speeches effortlessly. She’d give speeches on women’s empowerment and a lot of it I imbibed for my character in Anupamaa.”

“Main bak-bak bahut karti hoon, aur Rupali bhi. I even asked my son-in-law once if there is someone writing all these great things she says, but he told me it’s all her.”

Rupali Ganguly has a soft corner for animals. She says taking care of fur babies keeps her sane. So even while shooting, amid her busy schedule, the Anupamaa actress ensures that strays on the set are fed and looked after.

“My work gives me the privilege to have people around me; they help me take care of the fur babies on set. We prepare food in my office and get it to the set. Ek balti bhar ke khana aata hai. It’s all about managing responsibilities effectively; if you want to do something, you find ways to do it. Caring for these animals is not just a part of my life; it is my life. It shapes my identity and makes me who I am,” she tells us.

Rupali is a firm advocate for adopting pets. She says, “Adopt, don’t shop. We have always picked up abandoned fur babies. I used to have seven at one point in time. Even now, when my Radha (her pet) passed away, I adopted Kachori, and then Samosa. These two have joined my Kishmish and Masti at my Ramnagar cottage. On my set, I have 14 babies. I can’t function without them around me; they keep me sane.”

The actress says instilling compassion for animals in children is crucial. “Some parents hesitate in letting their kids near dogs. They say, ‘Kaat lega, paas matt jana’. Par aise nahi hota hai. Bachchon ko animals se bhaagna matt sikhaiye. I let my son play with all the animals. He plays with stray dogs and cats. Mera bachcha squirrel utha kar le ataa hai, gaay ko gale lagata hai, he is an animal person. Every parent should teach their children to love and show kindness towards animals,” she adds.

Emphasizing the urgent need for stricter laws against animal cruelty, Rupali says, “A person who is cruel to animals is bound to have a twisted mentality. Unfortunately, our country lacks strict laws against animal cruelty. It is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. We are still operating under outdated laws from the time of Independence, with mere Rs. 50 fines.”

“I am sure everyone will remember his bright smile,” reminisces Vaquar Shaikh about actor Rituraj Singh, 59, who passed away early Tuesday morning after a heart attack. The two began their association from 1993 with the show, Banegi Apni Baat.

“He was much senior to me when I joined Banegi Apni Baat. He was already a star, and we were besotted by him and his performance. Here was a guy, who had just entered the industry, yet he was already doing game shows, movies, and TV shows. We all looked up to him,” says Shaikh, adding that it was not just his performance, but the way Singh conducted himself among his peers and juniors that won hearts.

“He never let me feel like a newbie on set. I remember having friendly banter and rehearsing lines on set with him. Ritz was always up for [rehearsals], and often gave us tips on how to perform. He was an extremely knowledgeable guy. Ask him about cinema, politics, the camera, acting, method acting, or anything happening in the world, he was well-updated. He had the gift of the gab, was spontaneous, and full of energy.”

However, what Shaikh admired the most about his close friend was that despite more than three deacdes in the industry, Singh continued to challenge himself and take on diverse roles, earning appreciation for his ability to stay relevant in an evolving industry. 

“When he crossed his 50s, the kind of work he kept doing, especially in the last five-six years, is mind-blowing. He managed to adapt and stay relevant. He transformed himself to fit different age categories. It’s difficult for senior actors to get noticed. So many actors fade away with time, but he was always doing something or the other. It is so unreal to talk about him in the past tense,” mourns Shaikh, who played his younger brother in Rupali Ganguly-starrer Anupamaa.

Singh’s illustrious career included interesting roles, like popular TV shows Tehkikaat, Kutumb, Jyoti, Beintehaa, and most recently, Anupamaa. He was also seen in film and web series, including Made in Heaven, Indian Police Force, and Yaariyan 2.

Muskan Bamne aka Paakhi from Anupamaa has quit the show after three years, we have learnt exclusively. The actor tells us, “I am no longer a part of it. I just got a confirmation from the makers.”

Ask the reason behind her exit and the 24-year old says, “The makers are introducing a track in which I am supposed to play a mother. They want to show my baby, who’d be born through IVF. But I didn’t want to do it, as I am too young for that. So, we decided to part ways.”

Bamne continues, “I want to explore a lot more. Usually, if you do a role like that (play a mother), the possibility of getting similar characters later in your career increases. So, I did not want to take that risk.” However, the actor is full of gratitude, as the show gave a push to her career. “I was a part of the show for three years and I am thankful for the opportunity. It was because of this role that I became a household name. I got to learn a lot on the set,” she shares, adding, “Now, I am hoping to get another good project.”

Talking about the kind of work she wants to do, Bamne says, “I am looking for a lead role, because I don’t want to let the name I’ve earned in the last three years go waste. I am open to work in any medium — OTT, films or TV.”

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Rupali Ganguly, who is currently riding high on the success of her ongoing TV show Anupamaa, was in Gujarat recently for a quick trip.

She tells us, “I visited Mehsana for an event and it felt special because during the first episode of our show, we had Anupamaa (her character) going to the Modhera Sun Temple. I also wanted to visit Ambaji Temple for a long time and I am glad that I could do that on this visit.”

She adds, “I love coming to Gujarat and I have grown up with Gujarati neighbours. I have an insane obsession with Gujarati food, and I love dal dhokli, Gujarati dal, undhiyu, lapsi and churma ladoo. In fact, there are days when I crave Gujarati food in Mumbai and travel to Borivali to have Gujarati thali. I have also picked up the language quite well and playing a Gujarati character in Anupamaa has been a wonderful experience.”

Rupali, who took a seven-year break from showbiz before making a comeback with her current show, says that it was “much needed”. She shares, “I wanted to be a hands-on mother to Rudransh (her son) and it was a very conscious decision to give priority to enjoying my son’s childhood. When Anupamaa was offered, I accepted it because the role was fantastic. It was the first show to have a female protagonist in her 40s and I am delighted that it resonated with the audience. A mother’s emotion is universal, and the makers deserve credit for creating an iconic show. The fact that there have been people who have copied it is a compliment.”

Rupali, who says that her husband Ashwin K Verma “took a back seat” so that she could pursue her dreams, says that she often has “guilt trips for not spending enough time with my son.” She shares, “Including travel, I have 14-hour days every day and like any mother who steps out of the house for work, I sometimes feel guilty. But my only solace is that Rudransh has one parent to look after him and I feel proud when I say that my son is more attached to his father. We speak over video calls throughout the day and my production house has been very supportive.”

She adds, “We have set roles for everybody-the man has to be the breadwinner, while the woman is supposed to be the homemaker and take care of the kids. In our case, there has been a role reversal. My husband wanted me to achieve my dream and get my due as an actor. I am proud and blessed to have a supportive husband like him. He is my agony aunt, cushion, and my biggest critic. He pans me completely if I perform badly. When I had apprehensions about doing Sarabhai vs Sarabhai because I felt that I would make a fool of myself, he said I must try to do something different.”

I met my husband in 2000, the year when I made my TV debut. We were just friends then and while everybody looked down upon TV, he said that the medium has a great future. After I played a negative role in Sanjivani, he said I should wait for something different. When I was offered Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, I was scared about sharing screen space with Ratna Pathak Shah and Satish Shah. But he convinced me to take it up.

The Sarabhai vs Sarabhai cast is like family. We have a Sarabhai group, and everybody knows what’s going on in each other’s life. Like all viewers, I would also love to have another season. When we did season 2 in 2017 (Sarabhai vs Sarabhai: Take 2), Monisha (her character) Sahil (played by Sumeet Raghavan) ko chhod ke chali gayi thi. So, I feel there has to be a closure. Just like FRIENDS, we can have a special one-off episode; itna toh banta hai!

Television shows with the usual tropes of kitchen politics and supernatural elements have been tried, tested, and surprisingly worked. Breaking out of the mould three years ago was a show that was initially discouraged, but it stood the test of time. The Rupali Ganguly-starrer Anupamaa recently completed 1,000 episodes. Producer Rajan Shahi credits mother, Deepa Shahi, for the novel idea and for putting her mind and energy behind the daily soap at the age of 78.

Despite a background in psychology, Deepa chose to focus on her family. “We didn’t give much importance to our professions initially; family was our priority. The experiences from different stages of my life led me to believe that I should be a part of Anupamaa to contribute my insight to the story. That is how Rajan got me involved,” shares Deepa, adding that everyone believed “no one would be interested in the story of a 50-year-old woman and her life’s challenges.”

Oddly enough, they were all proven wrong, as the show became an instant hit with not only women but also men. “The idea resonated with me. I insisted that people become aware that women can achieve whatever they desire in life.”

Deepa says that the show also holds a mirror up to the men watching it and educates them about gender equality. “[Men] have come to realize that women hold immense importance and should not be confined to domestic roles alone. Men should support them in fulfilling their ambitions [domestic or otherwise] and give them the space to thrive.”

While no producer hopes to change the world with a show, Deepa was pleasantly surprised to find people relating to and aspiring for Anupamaa’s life. “I have observed that women [everywhere] are finding happiness with this show. Many of my friends have realised that regardless of their age or circumstances, they can achieve their dreams. A few have rekindled their passions,” shares the producer, who insisted that the show also talk about domestic violence and mental health.

“With Paakhi’s [played by Muskan Bamne] character [facing an obsessive lover], we aimed to talk about paying attention to every aspect of a child’s emotional growth. In India, people tend to prioritise physical well-being over mental health. It is essential to understand that mental health [ultimately] impacts the physical state.”

Glad to cross the 1,000-episode mark, Deepa says, “I’m glad to have been a part of this journey. Anupamaa still has challenges to overcome, but she will gradually draw strength from them and build resilience.”

In the recent past, a lot of television shows — including an ongoing one that Madalsa Sharma Chakraborty is a part of — have seen a rejig in their cast. However, the actor feels that no one other than the public can decide the fate of any project.

“Only the audience has the power to make or break a project. Word-of-mouth publicity can only add or deduct a few digits here and there,” the Banaras (2022) actor tells us.

Madalsa also believes that no matter what former members of a show may say in public, the audience has the final say. “People come and go, but if the project has public support, it will go on. Also, when actors, who were formerly a part of the crew, go out and try to tear down the show, their questionable attempts fall hollow, since the audience is the greatest judge,” she adds.

The audience’s love, she feels, is a great morale booster as well. “The love of the audience works like an instant booster for me. It peps me up and I want to work with honesty [for them],” she gushes.

During her stint in showbiz, the actor has done Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Punjabi films as well as TV shows. She has also featured in music videos, the latest one being Dil Ki Tu Zameen, co-starring Sudhanshu Pandey. However, after her marriage in 2018 to actor Mahaakshay Chakraborty (Mimoh Chakraborty), she decided to take it easy.

“I was doing good work. But, after my marriage, I decided to slow down. However, my husband and my father-in-law (veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty) made me reconsider my decision. It was then that Rajan (Shahi, TV producer) sir offered me a pivotal character in Anupamaa. This association has made me very close and possessive for the show,” she shares.

Ask if she wants to explore other avenues and Madalsa says: “For now, television doesn’t leave me with much time. But, if something good comes up in other mediums, I will surely balance it with my ongoing project.”