When Dipshikkha Nagppal’s 23-year-old daughter, Vidhika, expressed her desire to step into the world of showbiz, the actress supported her wholeheartedly — though she admits she initially had reservations.

She shares, “Everyone is aware of the highs and lows that come with showbiz. I wanted my daughter to understand the emotional roller coaster this career entails before fully committing to it.”

Speaking about Vidhika’s evolving career aspirations, Dipshikkha says, “She has explored different paths over the years. At one point, she wanted to be a psychiatrist, then a journalist. About four years ago, when she expressed interest in showbiz, I encouraged her to take a crash course in filmmaking and acting at NYU (New York University). I felt exposure to a new environment would help her grow in confidence. When she returned, she worked as an assistant director on a film before transitioning into modelling.”

She adds, “I once dreamed of joining a beauty pageant myself but lacked the support. So, I made sure to let her explore her ambitions freely. Yes, we’ve had our arguments about her career choices, but I didn’t want to impose my dreams on her.”

Having experienced the vagaries of showbiz herself, Dipshikkha is candid about its challenges. She shares, “There are moments when she feels disheartened during slow phases, but I remind her that patience is crucial in this field. Success might happen overnight, or it could take years. Either way, it’s all about trusting the process, because life often has its own plans,” she says.

Vidhika, who has appeared in over 10 commercials and continues to audition for roles, is clear about her goals. She shares, “Although I am open to acting, my ultimate dream is to sign with an international modelling agency. It’s a big leap that requires a stronger portfolio. So, for now, I’m focused on building my profile further.”

Despite her mother’s connections in the industry, she is determined to carve her own path. She explains, “I love being known as my mom’s daughter, but she built her career on her own terms, and I want to do the same. I’ve inherited her fierce determination — no matter how unwell she is, she always shows up and gives her best. That work ethic inspires me.”

She adds, “Raising two kids as a single mother while building a career wasn’t easy for her, and as I grow older, I understand the depth of her sacrifices. That realisation drives me to pursue my dreams with everything I have. I want my hard work, not my surname to define me.”

Despite two failed marriages, Deepshikha Nagpal hasn’t become cynical about love. She is open to the possibility of meeting her Mr Right and starting life afresh.

She says, “When a relationship ends, it leaves you shattered but that doesn’t mean I don’t believe in love anymore. Love remains the most beautiful emotion and experience. Life’s a journey and the lessons from my past relationships have helped me break patterns of emotional dependence. So, I don’t blame anyone. I respect all my relationships because I was happy with them at some point and wish them happiness.”

Learning from past mistakes, she advises not to be hasty in love. She says, “Never get involved with anybody on the rebound or for the wrong reason. Earlier, I was under the impression that I needed a partner to complete me and would find someone as incomplete as me (laughs!). I have realised that nobody can complete me. I feel complete in myself. I love myself, and I am my top priority. Pehle aisa lagta tha baad mein sab theek ho jaayega ya bachhe ho jaayenge tab sab theek ho jaayega. But that’s not how it works. A relationship has to be fine right from the word go. The biggest lesson I have learnt is that I am not dependent on anybody financially or emotionally. I can’t lose my identity in a relationship.”

So, what’s her ideal partner like? “I don’t believe in flings and wasting time and energy on frivolous relationships. I have certain expectations from my partner, which include honesty, loyalty, and emotional strength. It is challenging to find a genuine person, but I have faith I will find the right one. I am not lonely or sad or lonely, but I would love to have a partner with whom I can share everything unfiltered. I love falling in love and am confident it will happen soon. I won’t be single for long; someone special will be a part of my life. I don’t know about marriage yet, as it’s a big responsibility,” she replies.

In her desire to find love again, she has the support of her children – 22-year-old Vidhika and 18-year-old Vivaan.

She shares, “I have a pact with them that I should be aware of their relationships. One day, my son asked me why I don’t bring someone I like home to meet them. Unsure of their reaction, I was quite hesitant about introducing the person I might fall in love with to them. They encouraged me to move on and find a partner but advised me to make a wise choice. They often tell me that I end up meeting the wrong people (laughs!). We are each other’s strongest support.”

Given the sudden decision to halt TV shoots, channels and production houses are in a soup. However, most shows have a bank of episodes and will be able to go on for at least a week. Thereafter, if the situation doesn’t change, they will have air re-runs, which they aren’t in favour of.

Ved Raj, who has two shows on air including Apna Time Bhi Aayega, says, “We were prepared for this. I am assuming that almost every producer shot aggressively and created a bank of episodes, which will last till Tuesday or Wednesday. Re-runs are always the last option as no one makes money. The idea is to work hard, entertain the audience and keep the business afloat.”

The decision to air re-runs of a new show or air old shows will be taken by channels. As Saurabh Tewari, producer of Pinjara Khubsurti Ka, says, “I don’t think any producer will have a bank of episodes that will suffice for more than a week, which means that we will be able to telecast fresh episodes till next Wednesday. If the matter isn’t resolved and we don’t resume the shoot, we will have to opt for repeats like last year. It will be the broadcaster’s prerogative whether they bring back old shows or air re-runs of their current shows. However, I doubt that will generate any revenue in such a situation. It will be a huge business loss.”

Talking about re-runs, Sumeet Mittal, who has five shows on air including Shaadi Mubarak and Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye, says, “Re-runs is the last resort when everything else fails. Currently, we are looking at the options to continue the shoot outside Mumbai. At the same time, we are also working on a plan that we will present to the Maharashtra CMO. We will assure the administration that we can work in a controlled environment, create a bio-bubble on the set and do our best to keep everyone safe. Having said that, we will abide by the final decision of the CMO.”

Benaifer Kohli, who has three shows on air, including Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai!, says, “I have a bank of episodes that will suffice for more than two weeks. The only show without a healthy bank is Jijaji Chhat Parr Koii Hai, as it went on air recently. So, the channel will decide whether they will telecast re-runs. If I have to move to another city, I would want to make sure that it’s safe for my unit to shoot there. It’s a temporary compromise that we will be making for everybody’s livelihood.”

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Reality shows like Dance Deewane, Indian Pro Music League and Indian Idol have shot in advance and will manage the telecast for the next two weeks. Arvind Rao, producer of Dance Deewane, says, “The issues will start after the next weekend because we don’t have episodes in the bank. We are hoping for the best outcome of our meeting with the CM. As of now, we have halted the shoot.” Along with Rao, judge Dharmesh Yelande and many crew members had tested positive for Coronavirus two weeks ago.

Like Dance Deewane, Indian Idol, too, saw host Aditya Narayan test positive. Contestant Pawandeep Rajan has also been unwell. A source said, “Last year, we were contemplating to relocate the set to Hyderabad and shoot the episodes from there, but this year, there has been no such talk as yet. We will wait till next week and see how things go.”

Whenever shoots resume, reality show makers are toying with the idea of creating a bio-bubble, like sports tournaments have done so far. Ranjeet Thakur, producer of Super Dancer, says, “The cost of creating a bio bubble will be higher, but safety will be maintained. In case of a bio-bubble, we keep the entire crew (technicians) on the set as long as the shoot lasts. The contestants are also on the set, but in another zone. The judges travel from their homes, shoot for two episodes and only then can they leave the set. Before we start shooting, everyone has to undergo the COVID-19 test, and they are not allowed to come in contact with anyone outside the unit. In the case of a fiction show, a similar exercise can be followed.”

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This time, last year we were new to it, but today we are prepared. If offices and other places are shut, then studios should be, too. As a matter of fact, shooting for movies and shows is riskier than working in an office.

I don’t know how production houses are going to deal with this situation. However, the restrictions are necessary as COVID-19 cases are increasing rapidly and people are not taking necessary precautions. I am sad about our show’s shoot, but whatever the government has decided is to contain the spread of coronavirus.

This is upsetting and disheartening for all because the entertainment industry along with the other sectors was barely getting back on its feet post the lockdown that happened last year, and now, it’s like history repeating itself. For the television fraternity where new content needs to be churned out daily and deadlines have to be met, it will be challenging to cope up with this situation.

Among the worst affected in the second wave is Maharashtra and the situation called for stringent measures. There are so many people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the entertainment industry as well. I, too, got infected, but thankfully I have recovered. However, there were so many who lost their lives to it. Yes, our livelihood depends on it but life hai toh livelihood hogi na, so I feel till the time the cases lessen we should all co-operate and respect the decision that has been taken. This is the reason I am in Gurugram and not taking a flight back to Mumbai.

We are still talking to the production house and figuring things out. This lockdown though necessary wasn’t something we anticipated. Our show, Ranju ki Betiyaan, has been doing very well and we were looking forward to maintaining the momentum. But, of course, health comes first. We will try and make the most of this break as well and stay positive.

I honestly don’t know how to react to this. It’s a good move considering the rise in the number of cases, but stopping the shoot means the entertainment industry will suffer a huge loss, especially the shows that are on air and the films that are currently being shot. The last time it happened for more than three months and I am sure many won’t even have episodes in the bank. It’s a tough situation, but I am sure, together we will overcome this, too.

Yes, it’s sad that shoots have been stopped, but I also feel it is for the greater good. We need to probably start taking more precautions or shift our shoots to places where work can progress smoothly. Unlike the last time, I am better prepared. I know what to do and what my schedule is going to be like. I hope we get back to work soon.

Seeing the rising cases of the COVID 19 virus, whatever the government has decided is necessary to break the chain. However, we cannot ignore the fact that there will be people who will be affected by this, especially the crew, which works on daily wages. I hope producers or channels take care of them. 

Known for his roles in the Akshay Kumar-starrer Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) and Salman Khan films like Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (2002) and Wanted (2009), actor Inder Kumar passed away on Friday morning in Mumbai following a cardiac arrest. Inder had also briefly played Mihir Virani in the popular TV show, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

His ex-father-in-law Raju Karia told the media, “He passed away at 2 am on Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest.“ The actor's life was marred by controversies, but there were always those who stood by him. Here's what Salim Khan, Isha Koppikar (who dated him for 10 years) and Deepshikha Nagpal had to say about the late actor.

INDER SOUNDED STRESSED WHEN I SPOKE TO HIM TWO DAYS AGO: DEEPSHIKHA NAGPAL
Deepshikha Nagpal and Inder became friends during her directorial debut Yeh Dooriyan, in which he played a pivotal role. Since then, the two kept in touch. A shocked Deepshikha said, “I spoke to him just a couple of days ago. I still can't believe he is no more. He was a wonderful guy and fantastic actor. I met him during the shoot of my film; he was a thorough professional. Salman Khan, who he held in high regard, had recommended him to me as I was looking for someone to play the character of Aditya.“

She added, “He would drop by my place quite often. He was going through a rough patch in terms of finances and work. I would always encourage him to stay positive. I am also close to his wife. He doted on his daughter. His wife would advise him to speak to me whenever he felt low. I am still in a state of shock. May his soul rest in peace and God give strength to his family.“

-Neha Maheshwri

INDER'S LIFE WAS FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS: ISHA KOPPIKAR
Actress Isha Koppikar was in a relationship with Inder Kumar for almost a decade before the two went their separate ways. The actress had not been in touch with Inder or his family for the past few years, but was in a state of shock when the news of his death surfaced.

Isha was unable to hide her emotions. She told BT, “I just got to know about it. I am deeply grieved. This should not happen to anyone. Inder was too young. He was only 43 and is survived by his ex-wife and a little daughter. I am extremely shocked and saddened and feel deeply for his family, especially his daughter and brother Goldie, who always stood by him like a rock.“

She reminisced, “Inder had such great potential as an actor, but he threw it all away because of some habits. Only if he was more responsible, this wouldn't have happened and he would still be with us. We should always think about our parents, the way we've been brought up, our siblings, our spouse and those who care for us. Inder's life was full of ups and downs. He had it in him to be on top of his game as an actor, but he let it slip out of his hands. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family.“

-Renuka Vyavahare


YEH KOI UMAR NAHI THI USKE JAANE KI: SALIM KHAN
Inder was close to Salman Khan and his family. When contacted, Salman's father, writer Salim Khan, said, “Inder was a young boy. Yeh koi umar nahi thi uske jaane ki. He was a bright actor. He worked with Salman and was quite promising. Jo hua, bura hua. My condolences to his family and prayers for the departed soul.“

-Rachana Dubey

Their story has enough drama to inspire a new television soap. After a public spat followed by an ugly divorce in February this year, actress Deepshikha Nagpal and husband Kaishav Arora are now giving their marriage a second chance. They have decided to put their past behind as they feel that they are 'karmically connected'.

Kaishav has moved in with Deepshikha since Diwali. A source informs, “Despite an ugly divorce, they have realised that they can't stay away from each other. But, the two are keeping their current relationship status under wraps as they don't want people to cast aspersion on them. One of the main reasons for trouble in their relationship is their different personalities. While Deepshikha is straightforward, Kaishav is reserved. He feels that every relationship goes through ups and downs and it shouldn't be exposed to the public.“

When we reached out to Deepshikha, she was initially reluctant to talk about the development. But after some prodding, she confirmed, “Yes, we are back together.“ Explaining what made her change her stance, she said, “I realised I love him beyond anything. All marriages go through a rocky patch. Unfortunately, instead of helping us, some friends added fuel to the fire. But I don't blame them; the time was bad. When we met after eight months of separation, we wondered why we split in the first place. I cannot love anyone else than Kaishav; everything else ceases to matter when we are together. Now, we don't want to discuss our past anymore. For a successful marriage, one has to respect each other's space. I want to and have already started life afresh.“

A few months ago when Deepshikha Nagpal decided to give her marriage with model-actor Kaishav Arora a second chance, she claimed, all was well between them. The reality, it seems, is anything but peaceful. Apparently, both of them had constant fights and Kaishav was also cheating on her. So, she felt it was best for them to separate as she didn't want her kids (from her previous marriage) to undergo any stress. Their divorce was finalised on February 24. A source told BT, “Deepshikha had filed for a divorce in May last year, but decided not to accelerate the process hoping that they would reconcile their differences. However, she didn't withdraw the petition and when things became unbearable, she pursued the case. The legal separation came through last month.“

While she was hoping to remain cordial with her ex-hubby, things took an ugly turn on March 8 when Kaishav visited her house in her absence to collect his stuff. “After returning home, she asked him to leave. But he started abusing her in front of her son and showed his violent behaviour instead,“ adds the source.

The actress immediately headed to the Bangur Nagar Police Station to file a non-cognisable complaint (NC) against her ex-hubby for physical abuse. She now wants to file an FIR against him. When contacted, Deepshikha said, “I was physically abused on a day when the world was celebrating womanhood. How could he enter my house without my permission? I want justice.“

Kaishav, on his part, said, “Though she slapped me a few times, I didn't hit her back. I have been living like a servant in her house, but I belong to a family that doesn't wash dirty linen in public. The cheating accusations are baseless. The real story is that she has had relationships outside marriage. Problems started when I learnt about them. We finally parted ways legally last month.“

TV couple Deepshikha Nagpal and Kaishav Arora parted ways after differences cropped up between them. The reason behind their marriage hitting a roadblock was incompatibility. However, after much deliberation, the two are back together, wanting to make their marriage work. “All's well between us,“ states the actress. They took the initiative of making things work after Deepshikha moved back to her Malad home on June 9.

Deepshikha says, “It was on June 26, 2009 that Kaishav and I started dating. When I moved back to my Malad house, the memories of good times spent together came flooding back and I started missing him. Call it a coincidence, Kaishav went through the same emotions. I had never imagined anything could affect our fairytale marriage. And after this episode, we never thought we would see each other's face again. But, I guess we are karmically connected. We prayed that we should come back together if it was good for us. Destiny brought us together again.“

The couple decided to iron out their differences and start afresh. “It wasn't an overnight decision. We feared that differences might crop up again and hence, we worked on it for over a month. We wanted to make sure that there is no room for insecurity. We assured each other and our children that it won't happen again,“ she says.

Kaishav, who has so far maintained a stoic silence on the issue, opens up for the first time. He says, “There is no one phase when you are working on your relationship as it's an ongoing process. Our love overpowered our differences and we realised that we had blown small fights out of proportion. When we remembered the beautiful times we spent together, we realised that we were being stupid to let frivolous fights affect our marriage. We are back now and trying to make our marriage beautiful.“

For actress Deepshikha Nagpal, her second marriage is over. She filed a non-cognisable complaint against her husband Kaishav Arora, restraining him from entering her house. In an exclusive chat with Bombay Times, Deepshikha speaks about what went wrong in her relationship...

When did problems start in your marriage?
Almost a year back. I thought that the relationship would get better, but it didn't. Since it was my second marriage, I gave my 200% to save it. We have had compatibility issues leading to fights. I realised we are two different people and I didn't exist for him despite being physically present. I have been through several ups and downs in life, but in the last eight months, I feel like I have been to hell and back. I went into depression. One day, it got so ugly that I told him that I didn't want to live with him and wanted a divorce. To my shock, rather than calming me down, he asked me to clear his dues for working on a show for two years, which was a joint venture with a friend. When I told him we will do the accounting, he wasn't ready. He is asking for 1.5 crore as his earnings. I am a self-made woman and have never taken a penny from my parents or my ex-husband. I would never hold anyone's money back. But you can't force or threaten me for it! Which husband asks his wife to return money that he has earned or tells his wife that she used him for five years? It felt as if it was all about money. I told him, 'I am your wife, treat me like one.' He has called my friends and badmouthed me, saying how I was not paying his dues. He never said let's work things out even once. I have cried enough and now, I don't care what people have to say. I wasted my energy and my health deteriorated in these eight months. I had put him before everything else.

Why didn't you approach his family to resolve the differences?
I did, but they seemed indifferent until the first NC was filed against him. That's when they came rushing to me and told me that I shouldn't have gone to the cops. I decided to listen to my gut. If I take it lying down, I become a bechari, but if I speak up, I am a b**ch. I would have slapped my son had he done something like this.

Did Kaishav try to get in touch with you?
He won't dare call me after the NC.

What's the status now?
We are no more a part of each other's life. I want a divorce and I have told him that we will mutually separate. I don't want to stay with someone who doesn't respect me. I want to take charge of my life. God bless him and may he be happy.

Did you feel the pressure was more to make this relationship last since it was your second marriage?
Yes, there was too much pressure. At times, I think why did I even marry again? My weakness was that I aspired to have a perfect family - husband and kids. I wanted to lead a normal life. I had working parents and was emotionally vulnerable, as I used to stay alone. Call it my weakness or craving. But now, I am done with it. I don't need a man to complete me, my children complete me.

How did your children cope with it?
My children are my angels. I sat with them and told them that I was feeling suffocated. They told me they were adjusting with him because of me and I mistook that for their happiness.

What next?
I am happy, focussing on work and will bounce back like I always do.

Actress Deepshikha Nagpal and husband Kaishav Arora, who were spotted together at several social dos until recently, are facing some serious trouble in their marriage.

The actress filed a non cognizable offence with the police on April 13, restraining Kaishav from entering her home. While she remained unavailable for comment, a source says, “The couple has been having compatibility issues for a while now. Recently, matters took an ugly turn and now it seems to be beyond repair.“

Deepshikha and Kaishav tied the knot in January 2012. They met and fell in love during the making of Yeh Dooriyan, a movie directed by her. This is her second marriage and she has two children from her first one.

Kaishav did not respond to our text message.

Of late, all eyes have been on Minissha Lamba and Aarya Babbar on Bigg Boss 8. The two have accused each other of having made the suggestion of faking a romance on the show to grab maximum eyeballs. While Minissha confided in Deepshikha Nagpal on the show recently that Aarya had approached her with the idea, Aarya told friend Karishma Tanna that it was Minissha's suggestion.

As the 'plot' thickens, we got in touch with their families to find out the real story. Aarya's sister, Juhi Babbar, said, “I had a laugh when I saw the episode where Minissha confided in Deepshikha. I felt that she was trying to project herself as a righteous person. Aarya and Minissha know each other from the time they worked together on Heer And Hero last year. Had Aarya approached her with such a request and Minissha declining it downright, it would really be foolish of him to stand by her on the show. Before the show, he had even spoken to Minissha and her family on the phone. He promised them that he would take care of her and never nominate her. He was shooting a project and was in Mumbai for just two days before he left for the house. Where would he find the time to meet Minissha and make these plans?“

Ask her if the two have a history and she replies, “There could've been something between them during the course of the movie, but I don't know the details. Aarya was shocked when Minissha called him 'thali ka baingan' during a task. Someone who has promised that he will stand by you, under any circumstances, is bound to react that way.“

As an afterthought, Juhi adds, “I think Aarya is too decent on the show. He comes from a film family and has an image to live up to. He can't shout or yell like others, who have nothing to lose.“

On the other hand, Minissha's mother, Manju Lamba, gave us a crisp reply, “It's a small issue that's being blown out of proportion in the media. It is weird of Aarya to create such hype. If Minissha was the one who approached him, then why would she go on national television and talk about the same? They both are, in fact, going to do a Punjabi film together in the near future.“

Actress Deepshikha Nagpal, who has been part of the entertainment industry for two decades, has finally made her debut in Gujarati theatre. Gujarati is her mother tongue. She is the granddaughter of Vithaldas Pachotia, known for his association with Gujarati theatre during the silent era of the industry. Her mother was also a Gujarati actress. She says, “I have done two Hindi plays with Rajpal Yadav and Paritosh Painter, but that was long back. I have done 10 Gujarati films. While TV and cinema give you immediate recognition, theatre helps you polish your acting skills. Due to my work commitment, I had to decline a lot of offers, but this came to me at the right time. I had just left a TV show and had ample time to devote to theatre.“