Showing posts with label Devoleena Bhattacharjee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devoleena Bhattacharjee. Show all posts
Devoleena Bhattacharjee files cybercrime complaint over trolls targeting son’s skin colour
8:02 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (August 6, 2025)
Actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee has taken legal action against trolls who targeted her seven-month-old son, Joy for his complexion. She took to Instagram and shared that she had submitted screenshots and account details of the online trolls to the cyber police.
In one of her Stories, the 39-year-old shared a screenshot of her conversation with the authorities after tagging them in her posts. In the caption, she wrote, “Let’s heal and treat them the way they deserve. To troll a seven-month-old for the complexion and interfaith marriage. Request you all to share the screenshots of any trolls and their profile in my dm. Will lodge an official complaint soon. Thank you Indian Cyber Police for the quick response (sic).”
In another post, Devoleena noted that several trolls, including one named Rana, had deleted their accounts and asked her followers to help find the profile. She warned the other trolls by saying, “Baaki sab intezaar main baitho. Par bhago mat. Kitna bhagoge kaha take bhagoge. Karma yad rakhna.”
Devoleena even shared a screenshot of a troll apologizing after the police were able to track down the account. She posted messages from the police about the case, adding in the caption: “Well Pinak. You hurt a mother by such distasteful words/comments. Thank you @indiancyberpolice really really means a lot to me and many like me who go through this harassment almost everyday. This really need to stop.”
PM Narendra Modi wasn’t there to please anyone with his English language skills-Devoleena Bhattacharjee
8:07 AM
The actor slams trolls for mocking PM Modi for his English slip-up at The White House
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 28, 2023)
During his recent address at The White House, Washington DC (USA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi mispronounced the word “investing” as “investigating” while discussing the significance of girl child education. The slip-up soon became fodder for internet trolls and actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee isn’t impressed with the PM being mocked: “Aapko apni native languages likhna-padhna naa aaye, toh us par sharminda hona chahiye, na ki PM ko mock karna chahiye. He wasn’t there to please anyone with his [English] language skills. He was there for India.”
Earlier, the Saath Nibhaana Saathiya actor tweeted, “English is just a language to communicate. Bohot saari desh hai jahan english nahi bolte hai log. Translator ki zaroorat padhti hai. PM ka mazak udaa rahe because of a damn language (sic).”
The 37-year-old doesn’t have a problem with English, but with those who mock people who aren’t fluent in the language: “People are keen to learn foreign languages like Spanish and French, but don’t want to learn Hindi or their mother tongue. I can speak, read and write in Bengali and Assamese, and I am proud of it. In fact, kids, especially in big cities, are taught English as their first language in most homes. Aadhe log toh vyakaran (grammar) ka matlab Google karenge.”
Bhattacharjee continues, “In our society, the perception is that if you speak English well, you are classy. It saddens me. I am fed up [of always feeling the pressure] that English mein hi bolna hai and only then people will respect you. There are so many people who know Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by heart, but ask them to recite a poem in their mother tongue and they are likely to not know any.”
I still smile thinking how Sidharth Shukla used to pull my leg, flirt-Devoleena Bhattacharjee
7:45 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 2, 2022)
It’s been exactly a year since Sidharth Shukla, a popular actor whose fame surged after his stint in the reality show Bigg Boss, died due to cardiac arrest. However, even today, the late actor remains popular on social media. We speak to his fans, who are known as SidHearts, about their idol.
Mehak, 26, from Punjab, met the actor in November 2020. “When I met him, he treated me like he knew me. He treated everyone like family. I was there with him for 30 minutes, and he was just so warm. I remember telling him, ‘Your mum is sweet and you are the best son’, and he countered me right away with, ‘No, she is the best mum’,” she tells us.
Shukla’s fandom isn’t just limited to India. SidHearts are spread across the East, the West, and everything in between.
Kumayl Abbas Rizvi, from Islamabad, Pakistan, mentions, “In the past year, millions of his fans, including me, have realised that celebrating him, talking about him, telling people about him, implementing his ideas in our lives will never end. He is infinite, a never-ending source of guidance and love. His impact across the border is such that whenever something bad happened in our country, he always asked us about our safety. He never differentiated between his Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi fans. He always considered them his fans, his SidHearts, his Siddians.”
Nikita Sharma, 24, from Toronto, Canada, feels it is actor-singer Shehnaaz Gill (Shukla’s close friend) who keeps the late actor’s legacy alive. “For us, we see Sidharth in Shehnaaz. I believe he is watching all of us,” she states.
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RATNA GOEL
She is from Atlanta, USA, and has been running a fan account since 2017. “Even after he became really famous, he knew most of his fans by their names. I even used to tease him asking why he isn’t married and he always said he is ‘enjoying his single life’ and never gave a straight answer,” Goel recollects.
SMITA PANDEY
“I sent Sid a mug with his fans’ pictures as a gift. And on Mother’s Day, he posted a snap with his mum featuring the same mug! During interviews, he’d remember most of his fans’ accounts. Once, he took my name and said, ‘I’ve met her’,” says Pandey, who met the actor on the sets of Balika Vadhu.
DR NUPUR KHARANGATE
“He was an integral part of our lives, treated his SidHearts like family members, motivated and guided us. I just wish we could go back in time and relive the wonderful moments he spent with us. His absence has left a void, which can never be filled,” says Kharangate, a dentist from Goa, who met the actor in December 2020.
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Actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee was one of the celebrities who spent time with Sidharth Shukla inside the reality show Bigg Boss 13’s house in 2019. While the two had a roller-coaster journey on the show, Bhattacharjee was still one of his close allies.
“It seems just like yesterday,” she says when reminded that it’s been a year since the actor died. Bhattacharjee continues, “Whenever it strikes my mind that he is not with us anymore, I feel extremely sorry and upset.”
Talking about the late actor, she says, “He was a gentleman. In the show, we fought but also remained cordial. Outside of the show, we had been really good friends. I smile at times, thinking about how he used to pull my leg, flirt with me, and sing for me in that house. He took care of me when I got injured in the show.”
Shukla’s fandom keeps his legacy alive and Bhattacharjee says, “I feel that is the real success. Not everyone gets this success. I hope Sidharth is at peace, wherever he is.”
I loved Ritesh Singh so much and he left me-Rakhi Sawant
8:28 AM
Farzana Patowari (BOMBAY TIMES; February 16, 2022)
Rakhi Sawant took to her social media to share the news that her husband Ritesh Singh had left her. Rakhi was moved to tears when she spoke to us. She said, “He left me! I loved him so much and he left me.”
Rakhi further said, “After Bigg Boss, we started living together in my house in Mumbai, but last Sunday, he packed his bags and left. He said that he is in legal trouble because he didn’t divorce his first wife and now he doesn’t want to live with me anymore. He said that he lost a lot of money in his business as he had to go through a lot of scrutiny after he entered the Bigg Boss house with me.”
Rakhi said she wasn’t aware of his marital status earlier. “After coming out of the Bigg Boss house, when I got to know that he married and had a child too, my heart broke. I cannot be unfair to a woman and a child. I am coming to terms with the fact that he has left me.”
She admitted that her marriage with him, which took place on July 28, 2019, was illegal. “Our marriage wasn’t not legal because he didn’t divorce his first wife.”
Talking about her family's reaction to this, Rakhi said, “Yesterday as soon as my mother and brother heard about this, they immediately came to meet me. They are very sad and told me that I should have found out more about Ritesh before getting involved with him. I loved and trusted Ritesh blindly and this is what he has done to me,” she said.
People have always accused Rakhi of faking her marriage. Even after Ritesh entered the BB house with her, there were rumours that the marriage wasn’t real.
However, this never bothered Rakhi. Recounting how they first met, she said, “We connected via WhatsApp and we chatted for over six months. He sent me his address, his bank account details and other things and I believed him. He proposed marriage and since I also wanted someone in my life, I married him three years ago. When I made it public, they didn't want to believe me. So, I convinced Ritesh to come to the Bigg Boss house with me.”
Rakhi continues to be hopeful. “I love him very much and I will forgive him for everything. If he gets divorced and wants to come back to me, then he should know that I am waiting for him. But, if he is happy with his wife and kids then God bless them. But for me, marriage and love is not a joke,” she concluded.
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Vickey Lalwani (ETIMES; February 15, 2022)
Rakhi Sawant's video interview to ETimes TV last week made it amply clear that Rakhi and Ritesh had all but parted ways. Today, she officially announced on her Instagram that they have separated as a couple. We at ETimes TV caught up with Ms Sawant over the telephone, about an hour ago.
Excerpts from the conversation that transpired:
It was evident from your interview with us that you'll were about to part ways...
Well, I still love Ritesh. I have loved him truly. I shall wait for him about a year if he wants to come back. I just took my car and drove off for a long drive. Back home, I am now constantly eating. I am feeling very depressed.
Today is Monday. When exactly did you call it off?
It happened yesterday at about 3 pm. But I didn't call it off. It was his decision. He was with me on Friday, throughout. We woke up on Sunday very normally. Suddenly, he started packing his bags and said that he wants to separate from me as his legal issues (Read: with his wife) have become too much. God knows who he's spoken to during those morning hours that led him to take this step.
You'll were planning a baby this year?
Yes, we had decided to have a child in 2022. Lekin abhi kaise?
Have you tried calling him after that?
Yes, I did. But he didn't take my calls. Even my mother tried to explain and request him while he was leaving. She was crying and telling him that this is not the right way to lead a life. As I said, I truly loved him. I kept our marriage intact despite the fact that he hardly stayed with me ever since he came into my life.
Did the show 'Bigg Boss' (Season 15) ruin your relationship with Ritesh?
On one hand, I am happy that he got in. This made people understand that a certain Ritesh whom I was saying I had married, exists. On the other hand, a lot of things about him came out in the open.
But you knew before entering 'Bigg Boss 15' that he was married and even has a child...
Yes, but I didn't know his wife's strong stance until I came out of 'Bigg Boss 15' and read her interviews. Honestly, I don't know who has harassed whom - did she harass him or did he harass her?
We heard that he was keen to enter 'Bigg Boss 15' for publicity because he wants to turn producer...
Haan, woh bahut kuch banna chahte hain. And...
And?
Before leaving, he said that our marriage was not legal.
Lekin galti toh uski thi na. He married you despite knowing that he already has a wife. It was he who knew from the word 'Go' that his marriage with you is illegal. Strange, isn't it?
Strange, indeed. But now if he divorces his first wife and comes back to me, he needs to buy a house and a car of his own. And, I have categorically told him that.
Valentine's Day has virtually proved to be a Break-Up Day for you...
Yes, and that really hurts.
Anybody from the industry has called you in support?
Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Mahima Chaudhary, Kashmera Shah, Pratik Sehajpal have come forward with motivational messages. I am seeing so many lovey-dovey messages on social media. I am trying to avoid taking the phone in hand. Mujhse bardasht nahi ho raha.
Does the Riteish chapter in your life reduce your faith in love and man?
No, it doesn't. And, certainly not my faith in God.
Did you feel after 'Bigg Boss 15' that he will leave you?
Hmmm... yes. I felt he was staying in my house only to be at the Grand Finale. 'Bigg Boss' ke contract mein hain that 'you have to pay Rs 2 crore if you don't attend the Grand Finale'. Besides, he was not touching me or kissing me in front of the media. Only I was kissing him. He is a shy person, lekin un baton se zarror jyaada lagne laga tha.
Are television actors losing out on plum roles due to their social media following?
8:21 AM
While actors are upset and feel this emerging trend is unfair, senior producers and casting directors have a different take on this issue
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 6, 2021)
Social media earlier was a tool for actors to reveal their real personality and stay connected with fans. But now, in many ways, the fan following dictates if an actor will land interesting projects. While this trend began for web shows, lately, it seems to have percolated into the world of television, too.
‘THE PERCEPTION THAT A HUGE FAN FOLLOWING CAN GET RATINGS FOR A TV SHOW IS BIZARRE’
A few months ago Mouli Ganguly shared how she had lost out on a show because of less followers on social media. Balika Vadhu actress Aasiya Kazi also vented how it was frustrating to lose a project when the makers liked her audition, but she was not selected finally, due to lack of followers on social media. Like these two, many have voiced their unhappiness over this emerging trend. Nia Sharma may not have experienced this herself, but she spoke out against this saying, “It is disrespectful and hurtful for a senior actor like Mouli to lose out on a show because she doesn’t have followers. When I did Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna, there was no social media, but the show did well. The perception that a huge fan following can get ratings for a TV show is bizarre.”
SENIOR PRODUCERS SAY SUCH A THING DOESN’T EXIST
Many senior producers do not agree that such a trend has begun in the TV industry. Producer of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!, Benaifer Kohli says, “Even if Katrina Kaif auditions for the role of Bhabi Ji, but doesn’t suit the part, I will not be able to cast her in my show. Every day, there are so many actors who come to us saying we have millions of followers, but TV audiences are not your social media followers. While you might be well-known on social media, people might not connect with you in a TV show if you don’t act well or don’t suit the role.”
She gives the example of TV show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. “How do you explain the popularity of actresses who played the lead in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya? When Giaa Manek quit the show, Devoleena Bhattacharjee took over. Both the actresses then were not popular on social media, but they got popular because of the character and the script.” Many established producers share a similar thought as Binaifer.
CASTING DIRECTORS ARE DIVIDED ON THIS ISSUE
While some casting directors agree that such a trend is slowly setting in, others feel it’s a wrong perception that actors have. Casting director Amano Dhyan, who has cast actors for many TV and web shows, says, “I admit this is a trend currently, but not as rampant as TV actors feel. There are new producers in the market, who are not confident about their product and want to cast actors with a big fan following. They don’t want to take a risk, so they check actors’ reels and Insta stories. But experienced senior producers cast actors on the basis of auditions and talent.”
However, casting director Abhishek Singh, who has cast actors in shows like Anupamaa, Pratigyaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlataa Hai and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, does not agree with this and says, “I don’t feel any TV actor is cast in a show for his fan following. Just because you have not agreed on certain terms with the makers and are not doing a show, does not give you the excuse to blame it on social media. I don’t see any lead actor on TV right now, who is there because he has a million followers and no experience of working in a TV show.”
IS SOCIAL MEDIA FAN FOLLOWING REAL?
Achint Kaur feels times are changing and one has to accept it. She says, “The fact is that social media is here to stay. If some makers want traction online for their TV shows, why not? If they want a popular face who has a good fan following, it is a reality and we all have to accept it.”
However, the general feeling among actors who do not have a huge following on social media is that it’s unfair. Mayank Gandhi, who has worked in TV shows like Kaala Teeka, says, “I have actually been auditioned for projects and selected for a role, but at the last minute, someone else got selected for it. I was told that his social media fan following was better, but everyone knows that followers can be bought. Does it mean you have to pay money to be cast in a show? Also, social media fan following is a big hoax because you could be a star on social media and yet people would not recognise you in real life. Sometimes, I feel that it is not about social media, but an excuse to cast actors who are new and will work in lower budgets for them.”
Fingers crossed, if all goes well we will get married this year, say Eijaz Khan-Pavitra Punia
8:21 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; February 9, 2021)
It wasn’t love at first sight for these two Bigg Boss 14 contestants. However, Eijaz Khan and Pavitra Punia have now taken their love-hate relationship to the next level and made it official to the world that “we are dating”. Interestingly, their love-hate rapport continues even outside the house, as just before talking to us exclusively, the two revealed that they fought over something, but then patched up in no time. Excerpts from the conversation...
Finally, the two of you have confessed your feelings for each other. So, how is it going?
Pavitra: I have always believed that love is a very beautiful feeling. We both are feeling it now. We fought inside the Bigg Boss house and still had feelings for each other there. Now, we have come out of the house and have confessed our feelings for each other. It's blissful.
Eijaz: I was too confused inside the Bigg Boss house. Everything there was from a game’s perspective. But anything and everything that came from Pavitra, was very real. Now that I have come out of the house and I see those clips of our fights, I see that hesitation and smile on my face ki arre yaar mujhe Pavitra pe gussa kyun nahi aa raha hai? Love for her, I think, was always there, and now I have confessed my feelings. And now, I can’t wait to torture her for the rest of my life!
Talking about ‘rest of your life’, are the two of you thinking of marriage?
Eijaz: Abhi bahut papad belne hain shaadi ke liye. Shaadi inshallah hogi, aur bahut sahi waqt pe hogi. We are keeping our fingers crossed and if all goes well, Pavitra and I will get married this year. Abhi humare ghar waale bahut phaile hue hain, pehle unhe samet le and then we will think about marriage.
Pavitra: Things will happen very soon. We can’t predict our future, but we can be hopeful and wishful about the future.
Have your families met to take the relationship further?
Eijaz: My brother and my cousins have met Pavitra. I have also met her brother. Woh ho chuka hai, now the planning for the other generation to meet is on.
Have the number of fights between you lessened after coming out of the Bigg Boss house?
Pavitra: Just before this call, we were having the ‘Bigg Boss time’ again where we were fighting and he was saying that do not raise your voice at me. When a relationship is real, you fight and make up and this cycle continues. This journey can’t always be sweet. People thought our fights were fake, but they were all real.
Eijaz: Earlier in the house, we used to fight over ridiculous issues like nominations etc., but now, we fight and argue on real things. She is teaching me how to look at life from a bigger perspective during the fights and counsels me on how not to have a bad day over things that are not in my control. Our fights are real and so is our making up. It is not because we have a Weekend Ka Vaar and so we are together, it is genuine.
So, who apologizes first?
Eijaz: Take a guess! I said I am sorry and you are right! It is always like that.
Pavitra: It was so because most of the time, he is wrong and when he is wrong, I need to shout and then he takes brownie points by saying, ‘Sorry, I won’t do it again!’ But if you see, he was wrong in the first place! He creates the fight and then says sorry (giggles!).
So, are you both following Bigg Boss ever since you came out of the house?
Eijaz: We wanted to watch it together, but both of us have been busy with our work and have not had the time to catch up much on the episodes.
What do you have to say about Devoleena Bhattacharjee as Eijaz’s proxy?
Pavitra: Going by Eijaz’s image, whatever she is doing is completely opposite of what his image is. He has mostly been quiet and has not been violent the way she has been in the recent episode. Eijaz ne ghar ko kabhi bhi nuksaan nahi pahunchaya. But having said that, going by the tough competition inside the house as of now, I think she is giving good content to be there in the house. Eventually, content matters, which the audience and the makers love. I would love to see more of this side of Devoleena because by doing all this todphod, she is going to be in the show, which means Eijaz is in the show.
Eijaz: I have lost touch with what is happening inside the house. If I go as a competitor now, I have a lot to catch up on, and I am ready for it.
People who think my equation with Pavitra Punia is fake, are fake themselves-Eijaz Khan
8:16 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 20, 2021)
As re-entries are common in BB, will we see him make a comeback as well? “Initially, the makers thought that it would be impossible as it’s too close to the finale. However, they said that they will try something. I have given my blood, sweat and tears to this show, so I feel that my fans will feel cheated if I exit just like that. So, my primary responsibility now is to go back and win it for them,” he replies.
Eijaz is optimistic about actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee, who was a part of BB 13, being roped in as his proxy on the show. “I haven’t seen her game, but she seems sorted and says exactly what she wants to. The best part is that she has seen a few episodes of BB 14, and during the last task, both of us surprisingly chose Nikki Tamboli and gave the same reason without consulting each other,” he shares.
The actor seems to have a lot of trust issues, which came to the fore during his stint on the show. Point that out and he says, “I don’t find it difficult to trust people, I trust everyone till they break my trust. I was arrogant enough to go inside the house without having watched any season of BB. I might have played better if I had done that, but what trained me for the show was life. I have been more self-critical than any of the other contestants. My journey inside the house has been more inward — breaking myself every day, bringing the pieces together and building myself again... After a certain point, you can’t break any more. All false perceptions about yourself get ripped apart and what remains is real. And, that is the best therapy anyone can ask for.”
Another highlight of his journey on BB has been his equation with fellow contestant Pavitra Punia. Forging a romantic relationship on the show could be easily assumed as a ‘game strategy’, but Eijaz says, “There is no better place to realise the reality of a person than the BB house. The whole sham of Pavitra being a tough girl was busted; she is quite soft hearted. In fact, she is the most caring person I know. Woh jis tarah se dhyaan rakhti hai, saaf safaai karti hai apna samajh kar. She has been cooking for me (smiles!). My fourth call after leaving the house was to her. After I left my dad, I have spent the longest time with her since my exit to understand the unsaid. A lot of things needed to be addressed, not just about her past, but also what we think of each other. We aren’t kids, we are not in the dating game, and we have had our heartbreaks. Let me put it this way, people who think my equation with Pavitra is fake, are fake themselves.”
So, what was his conversation with Pavitra all about? Eijaz replies, “Every decision will be taken keeping in mind our wellbeing. This is only possible by developing mutual understanding, which comes with spending time together. To be honest, I was scared when I was inside the house, as one starts building castles in the air without having understood the other person. So, it’s better to play BB in the real world...understanding each other or fighting with each other (laughs!).”
Eijaz and Pavitra have already met each other’s brothers. The actor says, “When I met Pavi, I met her brother, too. He is sweet. I also made my brother meet her. We take each day as it comes. My intention is honest, pure and pavitra, pun intended! We will see where it goes, let us not define or label it.”
I won’t stop till Gagan Gabru is put behind bars, says Divya Bhatnagar's friend Devoleena Bhattacharjee
8:20 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 19, 2020)
TV actor Divya Bhatnagar died due to Coronavirus complications on December 7 and since that day, her friend, actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee has been seeking justice for Divya, who she claims was “mentally and physically tortured” in her marriage. Devoleena says Divya’s husband Gagan Sethi aka Gagan Gabru needs to be punished for what he has done to Divya.
“Divya losing her life to Covid doesn’t mean the trauma she faced can be forgotten,” says Devoleena, adding, “I won’t stop till Gagan Gabru is put behind bars.”
Devoleena and Divya became friends while working on the TV show, Sawaare Sabke Sapne Preeto in 2011. To expose Gabru, the actor has been sharing chats, photos and voice recordings on social media highlighting the torture Divya went through. “It’s painful to see how not many in the industry are standing up for Divya. In fact, I know some of them who’ve said they don’t want to get into it. How can people be so cowardly and selfish?” she questions.
She goes on to add that Gagan made sure Divya stays away from her family and friends and only last year after Bhatnagar’s marriage, they started talking properly again. “Two months back, she told me they’re heading for a divorce. She filed a police complaint after Gagan visited her on Karwa Chauth and beat her up badly again,” she shares.
“Divya’s ordeal reinstates how much women suffer. Not saying men don’t, but the percentage of female victims is more,” Devoleena says.
When we reached out to Gagan, he refuted all the allegations. “Only me and my family know what we’re going through, I lost my wife, my image, my house. I’ve been trying to share my side of the story with proofs on social media but I’ve been called a criminal,” he says adding he isn’t aware of any police complaint against him.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actress Divya Bhatnagar succumbs to Coronavirus
8:05 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (December 8, 2020)
Mumbai: TV actress Divya Bhatnagar, known for her roles in serials like ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ and ‘Udann’, died of complications caused by Covid-19 on Monday. The 34-year-old actress, who was hospitalised nearly two weeks ago, was suffering from pneumonia, which worsened owing to Coronavirus, her family had said. Her oxygen level had dropped to 71 and her mother said she was on a ventilator.
Actors Devoleena Bhattacharjee and Shilpa Shirodkar shared the news of her death and posted pictures on social media. Bhattacharjee wrote, “I know life was too hard on you. The pain is intolerable. But I know today you must be in a better place and free from all the sorrows, pains, sadness, cheats, lies.”
Bhatnagar became known for her part as housemaid Gulabo in the long-running ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’, that she featured in from 2009-2011. Another, ‘Sawaare Sabke Sapne.. Preeto’ saw her as a character named Jasmeet Dhillon. She had also acted in TV shows ‘Udann’ and ‘Jeet Gayi Toh Piyaa Morre’.
Yeh Rishta’s actor Karan Mehra said on social media, “Woke up today to this shocking news of my colleague @divyabhatnagarofficial passing away. One of my favourite people on sets who would light up the room with her laughter and cuteness-...Such is life with its hardships and uncertainties...May God rest your soul in peace.”
Bhatnagar’s mother had levelled allegations against the actress's husband Gagan for having “duped and abandoned” her, but he denied the charges in a lengthy defence online.
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Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 8, 2020)
Television actress Divya Bhatnagar, 36, who was hospitalized on November 26 following health complications, passed away on Monday at around 3 am after suffering a cardiac arrest. She also had pneumonia and had tested positive for Coronavirus. After her condition became critical, she was put on a ventilator.
Her brother Devashish Bhatnagar was inconsolable as he broke the news to us. He said, “We were hoping that she would recover. My mother is heartbroken. I have to stay strong for her. This is a very difficult time for us and the pain is unbearable.”
While he is currently busy with the paperwork, Devashish says he plans to file a case against his deceased sister’s estranged husband, Gagan aka Gabru. He says, “Gagan started torturing Divya physically and mentally soon after their marriage. She had written a note on November 7, in which she had stated that Gagan tortures and abuses her. We found the note in her cupboard yesterday. She had also approached the police and filed an NC on November 16 against him, following an episode of domestic abuse. I had told her to stay strong when I got to talk to her during her hospitalization.”
Seeing the Saath Nibhana Saathiya memes has become a morning routine-Devoleena Bhattacharjee
8:10 AM
After Saath Nibhana Saathiya inspires the parody Rasode mein kaun tha, Devoleena Bhattacharjee discusses the new season
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; September 22, 2020)
Regardless of whether we are familiar with the dynamics of the Modi family of Saath Nibhana Saathiya, or the stern ways of matriarch Kokila, we all know the answer to the million-dollar question — Rasode mein kaun tha? — thanks to composer Yashraj Mukhate. Only weeks after the song went viral, the makers announced that the daily soap, centred on Gopi bahu and the next generation, is returning for another season. In a chat with mid-day, Devoleena Bhattacharjee aka Gopi bahu discusses how the timing of the meme was a happy coincidence as she gears up to reprise her role.
Did the popularity of Rasode mein kaun tha lead you all to consider another season?
We felt we might come back for another season long after the show ended in 2017. However, the channel and Rashmi Sharma Telefilms had begun talks much before the meme came out. In fact, I had signed the contract before it became viral. I believe the universe conspired to get us back together.
Do you worry about being repetitive as you reprise the role you've played for five years?
I don't think there is anything wrong with having a sequel. Movies have sequels all the time, and people love them. Actors associated with those movies love returning to a franchise, then why won't the same hold true for a daily soap? Why would I feel bad about continuing my own brand?
Which cast member do you hope to see in the new season again?
I hope to work with Rucha [Hasabnis] and Vishal [Singh] who played Rashi and Jigar respectively on the show. I know Ahem [Mohammad Nazim] and Kokila [Rupal Patel] are on board, but the rest of the cast is a mystery. The Modi family will be back and a new family will be introduced. The interaction between these two families [will form the crux of the story].
Is there anything you do not wish to repeat in the new season?
While this was not something I filmed during my tenure, I hope they do not make me wash laptops [laughs].
There have been a plethora of memes created around Saath Nibhana Saathiya. How do you react to them?
Seeing the memes has become a morning routine; I get them on my WhatsApp every day and some of them are funny. Even if people make memes, it just goes to show that they still enjoy the content and that's exactly what we want.
How often has the bizarre plot or dialogues left you in splits?
We often broke into laughter while filming. Post the time leap, we were shooting a scene where my character had not met Ahem for long. My dialogue was laced with innuendo; I had to say something about the desert having dried up during the separation. We had to stall the shoot for half an hour because we couldn't stop giggling.
I can’t be Gopi bahu all my life-Giaa Manek
8:35 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 31, 2020)
TV show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya is said to be returning with a second season, and Devoleena Bhattacharjee will be a part of it. To those uninitiated, Devoleena had replaced Giaa Manek to play Gopi bahu in 2012, two years after the show hit the tube. Though Giaa moved on and took up other projects, she is still best known as the original Gopi bahu. Talking about the show’s season two, she says, “I have had fans messaging me about this. I’ve always told them that an actor’s job is just to act and rest is on the channel and the producer about whether they want to come up with the second season and who they want to cast. It’s in their hands.”So, is she disappointed about not being approached for the part, which continues to capture the imagination of netizens making memes and parodies? “Not at all! I have lived the journey of Gopi bahu. Even when Devoleena joined the show as the new Gopi bahu, I never had any anger for her because, at the end of the day, everyone is doing their job. If not her, someone else would have done it. I don’t know much about the second season, but if they have cast Devoleena again, I am happy for her. I have got so much love from the show and people are making memes even after 10 years. I don’t feel bad about not being approached for the second season,” she shares.
Giaa wants to try newer characters in a bid to avoid limiting herself. She says, “I can’t be Gopi bahu all my life. Actors want to play different characters, because we don’t want to limit ourselves. If I keep playing Gopi bahu throughout my career, how will it add to my growth? I’m greedy as an artiste and I feel fortunate to be blessed with versatile opportunities.”
Saath Nibhaana Saathiya can’t return without the Modi family, so yes, Kokilaben and Gopi will be back-Rashmi Sharma
8:38 AM
After ‘Rasode Mein Kaun Tha?’ video went viral last week, the show’s producer confirms the two characters will be back with a 2nd season
Akash BHatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 28, 2020)
Ten years ago, Star Plus launched Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, which made Gopi (played by Gia Manek and later Devoleena Bhattacharjee) and Kokilaben (Rupal Patel) household names. The TV soap enjoyed a seven-year run, ending in July 2017. It was back in the news last week after an online creator, Yashraj Mukhate, turned Kokilaben’s dialogue “Rasode mein kaun tha?” into a song. The video went viral and was widely appreciated by everyone from Smriti Irani to Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra. On Wednesday, even Kartik Aaryan was asking, “Rasode mein kaun tha?” Now, Mirror has learnt that the show is returning with a second season.
Confirming the same, producer Rashmi Sharma says, “Saathiya has been a talking point since its launch in 2010. Even after it ended, it remained on top of my mind and we came up with some ideas on how we could take it forward. During the Coronavirus lockdown, its reruns were widely watched and that made us believe this is a good time to bring it back with a new season. It’s recall value is still very strong. There will be many new characters and a twist in the storyline, but it will remain a family show and be driven by relationships.”
Will Kokilaben be back? “Saathiya can’t return without the Modi family, so yes, Kokilaben and Gopi will be back,” she asserts, adding that Rupal and Devoleena will be reprising their roles with the latter even shooting a teaser on Tuesday. “But the hunt is also on for new faces.”
Talking about the viral video, Rashmi admits that she enjoyed it a lot too and realised anew that Kokilaben and Gopi are still in the hearts of the audience. “The song is very catchy,” she smiles, quick to add that no matter how much her shows are trolled, she has always owned up to and accepted everything proudly, be it a laptop being washed or the cooker exploding. “Recently, on a news channel, I even saw the BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra making a reference to the recent video. It’s insane!”
And would she be interested in collaborating with Yashraj for season 2? “I hadn’t thought about it, but why not? His work is very good. We were working on a new storyline when his video came out and went viral, assuring us that we are on the right path,” she signs off.
Colors TV plans memorial concert for Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor, called Dard-E-Dil: A Tribute To The Legends
8:25 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 7, 2020)
Last week, the Hindi film industry lost two icons, Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor. After a barrage of tributes on TV and the social media, Colors has planned a memorial concert — Dard-E-Dil: A Tribute To The Legends—to be aired this weekend. Artistes from TV and films will unite to celebrate the lives and achievements of the duo, with pre-recorded videos from home.The line-up includes comedienne Bharti Singh, singers Sukhwinder Singh, Aditya Narayan, Abu Malik, and TV actors Hina Khan and Devoleena Bhattacharjee. The ex-contestants of the live singing reality show, Rising Star, will also be a part of the concert which will be hosted by Maniesh Paul. “Aditya will croon ‘Suit Suit Karda’ from Hindi Medium while Hina has recorded ‘Teri Umeed Tera Intezaar’ from Deewana. Arjun Bijlani will sing and perform to another Rishi chartbuster, ‘Om Shanti Om’ from Karz among other acts,” revealed a source.
Meanwhile, Manisha Sharma of Viacom18 pointed out that owing to the lockdown, fans could not give an appropriate farewell to their favourite stars. “We wish to give them an opportunity to do so through this special episode. They left an everlasting impression on our minds with their films and songs. That’s how we wish to remember them, through art and music,” she said.
Sidharth Shukla and Rashami Desai to be locked in the Bigg Boss house
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Here’s a look at the other actors, who are likely to be a part of the reality show
BOMBAY TIMES (September 17, 2019)
For a long time now, speculations have been rife about Sidharth Shukla being a part of this season’s Bigg Boss, but nothing was confirmed. However, BT now has it that the actor will indeed be in the house this year.Sidharth and the channel were in talks for the past few months, but he gave the final nod just a few days ago. Incidentally, actress Rashami Desai is also a part of Bigg Boss this year. Rashami and Sidharth were paired opposite each other on the fiction show Dil Se Dil Tak, which was on air a year ago, during which the two were linked. So, it will be interesting to see them together on this show.
Meanwhile, there’s buzz that actor Arhaan Khan, who Rashami has been dating for the past few months, may also be a part of this season, which will begin towards the end of the month.Hosted by Salman Khan, the show will see only celebrity participants this year. Dalljiet Kaur, whose messy divorce with Shaleen Bhanot made headlines a couple of years ago, is among the list of participants, whose names have been confirmed.
While Arti Singh will be a part of the show, talks are on with Shivin Narang, who, we hear, is still contemplating between a fiction show and the reality show. Devoleena Bhattacharjee, best known as TV’s Gopi bahu, has also not signed the deal yet.
The other names doing the rounds were that of Chunky Panday, Zarine Khan, Mugdha Godse, Mahima Chaudhry and Rajpal Yadav, but there are no confirmations on these yet. Jasmin Bhasin, Paras Chhabra and Avika Gor were also being considered for the show.
Ridhi Dogra, who was almost confirmed, has reportedly opted out of this season.
I was questioned by the police, but I am home now-Devoleena Bhattacharjee
7:04 AM
BT reached out to the actress, who was questioned in connection with the kidnapping-murder case of a Mumbai-based businessman
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; December 10, 2018)
It came as a big shock to everyone when TV’s Gopi bahu aka Devoleena Bhattacharjee was among those who were questioned in connection with the kidnapping and murder of diamond merchant-builder, Rajeswar Kishorlal Udani.
The actress was questioned for several hours at the Ghatkopar police station on Saturday. According to reports and sources, Rajeswar was in touch with several women, including those from the glamour and entertainment industry. He was also reportedly a good friend of event manager and businessman Sachin Pawar, who is also Devoleena’s friend. It is being said that other members of the television and film fraternity might also be called for questioning, as the investigation moves further.
The statements of many people, including Devoleena, have been recorded so far. When BT reached out to Devoleena, she said, “Yes, I was questioned by the Ghatkopar police in connection with Rajeswar Udani’s murder case. It was a routine investigation, but I am home now and fine.”
According to reports, Rajeswar went missing from his office on November 28. On December 4, the police registered a kidnapping case after the family suspected foul play in his disappearance. The police found his decomposed body, stripped off all identification markers, in Nere village, Panvel, earlier last week. His family identified the body on Friday.
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