Showing posts with label Erica Fernandes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Erica Fernandes. Show all posts
Is there no gender-based pay parity on TV and OTT? Celebs speak up
8:23 AM
In an earlier interview, actor Raveena Tandon made heads turn with her statement that female protagonists get paid more in the TV industry, and even OTT is slowly catching up. Navya Kharbanda speaks to some prominent names from the small screen and digital medium to weigh in on the issue of pay disparity and share their experiences
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 14, 2023)
Amit Sadh
The television industry has provided fertile ground for female protagonists to shine and to be the centre of the show. TV has given them a chance to get the same respect and recognition as their male counterparts. In fact, I agree that OTT platforms have also disrupted the traditional power dynamics of the Indian film industry. There is no doubt that we’ll be creating a level playing field for women to showcase their talent and creativity.
Karan Tacker
In television, whoever is the lead of the show gets paid more. Whoever brings in the most viewership for the show will be paid in accordance with that; it doesn’t matter what their gender is. I look at it in terms of, ‘Who’s running the show?’ I’ve never been in a situation where someone got paid more than me or when I’ve been paid more than someone. In the projects that I’ve been involved in, pretty much everyone gets paid according to what they bring to the table and they seem to be happy about it.
Nakuul Mehta
The TV industry is primarily a medium where actors, producers, directors and almost every artiste are women. If not more, female protagonists do get paid equally as their male counterparts. In a time when pay disparity has existed in mainstream cinema for years, the television industry is definitely paving the way for women to be equally valued and paid for their hard work. Time has surely taken a reverse turn, as women are far more valued now and are being paid better than they were earlier.
Erica Fernandes
The TV and OTT industries have been game-changers for female artistes. In most cases, female actors on TV get paid equally or more than men. This is a positive step towards gender equality in the entertainment industry, as it shows that women are valued for their work and talent. However, it is also important to remember that sometimes people are paid according to their experience and worth. It is not always a reflection of how hard one person has worked compared to the other. This is not the case for everyone and pay inequality is still a major issue in many industries. It is important to recognise and address this problem if we want to create a more equitable society.
Aahana Kumra
I don’t think that female protagonists get paid more or equally in the OTT industry. Maybe it happened with Raveena Tandon (who starred in the web show Aranyak) because she’s already a Bollywood star. People also get different treatment because of their background. When you come from a mainstream cinema background, you come with the mindset that, ‘Oh, I’m already a star in Hindi films, and I’m moving to OTT, so I should get a higher pay’. I don’t think that happens with other actors; in fact, I don’t think I get equal pay.
Divyenndu
In television, now and always, especially since the whole Ekta Kapoor era started, women have been at the forefront. Since then, they’ve been getting paid more because they play the leading roles. It’s a commercial business and at the end of the day, whoever is in the driver’s seat will get paid more. Gender isn’t really the deciding factor here. Whoever can attract more viewers will have a higher price. It is a very clear business principle: whoever controls the market will control the price.
Maanvi Gagroo
I don’t think female leads are paid equally or more than their male counterparts in the OTT industry, unless the woman is a significantly bigger star. The pay disparity scenario has changed from what it used to be 10 years ago. However, I don’t think there’s been a blanket change across the industry. Also, it differs from one project to another. There are times when I get paid more, and sometimes my co-actors are paid more. And the inequality is not just about the actor’s fee but also things like hotel, vanity van, flight, etc. that again vary for different actors.
Ridhi Dogra
In this profession, no project will be similar to another because of the people attached to it. I’ve experienced the difference in storytelling, as we see a lot of stories being told about women in OTT. The characters for women on TV and OTT are quite empowering. But in terms of pay parity, I do feel that OTT still has a long way to go. With TV, it is definitely true that women are paid equally or even more than their male counterparts. I’ve worked on both mediums, so I can speak for both industries. If you’re headlining a project and you’re the biggest star, then you will automatically be paid more. And talent is, unfortunately, not respected as much in our industry as marketing is.
Kavita Kaushik
It’s true that women are paid equally or more in the TV industry and I’m sure of it because I started my career on the small screen. I don’t think, unless I was a star kid, I would have been given a role like Chandramukhi Chautala in movies. I was paid a bomb during my tenure on (TV show) FIR. In fact, I think I was the highest-paid actor on TV at that time. In films, less performance-oriented roles are given to women. However, in my 20 years of career, I’ve seen that women are always considered important script-wise on television. I’ve never done any mainstream Hindi films, and whenever something was offered to me, the payment used to be peanuts, like almost no money.
Amol Parashar
In showbiz, there is no fixed pay scale or grade. An actor’s fee is negotiated based on the value they bring to a project through their skills and brand value. As much as we’d like to believe that it should be based more on the former, it’s mostly the latter — the belief that a certain person will bring in audiences and more eyeballs to the project. If my co-star is more famous than me (according to the producers), they’ll definitely be paid more, and vice versa. Since this value is subjective, it’s prone to biases and inaccuracies. No two actors will be paid equally in a project, irrespective of gender, unless they negotiate together, which is a rare occurrence. That is how this business works.
My location does not matter when it comes to getting work, says Dubai-based Erica Fernandes
8:09 AM
Erica Fernandes on shifting base to Dubai and why it isn’t a hindrance
Hasti Doshi (MID-DAY; July 10, 2023)
Erica Fernandes, who shifted to Dubai in September last year, is happy with her decision. She tells us, “I wanted to explore a new market and expand my professional horizons. That motivated me to make this move.”
Talking about work opportunities in Dubai, Erica, who has also turned entrepreneur, shares, “It’s an ideal place to work with people from different nationalities. I have set up a production house and an event management company, and it’s an exciting and challenging journey that requires a significant amount of effort and time.”
Erica admits that initially, she was skeptical about moving to Dubai. “Moving to a different country can be challenging, both personally and professionally. It’s natural to have some doubts, but I believe that taking risks can lead to valuable experiences and growth,” she says.
If acting is still on her mind, isn’t she worried about not getting projects in India now? Erica, who is known for shows like Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 and Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, replies, “Not really. I have been fortunate to get offers despite my relocation. Since I am living just three hours away, it feels like I am in Mumbai itself. I have travelled for projects in the past and it has never been a major hindrance. Ultimately, I believe that my talent, passion and determination will attract opportunities, regardless of my location.”
Patisserie chefs reveal how they tweak their celebrity clients’ favourite desserts to make them healthier
8:33 AM
Festive months are all about indulgences. But two patisserie chefs tell us how they tweak their celebrity clients’ favourite desserts to make them healthier. Are you taking notes?
MID-DAY (September 7, 2022)
Katrina Kaif
What she orders: Pancakes
How is it customized: Katrina has pancakes during every festival. These are hot-chocolate pancakes made with cinnamon, Belgian chocolate, and buckwheat flour. There is no added sugar, and we don’t use sweeteners either. The cinnamon lends some sweetness, and she has it with a cookie butter spread. Again, we make a healthier version using buckwheat and almond butter. Since the spread has coconut, it also lends a sweet taste.
Tips to make pancakes healthier: If you plan to make pancakes, use yogurt instead of butter. Yogurt will lend the pancake the same kind of fluffiness and softness that butter can. If you are vegan, you can also use coconut yogurt.
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa
What do they order: Vanilla cakes
How do you customize it: They don’t like chocolate, and [prefer cakes] with yogurt frosting, fresh vanilla and berries. The texture resembles whipped cream, but it is made of yogurt. We may add maple syrup.
Tips to make cakes healthier: We need to remember that it’s not only about calories. The substitutes may have the same amount of calories, but they will have more nutritional value. So, celebrities prefer the alternatives. For example, coconut has the lowest glycemic index, so, it will give you the lowest sugar spike. Also complex carbs like jowar will make your body burn more calories to [break them down].
For those who count their calories, we also serve subscription boxes. For example, Bhavna Panday has our 85-calorie cupcake subscription. So, anyone consuming it can keep track of how many calories they’ve had.
Jacqueline Fernandez
What she orders: Jowar nutty cake
How is it customized: It is made of Belgian chocolate, and has a molten centre.
Tips to make cakes healthier: Gluten-free versions that are made of oats or jowar flour are better than maida, which has no nutrients.
Substituting the flour will not hamper the taste of the cakes. In 2022, let’s get rid of the notion that healthier options are not equally tasty. Instead of processed oil, use olive oil or avocado oil. The latter has a high smoking point, so the nutrients are retained. Refined oil is only fat, and is thus best avoided.
Kajal Aggarwal
What does she order: She orders our box of cupcakes. Out of six cupcakes, five will be different varieties of chocolate cupcakes.
How do you customize it for her: She doesn’t have maida or sugar. We make the vegan cupcakes gluten-free.
Tips to make cupcakes healthier: For regular cupcakes, choose yogurt frosting. I use jaggery, dates or honey. If you are only starting to make healthier choices now, take small steps. For example, instead of one portion of maida, use half portion of maida, and half portion of a multi-grain flour. Replace sugar with jaggery or coconut sugar. If you need a binder, dates are a great option. Avocado oil is a great replacement for butter. Both of them lend the final product a lot of moisture. Avocado oil is neutral-tasting too, so, the taste [won’t bother] anyone.
Armaan Malik
What he orders: Indian sweets
How do you customize it: Armaan wants everything to be sugar-free and vegan. If it is gluten-free, it is a bonus. It is tough to get vegan options in Indian sweets, because everything normally has ghee. I make vegan besan ka ladoo, chikki, and nankhatai for him.
Tips to make Indian sweets healthier: Use Indian flavour appropriately. I use jaggery and saffron to mask the taste of the gluten-free flour. Jaggery and nutmeg complement Indian flavours very well, and it is easier to achieve a taste that’s closer to regular Indian Mithai.
Erica Fernandes
What does she order: Fruit cakes
How do you customize it: Erica is very strict [with her diet]. She has gluten-free and sugar-free desserts. She likes to avoid butter and milk. She likes the mango and strawberry fruit cakes we prepare during the respective seasons. She prefers a Greek yogurt [frosting] and doesn’t mind a jaggery base.
Tips to make fruit cakes healthier: Apple purée is a replacement for eggs, and a natural sweetener as well. Berries are great for one’s health, and so are seasonal fruits, which can be added atop the frosting.
Juhi Pahwa caters to Katrina Kaif, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, and Jacqueline Fernandez
Natasha Gandhi caters to Kajal Aggarwal, Armaan Malik, and Erica Fernandes
Even today, I get body shamed, with people saying, ‘You are so thin, why don’t you eat some more?’-Erica Fernandes
8:20 AM
Erica Fernandes reveals she has been struggling to break away from industry norms and has been skinny-shamed by trolls for many years now
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 13, 2022)
Erica Fernandes transitioned from modelling to acting and soon appeared in a slew of movies in the south before courting fame and success on the small screen. While from the outside, it may seem like a seamless journey, she reveals that it has been a tough ride. In fact, Fernandes was replaced in a film for being “too thin”.
“I lost work because I could not gain weight. In fact, there were projects in which I was replaced because I was thin. Once, I shot for the project for a few days, and then I was replaced because I was thin,” she shares.
The 29-year-old adds that she has been constantly struggling to break away from industry norms and has been skinny-shamed by trolls for years now. “Even today, I get body shamed, with people saying, ‘You are so thin, look at your legs, look at your hands, why don’t you gain some weight, why don’t you eat some more?’ I just want to tell those people, stand in front of the mirror, and first look at yourself before criticizing someone else. It is only when you are not happy with yourself, that you start blaming other people,” says the Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi actor.
Talking about the industry and its fixation on a perfect body type, she shares that everyone is only working in one direction: “If you look at the whole industry here, they (people and makers) will not take people who aren’t of a particular body type. If you look at today’s heroes, all of them are only working towards having lean bodies and having six-pack abs. But that doesn’t define a hero, or a perfect man.”
Ask her how has she been dealing with all this and Fernandes says she has found the strength within: “It will take you some time to find that strength, for which you need to have the right people around you.”
And when it comes to days when it’s all a lot to take in, the actor says she hangs out with her close pals and “just vents it out”.
Not agreeing for excessive bold scenes has left limited options for me-Erica Fernandes
8:07 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 4, 2022)
It’s been over six months since actor Erica Fernandes has been looking for her next project, and she admits that finding a way around the excessive demand for intimate scenes in projects has been quite a challenge for her. “Right now, all kinds of projects from the TV and OTT world are coming my way, but I am limiting my options, because I don’t want to do something that I am not comfortable with. I am not willing to do extremely bold scenes,” Fernandes tells us.
She continues, “Most of the roles that I have been offered have that kind of content. I am comfortable performing intimate scenes up to a certain level. But right now, the requirements for such things are above my limit.”
Here, the actor asserts that she has nothing against people who do bold scenes for the camera. “Some people are comfortable doing such scenes. But I am not,” she shares, adding that she has started feeling a lot of pressure from her fans to take on a project. “They ask why I am not taking up shows. But the thing is, if I am not comfortable and convinced [with the script and scenes], I won’t be able to perform and give my 100%,” confesses the Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi actor.
The 29-year-old is clear about the nature of her next project. “The content that I am looking to do is very different from what I am being offered. So, my search is still on,” the actor ends.
There are lovely roles on OTT, but some have forced intimacy-Erica Fernandes
8:28 AM
Riya Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; March 19, 2022)
Since her last outing on TV, Erica Fernandes has been enjoying her time travelling, spending time with family and doing things that she cannot do when she is shooting. Currently in Dubai for a holiday, the actress, who was last seen in Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, shares, “I am taking this time off to be with myself and my family and am utilising it to work on myself.”
‘TV IS SEEING CHANGES DUE TO THE PANDEMIC AND CONTENT BEING AVAILABLE ON OTHER PLATFORMS’
Her last show ended abruptly and Erica says that many shows amid the Coronavirus pandemic suffered because of various reasons. “There are a lot of changes that have happened amid the pandemic and because a lot of content is available for watching at any time, everything is changing. Also, there is a lot of variety in the content available, which has led to people trying to change things on TV as well, and some things are working, some are not. We are in a testing phase and it is different, so it also gives everyone a chance to work on varied platforms. Everything has come on the same level, there is no difference between movies, web and TV because it has become one platform where it is just entertainment,” she explains.
With many of her counterparts moving to OTT, has she thought of exploring the medium? “There are lovely characters on many online platforms, but then there are some projects which have intimacy in it and some of them are forced. However, if it is really important in a project then I might consider it, but I have my own restrictions and will not be comfortable doing certain things. This was the reason I had to turn down many web shows, because the level of intimacy was a bit too much for me and it is tough to wait for roles which are good and have less intimacy involved,” she says.
The actress adds that she would be interested in doing a reality show. “It will depend on which reality show it is. I am not the type of person who would want to be locked up in a house,” she tells us.
‘NEVER SPOKE ABOUT MY PERSONAL LIFE AS IT’S NOT ENTIRELY MY DECISION’
While Erica had never revealed whom she was dating, she was open about her relationship status on social media and had shared with fans that she was in a happy relationship. When we ask her about the kind of space she is in currently in her relationship, she says, “I have never spoken about my personal life because it is not entirely my decision. I also respect the other person’s views on speaking about it. I do talk about it when necessary, but right now there is nothing to say, because I am not in a relationship anymore. When there was, I did but there is only so much I can share, which I did share.”
Daily soaps rely on bank of episodes, but how long will it suffice?
8:22 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2021)
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.”
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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Meanwhile, on reality shows...
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2021)
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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TV actors on state government's decision of halting TV shoots
Riya Sharma and Farzana Patowari (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2021)
ERICA FERNANDES:
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.
DEEPSHIKHA NAGPAL:
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.
SHARAD MALHOTRA:
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.
HUNAR GANDHI:
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.
ROOPAL TYAGI:
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.
SHASHANK VYAS:
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.
SHAGUN PANDEY:
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.
ACHHERR BHAARDWAJ:
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.
Curtains for Kasautii Zindagii Kay; show winds up on Oct 3
8:30 AM
The finale episode may end happily ever after for lovers Anurag and Prerna, played by Parth Samthaan and Erica Fernandes
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 7, 2020)
Ever since Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay (KZK) resumed work following a four-month hiatus, it has been constantly in the news. First, Karan Patel replaced Karan Singh Grover as Mr Bajaj, and there was talk that a new Anurag Basu would be brought in too. Then, Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag, tested positive for Coronavirus, following which co-actors Aamna Sharif and Erica Fernandes chose to shoot from home. Finally, days after resuming work, Parth tendered his resignation and could not be persuaded to reconsider his decision. While half-a-dozen actors were in queue to step into his shoes, Mirror (August 20) was the first to report that Ekta was ready to pull the plug on the KZK reboot if she didn’t find a worthy replacement for Parth.
Recently, reports started doing the rounds that KZK will go off air towards October end and will be replaced by Saath Nibhaana Saathiya (SNS), which is all set to flag off its second season. Now, Mirror has learnt that the last episode of KZK will be aired on October 3. “Ekta made several attempts to convince Parth to stay on, but he just wouldn’t budge. She thinks that replacing him might break the show’s connection with the audience. So yes, the curtains will come down on KZK on October 3,” reveals an inside source, quickly adding that contrary to speculations, SNS will not be replacing it as work on it is still underway. “It will make way for a new fiction show.”
The original Kasautii Zindagii Kay started in 2001 and ran for more than six years, ending in February 2008. It featured Shweta Tiwari as Prerna and Cezanne Khan as Anurag Basu, who was later replaced by Hiten Tejwani. Ronit Roy played the dashing Mr Bajaj and the show ended with Komolika trying to shoot Anurag and killing both Prerna and him in the process. She herself fell off a cliff and the final sequence had Anurag and Prerna uniting in death. For the reboot, the writers are working on a different ending since it is winding up in just two years. “Anurag and Prerna will get a happy ending, but how it pans out is still being worked upon,” the source informs.
The decision to end the show has been taken after much discussion; mainly because Parth wants to focus on his health and Bollywood debut, while Erica, who plays Prerna, wants to shoot from home due to safety concerns. “Neither wants to play parents on screen. Also, the show wasn’t getting the expected ratings. So, Ekta has finally decided to pull the plug,” concludes the source.
Kasautii Zindagii Kay leading lady Erica Fernandes is shooting for the show from home
8:04 AM
Ekta Kapoor’s Prerna wants to do one more Coronavirus test before reporting on set
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2020)
Mirror (July 17) had earlier reported that following the mandatory three-day halt after Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag Basu in Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay tested Covid positive, shooting resumed on Friday with Karan Patel and Pooja Banerjee. Aamna Sharif, who plays Komolika, was given a few more days off after it was learnt that one of her staff members was infected. Now, we’ve learnt that both Aamna and Erica Fernandes, who plays the leading lady Prerna Sharma, have been shooting from home.Erica confirmed the news saying she has been doing this after four cases, including Parth, Aamna’s staff and two watchmen, were reported on the set. “I tested negative, but the testing was done at an early stage. So, I wanted to wait for a few more days, get another test done after 10 days and then get back to the set. But since we were already on air, we had to continue work and this is the best way forward,” she points out.
The actress shares that one has to be their own director, cameraman, sound recordist, light man, hairstylist, make-up person and spot boy when shooting from home and admits that isn’t easy. “But I have an online channel for which I used to do everything on my own and that experience is coming in handy since it taught me intricacies of handling a camera, fixing the lights, monitoring the sound and getting dressed up on my own. My only challenge has been not having my co-star in front and having to imagine how the other person will react,” she informs.
Erica is on a 12-hour daily shift, coordinating with the team through video calls. “My director, DoP and someone from the creative team are always on call. The screen acts as their monitor and they give me cues over the call. All discussions happen on the phone as well. We do retakes only if the mood is not right or I fumble my lines. Otherwise, we okay the take quickly and we have done a pretty good job so far,” the actress asserts.
She remembers that during the initial days of the show, they were shooting outdoors in Kolkata using wireless earphones. “Now, we are shooting over video calls, it shows we are evolving,” she chuckles.
Erica is all praise for producer Ekta Kapoor, who treats her team really well. “It wouldn’t have been hard for them to replace me, but they are cooperating and trying to find ways to make things work. Both the channel and Ekta have so much at stake and they are still being so considerate. So, I have been trying to give my best,” she says, adding that the last three episodes had her shooting from home.
Ask her how long she sees this continuing and she admits she’s not sure. And what about Parth? “We’ve been checking on him constantly. He got tested again recently and this time he was negative. He is recuperating well,” she signs off.
Kasautii Zindagii Kay's shoot resumes with Karan Patel and Pooja Banerjee
8:39 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 17, 2020)
For the past few weeks, Ekta Kapoor’s soap, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, has been in news with Karan Patel replacing Karan Singh Grover as Mr Bajaj and Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag Basu, testing positive for Coronavirus on Sunday. As per the guidelines, the shoot was stopped for three days during which the sets were disinfected and the team tested. Shooting resumes today.
“The makers can’t delay the shoot any further as they need a constant flow of fresh episodes. Karan Patel and Pooja Banerjee, who portrays Nivedita Basu, will be among the first actors to resume work from today,” informed a source, adding that Erica Fernandes, who plays leading lady Prerna Sharma, will be filming alone due to a health condition.
Recently, Aamna Sharif, who plays Komolika, had a bit of a scare when a member of her staff contracted the virus. Fortunately, her reports are clear. However, keeping everyone’s safety in mind, the actress will join the shoot only from next week. Pooja and she will spearhead the upcoming track.Meanwhile, Parth has been recuperating at his home. “The makers are taking care of all his medical needs and ensuring he receives the best care. There is a doctor on call 24x7 instructing him on the path to recovery. Meanwhile, the writers have tweaked the storyline and sent Anurag out of the city on work,” the source revealed, adding that the narrative will now focus more on the relationship between Prerna, Mr Bajaj, Komolika and Nivedita. “Parth will be tested again on July 26. Until then, the portions he had already shot will be used in the upcoming episodes. But he is unlikely to resume work before August.”
People say with age comes maturity, I say with mascara comes maturity-Karan Patel
8:44 AM
Karan Patel steps into the shoes of Mr Bajaj today
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 7, 2020)
Mirror had earlier reported (June 26) that Karan Patel would be replacing Karan Singh Grover as the new Mr Bajaj in Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay reboot. Looking dapper, the actor quips, tongue-in-cheek, “People say with age comes maturity, I say with mascara comes maturity.”Patel, who played a doting husband and a caring father in another Ekta soap, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, for six years, till it concluded last December, says that he’s hoping playing Mr Bajaj will be as easy to play as Raman Bhalla. “You can’t hold on to a character for your whole life,” he reasons, explaining his choice to turn bad as he re-enters the protagonist Prerna Sharma’s life to help her destroy her ex-husband Anurag Basu and rekindle their romance. But will his fans accept him in this new avatar? “I am who I am because of them. As long as this love-love relationship continues, everything will be fine,” he retorts.
Prod him on the role and he admits he doesn’t have any idea about his character arc. “The writers are planning some major twists but I don’t know what they are. Every actor gives something new and unique to a character, I’ll try to do the same,” he says, admitting that he has seen only a few episodes of the show. “But I have seen the original as I was a part of it.”Karan is all praise for his producer, insisting that Ekta helped shape his career. “Sure, I made some mistakes, but she always gave me chances to rectify them and make new ones. She is a fantastic friend and an amazing producer who makes stars,” he gushes.
Interestingly, Karan has never crossed paths with Erica Fernandes, who plays Prerna, or Parth Samthaan, who has been holding fort as Anurag. He starts shooting for the show today and is not unduly tense working in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. “We have to behave responsibly. As long as everyone takes care, we should be okay,” he concludes calmly.
TV industry unites for a video to cheer up people amid the lockdown
8:11 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; April 24, 2020)
Following the footsteps of artistes from Bollywood and other film industries, members of the television fraternity have also come together to make a video to cheer people and urge them to stay at home, during the nationwide lockdown following the Coronavirus outbreak.Curated by Ekta Kapoor, several artistes and creative people from the TV industry have pitched in to create the engaging video from their homes. It features Sidharth Shukla, Mouni Roy, Shailesh Lodha, Anita Hassanandani, Rohitashv Gour, Maniesh Paul, Karishma Tanna, director-choreographer Remo D’Souza, Divyanka Tripathi, Erica Fernandes, Parth Samthaan, Shabir Ahluwalia, Shehnaaz Gill, Sriti Jha, Karan V Grover and Aasif Sheikh, among others.
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Taking a cue from Bollywood's music video, Ekta Kapoor ropes in top television actors for a special video to encourage people to stay indoors
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 24, 2020)
Well aware that they enjoy an unparalleled reach across India, Ekta Kapoor has brought together top television stars for a special video to highlight the importance of staying indoors amid the pandemic. Bigg Boss 13 winner Sidharth Shukla, Mouni Roy, Anita Hassanandani, Karishma Tanna and Maniesh Paul are among the many actors who have shot their portions at their respective homes."The video is a collective effort by the television producers' association of our country. The current scenario calls for us to be united more than ever, and entertainment is the common language across the country," says Kapoor, the brain behind the initiative. By offering a peek into the daily lives of the actors, the video shows how one can utilise the stay-at-home period productively. "We [roped in] top television stars so that it resonates with people across the country. This is our endeavour to encourage everyone to stay home," adds Kapoor.
Roy, who features in the video that drops online today, believes one must use the time to pause and reflect. "I remember reading that it would be sad if we came out of this experience unchanged. The need of the hour is to stay in, take care of yourself and your families, and maintain social distancing."
Positivity is key to tackling the crisis, says Sonali Jaffar, who conceptualised the feature. "We may not be able to control the events, but we have the power to not get reduced by them. The television fraternity has come together to abide by what is considered the new normal," she says.
Sidharth Shukla, Mouni Roy and Anita Hassanandani
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Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 24, 2020)
Inspired by the Salman Khan-hosted reality show, Bigg Boss, a soon-to-release music video, the brain child of Ekta Kapoor, encourages people to stay indoors during the lockdown. The TV czarina has roped in all the top names from the small screen, including Mouni Roy, Divyanka Tripathi, Anita Hassanandani, Erica Fernandes, Parth Samthaan, Sidharth Shukla, Manish Paul, Shabir Ahluwalia, Shehnaaz Gill, Sriti Jha, Karishma Tanna, Reem Sameer Shaikh, Karan V Grover, Aasif Sheikh and Karan Jotwani.“An initiative by the TV producers’ association, the video was planned over several conference calls and is a team effort, encouraging people to stay home,” Ekta asserts. Remo D’souza features as the Big Boss, ordering inmates to complete tasks. “It was fun to be a part of this project,” says the choreographer-turned-filmmaker who is working on a few scripts. “There is a lot of reading, brainstorming and writing happening.”
J D Majethia, Chairman, IFTPC (Indian Film and Television Producers Council), is ecstatic to have the industry rally behind the cause. “One message from Ekta on the (TV producers’ texting) group and we have an entertaining multistarrer, titled Quarantined, made without having artistes under one roof,” he gushes.
Kasautii Zindagii Kay was a better story than Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi-Ekta Kapoor
9:25 AM
Ekta Kapoor on her decision to reboot Kasautii Zindagii Kay and why she can't reimagine the Smriti Irani-headlined soap - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; October 2, 2018)
When you first tweeted about bringing Kausautii Zindagii Kay back, what was the thought behind it?
At that time, I was in a mindspace where I wanted to do things that make me happy. Instinctively, I knew it was time to bring Kasautii back. Of course, I had no way of doing that unless a channel came on board. Fortunately, Star immediately agreed.
Why did you opt for the remake of Kasautii and not other popular shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi or Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii?
As a story, Kasautii worked far better. It is something I've always wanted to remake. Plus, I will not remake Kyunki without Smriti Irani, and she won't do it!
Will the new version include any cast members from the original?
No. The best way to make a show like this is to have a fresh cast while retaining the flavour of
the original.
What convinced you to bring Parth Samthaan and Erica Fernandes on board?
I had a few personality traits in mind for Anurag and Prerna. Anurag had to be the kind of man who doesn't scream to get noticed, but once you notice him, he's unforgettable. For me, Parth was an obvious choice because he has unbelievable eyes. I have not seen a man whose eyes reflect that depth even in photographs. I didn't want a protein shake of a man (laughs). Prerna is someone who comes across as light-hearted, but has a lot of depth. When I saw the promo of Erica's show, Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi, I knew that I wanted to cast her. So far, my shows' leading ladies have been demure and the men are typical bad boys. But this is the new-age Prerna-Anurag; she even asks him if he is gay.
Besides characterisation, what other changes will you bring about in the reboot?
I don't want to repeat Komolika's dressing. Urvashi [Dholakia] carried it with aplomb. But this time around, I want to change the way the quintessential vamp is portrayed. I want to keep her subtle.
Your OTT platform is tapping into the young audience base. With this show, are you also trying to draw them towards television?
I believe when youngsters are at home with their families, they will watch the show. They also identify with the concept of love, so they will find a connect with the show.
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