Gautam Rode and Pankhuri Awasthy are now parents to twins – a girl and a boy. The babies were born on July 25 in Mumbai. Gautam says, “We are blessed. . . I have no words to express my joy. The delivery was a C-section, but everything went well. Our family is complete now, we have a girl and a boy.”

Talking about how everyone in the family is thrilled about the double joy in their lives, Gautam says, “Some of our relatives are saying that our son looks like me, while our daughter looks like Pankhuri. Actually, it’s too early to tell,” adding, “I am looking forward to this beautiful journey ahead.”

Pankhuri added, “We are blessed and extremely happy to have become parents. Gautam and I are excited about this new phase in our lives. I always wanted twin babies and now our family is complete.”

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Actor-couple Gautam Rode and Pankhuri Awasthy became parents to twins, a boy and a girl, on Tuesday. “It is a different feeling when your babies take birth in front of you!” says an elated Rode. 

“I was present in the operating theatre during the C-section and witnessed the moment when my babies took their first breaths. First, the girl came out, and about a minute later, the boy was born,” reveals the new dad. 

The 45-year-old informs that both mother and babies are doing well. “Pankhuri is expected to be discharged in four to five days,” he shares, adding that they have thought of a few names for the babies. “But we haven’t zeroed in on any names.” 

Recalling an anxious moment from their pregnancy, he shares, “In the seventh month, Pankhuri got false contractions. It was scary for us because we thought premature babies na ho jaayen. By God’s blessing, the pregnancy stretched to 38 weeks, and our wish of having a boy and a girl got fulfilled.”  

The actor, known for shows such as Kaal Bhairav Rahasya 2 and Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, counts his blessings as their families are helping them with the newborns. “Both of our mothers are around and we are grateful for all the help,” he wraps up. 

The television industry is known for toiling relentlessly to give us our daily dose of entertainment. Due to the frenetic pace, actors and technicians are hardly left with any time to unwind. However, there is some respite in sight for them as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has decided to make every second Sunday a mandatory holiday for the TV industry from April 1. While artistes have welcomed the move, producers are worried about its adverse effects on the telecast of their shows.

Dilip Pithwa, Honorary General Secretary, FWICE, reasons, “We have decided to take a holiday on every second Sunday. The producers aren't supportive as they don't want to shell out extra money for a holiday that will be considered paid leave. Do they realise the rising frustration levels of the workers working in the same environment day-in and day-out? What they don't know is that the worker pays another member to fill in for him on a particular day from his own pocket. They may be hired on the basis of salary, but they are actually paid for the number of days they shoot; they don't even get overtime.“

He adds this issue can be addressed if enough planning is done in advance and explains, “If a producer can holiday abroad without worrying about the telecast of their shows, why can't they manage it by making second Sunday a mandatory off? They can work towards getting scripts in advance, so that they can keep a bank of episodes ready.“


ACTORS GLAD TO GET A DAY OFF
Gautam Rode, currently seen in Suryaputra Karn, says, “The mandatory off will make an actor's life much easier, especially when you are shooting away from the city. Many actors shoot for 30 days, which has an adverse effect on their health and performance. Should a situation arise, I'm sure producers can manage without shooting for two days in a month.“

Ssharad Malhotra, the male lead in Kasam, seconds the actor, “It's a viable idea if executed well. We slog daily and need an off to replenish our energy. But when telecast issues crop up, we don't mind shooting an extra day as we understand that TV is a deadline-driven medium. Contrary to the general perception, an actor doesn't get time for his personal life. Better time and resource management would surely help at all levels.“

Actress Meghna Malik calls the current TV scenario a 'war zone' rather than a 'work zone'. “The TV industry isn't equipped to give technicians, actors or producers even the fixed calendar holidays as telecast deadlines have to be met. It's a work-till-you-drop-dead policy. It is high time that things change.“

However, some actors feel they should get an off on weekdays. Actress Arti Singh says, “The industry should be more organised. Ideally, we need four holidays in a month. We should get a weekly holiday on a working day as we don't face gruelling traffic on Sunday.“

Sana Amin Sheikh adds, “We also have important chores to run, which can't happen on Sundays. But if shows are aired seven days a week, it will be difficult to get a holiday, especially for lead actors. I am used to this, so I don't mind.“

WHY IT CAN'T BE ACHIEVED
The producers have been averse to the proposed idea as they believe it would result in confusion on set and hamper the telecast. They suggest that everyone can take a weekly off after coming to a consensus. Producer Rahul Kumar Tewary says, “We haven't been informed about the development as yet. It should be a unanimous decision. No individual or association can take a stand, which impacts the entire industry. Meeting the deadline for delivering content in shows, which air six days a week, is a difficult feat in itself. We also incur late delivery charges if an episode is sent to the channel beyond the decided hours. Our team is working round-the-clock to meet the telecast demands as well address various issues at the shoot. The weekly/monthly offs without implementing the required procedures will affect shows and deliveries.“

Producer Rajan Shahi asserts that it's a misconception that the television industry works without a break. He elaborates, “There are some who deviate, and that issue needs to be addressed immediately. The unit gets breaks at regular intervals (usually four days off in a month) to rest and improve its efficiency. I myself give breaks according to the unit's convenience.“ He adds that fixing a day off isn't a feasible option as people might prefer to take a holiday on another day. “A holiday is necessary and mandatory, but those working should get to decide when they want to take an off,“ says Rajan.

Producer Sumeet Mittal emphasises, “We are in favour of granting an off to the entire cast and crew as they are overworked, but it's not feasible to commit a particular day for it. With all daily soaps airing seven days a week, it's impossible to do so. What if the telecast is stuck or an emergency situation crops up?“

NO CONSENSUS YET
Amit Behl, joint secretary of CINTAA (Cine and Television Artistes' Association), member of the dispute committee and Senior Vice President of FWICE, feels that both the parties have a valid point. He says, “A second Sunday off was a valid rule in the early '90s, when the deliverables weren't that high. Soon, a day-and-a-half shift (12 hours) became a regular feature. In the current scenario, where we are prone to casualties and other issues hampering the telecast, the broadcasters (before the October 2015 strike) passed a ruling that all producers will keep a bank of at least 10 episodes for their shows. Unfortunately, not many follow the rule. It's primarily because the scripts don't come in advance.“

However, he adds that it won't be right to blame anyone as everyone is fighting the ratings war. He explains, “I am fine with the idea of making second Sundays a mandatory holiday, provided producers are also given leeway to shoot on that particular day if the situation demands so. They do seek permission when they do a 2 pm to 2 am odd shift. I also second the producers, who propose that taking a holiday should be mutually decided upon, as we are not in a government job. We at CINTAA are still not clear till we have a detailed discussion with the producers' association and the broadcasters.“

Director Ismail Umarr Khan feels, “We can easily handle the pressure on an odd day with the second unit filling in for the first, which was a norm earlier. A unit can easily take the pressure of one episode. Every technician wants a holiday. I don't think anyone is against taking an off on Sundays. The bottom line is, workers will have a life.“

Aping her favourite movie star and playing the cool dude is passé. When it comes to wooing their dream girl, our television actors swear by old-school rules like chivalry, honesty and gift of the gag. So, if you are looking for the best way to capture a woman's heart, here's your chance to learn some tricks from these charmers:

DON'T PRETEND:
Women stay away from pretentious men, observes Ashish Chowdhry. He advises men to be themselves, adding, “Simplicity with a dash of humour is the best way to impress a girl. If you are honest and genuine, you can never go wrong. A little financial indulgence also helps. Girls like surprises, so springing one on my date would be my style of wooing. I would also plan a romantic holiday to an undisclosed exotic location and pamper her to no end. That's the best way to make her feel like a queen.“


LOVE IS IN THE AIR:
Arjan Bajwa wants his woman to feel on top of the world, literally. He says, “I'm very fond of flying and so, I would like to take her on a short joyride with me in the cockpit. Fly over the hills and lakes and serene vineyards. Who doesn't like wading through the clouds while you are with that special someone?“


BE A GOOD LISTENER:
It is simple: Women love to talk and be heard. If you ignore either of these facts, it can nip the very possibility of a relationship in the bud. Says Rajniesh Duggall, “It is a must to shower her with compliments. Honesty, loyalty and most importantly, lending an ear to everything she says, do the trick. Gifts sure are a part of it, but striking a good conversation and paying undivided attention are even more important.“


CHIVALRY ISN'T DEAD:
Rithvik Dhanjani disagrees with guys who think it's okay to skip good manners with a potential girlfriend. He says, “There is a lack of chivalry in guys today. For women, it is often small things that matter most. So, treat her like an equal and be chivalrous at the same time. Both can go hand-in-hand.“


IGNORANCE IS BLISS:
Shivin Narang feels fawning over a girl and overdoing it can spoil the scene. It's best to try and gauge if the woman is even remotely interested before going all out with your feelings, he cautions, or you may end up with an egg on the face. He says, “I'm unusually shy and find it odd to express my feelings. But when I want to woo a girl, I use my old-school technique, which is to ignore her in the beginning. It gives me time to understand if she is interested in me. Also, women love men who play hard to get.“

 
BE SINCERE:
A guy's looks and monies do matter to a woman. But a real woman would look deeper. “If you want to woo a woman, you should be honest, sincere and loyal towards her. Give her importance and keep showering love and affection upon her. I think these things would matter more than looks and money,“ says Sahil Anand.


WAY TO A WOMAN'S HEART IS ALSO THROUGH HER STOMACH:
Today's women adore men who can keep up with her even in the kitchen. Your cooking chops can give you an edge over your contemporaries. Vivian Dsena says, “I am a good cook and would impress my girlfriend by cooking for her. Anyone can take his girl to an expensive restaurant, but going that extra mile and cooking for your lady will make her feel extra special. Besides cooking dishes of her choice, I would also prepare my signature dish, a special dessert - kesar dry fruit rabdi - for her. It is said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but it holds true for women, too.“

CLEANLINESS MATTERS:
A man should not be overbearing while wooing a woman, says Gautam Rode, adding that cleanliness can help him score a few brownie points. “Don't make it obvious that you are vying for her attention. If you overdo it, she will back off. Being yourself is the ultimate deal maker. Being presentable and smelling good will also attract women. Body and mouth odour are big turn-offs.“