Showing posts with label Raghu Ram. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raghu Ram. Show all posts
There are many momfluencers today, but getting to hear a dad’s perspective on parenting is still quite rare-Karanvir Bohra
9:28 AM
He is one of the most popular baddies on the small screen, but in real life, Karanvir Bohra is putty in the hands of his three daughters. A hilarious post on Instagram shows the muscular TV actor with a ponytail and blue tutu skirt, spinning on one foot like a wind-up doll after his youngest turns a pretend key on his back. Bohra, who has been part of many hit dramas like ‘Kasauti Zindagi Kay’ and ‘Shararat’, spoke to Neha Bhayana about fatherhood and how he talks so his kids listen
Neha Bhayana (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 21, 2026)
He is one of the most popular baddies on the small screen, but in real life, Karanvir Bohra is putty in the hands of his three daughters. A hilarious post on Instagram shows the muscular TV actor with a ponytail and blue tutu skirt, spinning on one foot like a wind-up doll after his youngest turns a pretend key on his back. Bohra, who has been part of many hit dramas like ‘Kasauti Zindagi Kay’ and ‘Shararat’, spoke to Neha Bhayana about fatherhood and how he talks so his kids listen
What is the toughest part of being a father of three girls? And what is the best?
The toughest part of being a father to three girls will come when they become teenagers, when they start having their own likes and dislikes, crushes, late-night plans, and a world of their own. The best part of being a girl dad is knowing that no matter how grown up they become, a part of their heart will always belong to you…and they’ll always love you the most.
Do you worry about how you will react to late-night plans, boyfriends, tattoos and drinking when your daughters grow up? Are you a conservative dad or a cool one?
I think I’m a pretty cool dad, but I don’t know how I’m going to react when boyfriends enter the picture or when my daughters go through their first heartbreaks. I know it is all part of life, and while my instinct will be to protect them, I hope I’ll also be understanding.
As for things like partying, tattoos, drinking, and all other choices they will make as they grow up, I may not always agree with everything. There will definitely be moments that challenge me. But I don’t want to be the kind of father who controls or forces. I want to be someone they can always talk to, someone who guides rather than dictates. A dad who is a mix of fierce and understanding, who sets boundaries but never stops listening.
You enrolled your twins, Bella and Vienna, in a school in Canada during the pandemic (they moved there with their mom, Teejay Sidhu), and your younger one Gia joined them later. Are they still living in Canada?
The past two years have been difficult being away from them while they study in Canada, and I’m here working and attending to my parents. I miss the little moments we once shared every day. Those hugs, conversations, laughter, and simple togetherness…I miss them immensely. My little one, Gia, is such a beautifully free-spirited soul. She stayed with me (in Mumbai) for a year, and those moments were truly special.
Being a television actor comes with its own challenges. There were days when I would shoot for 12 to 14 hours straight, so many times I’d bring Gia along to the set, and she would just chill with me there. And honestly, she loves the set. If you ask her, “What does papa do?” she’ll smile and say, “He’s shooting.”
What is your trick for getting your kids to listen to you?
There’s no trick in the book to make children listen to you. The only real way is to speak to them in their language. Talk to them with respect, as though they are individuals with their own thoughts and emotions. Explain to them what’s right, what’s wrong, and help them understand the consequences of their choices. And then, instead of forcing an answer on them, ask them gently: “What do you think you should do?”
A section of parents and experts believe the new-age gentle parenting approach is spoiling kids. What is your take on it?
People often misunderstand the meaning of gentle parenting. Gentle parenting does not mean spoiling your child. It means not getting angry over every little thing. It means not constantly scolding them for mistakes, but instead guiding them with patience and understanding. It means giving them your time when they say, “Dad, let’s play,” “Listen to my story,” or “Tell me a story.” At the heart of it, gentle parenting is simply about giving your children the quality time, attention, and emotional presence that many of us wish we had received growing up. And at the same time, I completely understand our parents, too. They came from a very different space and generation of parenting, and they did the best they could with what they knew at that time.
In a world of momfluencers, you are among a small number of dads who share their experiences and give parenting tips. How did the idea for your page, ‘Parenting with Karanvir Bohra’ come up?
That’s primarily the reason I chose to share my experiences and the experiences of other fathers as well. There are so many momfluencers today, but very rarely do we get to hear a dad’s perspective on parenting or co-parenting. I genuinely felt people needed to hear that side too. That’s what led me to start a podcast on my YouTube channel called ‘Daddy Adventures’. I’ve had some really interesting and heartfelt conversations with Karan Singh Grover, Raghu Ram, Tusshar Kapoor, Gurmeet Choudhary, Zaid Darbar, Kiku Sharda and many other dads. What touched me the most was getting such a beautiful insight into how they feel as fathers, the emotional journeys they go through, and how each of them is navigating this entire new-age approach to parenting.
You had posted about the time when you let one of your twins take a flight to Canada alone when she was seven. These days, most urban parents never let their kids, especially girls, be alone in order to ensure safety, but they end up making them under-confident and dependent. How can parents encourage their kids to be independent without compromising their safety?
I still remember when my dad and uncle pushed me to take a bus alone for the very first time. I was barely 10, travelling from Colaba to Nana Chowk. When I completed that journey by myself, I felt so empowered. Years later, a similar situation arose with my daughter when she had to travel alone because of an issue with my visa. I realised airlines take great care of children travelling solo. I felt secure knowing she was safe, and I could also see how empowered and confident the experience made her feel. I truly believe parents should encourage children to have small adventures and independent experiences — that’s how they become mentally and emotionally strong.
How has fatherhood changed you?
Becoming a father changed everything for me. Life is no longer just about my dreams, my ambitions, or my journey. It’s about them. Every decision I make now carries a greater sense of responsibility because little eyes are always watching.
What I have learned over the years is that children are not ours to control; they are ours to love, guide and support. My role is not to shape them into who I want them to be, but to help them become who they are meant to be.
Has your parenting journey been a smooth or bumpy one so far? What is the biggest lesson you have learned along the way?
My journey as a father has been like a merry-go-round. I have chased my kids to eat food, get ready, go down and play, go to school, etc. Watching my daughters grow up has given me some of the most beautiful moments of my life; it’s like a bouquet of memories I will cherish forever.
I quit Roadies because we were told to scream at people-Raghu Ram
9:02 AM
Television host and actor Raghu Ram recently opened up about why he and his twin Rajiv Lakshman, decided to quit hosting the adventure reality TV show Roadies.
Raghu shared “too much interference” from the channel caused the brothers to quit after 11 years of hosting the show in 2014.
The brothers were known for their harsh confrontational demeanour towards every Roadies contestant. However, Raghu revealed that they were pushed to be aggressive, an approach that made him and Rajiv uncomfortable.
“We were told to scream at people. [But] As you grow bigger, you feel the pressure to cater. I felt it; that’s why I left Roadies. Rajiv and I walked off because there was too much interference,” the anchor said during an appearance on the Untriggered with AminJaz podcast.
The 49-year-old added, “It’s either that, or you have to dance to their tune. It’s a good problem because you are a success, but now you are no longer you. You belong to them [the executives].”
He went on to add that the show — 10 years after his exit — is no longer aligned with his vision for the show. “Roadies now is what they wanted to make, it’s not what I wanted,” he mused, noting that the once-popular show now doesn’t connect as much with the audience because it “lacks honesty”.
My mental health, marriage suffered because of Roadies-Raghu Ram
11:19 PM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 12, 2024)
Raghu Ram, former judge and executive producer of Roadies, has opened up about why he exited the reality show in 2014 after appearing on it for 10 seasons.
Sharing how it took a toll on his marital life with actor Sugandha Garg, whom he parted ways with in 2018, the producer-actor said, “Personally, my life was going through a lot of upheaval because of the surrounding craze [for the show]. My marriage was suffering. Ultimately, I got divorced.”
Ram, who worked on the show with his brother, producer-actor Rajiv Lakshman, also spoke about how it took a toll on his “mental and physical health”. “So I stopped, and I’m glad I did. Not one day have I regretted walking away,” he said in an interview to India Today.
This is also why it didn’t matter to him that his departure happened at a time when the show was at its “peak”. He explained, “I was done. I was fed up. I walked away at the peak of it for two reasons. One was because MTV wanted to make the show a certain way, which I did not agree with. They wanted a certain populist kind of angle to it.”
When asked if there was a possibility of him returning to the show, he revealed he was even offered to join. “We were asked, but no, I don’t want to. I haven’t seen Roadies ever since I left. It is not ‘that’ Roadies now,” says Ram, who went on to act in films such as Jhootha Hi Sahi (2010), Tees Maar Khan (2010) and Keedaa Cola (2023).
Raghu Ram, Rajiv Lakshman, Rannvijay Singha to reunite
8:12 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 6, 2022)
Looks like actor-TV host Rannvijay Singha is returning to the iconic trio he was once a part of! Not too long after bidding adieu to his 18-year stint on Roadies, Singha is set to reunite with television personalities Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman for a dating reality show that the brothers are producing for an OTT platform.
Interestingly, Singha had started his career as a contestant on the same adventure reality show, which was the brainchild of the brothers. He’ll team up with them after 12 years.
Furthermore, we’ve learnt Singha will be joined by actor Gauahar Khan, who has earlier been a part of popular reality shows. The two will host the show, which will have civilians as contestants.
A source close to the production reveals, “It’s a show that will be divided into two phases. The initial phase will see contestants falling in love and the latter will be about them maintaining the relationship. The team has already wrapped up the shoot. Also, Raghu and Rajiv have been closely involved with the project, so much so that they have personally taken the auditions of the potential contestants.”
Singha, when asked about the development, says, “I am in no position to say anything about this, so I cannot comment on it.” Meanwhile, Lakshman and Khan maintain a “no comment” stance.
We all know the reality and yet, behave as if it won’t happen to us-Raghu Ram
8:07 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 24, 2020)
In an Instagram post, television host and producer Raghu Ram shared that he lost his close friend Abdul Rauf to Coronavirus. Ram and his twin, Rajiv Lakshman both penned emotional goodbyes to their friend. Rauf started out as Ram’s driver and in 13 years, rose through the ranks to become the head of production at a content start-up.
Ram wrote, “...The grief I feel is indescribable, just like that of anyone who ever knew you. You came into my life in 2009 as Raju, my driver. But you surprised me with who you really were... A loving, honest, competent, hard working friend who had dreams, and the courage to go after them...”
Talking about his loss, Ram says, “He was like family to us and we are in shock. He had great inner strength, so it’s devastating that this has happened. He was 47, a non smoker, and a healthy guy, and this is a personal blow. He has been an integral part of our company. We learnt that his father, wife and he had tested positive but it is so tragic that he passed away three days after his dad did. His wife and three kids are now at home. If healthy people think that if they take care, they won’t be infected, they’re wrong. In reality, no one is safe from Covid-19. We all know the reality and yet, behave as if it won’t happen to us.”
Staying at home with his wife and young child, Ram points out that there’s lockdown fatigue setting in but we have to pull through. “We haven’t reached the plateau, so it will get worse before it gets better. I have a newborn, so we’re busy through the day. When one watches the news, you get a reality check as there are so many who are suffering,” he signs off.
Raghu Ram and Natalie Di Luccio welcome baby boy; name him Rhythm
7:57 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 8, 2020)
After dating for over a year-and-a-half, Roadies and Splitsvilla creator Raghu Ram and his Canadian singer-girlfriend Natalie Di Luccio tied the knot in Goa in December 2018. In August last year, they announced that they are expecting their first child. On Monday, the couple welcomed a baby boy at a city hospital.
“Relieved,” is the first thing Raghu says when asked about becoming a father. “There are actually many emotions. We had been preparing for this for months. We learned more about pregnancy, child birth and baby care, but none of it really prepares you for parenthood,” Raghu shares, adding that the mother and child are healthy and safe and hailing child-birth as “magical and awe-inspiring”.
He goes on to inform that Natalie opted for a water birth with hypnobirthing techniques “for a beautiful, calm and natural process. As far as the name goes, it was important for the new parents to 'find a multi-cultural, multi-national and multilingual name to reflect our union, so we picked ‘Rhythm’. More importantly, it can’t be linked with any religion,” smiles Raghu.
At home, the baby will be welcomed into a brand-new nursery. “We moved houses the minute we found out about the pregnancy to make room for the baby. Natalie had been obsessively nesting, which also gave her the opportunity to do up the new place; it was completely empty when we moved in. She decorated the nursery with beautiful quotations and messages from my friends on the walls. There are also cute little animals, clouds and stars in the room. It has a beautiful vibe,” Raghu signs off.
Images: It's a busy, celebratory work as Dinesh Vijan, Raghu Ram-Natalie Di Luccio and Shweta Basu Prasad get married
7:16 AM
Avinash Lohana and Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 14, 2018)
Dinesh finds his match
Joining the shaadi bandwagon after Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas and Ginni Chatrath-Kapil Sharma is filmmaker Dinesh Vijan who tied the knot with Pramita Tanwar on Thursday. While the groom wore a blue Troy Costa sherwani, the bride chose a Sabyasachi lehenga in baby pink.Rituals began in the afternoon at a Juhu five-star and went on for a few hours, before a live band took over and started playing Hindi songs like Agent Vinod’s “Raabta”, “Rang Barse” from Silsila and “Duma Dum Mast Kalander”. “Dinesh’s sister, Pooja, pulled the couple on to the dance floor after which family and friends joined in. The buffet was a lavish spread of Indian cuisine,” informs a guest.
Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon with sister Nupur, Raveena Tandon, Aparshakti Khurana and Varun Sharma were among the guests.The nuptials were preceded by a pre-wedding bash on the lawns of the producer’s suburban residence, attended by Dinesh’s close friends Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan and Kriti who bonded over selfies. Being Cyrus and Finding Fanny director Homi Adajania, Amar Kaushik who has just delivered the superhit Stree and Made In China director Mikhil Musale shook a leg to the beats of dhol. The party went on till 2.30 am. The revellers tucked into biryani and Thai curry.
A post-wedding party is scheduled for Friday night at the same Juhu five-star. Close friends and family of the couple have started rehearsals to perform at the do.
Beach wedding for Raghu, Natalie
Earlier this month (December 3), MTV Roadies creator Raghu Ram had spilled the beans to Mirror on his mid-month nuptials with Canadian singer-actress Natalie Di Luccio. “The wedding will be chaotic, nothing grand but something fun with family and friends. More than a wedding, it’s a celebration of us coming together,” he had asserted, adding that having a December wedding was the lady’s idea.On Wednesday, the couple tied the knot in a beach ceremony in Goa. Celebrations had kicked off with a mehendi, followed by an Andhra-style wedding. Among the guests were VJ and actor Rannvijay Singha, who had worked with Raghu on Roadies as a host and mentor, and Teejay Sidhu.
Shweta, Rohit get knotty in Pune
Shweta Basu Prasad tied the knot with filmmaker-boyfriend Rohit Mittal at a five star in Pune on Thursday. The wedding was a mix of Bengali and Marwari rituals. The celebrations kicked off two days ago with a mehendi ceremony with the bride in a hot pink lehenga and flaunting her groom’s name. The couple also had a ring ceremony where the dress code was western and was followed by song and dance.
December wedding for Raghu Ram and Natalie Di Luccio
9:07 AM
The couple will tie the knot in Goa with a white wedding, a traditional Indian ceremony and lots of fun, food and games
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 23, 2018)
Raghu Ram, who created the popular youth show MTV Roadies with brother Rajiv Lakshman, is all set to tie the knot with Canadian singer-girlfriend Natalie Di Luccio. The wedding will be held in Goa over three days. The couple who come from different cultural backgrounds will have a white wedding along with a traditional Indian ceremony.
Raghu admitted to Mirror that everything, from their age and culture to their public image and food, are very different. Also, he’s yet to start prepping for D-Day because he’s been working on an online project. “The wedding is scheduled for mid-December and will be chaotic, nothing grand but something fun with family and friends. More than a wedding, it’s a celebration of us coming together,” he asserted, saying having it in December was Natalie’s idea and he was happy to agree.
Brother Rajiv has been busy coordinating the arrangements. His sister, Supriya, is flying down from Singapore today to help out. “Besides the two weddings, there will be a lot of singing, dancing and games,” he promises, adding that the cuisine will be a mix of local delicacies and favourite dishes from both sides. “If we do the wedding right, I will have no memory of it, so, the idea is to have so much of everything that no one remembers anything,” he signs off with a laugh.
Vikas Bahl dropped from Amazon Prime's next; to be kept out of Hrithik Roshan's Super 30 promotions?
8:32 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 8, 2018)
Barely a fortnight after Tanushree Dutta sparked the #MeToo movement in Bollywood, Vikas Bahl found himself in the eye of the storm over the weekend. The director was accused of sexual harassment by a former employee of Phantom Films, which was further corroborated by his ex-business partner Anurag Kashyap on Twitter. In light of these allegations, mid-day has learnt that the National Award-winning filmmaker has apparently been dropped from a series that he was to direct for Amazon Prime.
A source reveals, "The project is being produced by Monozygotic Solutions, which is owned by Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman of Roadies fame. The show was a reboot of an Australian series that revolves around couples spicing up their sex lives. It was scheduled to roll by year-end. But with the latest controversy, Amazon wouldn't be comfortable backing it with Vikas on board. The production house has discussed the matter with Amazon, and will soon start scouting for another director."The weight of the allegations has understandably impacted the Queen (2014) director's other project — Hrithik Roshan starrer, Super 30, which also has him as a co-producer. Buzz suggests that Bahl will be kept out of the promotions. "The post-production has to be done under his supervision because it would be impractical to bring someone new on board at this stage. But after that, Vikas will be asked to dissociate himself from the film," says an insider.
Bahl was also in advanced talks to helm a show for Ekta Kapoor's ALT Balaji. mid-day reached out to Kapoor and Amazon Prime. Neither had responded till the time of going to press.
Yet another allegation surfaces
Rajat Kapoor was accused of sexual misconduct by two women on Twitter yesterday. A journalist revealed that he misbehaved with her during a telephonic interview, asking her about her vital stats. Another woman stated that the actor had hounded her with phone calls and made her uncomfortable with his demand of shooting a film with her "in an empty house."
Natalie Di Luccio has really taken me by surprise-Raghu Ram
8:17 AM
Raghu Ram on his singer girlfriend Natalie Di Luccio as they complete one year of togetherness
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 28, 2018)
On Monday, Roadies and Splitsvilla creator Raghu Ram marked the first anniversary of his relationship with Canadian singer Natalie Di Luccio with a heartfelt post on the social media. “Natalie, you once told me that you needed to believe in magic. Well, here’s your proof. You walked into my life a year ago today and impossibly, everything inside me changed. I feel Love. I feel Happiness. I feel Hope. I feel. Again. All because of you… I love you,” he wrote.
It was in 2010, when Raghu chanced upon Natalie’s YouTube channel, and was instantly taken up by her rendition of the song “Kahin Toh Hogi Woh” from the Imran Khan and Geneilia D’Souza-starrer Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. Incidentally, the 2008 Abbas Tyrewala-directed film had also featured Raghu’s ex-wife, Sugandha Garg.
“I forwarded her videos to a few friends. Later, she was in Mumbai and apparently everyone she met asked her to connect with me. When we finally did in 2011, she put up a picture with me on Facebook and everyone warned her against me. We met socially once or twice over the years. I always found her sweet, gentle and graceful,” he gushes, adding that Natalie, who has done playback for films like Chennai Express, Band Baaja Baaraat, Chalo Dilli and Bittoo Boss can sing in French, German, Italian and six Indian languages.
The couple reconnected several years later, when Raghu found another video of Natalie. “We decided to meet up and we got along really well. One thing led to another and here we are. On March 26 last year, we made it official as a couple, Natalie has really taken me by surprise,” he says, adding that they have even collaborated on a single “Aankhon Hi Aankhon Mein” that released last December.
Ask him if his ex, with whom he has stayed friends after parting ways in 2015 (their divorce was finalised in January), is aware of the relationship and Raghu says, “Sugandha was the first one to know about Natalie from me. She said that if she had to pick a girl for me it would be her. They’ve had many conversations behind my back. I am sure Sugandha has given some advice on the dos and don’ts with me. She also told me about the mistakes I should avoid making this time,” smiles Raghu.
Are wedding bells on the cards soon? “I am living a dream right now and doing things I thought I would never do. I am in a relationship with somebody I am head-over-heels in love with. Marriage? Yes, why not? I am open to it,” Raghu signs off on a promising note.
Roadies creators Raghu Ram & Rajiv Lakshman to guide young entrepreneurs through a new reality show
8:04 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 18, 2017)
Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman of Roadies fame will be make a comeback on television with what is being touted as ‘India’s first start-up reality show’ which will identify and transform youngsters into an ideal start-up team. They will be mentored by some of India’s leading entrepreneurs in their journey.
Speaking to Mirror Raghu says, “This exciting new show will be all about gutsy young minds keen on achieving their dreams. Rajiv and I saw a lot of potential in the idea and sat with MTV to conceptualise the show. We will not only be hosting but producing the show as well. We already have a long-standing connection with the country’s youth thanks to Roadies and aim to boost their confidence with this show.”
Rajiv points out that in a country where blazing one’s own trail is not encouraged, the channel is taking a brave step in giving a bunch of youngsters a platform to give wings to their dreams by kick-starting their journey as ideal entrepreneurs. “When we were starting out, Raghu and I had to go through a lot and so we understand their struggle. It takes a lot to give up on everything and start something of your own and we are here to make it easier for them,” he adds.
A new web show launches every week. Is TV feeling the heat?
8:38 AM
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 22, 2016)
It can be described as a paradigm shift. More and more production houses are getting into the web series business as the audience, especially the younger lot, is shifting towards the digital medium. It is said that the revenue for television shows has gone down by 28 per cent. The market for web shows is increasing by the day due to its innovative content. While TV shows, in their clamour for TRPs, turn their female protagonist into a fly, web shows are not taking recourse to any such gimmicks. hitlist speaks to film and TV folk about the change in scene...
The beginning
TV producer-director-writer Rajan Shahi, who is currently working on his long-running show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, is excited about the shift. His production house is in the scripting stage of a new web series. Rajan claims that while digital shows are just beginning to pick momentum, there’s a good chance it will overthrow TV in the near future. “It is too soon for it to affect the TV content, but digital is the future. The base has begun and you will have a different kind of audience drawn to it. It is not an immediate threat to TV, but everyone in the media knows that it is the future. It will take a few years more to get that revenue.”
Nothing new
He further adds that the lack of innovation on TV is what is pushing people to explore other options. “There is no innovation in television. The shows try to project that they are progressive, but ultimately they are still regressive and display conventional things. We are behind when it comes to content. So the web is a good platform for people who are tired of daily soaps," he adds.
Breaking norms
Yash Patnaik, who has produced shows for the youth (Sadda Haq) and the older generation (Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi), claims that digital series are a marvellous platform for those who don’t wish to conform to norms and traditional stories. “As a producer, it doesn’t affect us at all, instead, it opens up a new avenue to produce content. On a long term this is a marvellous idea that will pick and gain momentum. You can make a show and upload it on YouTube or sell it to other digital platforms. Budget and revenue is subjective.
A TV show is commissioned for different prices. A web series may start at Rs 3-4 lakh per episode, but you are only producing 10 episodes. Even if it is Rs 50 lakh your revenue will only be about Rs 5 crore. However when you spend Rs 7-8 lakh and make over 250 episodes, your cost will go high, you may get about Rs 20 crore. If the show runs for a few years then you will easily make over Rs 50-60 crore. So it depends on a lot of variables. However, about television viewing going down, I think the decline has been happening for the last two to three years. It could be because the new audience has not joined in as they’ve found a new medium. Having said that, the target audience for both mediums is different with minimal overlapping.”
More watchable
Richa Chadha claims that TV was
never her thing and she is more inclined to the digital space. “The
current trend is web series, we are transitioning into that. It has
content you and I can watch. We can’t relate to Naagin and I am sure the
naagin in the Naagin can’t relate to it. The audience has shifted. When my parents were young they’d watch things like Buniyaad and Hum
Log, which was story driven. Now we constantly churn out episodes every
day due to which quality deteriorates. TV better buck up and take
stock. The greed on the web is that there is no censorship, but the
downside of it is that people may go overboard with it. As for the
revenue in digital, I think the money is coming. Several digital
companies from Hong Kong, Singapore and LA are now investing in it this
year itself.”Sugandha Garg and Raghu Ram to file for divorce after 10 years of marriage
7:31 AM
Lakshmi V (BOMBAY TIMES; January 6, 2016)
After almost a decade of
their marriage, Raghu Ram (of Roadies fame) and actress Sugandha Garg
are set to file for divorce by mutual consent. While the legal
procedures will begin this month, the two, we hear, have already
separated. Sugandha says, “We got married in February 2006. And we've
had 10 long years of a fulfilling relationship. Though we won't be
together as a couple, Raghu will still remain my first friend in
Mumbai.“So, what went wrong? Friends of the two say it was lack of time for each other that caused them to drift apart. The actress says, “In every relationship, there's an inevitable phase where you feel you are not that close. I think during the course of being together, we became more of friends than a couple. That said, I really can't pin-point when it happened. However, I can say that we were a very healthy couple because we took this big decision together. Our relationship is going through changes, but we have gotten closer as friends.“
DNA (January 5, 2016)
2016 has barely started and there are already two divorce news that has rocked television ville. After Nandish Sandhu and Rahami Desai decided to part ways, Raghu Ram and Sugandha Garg also announced their split. While neither Raghu nor Sugandha had spoken on the issue till now, the Roadies actor in an interview with a leading daily set all records straight.
The estranged couple who will be filing for divorce soon accepts that their 'relationship has changed over time'. "Today, we might not be a couple, but we are still the best of friends. The important thing is that we started off as friends, and we realised that if our relationship isn’t working, then it is best to stay friends. We have prioritised our friendship over everything else. I am happy about that, and so is she,” Raghu told in his interview.
Their decision to divorce comes after 10 years of companionship. Raghu adds, "The time we spent apart was too much, and the time we spent together wasn’t enough to sustain our connection. It’s better to be in each other’s lives as friends instead." While Roadies made Raghu a household name, Sugandha was seen in films like Tere Bin Laden and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.
While Nandish and Rashami left each other on a bitter note, Raghu-Sugandha's case was completely different. He explained, "It is not something we have taken lightly, and that’s why, it hasn’t been easy. But since we took the decision, it has been good. Right now, it might seem casual, but it’s not. However, I believe that it (the divorce) doesn’t always have to be acrimonious.”
Nevertheless, we wish both Raghu and Sugandha a happy life ahead.
Jimmy Sheirgill and Raghu Ram play antagonists in Vartak Nagar
7:39 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (April 24, 2015)
A violent face-off between a
ruthless don (played by Jimmy Sheirgill) and an upright mill worker
(essayed by Raghu Ram) is one of the highlights of Vartak Nagar, in
which the gangster era of the '80s also plays a pivotal role. Producer
Amit Agarwal is upbeat about his film revolving around four teenage boys
and set against the backdrop of the great mill strike of the '80s. “A
subject like this hasn't been explored in films in a long while,“ he
says, adding, “Though I'm based in Kolkata, I am happy teaming up with
Kunal Kohli and debuting in Bollywood as a producer for this wonderful
tale of friendship.“
Jimmy Sheirgill, who's never played a Maharashtrian don before, says, “It was fun to play a character which is pure evil. At the same time, it was also a bit disconcerting as this guy knows neither fear nor remorse.“
Raghu, who identifies with his character, the honest mill worker Kunwar Singh, says, “He is fighting for what is right and he's willing to bend a few rules for the universal good of his fellow mill workers. I liked the grey shades of Kunwar Singh. His means may be debatable but he means well.“
Buoyed by the casting, debutant director Atul Taishete says, “Jimmy is a revelation, he will surprise the audience. And there's something honest about Raghu as he fits the part really well.“
Currently in the final stages of post production, the film is scheduled to release this year.
Jimmy Sheirgill, who's never played a Maharashtrian don before, says, “It was fun to play a character which is pure evil. At the same time, it was also a bit disconcerting as this guy knows neither fear nor remorse.“
Raghu, who identifies with his character, the honest mill worker Kunwar Singh, says, “He is fighting for what is right and he's willing to bend a few rules for the universal good of his fellow mill workers. I liked the grey shades of Kunwar Singh. His means may be debatable but he means well.“
Buoyed by the casting, debutant director Atul Taishete says, “Jimmy is a revelation, he will surprise the audience. And there's something honest about Raghu as he fits the part really well.“
Currently in the final stages of post production, the film is scheduled to release this year.
Arjun-Ranveer-Karan weren't our first option, they were our only option-All India Bakchod
9:31 AM
A rowdy, live stand-up act that signed up filmstars for voluntary ridicule, is proof that Bollywood's newly famous are redefining stardom
MUMBAI MIRROR (February 1, 2015)
The definition of a Roast, for those who are aren't adept in the kitchen, changed when the funny men at All India Bakchod released their AIB Knockout online earlier this week. Roast (v): to cook film stars by direct exposure to deeply offensive insults, especially in front of thousands.
The Roast is a tradition that dates back to 1949, where comics invite guests of honour, who are ridiculed publicly. The goal — to have a good laugh.
Last December, the comedy collective founded by Tanmay Bhat and Gursimran Khamba, went down in comic history for hosting the first Roast of its kind in India at Worli's NSCI grounds before an audience of 4,000. Their meat of choice — Bollywood's new breed of actors; Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Roastmaster, director Karan Johar.
The three celebrities, along with film critic Rajeev Masand, and Roadies producer Raghu Ram joined standup comics Abish Mathew, Aditi Mittal, Tanmay, Gursimran, Rohan Joshi and Ashish Shakya to form the panel of Roasters. What ensued was a slew of insult comedy that spared no one, on stage or off it. Deepika Padukone's (she was in the audience) choice in men; Arjun's academic failure; Karan's sexuality and Ranveer's reputation with the ladies were all up for taking. The result — close to three lakh hits in two days.
Tanmay credits the "overwhelming appreciation" to the stars. "Bollywood's young actors and directors share the sensibility of India's youth; they are good at taking a joke," he says.
The idea to host a Roast happened by chance. "In August, we were discussing the possibility of making a video with Ranveer. I met him at a dance studio where he was practising, and we got talking about the Roast format. He said he was in if we ever did it." That proceeds from the NSCI show, minus venue rental and production cost, went to charity, made it easier," says Vijay Nair, CEO of Only Much Louder (OML), a live music and entertainment conglomerate that handled production. "We weren't just taking their pants off for fun. It was for a good cause," smiles Tanmay.
It was Ranveer who suggested AIB approach Arjun, who agreed instantly. "We wanted Karan Johar to be the Roastmaster because he would lend legitimacy. Besides, he is known for his wit and sarcasm," he continues. Once Johar was on board, the date was set.
What the creative team didn't know was who would turn up in the audience.
Actors Deepika Padukone, Sonakshi Sinha, Anurag Kashyap, Sanjay Kapoor and Alia Bhatt booked a seat each for Rs 4,000. "Stars invited their colleagues and friends, but we had no idea who would turn up," says Tanmay, who calls the gang "just four middle-class kids with no connections". "The three stars weren't our first option, they were our only option".
But, over the last two days since the Roast ambushed the Internet, it isn't being celebrated for its stellar content, but for the ease with which stars are lending themselves to be the butt of jokes.
Bollywood enthusiasts will recall an awards function in 2010, hosted by Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan, where Shah Rukh cracked a joke about actor Neil Nitin Mukesh's triple-barrelled name. It backfired, when Neil snapped (his singer-father Nitin Mukesh was beside him), asking him to "shut up".
In 2013, veteran actor Manoj Kumar filed a criminal case against Shah Rukh and Farah Khan, director of Om Shanti Om (2007), in which the superstar had mimicked Kumar. Khan, who together with brother Sajid Khan, had a made a career of parodying old-school Bollywood, had apologised to the veteran. That sort of move, explains Tanmay, "is to avoid going to jail". AIB couldn't follow the no-holds barred approach of a conventional Roast. "As comedians, we had to find the line. In a conventional Roast, it doesn't exist," he says.
And so, they had to stick to script. The team of six comics wrote all 300 jokes that made it to the show. After thinking of 60 jokes a day for more than a fortnight, they had a bank of 1,000. Following which, it was the question of sifting to stay with the best.
The grammar of a joke means they needed to allow for all permutations and combinations — for instance, jokes that were about Karan, a rebuttal from him, transitions that could mean taking a joke forward later, etc. After the material was ready, it was sent out to the stars for vetting, unlike in a traditional Roast where no one has a clue of what's coming at them. Jokes that a star wasn't comfortable about were deleted; these included those that a star believed would upset someone else in the fraternity. "For the online video, another round of editing was put in place because some stars didn't want all of it going out," explains Tanmay. This included jokes that played on ruling politicians and party.
Of the Roastees, Karan, says Tanmay, encouraged AIB to go all out. "We were surprised when he later said his mother and maasi were going to be in the audience. He was a great sport."
The point of a Roast, he says, is consent. It is not the same as picking on someone on Twitter.
After vetting, the players could prep themselves on delivering humour with comic timing. This made things simpler for Rajeev, for instance, who was nervous about his bit. "I wanted to explore humour, let people see a side of me they usually don't on TV. I knew what they would be going for; being fat, being paid for reviews, etc. I wanted to see how good I was at giving it back to them," he says, adding, "But nothing prepares you for what happens on stage."
What industry observers are asking is if the young stars have, in effect, defanged their critics and hecklers.
The trend was set, say some, by the Alia Bhatt Genius of the Year video which was a game-changer. After becoming the butt of jokes when she wasn't able to name India's President on the rapid fire round in Karan Johar's chat show, in August last year, she collaborated with AIB to silence Internet bullies with a video that showed her taking IQ classes. With self-deprecating humour as tool, the 21-year-old, six-film-old actor, silenced her detractors. It's also likely that no one will joke about Arjun's battle with weight and nepotism after this. "That was a shrewd move," says Rajeev.
Filmmaker and critic, Raja Sen, says, with this, the demystifying of stardom is complete. Other than Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, almost every star is on social media. They are accessible, available to fans, killing the established practice of a star talking to a select few. "There used to be so many holy cows in the industry. This show managed to do away with quite a few. Even if it was scripted and they were all role-playing, this kind of role-playing was important," he says.
But, offering themselves to the mercy of a punch line isn't everyone's choice. When one of the guests met Priyanka Chopra after the Roast, curious if she would have participated, her answer was, no. "Why would I subject myself to this?" she asked. Those who know Shah Rukh and Saif say that the two are game at laughing at others, but they wouldn't enjoy it if the joke was on them. Rajeev agrees that the old guard would rather steer clear.
It's definitely not hurting business, though. "Bollywood has helped open up the scene to a wider audience and more people have discovered the Indian English comedy genre," believes Nair.
While the Roast went off smoothly, to a standing ovation, in fact, the challenge for the AIB team came after.
"A Roast is filthy, offensive, hilarious. The point isn't just to shock but also make people laugh. I expected more backlash, but fans have taken it well, except a few. But then, taking offence is our national sport," says Tanmay.
Audience reaction can be difficult to judge. "For instance, I think Mr Bachchan may have a spectacular sense of humour but the audience might be offended. It's a weird culture where supporters go crazy, saying, 'how dare you!'"
How does one top a show like this? "Mr Bachchan would be a spectacular Roastmaster," is all Tanmay will say.
Film on Bombay mill strike heads to international festivals
7:44 AM
Sunanya Suresh (BOMBAY TIMES; March 3, 2014)
Vartak
Nagar — A Story Of Four Crows, which stars Jimmy Sheirgill and Raghu
Ram, is headed to the Cannes and Venice film festivals. Set during the
great Bombay mill strike and the gangster era of the eighties, it has
been directed by Bollywood debutant Atul Taishete and is jointly
produced by Kunal Kohli Productions, Adarsh Telemedia and Dione
Entertainment. The film interweaves a plot surrounding friendship,
betrayal and redemption between four school-going friends.Atul, who met Kunal at a festival in Germany, previously directed Rewind — touted as the world’s first true reverse film, which the latter requested to see. Says Atul, “When Kunal asked me to send him the DVD of my film, I wondered what possible connect I could have with him. I did not send the DVD to him for almost a year. But when I finally did, he called up immediately and to ask if I had a script that he could produce.”
Says Kunal, who believes that this film has what it takes to do well in the international festival circuit, “Since I have mostly made romantic films, I do have this image… but I am very interested in producing films across genres. I was completely blown by the scale and the magnitude of this script. It has immense box office potential in India and is yet very international in context and story.”
I don’t want to be known as the bald guy who abuses; There’s more to me-Raghu Ram
9:24 AM
You have seen him intimidating wannabe Roadies during auditions. Raghu Ram screams, swears and sometimes even hauls them out. But what is he like in person? Well, for starters, he writes, sings and has recently finished penning a novel
Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; February 2, 2014)
We catch up with Raghu Ram at a coffee shop. He tells us he is leaving for a short vacation to Jaipur with his wife. “I am a shy guy in real life,” he says, which takes us by surprise, because we last remember him looking daggers at aspirants for the show, MTV Roadies . The host has just finished writing the book, Raghu Rearview — My Roadies Journey . “I read a lot, I am obsessed with books, and that is what inspired me to write. I love reading biographies and autobiographies. In fact, at MTV, whenever I had an argument with my boss, I’d tell him that that he will not come across very well in my book,” he says. In the book, Raghu admits to being bullied when he was a child. The straightforward tone of the book is quite refreshing. “The book is part-memoir, part-diary, part-autobiography,” he says.
He adds that he was approached to write a self-help book but that is not what interested him. “Over these 10 years, so much has been written about me. I have been called the rudest guy on Indian television, some said I am “against Indian culture”, a pretentious as****e. This is my side of the story. I believe I have been judged unfairly by a lot of people. Many viewers get where I am coming from without even knowing me. I have given enough interviews and it’s always about being rude. I don’t think I am rude,” he elaborates.
Raghu says he does not plan to change opinions with this book. “If somebody can read the parts of my book and take strength from it, that’s great. Beyond a point, I got frustrated. I work hard and I don’t want to be known as the bald guy who abuses. There’s more to me,” he adds.
To illustrate this, he tells us he pens lyrics, loves to sing and travel. “I have sung two popular songs, have written two songs and now penned a book,” he says.
These days, Raghu is also busy with politics. He finishes his cup of coffee, promptly calls for another one and excitedly tells us about his ambitions. “I was recently campaigning for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In addition to that, I play a sardar in a recently released Punjabi film. I have also shot for a Bollywood film, and I hope to soon sing for one, too. I am in talks with Canadian composer IshQ Bector about it.” The anchor admits that he wants to spend more time with his wife, too. “My wife is so pissed with me — I have been travelling a bit much. That explains this vacation I am taking with her. I will be travelling for the next month, too, and then she will be off for something. It is an ongoing challenge, spending time together, but this year I want to prioritise her,” he smiles.
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