Showing posts with label Vivian Dsena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vivian Dsena. Show all posts

Sonam Kapoor, Anand Ahuja welcome baby no 2

Sonam-Anand welcome baby no. 2!

HINDUSTAN TIMES (March 31, 2026)

Actor Sonam Kapoor and her husband, businessman Anand Ahuja, welcomed their second son on March 29. The couple announced the arrival of their baby boy on Instagram. In the post, the 40-year-old actor said their family has grown, and their hearts feel fuller than ever. She added that their elder son, Vayu, is thrilled to have a baby brother.

The caption of her post read, “Our family has grown, and with his arrival, our hearts have expanded in the most beautiful way. Vayu is overjoyed to welcome his little brother, and we feel deeply blessed by this precious new life who has filled our home with happiness and grace (sic).”

She ended the post saying they were thankful to start this new phase together as a family of four.

Sonam who Anand in an intimate Punjabi ceremony in May 2018 welcomed their first child, Vayu, in 2022, and since then, the actor has been taking a break from films but has remained active in public events and gatherings with friends and colleagues.

It’s a boy for Vivian-Nouran, too

Actor Vivian Dsena and his wife, Egyptian journalist Nouran Aly, also welcomed a baby boy recently.

Vivian shared the update on Instagram on Monday, saying he had been “a little off the radar” for a reason. “Some stories aren’t announced, they’re lived first… The kingdom just got bigger… and this time… it’s a Prince,” he wrote.

Vivian married Nouran in a private ceremony in 2022. He is also father to their daughter Layan, born the same year, and has two stepdaughters from Nouran’s previous marriage.

I plan to fund the education of my staff’s children (with Bigg Boss 18 prize money)-Karan Veer Mehra

Karan Veer Mehra to use Bigg Boss 18 prize money to fund education of his staff’s kids

Lifting the Bigg Boss season 18 trophy, actor Karan Veer Mehra discusses putting the Rs 50 lakh prize money to good use, he also talks about taking time to figure out what this win means for him
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 21, 2025)

After Khatron Ke Khiladi 14, Bigg Boss 18 was Karan Veer Mehra’s second reality show. Pitted against actor Vivian Dsena from the start, he claims a target was set for him, and he gave it his all. Emerging victorious after spending 107 days in the house and beating 23 contestants, Mehra is in celebratory mode. In a conversation with mid-day after his big win, he talks about taking time to figure out what this win means for him and his career, the friends he has made for life, and his plans for the prize money. Edited excerpts from the interview.

What was your agenda when you entered the house, and did you manage to achieve it?
I didn’t go into the house with any agenda. However, I noticed a lot of wastage of resources like food, water, and gas. We may have plan A and plan B [in life], but we have only one planet. I wanted to ensure that we didn’t waste resources in the house. I believe I managed to achieve this, and I hope my message was loud and clear on this big platform. Even if no one in the house understood it, I hope at least the viewers learned something from me.

What does this win mean to you?
That’s a deep question and something I’ll need to reflect on. While Bigg Boss has become my new normal, it will take time to return to the mayhem of the [outside world].

Do you have any regrets?
I wish I had played the chai patti task. Or I should have been vocal enough to express that I didn’t want to play for either contender because I was upset. I feel I wasn’t clear enough. I should have just participated; it wasn’t a difficult task anyway. The chance to become Time God could have been ours. I always say I don’t make mistakes—it’s the mistakes that have made me.

Do you think the bond you’ve created with Shilpa Shirodkar and Chum Darang will continue outside the house?
After a few days in the house, it’s as if the cameras don’t exist. We completely forgot about them. Luckily, no phones were allowed, so we connected on a human level. Now that we’re out, with phones and other distractions, I don’t know how we’ll manage. But the bond we’ve built over 100 days will surely last. Even in the final moments, I celebrated with them before going to my sister, who had come to support me. They were as excited and happy as I was when I lifted the trophy.

When it was just you and Vivian Dsena, did you ever feel that you might not win?
Sach bolu toh nahin, mucch bolu toh my heart was beating really fast. At one point, we even discussed splitting the prize. When Salman [Khan] sir lifted and dropped my hand, my blood pressure must have been through the roof.

Did you feel Dsena might win due to his television popularity?
I was aware he was regarded as a top contender and was the ladla, while I was the khiladi. A target was set for me, and I’m very happy to have met and surpassed it. When I came in second, I knew where to aim next.

Is there anyone from the house you’d never want to meet again?
No, there isn’t. Everyone is celebrating with me right now.

What do you plan to do with the prize money of Rs 50 lakh?
I haven’t yet collected my Khatron Ke Khiladi money, but I plan to fund the education of my staff’s children. This is something I’ve been considering for a while. I’m already doing it to an extent, but some of them wish to study further, so I plan to sponsor that for them.

Nouran Aly on her husband Vivian Dsena: "He is protective, not controlling"

‘You are not making it Vivian’s show’: ‘Sirf Tum’ actor’s wife schools him over weak game in Bigg Boss house

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 27, 2024)

Nouran Aly, a former journalist and wife of Vivian Dsena, recently flew from Bahrain to Mumbai to support the actor, who is inside the Bigg Boss house. In an exclusive interview with us, she shares, “This is the first time we are dealing with staying apart for so long. Usually, we visit each other or at least connect virtually every day, so it feels strange and tough. Since he’s entered the house, I’ve come to appreciate even more how much he takes care of us.”

‘Vivian’s cleanliness obsession was an adjustment for us’
The actor’s penchant for cleanliness, often discussed on the show, is no exaggeration, says Nouran. She adds, “He’s meticulous about keeping things spotless, especially his washroom. Early in our marriage, he didn’t like me using it. But over time, he realized I’m just as particular. We didn’t have much time to understand each other before tying the knot; my culture doesn’t allow live-in relationships, and our courtship was brief. Marriage became our way of discovering each other’s habits and quirks. It took us nearly six months to adjust to one another.”

‘Rumours of him cheating on his ex-wife are baseless’
Addressing allegations that Vivian cheated on his ex-wife (Vahbiz Dorabjee) with her, she sets the record straight and says, “They began living separately in 2016, and I met him two years later for work. So, how could he have cheated on her? Their divorce was already underway, delayed further by COVID. During this time, he was in talks with my family. We got engaged and eventually married in December 2022. The timelines don’t support these rumours.”

The actor’s choice to embrace Islam sparked speculation, with some attributing it to his wife’s influence. She states, “When he first proposed, I declined because of our cultural differences. I didn’t want him to feel pressured to adopt my faith. His decision to convert was entirely his own, and something he thought through deeply.”

‘The ‘junior artiste’ remark was misunderstood’
Nouran recently faced backlash for allegedly calling Karan Veer Mehra a “junior artiste” on the reality show. She clarifies, “The comment was taken out of context. I was recounting an incident to warn Vivian that Karan had once referred to him as a junior artiste indirectly. I respect junior artistes immensely; no project can succeed without them. Unfortunately, the edit made it seem like I was dismissive of Karan.”

‘The ‘laadla’ tag has been a double-edged sword’
Vivian’s introduction as the laadla of Bigg Boss has sparked controversy, with many believing he receives undue favouritism on the show. Nouran shares, “It’s a label that could undermine his efforts. Even if he wins on merit, people might dismiss it as favouritism. My only concern is that this perception could overshadow his dedication. Vivian’s loyalty to the channel spans 12 years, which is uncommon in this industry. Every season has a channel favourite; this time, they’ve simply chosen to acknowledge it openly.”

‘He prefers to keep our personal lives private to shield us from unnecessary scrutiny’
Speaking about Vivian’s decision to keep his second marriage and family private, Nouran says, “Vivian is protective, not controlling. He’s learnt from past experiences. The exposure to his previous relationship played a hand in ruining it. He prefers to keep our personal lives private to shield us from unnecessary scrutiny. Once you step into the public eye, you’re exposed to judgment and trolling about your appearance, faith, and past — something I’ve experienced since appearing on Bigg Boss. Initially, it affected me deeply; I would cry and feel overwhelmed. However, I’ve learnt to handle it.”

‘Vivian is closest to my eldest daughter from my previous marriage’
Those who know the actor will vouch that fatherhood has transformed him. On the reality show, he revealed he is a proud father of three daughters. She shares, “I have two daughters, Layla (11) and Aliaa (9), from my previous marriage. I married a family friend, a doctor, at the age of 22. However, our relationship began falling apart within six months due to irreconcilable differences. After my second pregnancy, I sought a divorce, which took nearly three years to finalize.”

She adds, “Vivian has been an amazing father to my daughters. Initially, we agreed not to have a child of our own, but I felt it wouldn’t be fair to him. That’s when we planned Layan. There’s no distinction in his love for the three girls. In fact, he often spoils the older two more! They share a beautiful bond and affectionately call him ‘Buddy.’ My eldest cried when she saw someone threaten him on the reality show. She’s incredibly proud of him and never misses an opportunity to celebrate his achievements. Their connection is truly special and he is closest to her.”

Ramzan is special for me as I embraced Islam during this period-Vivian Dsena

‘Ramzan is special for me as I embraced Islam during this period’
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 19, 2024)

It was last year when actor Vivian Dsena shared with the world that he embraced Islam in 2019. Now, he opens up about why Ramzan is a special time for him. 

“I embraced Islam during Ramzan, which is why the auspicious period is very close to my heart,” the 35-year-old tells us, adding, “This year marks my sixth Ramzan and by God’s grace, I have been fasting every year. I [try to] observe 30 days of roza unless there is something like an illness that makes me break the fast.”

The actor, who is married to Egyptian journalist Nouran Aly and has a daughter with her, adds that he tries to spend this time with his family in Bahrain.

“I can’t deny that I was initially worried about observing the fast because water and coffee are necessities for me; even my family and friends keep wondering how I manage to stay without water or caffeine for 13 or 14 hours! But God has been kind so far and my fasting journey has been smooth,” says Dsena.

Ask him to name a favourite Ramzan delicacy, and Dsena replies, “If I have to choose, it would be basbousa and kunafa. Otherwise, I love all kinds of home-cooked food. I’m blessed with a family and a wife who make every day of Ramzan a food festival.”

Before Aly, Dsena was married to actor Vahbiz Dorabjee for eight years. The couple got divorced in 2021.

Yes, I am married and have a four-month-old daughter. What’s the big deal about it?-Vivian Dsena

Vivian Dsena to be a student again

Vivian Dsena speaks for the first time about his marriage and daughter
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 28, 2023)

While Vivian Dsena likes to keep his personal life out of the limelight, it has been speculated for a while that he married his girlfriend, Nouran Aly, a former journalist from Egypt, a year ago, and the couple has been blessed with a daughter, who is now two months old. The actor, who has otherwise been fiercely guarded about his personal life, opens up about it for the first time in an exclusive chat with Bombay Times.

He says, “Yes, I am married and have a four-month-old daughter. What’s the big deal about it, and how is this anyone’s concern? We would have announced the news of my marriage and the arrival of my daughter, but when I thought the time was right. I tied the knot with Nouran in an intimate ceremony in Egypt around a year ago.”

Vivian says, “Becoming a father is a dream come true and the most wonderful feeling. I feel on top of the world each time I hold my baby in my arms. What more could I have asked for? We have named our daughter Layan Vivian Dsena.”

He adds, “I have always maintained that I want to keep my personal and professional lives separate. I don’t want my family in the limelight, and that’s something even Nouran doesn’t wish to be put through. I am extremely protective of my family.”

The actor also shares that he has been following Islam since 2019. “Nothing much has changed in my life. I was born Christian, and I follow Islam now. I started following Islam during the holy month of Ramadan in 2019. I find a lot of peace and solace in praying five times a day. So, here I put all the unsought speculations to rest,” he says.

Vivian was earlier married to actress Vahbiz Dorabjee; they divorced in 2021. On the work front, the actor was last seen in the TV show Sirf Tum, which ended in September last year. Currently, he is in talks to play the male lead in Seema and Sudhir Sharma’s next show.

Does Vivian Dsena have a two-month-old daughter?

Does Vivian have a two-month-old daughter?
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 26, 2023)

Actor Vivian Dsena is a father, we have exclusively learned. The Madhubala actor, known for keeping his personal life private, recently made headlines for his secret marriage (we reported it earlier this month) to his long-time partner, Nouran Aly, a citizen of Egypt. Now, it has come to light that the couple also has a two-month-old daughter, as confirmed by a source who has seen pictures of the baby. 

“It’s a girl and she’s almost two months old. Nouran often shares pictures of the baby with her close friends (a feature on Instagram, where one can share stories with a select crowd). I have seen pictures of them,” the source shares. One of Dsena’s former co-stars also confirmed the rumours on condition of anonymity. The actor, who declined to comment on the baby, revealed that “Nouran was a fan of Dsena and frequently visited our sets”.

The actor further adds, “Nouran was quite particular about the angles that Vivian shot for, what he was wearing, and other stuff.” 

However, despite repeated attempts, the Shakti actor did not respond to our messages regarding the baby. Prior to his marriage to Aly, Dsena was married to actor Vahbiz Dorabjee, from whom he got divorced on December 18, 2021.

Does Vivian have a two-month-old daughter?

HT Exclusive: Vivian Dsena secretly a married man for over a year?

Vivian Dsena secretly a married man for over a year?
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 6, 2023)

Actor Vivian Dsena is a married man, we have learnt exclusively. From what we have gathered, the Madhubala actor got hitched to long-time partner, Nouran Aly, an Egyptian citizen, over a year ago. Dsena kept his marriage under wraps all this while.

A reliable source shares, “Vivian got married to Nouran in Egypt. They had an intimate ceremony.”

Another source close to Dsena shares, “The two have been living together for over a year. Vivian is too old-school to stay with someone out of wedlock.” The couple stays in an apartment in Lokhandwala, Mumbai.

When we reached out to the 34-year-old, he simply said, “Please contact my PR.” Dsena didn’t reply to any subsequent queries either. The actor’s publicity team refused to comment on the matter.

In the past, Dsena hinted that he would always keep his marriage a secret. In a 2022 interview, the Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani and Sirf Tum actor had said, “If I get married, chances are bleak that anyone would know about it. Marriage is a private matter and it should stay like that.”

Earlier, Dsena was married to actor Vahbiz Dorabjee. The two got divorced on December 18, 2021.

BT Exclusive: I am in love with Nouran Aly and will settle down with her soon-Vivian Dsena


A candid chat with Vivian & his Egyptian girlfriend Nouran Aly
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 18, 2022)

Love has a habit of often catching you unawares. That’s what happened to Vivian Dsena. Just days before he was granted divorce in December 2021, BT had exclusively reported about the Sirf Tum actor finding love again. We now have it that he is in a relationship with Nouran Aly, a former journalist from Egypt.

The two have been together for four-and-a-half-years. Vivian says that his failed marriage is a thing ofthe past, and he is looking forward to exchanging nuptial vows with Nouran. In an exclusive chat with BT, he opens up on matters ofthe heart.

The actor says, “Yes, I am in love with Nouran, and we are planning to settle down very soon. We first interacted around four-and-a-half years ago, when she contacted me for an interview. Sometime later, we became friends and soon fell in love. I think it took me only a month to realise that I was in love with her.”

While Vivian is known for guarding his privacy rather fiercely from the media, he confesses that he couldn’t help falling in love with the charming journalist. He shares, “She has a lot of patience and perseverance, which is much needed with me (laughs!).”

Vivian says, “While I admire those qualities about her, it was her honesty that attracted me the most. It is a rare quality in today’s time. I feel fortunate to have Nouran in my life. In fact, I was looking for a girl like her to settle down with. Maybe, she also likes a thing or two about me; that is why she is ready to make the mistake of spending her life with me (smiles).”

Uncannily enough, Nouran has always felt a strong connection with India. Talking to us for the first time, she says, “I have been in love with India since childhood. People in Egypt idolize Indian celebrities. I have lived most of my life in Bahrain and so, I know many Indians and have also been exposed to Indian culture. It was my love for the country and its actors that made me pursue an interview with him. He was supposed to come to Egypt for an event and that’s when I asked him for an interview. My first impression of him was, ‘What does he think of himself?’ When I told him that I can’t deal with someone like him, he replied, ‘I believe this person you described is not me. Please get to know me first.’ Well, getting to know him was a trap and I fell in love with him (laughs!).”

When Vivian was going through a rough patch in his personal life, Nouran was his pillar of support. Acknowledging her role in helping him sail through difficult times, he says, “She didn’t let me take any impulsive decisions and was the reason for my emotional stability. She is the calming factor in my life. She understands even my silence.”

So, when do they plan to settle down? Vivian replies, “I don’t know when and how. It can happen anytime. I am not a social person, and I don’t have many friends. So, even if I get married, the chances are bleak that anyone would know about it. Marriage is a private matter and it should stay like that. Nouran, too, doesn’t want to be in the limelight just because she is married to me.”

Nouran adds, “When Vivian proposed to me and met my family, their first request was that I should not be hassled by his celebrity status. I want to be a homemaker and not an actor’s wife.”

BT Exclusive: Vahbiz Dorabjee and Vivian Dsena are finally divorced


The two actors had filed for divorce four years ago
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 27, 2021)

Four years after they filed for divorce, Vivian Dsena and Vahbiz Dorabjee have finally parted ways legally. Their divorce came through on December 18. The two fell in love during the shoot of their TV show, Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, and tied the knot in 2013. However, differences cropped up between them a few years later and they filed for divorce in 2017. The case went on for four years, but now it seems like the two have decided to amicably settle matters and move on.

They issued a joint statement, in which they said, “It is with hearts full of sadness that we announce that we have legally separated and are now divorced. We have been working hard, for well over a few years, to see what might have been possible between us and we have come to the conclusion that we would like to continue our life journeys separately. It is a mutual decision and there is no need to choose sides or denounce one another and argue over who is to blame and the reasons for our separation. We ask our fans for their understanding. We have conducted our relationship privately and it is difficult for us to discuss details of our personal life. I hope we are able to continue doing our work in the same manner with the love and support of all our fans. We hope to repay all the love and support that we have been showered with in the past many years through greater and better projects in the future. In the future, we hope to enjoy the same love and warmth received from our fans and admirers that we did in the past.”

We also reached out to both Vivian and Vahbiz. Vivian said, “My relationship with Vahbiz has reached its conclusion. We have decided to close this chapter for good. Every end marks a new beginning and I hope it does for both of us well. We wish peace and prosperity for each other.”

Vahbiz added, “Vivian and I have amicably chosen to separate. It’s a closed chapter now. A new life filled with happiness and peace awaits both of us and I wish him all the best.”

Salman Khan returns for Bigg Boss 14 in September


Actor’s reality show returns; inmates may include Nia Sharma, Vivian DSena and Adhyayan Suman
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 15, 2020)

Salman Khan, who has been at his farmhouse in Panvel since before the Coronavirus lockdown was announced, is getting ready to move into a new house. Mirror has learnt that the reality game show, Bigg Boss, is all set to return with its 14th season and the actor, who has been hosting the show since Season 4, will be back come September.

A source close to the development confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, Salman is on board and the show kicks off in two months. We have started talking to prospective participants, among them are popular television actors, Vivian Dsena and Nia Sharma, and Shekhar Suman’s actor-son Adhyayan, and are hopeful they will come on board.”

Vivian is a familiar face in living rooms thanks to soaps like Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahani, Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon and Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki. He also taken part in many reality shows, including Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 7 and eight season of the celebrity dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. He tied the knot with his Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani co-star Vahbiz Dorabjee in 2013, but the couple filed for divorce three years later.

Nia, who ranked third and second in the list of Asia’s 50 sexiest women in 2016 and 2017 respectively, made her debut on the small screen with Kaali: Ek Punar Avatar. She has gone on to do other shows like Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Jamai Raja, Ishq Mein Marjawan and is currently playing a shape-shifting serpent in Ekta Kapoor’s Naagin which is in its fourth season. She participated in eight season of Khatron Ke Khiladi and has become a household name with her bold on-screen avatars and for speaking her mind.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Adhyayan Suman made a beginning with Haal-e-Dil and went on to feature in Raaz—The Mystery Continues, Jashnn and his father’s directorial, Heartless, among other films. He has also been pursuing a singing career, but the actor has really been grabbing headlines for his relationship with ex-girlfriend Kangana Ranaut. His father has revealed that Adhyayan has gone through a phase of depression and even harboured suicidal thoughts. With inmates like these three, the new season promises plenty of drama.

The last season of Bigg Boss started on September 29, 2019, and ended on February 15, 2020, with actor-model Siddharth Shukla as the winner.

Salman Khan plays cupid for Vivian D'sena and Rubina Dilaik in Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki

A still from the show
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 21, 2018)

Today, Salman Khan shoots for his special appearance in the daily soap, Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, in Lonavala. He will be playing Cupid for the show’s leads, Harman (Vivian D’sena) and Saumya (Rubina Dilaik) and help them reunite after a separation.

A source from the sets reveals, “Salman will meet Saumya at a Ganpati pandal where she is looking for Harman. He calms her down and helps her deliver a message to him on national television.” Rubina will be seen performing on the song “Heer Heer” from Jab Tak Hai Jaan in the episode which airs in the coming week.

Mirror had earlier reported (September 13) that Mouni Roy and Ankita Lokhande were making special appearances in the Ganpati special episodes of the show. Mouni performed on “Ram Chahe Leela” from Goliyon Ki Raas Leela: Ram-Leela while Ankita danced to the film’s “Nagade Sang Dhol” song and “Gajanana” from Bajirao Mastani.

Bollywood actors ready to take on the cops with a football match


Ranbir Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan are gearing up for the Under 17 FIFA World Cup being held in India for the first time in October with some celebrity matches
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 8, 2017)

Captain Abhishek Bachchan and vice captain Ranbir Kapoor have been sweating it out at a ground in Bandra with their filmi squad over the weekend. Their football team includes filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, actors Shabbir Ahluwalia, Vivian Dsena and Armaan Jain, businessmen-producers Raj Kundra and Sachiin Joshi and model-choreographer Marc Robinson. They will be taking on members of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), a wing of the Central Armed Police Force, from Maharashtra, Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, on Tuesday.

The actors have already played against the Indian cricket team and Members of Parliament to raise funds for charity last year. The team is a part of Narendra Modi's Mission XI Million campaign, a school-contact programme that aims at increasing the talent pool.

“It was our PM's desire that in the run-up to the Under 17 FIFA World Cup being held in India for the first time in October, 2017, the state police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) organise football competitions. He wants celebs and students to promote the spirit of football and up fitness levels. Abhishek and Ranbir, who never say 'no' to an opportunity to be on the field, no matter how busy they are, immediately agreed,“ businessman-filmmaker Bunty Walia, who owns the team of the All Stars Football Club (ASFC), told Mirror, adding that the celebrity match will be the finale of the first tournament under the initiative. “There's another interesting line-up of matches beginning in July till September. The Bollywood squad promises to be in full attendance for the Under 17 World Cup too.“ The curtain raiser for the Mission Xi Million campaign, held on May 2, had the state Governor, Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao, and actors Farhan Akhtar and Nawazzudin Siddiqui cheering the cops.

Ranbir, who recently featured in the docu series, Girls With Goals, to create awareness and raise funds for an all-girls football team from Jharkhand and is coowner of the Mumbai Football Club, says, “Every sport should be encouraged, whether it is cricket, kabaddi or football. It's about the game and about how well it is marketed. In a tournament like this one, everyone from the sponsors and franchise owners to the players, want to put their best foot forward.“

Golden Petal Award: Karan Johar & Jacqueline Fernandez dance to Sheila Ki Jawani; Mouni Roy creates 'hissstory'


Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 14, 2017)

New dad Karan Johar was subjected to a bevy of parental advisory jokes from friend and mom-of-triplets, Farah Khan, and host, Maniesh Paul. KJo, who welcomed twins Roohi and Yash recently, revealed he has become more careful about what he says or does. “I've been thinking a lot more and understand how important minute things are,“ the filmmaker said at the Colors Golden Petal Awards on Wednesday, going on to partner with Jacqueline Fernandez in a “Sheila Ki Jawaani“ jig in the 'lip sync' battle. The duo was pitted against Malaika 'Munni' Arora and choreographer Ganesh Hegde who swung to “Chura Ke Dil Mera“.

Udta Punjab's breakout star, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, was adjudged 'Style Icon of the Year' and crooned a few lines from the lilting “Ek Kudi“.

Vivian Dsena, who came with a childhood friend, took home the Best Actor trophy for Shakti... Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, which also won Best Story, Best Innovation in a TV Series and Best Personality (Female) awards. But his on-screen wife, Rubina, lost Best Actress to 'Naagin' Mouni Roy whose opening act was a fun remix of Tridev's “Tirchi Topiwale“. Too bad producer-mentor Ekta Kapoor was not in the audience to cheer for her. Sooraj Barjatya, who came with father Raj Kumar and son Devansh, clocked three wins for his production Ek Shringaar...Swabhimaan - Best Supporting Actress, Best Parivaar and Best Director (Fiction ­ Vikram Ghai). At the afterparty, comedienne Bharti Singh, with fiancĂ© Harsh Limbachiyaa, actor Sidharth Shukla and his TV friends, partied the night away.

How these actors woo their women


Neha Maheshwri Bhagat (BOMBAY TIMES; July 30, 2015)

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.“

Got non-veg food to the shoot? It will cost you


No smoking, no phones, no wasting food... these are some of the rules on the sets of TV shows. Those who violate them have to pay a fine or treat the cast and crew
Saloni Bhatia (BOMBAY TIMES; March 12, 2015)

NO WASTING FOOD ON THIS SET
While people can't bring non-vegetarian food on some sets, on others, they have to finish all their food even if they're full. On the sets of Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi, the actors have come up with a rule that anyone found wasting food will have to pay a fine. Rahul Sharma, the male lead of the show, says, “We have a rule on the sets that we don't waste the food on our plates. If does so, they have to pay a fine of  Rs 100 and treat the entire cast and crew to cold drinks. In case the quantity of food wasted is large, the fine also increases. There were some actors who had to pay a heavy price for wasting food, because they were fined Rs 100 and were even asked to treat everyone to cold drinks. However, now, many have fallen in line because they don't like being penalised.“

NO SMOKING, NO NON-VEG
The 'no smoking' rule applies to the sets of many TV shows, since the sets are made of wood and there's always the chance that they could catch fire if someone throws a cigarette. So me producers want non-vegetarian food and cigarettes as far away from the sets as possible. Himanshu Soni, currently seen in Neeli Chhatri Waale, says, “Our producer has a rule that nobody can bring or order non-veg food. The rule book says anybody caught eating non-veg food has to pay a fine of  Rs 200. There was an artiste on the show who had brought non-veg food and ended up paying the fine. We also asked him to give us a party and order veg food for us. I am a vegetarian, so I don't face such issues, but non-vegetarians sometimes get hassled. Perhaps some of the actors have their food in their vanity vans.“ The same rule applies to the sets of shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum, Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi (which went off air on February 13) and Mere Rang Mein Rangne Waali.

KEEP YOUR PHONE ON SILENT
It's really irritating when a phone rings in the middle of an important meeting, right? It turns out, directors feel the same way if something like that happens while they are shooting a dramatic scene. Ravindra Gautam, who is currently directing the upcoming show Begusarai, says, “I have this rule on my new show that nobody's phone should ring while the scene is being filmed. If it does happen, the person is supposed to pay a fine of  Rs 500. If the phone rings loudly, it disturbs everyone and sometimes, if we are shooting an intense scene, it ends up disrupting the entire mood. So, I have created this rule. In fact, even I have ended up paying the fine a couple of times! When I was directing Madhubala ­ Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, I remember Vivian Dsena and Drashti Dhami also had to pay fines because their phones would ring during the shoot. It's because of this rule that actors and other crew members have started keeping their phones on silent mode or leaving their phones with someone.“

It seems that this rule is applicable on the sets of other shows as well, including Humsafars, which went off air on February 20. Payal Rohatgi, who is a part of Humsafars, says, “I am very particular about keeping my phone on silent, but once it happened that my phone rang loudly, while a shot was being taken. It so happened that Sangram (her beau) had said that he would call me in five minutes and during that time, when I was waiting for his call, I forgot to keep the phone on silent mode. It rang in the middle of a shot and I was quite embarrassed. I treated the entire unit, which comprises 120 members, to ice creams. The place where we shoot is near an ice cream factory, and there's nothing else available.“

JUMPED TO A CONCLUSION? PAY UP!
We're all guilty of leaping to conclusions and later trying to get out of them with the excuse, 'I felt like it was the right thing'. But what if there was a fine on jumping to conclusions? Something similar exists on the sets of Mere Rang Mein Rangne Waali.Samridh Bawa, who plays LD on the show, says, “On the sets, our director has created this rule that no one is allowed to say 'Sir, mujhe aisa laga' ya `maine aisa socha'. If we utter this phrase, we have to pay a fine of `10. Our director says, `If you have any doubts, come and clear them. Don't assume things'. In fact, I have already deposited `100 with my director, because I have a habit of saying these words.Pranali (Ghogare, his co-star in the show), has already paid Rs 150 for the same. This rule even applies to our director, who has to pay `50 if he utters these words. He has paid the fine a couple of times. We have a box kept on the sets and the fines are stored in it. Jab bahut saara jama ho jaayega, we will have a huge party with that money.“

Vivian Dsena, Drashti Dhami work together but can’t stand each other?

Vivian Dsena and Drashti Dhami
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; June 4, 2014)

Look like the cold war on the sets of Madhubala — Ek Ishq Ek Junoon between telly stars Vivian Dsena (who essays RK) and Drashti Dhami (who plays the title role) has intensified. Though they are cast opposite each other, they have not been on talking terms and they mind their own business on the sets. The buzz is that despite a zero personal equation, they however behave like professionals when shooting.

In March this year, Vivian had returned to the show barely two months after walking out of it after a generation leap. Speculation was rife that he was paid handsomely to return to the show as its popularity was dipping. Though the soap is not as popular as it was when it began two years ago, the two telly stars have a lot of fans who follow the show.

Says a unit source, “Ever since Vivian returned to the show, it has become an ego issue between them. When Vivian asks for date adjustments, Drishti comes up with her demands. The resentment between them has risen multifold. Vivian feels that the show is on air because of him, while Drashti feels that as the protagonist, the show owes it to her. Moreover, she feels that he did a volte- face -- Vivian returned to the show after quitting it. And despite his alleged tantrums, he was given a fee hike. This is something she can’t seem to digest. She didn’t think that he would return to the show.”

Adds the source, “Vivian and Drashti just could not stand each other from Day One on the sets. They would keep out of each others’ way and avoid rehearsals together before the shoot.” Telly sources state that Madhubala was to be pulled off air, but as its replacement show was not in place it has now got a leeway
and will be on for some more months.

Vivian and Drashti remained unavailable for comment.