Showing posts with label Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Show all posts
Is TV all work, no pay? Inside the industry's long-standing issue with payments
10:43 AM
Akash Jagga, a TV actor, talks about how payments often get delayed by 90 days and is a common practice in the industry now
After TV actor Shehzada Dhami alleged that a production house owes him Rs 30 lakh in unpaid dues, the spotlight turns to the industry’s long-standing culture of delayed payments, particularly for those who are new to the screen
Tanisha Banerjee (MID-DAY; July 12, 2026)
For millions of viewers, television actors are familiar faces who appear in their living rooms every evening, often associated with fame and success. But behind the polished sets and prime-time popularity lies a far less glamorous reality. Over the years, several actors have publicly alleged delayed or unpaid remuneration, exposing the financial uncertainty that exists within the industry.
That conversation has resurfaced after TV actor Shehzada Dhami (Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai) alleged that a production house owes him Rs 30 lakh in unpaid dues. Speaking up in his support, actor Shilpa Shinde (Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai!) described some television producers as “white-collar mafia”.
Their claims join a growing list of similar complaints in the television industry. Actors including Nupur Alankar (Diya Aur Baati Hum), Kishwer Merchant (Hip Hip Hurray), even the family of deceased actor Manmeet Grewal (Aadat Se Majboor) have, at different points, spoken about delayed payments, financial distress, or the irregular cash flow that often accompanies television work.
While producers’ bodies have occasionally disputed individual allegations or cited contractual and production-related complications, the recurring nature of these complaints points to a systemic issue rather than isolated disputes.
TV actor Akash Jagga, who is best known for his roles in Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2020) and Sasural Simar Ka 2 (2021-2022), entered the television industry in 2020. He says that delayed payments are not an exception but an accepted part of the profession. It is an unspoken standard practice for actors, especially newcomers, to be paid 90 days after the shooting of a particular show. His conversations with senior actors reveal how drastically the payment culture has changed over the years.
“I’ve heard from seniors that actors used to receive payments almost immediately. Then it became a week, then a month, then two months. Today, many actors are paid nearly three months after an episode is telecast,” he says.
Unlike film stars with multiple revenue streams, many TV actors rely on regular shooting schedules for a steady income. Payments are frequently staggered, and speaking out against delayed dues can carry the risk of being labelled “difficult” in an industry driven largely by relationships and reputation. As more actors come forward with their experiences over time, the spotlight is shifting from standalone individual disputes to questioning how financially secure are the faces that dominate Indian television screens?
TV actor Shreya Sinha [name changed] recalls an incident that exposed the power imbalance many television actors face when it comes to getting paid. During one of her projects, she says the production house attempted to pay her only half of what had been agreed upon when she was cast.
“They sent me only half my payment. That wasn’t what we had discussed. I stood my ground and told them that if I had worked, I deserved to be paid in full,” she says. After repeatedly following up, Sinha eventually received the full amount in her next payment cycle. However, she says several of her co-actors, who were hesitant to question the producers for fear of being replaced, did not get their dues.
Such delayed and partial payments are not uncommon. “We were paid once every three months, and sometimes only around 20 per cent of the total amount would come. Some of my co-actors went six to eight months without receiving their dues.” She believes newcomers are especially vulnerable. Many young actors, eager for visibility, accept salaries as low as Rs 15,000 a month despite working a 12 to 14-hour shifts. “You can’t even pay your rent in Mumbai with that. They do it because they want an opportunity, but that’s exploitation,” she says.
While contracts may allow established actors to negotiate payment clauses, Jagga believes newcomers have little bargaining power. Eager to secure their first break, they often accept whatever terms are offered. “As soon as actors ask for a better budget, makers can easily replace them with someone new who’s willing to work for less. That’s why television budgets have kept shrinking.”
Jagga admits he, too, accepted such conditions when starting out. But reality catches up. “We spend long hours on set, sacrifice our personal lives, and our health, yet the pay doesn’t reflect the amount of work we put in.”
Is it a film problem as well?
Shehzada Dhami’s allegations are not an isolated case. Last month, actor Satendra Soni (Laapataa Ladies, 2024) broke down in an emotional Instagram video, alleging that he had not been paid for his work and claiming he was threatened after repeatedly asking for his dues. His video struck a chord with many within the industry, once again highlighting the financial insecurity that can accompany life in television. While not every project is affected, payment disputes remain a recurring concern across India’s entertainment industry, underscoring the absence of uniform safeguards for freelance creative professionals.
‘Producers are the most vulnerable’
Offering the producers’ perspective, actor, producer, director, and Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) chairman for TV and Web Jamnadas Majethia says delayed payments are rarely intentional and are often a consequence of mounting financial pressures within the television ecosystem.
Majethia explains that payment delays often arise when a producer suffers financial losses or faces cash flow issues. In such situations, producers prioritize immediate operational expenses, including payments to daily wage workers, studios, and essential vendors, while actors and suppliers often receive their dues later.
“A producer has to ensure the shoot doesn’t stop. If the studio isn’t paid rent on time, the production comes to a standstill,” he explains, “And delayed deliveries can cause a further loss due to late delivery penalties.”
Majethia maintains that delayed payments are not an industry-wide norm but individual cases that receive greater public attention because of the industry’s visibility. He believes producers today are operating under unprecedented pressure.
“A producer is the most vulnerable person in the entire system,” he says, “Producers have to deliver the same quality of content despite significantly dropped budgets.” With television viewership declining and advertisers increasingly shifting their spending towards OTT platforms, production budgets have shrunk considerably for the television industry. “So where will the money come from?” he asks.
It’s not just in India, TV shows abroad too are about family values-Harshad Chopda
8:02 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; February 11, 2022)
Harshad Chopda is enjoying this phase of his career playing Dr Abhimanyu in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. But he has kept a low profile and has his reasons for it. He says, “I am in a happy space; the team has delivered what they promised. Anyway, I have always wanted my work to do the talking.”
Going by Harshad’s work profile, the Left Right Left actor hasn’t been a part of shows which have lasted for many years. But Yeh Rishta... is the longest running show on television having completed 12 years. So, will he continue to do this show for many years and maybe even agree to age on screen if necessary? “Jab tak mazaa aayega toh kyun nahi? Till the time Rajan (Shahi) sir, who is the producer of the show, is happy making it, I am happy doing it,” he says.
Telling us how shows with family values will never go out of fashion on TV, Harshad says, “It is not just in India, TV shows abroad, too, are about family values. Family is family everywhere and that will be a part of shows. Yes, there might be some that do not focus much on this aspect, but they will always be a part of every story.”
The actor, who has been a part of shows like Kis Des Main Hai Mera Dil, Humsafars, Tere Liye and Bepanaah, is not very active on social media. He says, “I actually don’t get enough time for that. But now I feel quite settled in the show, so when I enter the relaxed waala zone soon, I will be more active on that front.”
Meanwhile on the personal front, Harshad says he is single. Prod him further on this and he says, “Right now, I want to concentrate on my work. If I had the time for anything else, I wouldn’t have been single (laughs).”
I myself want to know why I am still single. I hope it changes soon-Harshad Chopda
8:05 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; November 15, 2021)
Harshad Chopda is back on TV with Rajan Shahi’s Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. The show, which is the longestrunning daily soap on television, has gone in for a generation leap recently. In a candid chat, Harshad talks about his choice of roles, reality shows and his personal life. Excerpts...
With Mohsin Khan and Shivangi Joshi being the lead pair of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai for many years, it’s not easy for another actor to step in. Is there an extra effort that you are putting in to make a place in the hearts of the viewers?
Whatever I do, I give it my 100 per cent. Also, it was never presented to me as an already-running show. I see it as a new show and I am enjoying what I’m doing, and the response, too, has been very positive.
You started your career in 2006, but haven’t done too many shows. Is it a conscious decision?
It is my 10th show! It is not a conscious decision to take a break for two-three years after every show. It is actually because of a lack of choice. I am a workaholic and initially, when I wouldn’t get work of my choice, I would go berserk! But then I realised that work is not only what we do on the outside, but inwards as well. So, every time a show gets over, I work on myself and try and learn newer things. Like I have learned swimming, horse riding, yoga, guitar, drums... so many things.
You spoke about the lack of choice. What sort of roles were you being offered?
It is not about good or bad offers, just that I couldn’t imagine myself in the roles that I was being offered. At the end of the day, I am quite choosy and this is evident from the kind of shows I do and the number of shows I have done.
You have stayed away from reality shows. Why?
I see myself only as an actor. I am a very boring person in real life! Plus, I have social media platforms to reach out to my fans and do not need a reality show for that. At best, I can do a dance reality show as that requires a certain art and craft.
You have also not explored the OTT platform yet....
The kind of web shows offered to me were either too abusive in language or sleazy. Going bold is not a problem, but if the idea of a maker is only abusive language and bold scenes, then there is no scope for an artist. Of course, I have not drawn any boundaries for myself here.
What’s happening on the personal front — are you single or dating someone?
I am very much single. I myself want to know why I am still single. I hope it changes soon (laughs!). I want to fall in love, date, get married.
Cyclone Tauktae destroys many Bollywood film sets causing further delays
8:15 AM
(From left) The set of Tiger 3 was built at SRPF Ground, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, at Film City
Reeling under lockdown, showbiz hit hard again as Cyclone Tauktae affects sets of Tiger 3, Maharaja; filming of TV serials along the western coast stalled
Uma Ramasubramanian, Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 19, 2021)
Cyclone Tauktae battered Mumbai with rains and gusty winds on Monday, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Film and television sets spread across different locations in the city that have been standing unused since April 15 due to the suspension of shoots, too suffered at the hands of nature’s fury.
Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali had an elaborate set built at Film City for the final stint of Gangubai Kathiawadi. “Ahead of the monsoons last year, Bhansali sir had the entire area covered to ensure minimum damage. The move benefitted him immensely as the set-up remained unscathed despite Monday’s torrential rains,” reveals a source.
It is heard that some producers sent workers to Film City to cover their sets when news of the cyclone was announced over the weekend. Salman Khan was shooting for Maneesh Sharma’s Tiger 3 before the junta curfew was imposed in Maharashtra. The source reveals that a set-up, along the lines of a Dubai market, had been created at the SRPF Ground in Goregaon for the stint. “The outdoor set-ups of Tiger 3 and Junaid Khan’s Maharaja [tentatively titled], which was built in Marol, have been slightly impacted.”
The make-believe worlds of television shows have been hit harder. Birendra Nath Tiwari, president, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), says, “Film City, which is largely a green belt, has suffered the most. Thankfully, shoots were suspended in the city, so there has only been damage to property, and no loss of lives. That said, there has been mass-scale destruction of sets.” A wall has apparently caved in on the site where popular show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai used to be filmed.
The television industry has suffered another blow due to the cyclone — all shoots along the western coast have been stalled. “The shoots of web shows and serials in Daman, Diu, Umbergaon and Gujarat have been halted. Things were bad enough in the entertainment industry, and the cyclone made it worse. It will be a week before the damage can be taken stock of, and shoots can resume,” adds Tiwari.
I have taken risks; given up on money to be where I am today-Hina Khan
8:19 AM
Riya Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; January 16, 2021)
Hina Khan, who recently completed 12 years in the industry, spoke to us about how she evolved over the years, the time she left Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH), risks that she has taken and what’s next for her.
‘THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING’
Hina shares that as an actor, she can never feel content. “This is just the beginning. I want to step into films and I did a couple of them and got quite a good response. The kind of work, the kind of projects I chose, I am quite happy with them. I am looking forward to doing a lot more in future,” says Hina.
She adds, “I have received so much love and attention from my fans. These years have been a learning experience, whether it was about doing digital films, feature film, TV, launching shows, walking red carpets, walking international red carpets, winning awards and now an international recognition in an American film festival where I won the award for Best Actress. This journey has been amazing.”
‘PROUD OF PLAYING AKSHARA’
Hina began her career with the show, YRKKH, and feels proud to be associated with a show that has been one of the longest-running shows on TV. “When you take up a project, you never think about how it would turn out later. I know I started with Akshara (her character in the show), and she became larger than life and I am so proud of it. I did it for eight long years and considering how it works now, it is very difficult for actors to continue doing a show for such a long time,” says Hina.
The actress shares that it was not easy to break away from the image when she left the show. “When I left TV, it was not an easy journey. It wasn’t easy to break through or break that image or stereotypes that came with it, you get typecast. The longer you play a role, the more typecast you get. And I had done it for the longest time, so it was very difficult to break that image of a bahu and come out as a fashionista. But I didn’t give up, you just have to keep working,” says Hina.
‘I BELIEVE IN TAKING BABY STEPS AND THAT’S WHAT I AM DOING’
Talking about her recognition and her work, Hina says, “I want to win every international award and get recognised everywhere for my hard work. I don’t think an actor would want anything else.”
Hina says taking risks is the key. “Surviving in this industry is so important, I believe in taking baby steps and that’s what I am doing. I have taken risks, I have forgone huge amounts of money to be where I am today. It gives me a lot of confidence that in future if I want to do something, then I can take that risk,” she points out.
‘TV ACTORS ARE NO LONGER TREATED LIKE BEFORE’
Hina feels that the perception of TV actors is definitely changing. “We are not treated the way we used to be. For eight years, I went to my sets, came back home and slept. I did not know about fashion trends, I did not know what was happening in the outside world. It was like I was born again when I left my show. I had to start again from the beginning — how I am supposed to look, what I am supposed to wear and say,” says Hina, adding, “But now things have changed, people’s perceptions have changed. Now, I am given equal importance like other Bollywood celebs.”
‘I WANT TO DO AMAZING PROJECTS IN 2021’
Hina shares that she is awaiting the release of her film, Lines. “I have music videos, want to do big shows and work with good directors. I am aiming for a huge project, I want to work with brilliant actors, so I wish and pray that I get amazing projects in 2021, that is my wish,” she concludes.
Forget film roles, television actors aren’t even considered when it comes to donning a big designer’s outfit-Hina Khan
8:27 AM
Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; July 31, 2020)
She played the demure Akshara on TV for eight years and then, Bigg Boss happened. The reality show gave us a glimpse into what the real Hina Khan was all about. Along with her straightforwardness, her style quotient, too, came to the fore. Thereafter, one saw a different Hina, who even walked the red carpet at Cannes — a rare opportunity for TV actors. She has often expressed that she has “big dreams” for herself. In a candid chat with BT, the actress, who made her Bollywood debut with Hacked this year, spoke about her journey, how challenging it is for TV actors to break into the world of cinema, and what has prompted her to play the new naagin on the small screen. Excerpts...
You are all set to return to television with Naagin...
Actually, I was focussing more on films and digital shows, and it was all going well. I even had two releases (on OTT platforms) during the Coronavirus lockdown, while talks are on for other projects. But then, Ekta Kapoor came into my life and dropped the bomb! She is not someone who will ask you whether you want to play this role, she just tells you (laughs!). On a serious note, we share a great rapport and I am doing a web show for her, too. When she mentioned Naagin to me, I told her that I didn’t want to do television, but she said that it’s just for one season, and I could do it for some time.
What do you think about the current content on Indian television?
As a viewer, I don’t watch much TV, because honestly, the content does not interest me. Unfortunately, what we have on television is regressive, it’s not empowering. It’s sad when women are insulted and treated badly, and such shows are watched and also liked by people. We had some good content over 20 years ago, some good comedies and shows like Buniyaad, but those won’t work today. So, I don’t know where we are headed.
But, even you have been a part of daily soaps like Kasautii Zindagii Kay You also played Akshara for eight years on TV...
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai was my first show, where I played Akshara for eight years. She gets married, and initially, has to cover her head with a pallu and do a lot of things in her sasural. But, gradually, things change for her. So, somewhere, we were promoting the fact that women should not be caged. In many ways, it was empowering.
Would you agree that participating in Bigg Boss two years ago was a turning point in your career?
Absolutely, my real side came out. No one is flawless and I am happy that when I came out of the Bigg Boss house, people could relate to me. My fashion sense was appreciated, and viewers were surprised by it, because they had seen me in a particular get-up for years. That really changed the game for me.
Did you have any regrets when you came out of the house, perhaps, with the way the audience perceived you?
Not at all. Even people who didn’t like me at that time, apologised later. It’s a reality show and a well-edited one. They have no personal dushmani with anyone; whoever sells in whichever light, they keep on showing that. Not that I haven’t made mistakes, everyone has. It’s just about what they want to present to the audience. And, eventually, once you are out, your real side is seen.
Post Bigg Boss, are you happy with the way your career has shaped up?
There is a lot more to explore. I have big dreams and I am working towards them, too. I try taking up a variety of projects, so that people see me in a different light as an actor. I have been pretty lucky, and I’m glad that I am doing good work in different mediums. But sometimes, I feel that if I get more opportunities, it will help people notice what I am capable of as an actor.
Do you feel that even today, it’s tough for TV actors to break into the film industry?
Of course, it is difficult. Forget about work, television actors are not even considered when it comes to donning an outfit for a big designer. For me, things have changed because I went to Cannes (in 2019), and I am in touch with a lot of top designers. But usse pehle aisa nahin hota tha. Even to walk the red carpet there, I went through a struggle. Some feel TV actors utne professional nahin hote hain, but I don’t think they should be judged that way. If I had got big opportunities, even I would have done something magical by now, and would have been holding a Filmfare Award in my hand.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, Naagin 5, Choti Sarrdaarni shoots to start in a week
8:16 AM
IFTPC's J D Majethia discusses how Film City has begun approving the shoot of telly offerings, as per the new protocol
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; June 18, 2020)
On May 31, the state government greenlit the resumption of film, television and OTT shoots, highlighting that as per the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), producers who wish to conduct shoots within the city will have to seek permission from the managing director of Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation (Film City). Almost three weeks since, the Film City set the ball rolling as it gave a go-ahead to several television shows, including Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, Naagin 5, Choti Sarrdaarni and Barrister Babu.
J D Majethia, chairman, television & web, Indian Film & Television Producers' Council (IFTPC), shares, "Film City is granting permission gradually and ensuring that protocols are being followed. The permission for those wanting to shoot outside Film City will start coming in soon."
The actor adds that the makers of the five daily soaps had sent their appeal in the first week of June and were granted approval in the past two days. "Once you procure the permission, you can start shooting any time. The makers of Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashmah should get an approval soon. The shows should start rolling in a week'."
It will be a while before Majethia can begin filming his series, Bhakarwadi, which is shot at a set in Mira Road. "[As per the SOPs], we need permission from the district collector. We are waiting to hear from his office."
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actress Mohena Kumar tests positive for Coronavirus
8:25 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (June 3, 2020)
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actress Mohena Kumari has tested positive for Covid-19. Taking to Instagram, Mohena informed that she “can’t sleep” and the initial days have been difficult for all at home, especially our young one and our elders”. Praying that it will all be over soon, she assured that the family is doing fine. “We have no right to complain about anything as there are people out there who are suffering more than us,” wrote Mohena in the post, thanking everyone for the messages, prayers and love.
Apart from Mohena, her husband Suyesh Rawat, father-in-law and Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, and mother-in-law have also tested positive for Coronavirus.
Image: It is work from home for Shivangi Joshi for Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
8:53 AM
Lead actor of Rajan Shahi's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Naira, gets back to shoot amidst lockdown
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; April 5, 2020)
With shoots coming to a standstill, the entertainment industry is finding novel ways to keep itself busy amid the Coronavirus lockdown. However, it is a different story for lead actor, Shivangi Joshi of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, who is back to shooting albeit from home. "Despite the lockdown, we are shooting from home," says the actor, who plays Naira in the long-running series.
Joshi, who shifted back to her hometown in Dehradun to spend time with her family, wasn't aware that she would be working from home. Producer Rajan Shahi has asked his actors to shoot their scenes from home. "I have been recording scenes on my Canon 5D and submitting it to the creative team," says Joshi, and adds that her family has stepped in as the crew. "Since I am in Dehradun, I am borrowing my sister's clothes. My brother is the new cameraman, while my sister-in-law has taken up the duties of a light man," she says.
The script is delivered via mail. "I dedicate a few hours [to the shoot] daily. The makers have thought of a novel idea, something that no other show is doing, to keep fresh episodes going during the lockdown," she says, refusing to share details of how the plot will pan out.
Thanks to Coronavirus outbreak, be prepared for TV re-runs
8:44 AM
The unexpected shutdown has left producers with a lean bank of show episodes; new launches cancelled, but makers promise daily wage workers won’t suffer
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 21, 2020)
In the aftermath of the Coronavirus outbreak, various associations governing the film and television industry in India issued a directive halting production from Thursday, March 19, to Tuesday, March 31. Even though this is seen as a ‘for the time being’ measure, the TV fraternity is bracing for tough times ahead.
“A decade ago, producers would have a bank of episodes in the eventuality of work coming to a halt on a show. But today, when the narrative has to keep changing depending on the ratings, it’s not possible to bank episodes for more than a week,” points out an industry veteran, adding that if the unexpected shutdown continues beyond the month-end, channels will have no option but to re-run old episodes till things return to normal.
Benaifer Kohli, the producer of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain! and Happu Ki Ultan Pultan, is realistic when she says, “A number of countries across the world have reached the third stage, we haven’t. If India is able to flatten the curve, it will take a fortnight to get back into the groove. Right now, work is the last of my concerns. If people don’t live, how will they work? We must ensure that everyone is protected. Even my spot boy can contact me at any time if he needs help. Prevention is the only cure and in such a situation, it’s not about me or you but about us as one. We as Indians have overcome the biggest calamities and I’m sure we will this time too.”
Rajan Shahi was to launch his new show, Anupama, last Monday, March 16. A day before, along with the channel, Star Plus, he took the call to cancel the launch. The producer-director whose other shows, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH) and Yeh Rishte Hain Pyaar Ke (YRHPK), are on air on the same channel, informs that the new one was slotted for 9 pm, followed by YRKKH and YRHPK. “But now we will continue broadcasting the ongoing shows with fresh content. But since we don’t have a large bank, we have fresh content only till next week. We will take stock of the situation next Monday (March 30). Even though we have footage, we could edit only till Thursday (March 19) after which I had to close my office due to the shut down. I won’t be able to get any more editing done till March 31, going by the present directive,” he sighs.
Given the pressure of delivering daily content, several production crews were working frantically till the last hour. Meera Deosthale (right), the leading lady of Vidya, shares, “In the last few days, we have shot as much extra footage as possible, with three teams shooting at three locations simultaneously. The producers and the channel ensured we had a doctor on each set, in case anyone had cough, cold or fever. The necessary precautions and the importance of hygiene was explained and we were given sanitisers and masks. Now, we’ve been told to stay at home and avoid travel after work halted on Thursday.”Given that daily wage earners in production are the worst hit, producer Mahesh Pandey has paid advance wages and ensured that every worker has been given a substantial amount of ration to tide over the tough phase.
Actors, too, are extending their support to their staff, from drivers and spot boys to hair stylists and make-up artists. “Why should daily wage earners face problems if work is halted for no fault of theirs?” asserts Beyhadh 2 (left) actor Shivin Narang. “If I take a break from work, I can’t shirk the responsibility of paying my staff’s salaries. Considering this is a pandemic, we must stand by our people.”Reality shows are badly hit as well. Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, which was launched last month, has run into rough weather. An inside source tells us that the show, on which Paras Chhabra and Shehnaaz Gill were looking to find suitable partners for themselves, has been stalled.
With people cooped up indoors and most shows running without a bank, viewers may soon have to make do with re-runs. “Even Bigg Boss (Season 13) will be aired again for a while. The situation is changing daily and with the government sparing no efforts in trying to control its spread of the virus, we will take stock of the situation on March 30,” admitted the source, reiterating that the paramount concern was not monetary losses, which will run into crores, but the safety and well-being of the team.
“From broadcasters, producers and directors to actors, technicians and unit members, we’re all in this together and doing our bit to help. The industry’s spirit always reinforces itself during a crisis,” Rajan Shahi avers. Manish Goswami (right), vice-president of the Film & TV Producers Guild of India that has initiated a relief fund for daily wage workers, says, “At present our priority is to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread, the next 10 days are crucial. The Guild has initiated a fund for the workers and we’re appealing to the fraternity to come forward and help. Once we collect a substantial amount, we will start disbursing the money to the workers.”
Rupali Ganguly and Sudhanshu Pandey in Anupama, the launch of which was cancelled a day before it went on air
I never thought I would become a fashion diva when I entered Bigg Boss house-Hina Khan
8:15 AM
Hina Khan, who broke out of traditional mould on reality TV, shot an Indo-Hollywood film in animal skins and is now making her Bollywood debut with a cyber crime thriller
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 21, 2020)
This year, Hina Khan joins the list of TV actresses who graduated to the big screen from television, with Vikram Bhatt’s cyber-crime thriller Hacked. She plays a woman targeted by an obsessive young hacker (played by Rohan Shah). “We see such cases all around the world. Also, you expect horror and thriller from Vikram, but here he is exploring a new space,” she says explaining her reasons for doing this film. She adds that she’s never been in a similar situation but often receives text messages with bogus One Time Password that are known to lead to cyber fraud. “Sharing stuff on your own is different from it being done without your consent.”
The actress was supposed to make her big film debut with Hussein Khan’s Lines, for which she had walked the Cannes red carpet last year. Its theatrical release in India is delayed as it’s still doing the rounds of the global festival circuit. “Before Hacked, I wrapped up Country Of Blind, in which I play a blind woman who wears animal skins with no makeup. It is an Indo-Hollywood project. I might walk the Cannes red carpet again for this film,” she informs.
Hina acknowledges that participating in Bigg Boss was a turning point in her career. “I never thought I would become a fashion diva when I entered the house. I just wanted to break out of that traditional look (from her TV debut, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai) that I did for eight long years. After coming out (of the BB house), I discovered how much people appreciated me,” she gushes, adding that she shares a special relationship with host Salman Khan. “He is fond of me. When I told him about Hacked, he wished me luck and appreciated Vikram’s direction.”
The journey from TV to films has been fruitful. “I played an iconic role in my first show itself and never thought Id be able to break that mould but luckily, people accepted me in a negative role (as Komolika in the Kasautii Zindagi Kay reboot). Taking the risk of moving to films was a conscious decision as I wanted to move ahead in life,” she says.
I don’t believe in comparisons-Hina Khan
7:57 AM
Hina Khan is returning to the primetime as Urvashi Dholakia’s successor
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 16, 2018)
The suspense around Urvashi Dholakia’s successor to play Komolika in
the Kasautii Zindagii Kay reboot has finally been laid to rest. Hina
Khan, who raised the hackles of fellow inmates and viewers in the last
season of Bigg Boss, is returning to the primetime as the diva vamp.
“I got a call from Ekta’s (Kapoor) team to meet her. She took me by surprise by offering the role within minutes of the meeting. She said she was keen that I played the part and asked me to take my time. When I asked her why she wanted me for a negative role, she said that I should prove my versatility to the world,” Hina revealed.
The promo shoot was nostalgic for the actress, who’d shot a similar scene for her first show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. “It was like history repeating itself. Nine years ago, I started playing Akshara (the show’s lead) with an introduction scene in which flowers are falling on her face and it was the exact same thing for Komolika,” she added.
What about comparisons with the original Komolika? “As a kid, I would watch the show with my mother, grandmother and aunties. Urvashi and I are two different actors and people. She did a fabulous job and so did Shweta Tiwari, Cezanne Khan and Ronit Roy (Kasautii... protagonists). I don’t believe in comparisons. Each one of us has our own style and times have changed. I don’t want people to compare us but approach it as a new show,” Hina asserted.
And what about her co-stars, Erica Fernandes and Parth Samthaan, who play the new Prerna and Anurag? “I haven’t watched their shows but I have met them once or twice before,” the actress signs off.
Rakesh Diwana passes away; family accuses hospital of foul play
7:52 AM
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; May 7, 2014)
Actor Rakesh Diwana, who played the role of a domestic help in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, passed away recently after he opted for a bariatric surgery in Indore.
Rakesh’s daughter, Richa, says, “We had done all the required tests before going in for an operation. My father was not under any other treatment and when all his reports turned out fine, he was admitted in Mohak Hitech Hospital in Indore. He had even done a background search on the hospital before going ahead with the operation.”
However, post the bariatric surgery, the actor was admitted in the ICU and he barely responded to the treatment. “Dr Mohit Bhandari, who operated on him, kept telling me that my father would recover soon. But his condition deteriorated and they informed us about his death. I don’t know what to do as my father was the pillar of our family. All my siblings are studying and we lost our mother five years ago. I will now have to run this household all by myself,” says the 22-year-old.
The family is now accusing the hospital of foul play and is planning to take action against the doctor and the hospital. “Once we are done with all our rituals, I will consult another doctor and file a case. I am awaiting the postmortem report. The Cine and Television Artistes Association (CNTAA) has already promised me support. The strangest thing in this incident is the fact that while we paid Rs1.60 lakh for the operation, the hospital did not charge us extra money for the ICU, the ambulance or any other medication. In fact, they were giving us a five-star treatment. This has only added to my suspicion,” says Richa.
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