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Goons attack set of 'Bhram', ask for money
 
Mumbai, Feb 21   The unit of "Bhram", starring Dino Morea and Sheetal Menon, were in for a rude shock during shooting on the beach here when some local goons attacked them and demanded money.
A romantic scene between Dino and Sheetal was being shot Tuesday evening at Gorai Beach in Mumbai and the necessary legal permission had been taken. Three policemen from the local police station were deputed there for security.

However, three local goons appeared on the scene, totally drunk, and disrupted the shoot. They behaved aggressively with the unit members, jammed the camera equipment and did considerable damage to the sets.


   

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They threatened the unit members and demanded money for allowing the shoot. When a unit member tried to reason with them, they assaulted the director's assistant.

The policemen reportedly kept standing as mute spectators. In fact, they told the unit to pay the money, saying the goons were "very influential".

The unit members filed a complaint with the Borivali Police Station, claiming that the Gorai Police Station personnel were hand in glove with the local mafia.

Director Pawan Kaul said: "This is simply a mockery of the system where people who are supposed to protect you are hand in gloves with the mafia. Even though all the legal permission was taken, the cops actually asked us to pay up to resume the shoot. It is a very sad state of affairs."
 

Shabana's 'sweet, normal' kiss with Boman
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 21   Shabana Azmi has done her first kiss in Reema Kagti's "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd" and says her children - Farhan and Zoya Akhtar - are planning to exploit the scene fully.

"You know my kids have put the kiss in the trailer. Zoya and Farhan say they're going to exploit me commercially. Thank you so much," Shabana told IANS.

Shabana's boisterous laughter controls your thoughts, "What's a kiss with Boman? I've kissed Nandita Das in 'Fire'. Watching me do a normal kiss, you'll heave a sigh of relief.

"It's a very innocent sweet, and non-controversial kiss... I had a ball doing 'Honeymoon Travels...' My children are involved with it. I've a very small part."

About her unusual pairing with Boman Irani, Shabana says, "Boman plays this Christian Goan guy. I play this Muslim woman. He plays a brash man. My character is more genteel."

Shabana says she likes her look in the movie.

"I love my look in this film. I keep telling the clothes designer Arjun Bhasin that after this film he won't be getting any more assignments. All of us are so atrociously dressed by design. For Arjun's sake, I hope the film industry gets the point, or this is the end of his career.

"Jokes aside, it's a great feeling to dress according to character. But when my mother saw these clothes she freaked out. 'Please Shabana, it hurts!' she told me. Arrey, she can dress any way she wants for a part. Why not me?"

It was a great pleasure for Shabana to play this nondescript character, who emerges as a person in her own right.

"This Goan guy, who's her husband, wants to make her happy. He keeps reciting 'sher' in wrong Urdu. Such a sweet tender relationship... The kiss comes in when he reaches his ancestral house to see it being dismantled. That's when I move towards him. He kisses me right in the middle of the street.

"Will my audience be shocked? I think not! I think Boman was far more terrified than I was."

Shabana is all praise for her director.

"Because she has been an efficient assistant director, she has this quality of getting whatever she wants by hook or by crook. Other first-time directors are ready to commit suicide if they can't get the shot they want. Not Kagti. She always had an alternative plan."

Shabana recalls that one shot with Boman which was canned after a long delay.

"There's always that one shot in every film which remains a problem till the end. It was a simple scene on a beach featuring Boman and me. The first time it couldn't be done because I had to go to the US for an award. I stayed back for the scene. It didn't happen.

"Then I gave up Holi in my house -- you know how important Holi is to me -- to do that scene. Again, it didn't happen. When we finally did it, it had to be re-done."

Doing an ensemble piece was a total pleasure for Shabana.

"I've done two of them back-to-back. The first one was 'The Lions Of Punjab' (earlier called 'The Contest') directed by Manish Acharya. The one thing that an ensemble cast teaches you is endless patience. You are an extra in every scene. If you get bored of being an extra, you harm the film.

"Fortunately, Goa, where we shot the film, didn't give any of us a chance to get bored. We all did such fun... playing antakshari, dumb charades..."

Shabana describes her co-star Boman as an endlessly curious man.

"He's such a movie buff. He knows every detail of every film. I'd just sit back and wonder what sort of a Parsi is this who knows everything about Hindi films. He speaks non-stop. He'd pretend all the time that I was scolding him. But Boman and I had a ball.

"All the young girls in the unit wanted to be around Boman, and the boys hovered around me. So we were both deeply flattered."

Shabana loved the entire cast.

"Particularly Sandhya Mridul who has the most delicious sense of humour. I just adored being around her. And then Raima Sen ... she is one of her own kind. And I'm so proud of my child Zoya. I always wondered how she'd be as a director.

"Watching her handle the unit of 'Honeymoon Travels...' as a producer, I could see her capabilities. My god, this girl is absolutely amazing."
 

I've a soft corner for Vidya Balan, says Amitabh (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 21   Although Amitabh Bachchan teamed up with some of the best actors in the just-released "Eklavya", it is Vidya Balan who has impressed him the most.

"I've a special soft corner for her. She's absolutely marvellous and so wonderfully natural. She's so endearing to watch on screen," Amitabh told IANS.

"When I saw her in 'Parineeta' for the first time in Amsterdam, I wanted to look only at her and nobody else on screen... with all due respects to the rest of the cast."

"Eklavya" got a lukewarm response and critics were not too happy with the length of the film (two hours) but the actor defends it saying, "You don't need too much time to spread out a dramatic thriller. Every film has its own rhythm."

Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra has been singing praises about the superstar's performance in the film and calls it his best till date but Amitabh doesn't agree.

"That's his viewpoint. I don't agree with him. True, I've never done anything like this film. I did have a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Paheli' where I was similarly dressed. But all told, my physical appearance is very different in 'Eklavya'."

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Vidhu Vinod Chopra and you seemed to have established a very special rapport.

A: He's a kind human being and very passionate about his work. He has a keen eye for aesthetics. He creates an atmosphere conducive to good work. We waited 30 years to work together. All directors must work towards building a rapport with their actors.

"Eklavya" is an intriguing film. The visuals may suggest a mythological or a period film. But "Eklavya" is modern contemporary thriller. It's set in today's Rajasthan.

Q: It is a very short film....

A: It's just about two hours long. That's fine. You don't need too much time to spread out a dramatic thriller. Every film has its own rhythm.

Q: You've been giving TV interviews on "Eklavya" in super cool sunglasses?

A: Oh those were for a particular reason. I had been shooting the whole time for Ram Gopal Varma's "Sholay". The role of Gabbar requires me to wear contact lenses. These left me with blood-shot eyes and no choice but to wear sunglasses for the interview that followed the shooting.

Q: Chopra insists "Eklavya" is your best performance.

A: That's his viewpoint. I don't agree with him. True, I've never done anything like this film. I did have a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan's "Paheli" where I was similarly dressed. But all told my physical appearance is very different in "Eklavya".

Q: You hated the beard, didn't you?

A: It's such a pain! Once you stick on the beard with gum it just restricts your facial movements and irritates you. God bless Pran Saab. He's a master with beards. And he managed to work so wonderfully with them. Vinod and I have agreed that if I'm required to wear a beard in my next film with him, everyone else on the crew would've to do the same.

Q: Does that apply to Vidya Balan too?

A: Provided she's part of the next film.

Q: You had to recite lengthy dialogues in sync sound.

A: That was tough. But when you have to do something, you do it. The false beard made the dialogues difficult. Vinod suggested I take six months off and grow a real beard. That's the level of commitment. But my other commitments do not allow me the luxury of changing my physical appearance.

But others in "Eklavya" went out of the way. Sanjay Dutt cut his hair. Jackie Shroff grew a beard. It would've taken me a couple of years to grow the beard that was required to play "Eklavya".

Q: Most of the "Eklavya" cast is new to you.

A: Except Sanjay. He has a unique personality. You could put him in any circumstance, his presence and personality take care of everything. He's one of the most lovable persons in the film industry. He's adopted Abhishek as his younger brother. I know Sanjay from the time I came to Mumbai to become an actor. Dutt saab (Sunil Dutt) and Nargisji had taken me under their wings, nurtured me...

Q: And Saif Ali Khan?

A: He has evolved beautifully. Thank god we saw his potential bloom in "Dil Chahta Hai". Subsequently he has improved with every project right up to "Omkara". It's a great joy being with actors like Saif. The amount of care and dedication that they give to their roles is wonderful.

Q: And Vidya....

A: I've a special soft corner for her. She's absolutely marvellous and so wonderfully natural. She's so endearing to watch on screen. When I saw her in "Parineeta" for the first time in Amsterdam, I wanted to look only at her and nobody else on screen... with all due respects to the rest of the cast.

Q: Did you adopt your father's Shakespearean imagery in your performance?

A: Not me. But it was part of Vinod's writing process in deciding the attitude that "Eklavya" would adopt. Vinod accidentally met Peter O'Toole. The next day he invited O'Toole home and asked me to come and observe his 'Shakespearean' walk. I couldn't go to Vinod's house... Vinod is continuously creating a creative pool. Only he could connect Shakespeare and Peter O'Toole with my character Eklavya.

Q: How do the mentor Vinod and his most accomplished protégée Sanjay Bhansali compare?

A: When during "Black" I saw Sanjay's detailing and passion I didn't know Sanjay had worked with Vinod for eight years. It was only after working with Vinod that everything fell into place. The time spent with Vinod has obviously rubbed off on Sanjay. Today, Sanjay has his own subjects and style, Vinod has his own.

Q: Finally, the wedding date of Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai ?

A: We're still in discussion. As soon as we firm in, we'll get them married.
 

Farhan savours fatherhood
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 21   It's a week since little Akira was born and father Farhan Akhtar is still in a daze.

"It still hasn't sunk in. But, yes, nothing can compare with or describe the feeling of fatherhood," Farhan told IANS.

"I'm now waiting to take my wife Adhuna home so that my elder daughter Shakiya won't feel left out. God knows she's been looking forward to mothering her sibling. But visiting hours being what they are, Shakiya has hardly had time with her new sister. When we get home we'll certainly have a party."

Akira, which means 'anchor', shares her first name with the legendary Japanese director.

"Let's hope my Akira will be as talented as Akira Kurosoawa, if not as famous."

Children in one way or another occupy Farhan's mind at the moment. Besides the bundle of joy at home, Farhan is also involved creatively with young thoughts and dreams.

His next directorial undertaking "Voice From The Sky" will have two boys in the principal lead.

"In fact," reveals Farhan, "there will be 12-13 kids and I want to cast them just right. I'm in the process of looking at all the DVD and visual media I can lay my hands on to find the right kids."

"Voice From The Sky", to be set near Kolkata, will be shot towards the end of the year.

"I want to shoot it in the November light. It's a project that I could've made right after 'Lakshya' if I hadn't decided to do 'Don' right away."
 

Just chill, concerned colleagues tell Saif
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 21   Take it easy Saif! The actor's cardiac problems and hospitalisation after chest pain while rehearsing for the Stardust awards has led to concern amongst his colleagues with everyone - from Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini to Urmila Matondkar and Arshad Warsi - suggesting that he slow down.

Saif, who was rushed to Lilavati hospital Sunday evening, is out of danger and will be discharged in a day or two.

Amitabh Bachchan: I was at an awards function with Aishwarya (Rai) when I came to know Saif had been hospitalised. We went immediately after the show to see him. He looked fine and cheerful. Investigations were on. I told him he must slow down. It's disturbing to see such a fine lad this way.

Hema Malini: I'd like to tell Saif to take it easy. I know that it isn't easy. Even if you feel the need to slow down no one out here lets you. But Saif has to get selfish about his well-being. My humble advice to him is, grab time for yourself and find some peace. You've earned it.

Arshad Warsi: I think actors today are under a lot of pressure to deliver their best. They're constantly trying to perform at an optimum level. On top of work pressures we're constantly under public scrutiny. All of us actors try to balance our professional and personal lives to the best of our abilities. Stress is bound to be there. So, Saif, please
take extra care of yourself. Relax and chill. You're precious to all of us. Hang in there. Lots of love!

Dino Morea: It's really sad to hear Saif is unwell. I hope he gets well soon. The workload gets to all of us, no matter how much care we take of our health. It's easy for me to say Saif should slow down. But he's in his prime. And he needs to use this time to move ahead. This phase won't come back again.

Urmila Matondkar: The high feeling of doing good work is so exhilarating that unknowingly one tends to overwork. I'd like to remind Saif that he's going through one of the best phases in his career. He needs to take it to greater heights. And for that he needs to be in good health. He should take the warning and look after himself.
 

Aishwarya, Sanjay bag top honours at Stardust awards
 
Mumbai, Feb 21   Sanjay Dutt was declared star of year for his performance in "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" while Aishwarya has bagged the honour for "Dhoom 2" at the MAX Stardust Awards here.

The glittering award function on Feb 18 was overshadowed by news of Saif Ali Khan's illness - he was rehearsing for his performance at the awards when he complained of chest pain and was rushed to hospital.

Saif won the 'best actor in a negative role' award for his awesome performance in "Omkara".

Director Rajkumar Hirani was honoured with the 'dream director' trophy for "Lage Raho Munna Bhai".

"Omkara" was declared the 'hottest film' and Sanjay Gadhvi 'hottest director' for making "Dhoom 2".

While Abhishek Bachchan got the 'best actor in a supporting role male' award for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", Ayesha Takia won the 'supporting role female' award for "Dor".

The 'editor's choice for the best performance of the year' went to Kareena Kapoor for "Omkara" and for 'best director' to Vishal Bharadwaj for the same film.

In the special awards section, Mithun Charaborty was declared 'role model of the year' and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Rang De Basanti" 'pride of the industry'.

Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut were awarded in the 'superstar of tomorrow' category for their impressive work in "Gangster - A Love Story".

Shaad Randhawa, who played Kangana's possessive boyfriend in "Woh Lamhe", got the 'new menace award'.

Kunal Kapoor and Gul Panag received 'breakthrough performance' awards for "Rang De Basanti" and "Dor".

In the music category, composer Mithoon bagged the 'standout performance by a music director' award for "Ek Pal" and Virag Mishra won 'standout performance by a lyricist' award for his song "Zinda hoon main" from "Zinda".

Though Saif's absence was felt, performances by Kareena, Lara Dutta, Imran Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut kept the audience entertained at the event attended by amongst others Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta, Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham.
 

Varma's another film with Big B in legal tangle
 
New Delhi, Feb 21   Close on the heels of "Ram Gopal Varma Kay Sholay" landing in a legal soup on allegations of plagiarism, the ace Bollywood director Varma's another film Nishabd, starring Amitabh Bachchan, ran into legal tangle Wednesday with a private film production firm moving the Delhi High Court for a ban on the release of
the film.

Justice A.K. Sikri issued notices to Varma and his production house on a petition by by Kanungo Media Pvt Ltd seeking permanent injunction against 'Nishabd' with Bachchan in the lead role.

After hearing preliminary arguments, Justice Sikri also issued notices to R.G.V. Film Factory, Adlabs Films Ltd and Super Cassettes Ltd and asked them to file their replies by March 23 to the allegations of plagiarism in the petition.

The court incidentally had earlier stayed the release of Varma's "Ram Gopal Varma Kay Sholay" on a petition filed by Sascha Sippy, the director of the original Sholay producer Sippy Films, for using the names "Sholay" and "Gabbar Singh" in his film.

In its petition Kanungo Media Pvt Ltd of director Dinanath Jawhar Kanungo alleged that Varma had infringed his intellectual property rights over the name and title of its own film `Nisshabd' which had won many international awards.

Kanungo alleged that his "Nisshabd" was produced with the financial aid, released under the French government's "Fonds Sud Cinema" scheme in November 2002.

The Central Board of Film Certification too subsequently had cleared the name for the film in June 2005, said the petition.

The film has received best feature film award at Osian's Cinefan Festival, Asian Film in July 2005 and second prize at International Film Festival in Bangladesh in March 2006, besides "Coup De Coeur Guimet Award" at Vesoul International Festival of Asian Award.

The lead female role of the film bagged best actress award at the Osian's Cinefan Festival Asian Film in July 2005, Kanungo said.

It also participated in Pusan International Film Festival (2005), Bangkok International Film Festival (2006), Durban International Film Festival (2006), 8 Mami's International Film Festival, Mumbai(2006), Eco Vision Film Festival (Palermo, Italy), Golden Orange International Film Festival, Antalya, said the petitioner.
 

Will 'Water' bag an Oscar?
By Arpana, 

New Delhi, Feb 20   With Oscar awards just round the corner, speculation over Deepa Mehta's "Water" winning the coveted prize is sky high.

Desi movie buffs were hugely disappointed when India's official entry for the Oscars - "Rang De Basanti" - was disqualified. Now they have pinned all their hopes on "Water", a gripping 1930s tale of Indian widows in Varanasi.

Though Mehta's film represents Canada in the Oscar race, the director's Indian origin and cast of Indian stars like Lisa Ray, Seema Biswas and John Abraham have evoked patriotism.

John, who plays a Gandhian reformer in the film, is sure that Indians will make a mark on the Oscar arena soon. He said: "I am sure one day we are going to get it."

Most Indians across the globe will be glued to their TV sets to watch the awards on Feb 26 night.

On India's bad luck at the Oscars, Percept Picture Company managing director Shailendra Singh said: "We don't research the subject. We don't prepare ourselves because we want a quickie. We make a movie in seven-eight months."

"We don't have international consumers and still hoped 'Rang De Basanti' to be there. Did we make it for the Oscars? Did we make it keeping in mind we would like it to be seen by the entire world? I think we are skilled, we are hungry, but we need to do a lot of homework," Singh told IANS.

"Water" is the final instalment of Mehta's elemental trilogy after "Fire" and "Earth". Both the films courted controversy because of the issues highlighted in the film.

While shooting "Water" in Varanasi in 1999, the director faced opposition from rightwing activists in India who destroyed the sets and burnt Mehta's effigies. But Mehta was determined to make it and four years later, filmed it in Sri Lanka.

Filmmaker Ravi Chopra, who is distributing and releasing the film in India, said the film might pick up the award.

He said: "It's a beautiful romantic film and deserves an Oscar. When people see the film, they will understand that they have no reason to have any problems with the movie."

When asked why only three Indian films have made it to the nomination list, Chopra said: "May be we haven't made films that touch their (western) sensibilities. We make films to our sensibilities and there are very few films that look after both sensibilities."

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar feels otherwise. He said: "It's a big game and big lobby. You have to have proper people to communicate with the juries and to show them the movie."

But Mehta's film is seen in a positive light.

If critics in the west are raving about other four entries - "After The Wedding" (Denmark), "Days Of Glory" (Algeria), "The lives Of Others" (Germany) and "Pan's Labyrinth" (Mexico) - they are lauding Mehta's film too.

Critics have said "Water" is richer and more convincing in its portrayal of the girl, Chuyia, sent to live with a houseful of widows.

As far as Indian links go, apart from Mehta's "Water", Susanne Bier's "After the Wedding" too has a strong Indian tie. The film centres on Jacob Petersen, a Danish expatriate who has dedicated his life to helping street children in India.

If "Water" succeeds in impressing the jury and bagging the Academy award, it will surely open a new chapter for Indian filmmakers.
 

Endorsements are the cream on the cake: Zayed
By Shweta Thakur, 

New Delhi, Feb 20   Actor Zayed Khan says that when it comes to endorsements he gives preference to those suiting his popular image.

"Endorsements are the cream on the cake. It is very important to be attentive and serious about your image while choosing ads. I endorse a brand not keeping in mind the sense of responsibility but something that fits my persona and lifestyle," Zayed told IANS.

Zayed, who is brand ambassador of 'iD Rockstar' footwear, believes that his patience helps him do justice to the role of a brand ambassador.

The actor also admits that he would not shy away from launching his own collection in the near future.

After "Main Hoon Na", Zayed has given half a dozen flops like "Rocky: The Rebel" and "Fight Club: Members Only". And now he wants to prove his mettle and work with experienced filmmakers.

"I want to work with very interesting people because I believe an actor is as good as his director."

Zayed has no reservations about working in Hollywood films. "Hollywood! Why not? Indian films these days are going global and earning accolades."

The actor is all praise for Deepa Mehta's Oscar-nominated "Water".

"'Water' is the right entry for the Oscars. I have also seen 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' and 'Rang De Basanti'. All three of them are fantastic movies."

Asked if he would like to venture into television and music albums, he said "not now".

He is looking forward to Vikram Bhatt's "Speed" where he will share screen space with Tanushree Dutta, Urmila Matondkar and Aftab Shivdasani.

Zayed is also a part of Anubhav Sinha's "Cash", which has an ensemble cast of Suniel Shetty, Riteish Deshmukh, Ajay Devgan, Shamita Shetty, Esha Deol and Diya Mirza.
 

Bollywood designer to open shop in Johannesburg
By Fakir Hassen, 

Johannesburg, Feb 20   Ace Bollywood designer Vikram Phadnis, whose creations were seen in the recent release "Salaam-e-Ishq", is to open an exclusive store here soon with a South African partner.

Phadnis made a brief visit to the city to scout for locations, indicating that he and partner Sureka Seeth, a water purification engineer who has set her heart on switching roles, were likely to settle for the upmarket suburb of Sandton.

Phadnis said that after his first visit to South Africa for the SA Fashion Week last year he had fallen in love with the country, especially after he was lauded for his work incorporating African beadwork, something he has since featured in his Bollywood designs as well.

"In my 14-year career I had not got a standing ovation like I did that night at the finale of the Fashion Week," Phadnis said. "I've done shows everywhere - in London, Dubai, Amsterdam, but the kind of response that I got here made me realise that I had to come here."

Offers of partnership have started pouring but he had spent time sifting through them before agreeing to work with Seeth, said Phadnis.

"Obviously, I don't want to open a small little shop - it has to be a studio where I do a brand of fusion and a couture line, and I want to do men and women's wear."

Emphasising that his kind of clothing was not for any particular community or class, Phadnis said he had been working on the creative material for a couple of months now and hoped to open in Johannesburg within the next quarter before looking at Durban and Cape Town as well.

The new partners said they hoped to have some big Bollywood names present at the launch event.

Seeth said she had approached Phadnis after seeing his fashions at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Dubai last year and then again at SA Fashion Week.

"We are looking at very high-end upmarket clothing in a boutique style, where you only get one of a kind of outfit. A lot of people want to look like the Bollywood stars so there will be that opportunity as well. What I like about Vikram is that he keeps the Bollywood elements in his design as well," she said.

The garish outfits of Bollywood have given way to more of what Phadnis called "character-driven scripts".

"Even my latest film, 'Salaam-e-Ishq', is very character-driven. People don't take liberties with those larger-than-life clothes. Everything is according to the character, according to the script.

"Previously you would see bizarre clothing that you can't really wear on a day-to-day basis. But today times have changed and people want to wear clothing that you can identify with - comfortable and absolutely realistic."

Phadnis said although he was currently very busy with two Fashion Weeks in India, he is also working on a film featuring Sushmita Sen; another with Suneil Shetty called "Golmaal", and "God Tusi Great Ho" with Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.
 

Sushmita wants to be close to reality
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 20   Sushmita Sen, who will team up with Hollywood actress Ashley Judd for a very special rendezvous with sex workers of Mumbai next month, says she need brushes with reality to keep herself grounded.

"Look at the work that Judd has done for AIDS and other causes. It makes me feel so small. Acting is all very fine. But real life is far more important," Sushmita told IANS.

The two well-known actors will create AIDS awareness in Mumbai's most thickly populated red-light area.

"A lot of us celebrities lose touch with our basic purpose, namely to use our names to further causes and issues that make a difference to underprivileged lives. Unfortunately, a lot of times our names and funds get exploited in the wrong hands."

Such experiences aren't going to deter Sushmita from reaching out whenever she can. On Feb 18 she headed for St Catherine's Home in Andheri to spend the day with special HIV-infected children.

"Ideally, I wouldn't have wanted cameras to follow me there. But then I realise the whole purpose of such interactions is to create an awareness about people who aren't as happily placed in life as me or my daughter Renee, hence the absolutely invaluable role of the media."

Renee, in fact, accompanied her mom to the orphanage.

"Between the two of us I don't know who's more excited. I didn't go there to make the kids feel better. The whole idea is to make myself feel better. I really need this brush with reality to keep me grounded and to reassure me about the quality of my life."

The day with the children at St Catherine's was meticulously chalked out for Sushmita and Renee.

"There was a movie, gifts including dolls and yes, lots and lots of chocolates. Believe me, there's nothing kids enjoy more than chocolates."
 

I am typecast, admits Ketaki Dave
By Arpana, 

New Delhi, Feb 20   Seasoned theatre actress Ketaki Dave, who returns to "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" after four years, admits that there are no variations in her roles, whether in films or on television.

"I have become typecast. People like watching me as a typical Gujarati woman, so everybody offers me the same kind of role. I would love to play different characters. But I think I will have to wait till some producer has the guts to cast me in a different avatar," said Ketaki, who played Daksha in "Kyunki..."

She was seen in films like "Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya" and "Kal Ho Naa Ho".

Ketaki, who played Daksha in the long running soap about the Virani family, left in a huff following a tiff with Ekta Kapoor and is coming back because she says she can't keep her fans waiting any longer.

"I was approached several times by Balaji Telefilms but this time everything fell into place so I accepted the offer. Also, I was missing my character and I realised that my fans are missing me too. I thought I shouldn't disappoint them any more," Ketaki told IANS over the phone from Mumbai.

In the serial, Daksha is shown as staying connected with the Virani family because she has kept in touch with her sister-in-law Gayatri.

"I am coming back as Daksha only and the story is narrated in such a manner that it shows that I am familiar with all the new members in the family."

Ketaki says the break was a blessing in disguise.

"I was very stressed out during that period. My children were growing up and I wasn't giving them time."

During her break from TV, Ketaki was active in theatre. "People didn't see me on television but I was doing theatre."

She also produced a Gujarati serial and is very keen to go behind the camera.

"I definitely would like to direct one day. But I will make a film on my own terms. I produced a Gujarati serial and it was quite successful."

She feels the 'saas-bahu' saga, which dominates all channels, will end some day.

"Everything has an end, so will the saas-bahu serials. The fact is that when 'Kyunkii...' came with 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' it became a huge hit. And everybody started aping the same formula.

"It's not that people are not trying to experiment. Some producers are making different kinds of serials, but when viewers refuse to see them they have to go back to the hit formula to keep audiences interested."

Talking about her film career, she said: "I have recently done a film 'Hello! Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain'. I have also done a Bhojpuri film."

Maintaining her characteristic bluntness and dash of humour, Ketaki's re-entry in 'Kyunkii...' will be closely integrated with the story and the lives of everyone in Virani family.

  
IANS