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B-day twins Shalin Bhanot & Daljiet Kaur's rollercoaster romance & divorce drama

Shalin Bhanot and Dalljiet Kaur, once a much-in-love couple, now can't stand the sight of each other. But what happened? What is the real story of Shalin and Dalljiet? Where did the two meet? Here’s everything about their relationship timeline. Shalin and Dalljiet, who share the same birth date, November 15, once shared the same home. They met on the sets of their show 'Kulvadhu'. Before the show, they didn’t know each other.  Shalin Bhanot and Dalljiet Kaur's love story While working together, they became friends, and soon, their friendship turned into a fairytale love story. Though they were smart enough to hide their relationship from the media, they did join 'Nach Baliye' together, hinting at a possible happy ending. After some time, when they felt secure, the lovebirds announced their wedding plans. In 2009, Shalin and Dalljiet got married, leaving their massive fan base elated. Four years after their marriage, the duo was blessed with a baby boy, whom they lovingly named Jaydon. While the world celebrated the happy news, their paradise soon began to crumble. Trouble emerged, and reports of them filing for divorce started floating in the media, shocking their fans. It wasn’t just a separation; it was an ugly divorce that left everyone in disbelief. Trouble in paradise for Shalin Bhanot and Dalljiet Kaur  It was all rumours until Dalljiet gave a groundbreaking interview, stating that her mother-in-law wasn’t happy with the wedding gifts. She said, “Trouble in our marriage started the day after our wedding when my mother-in-law stopped talking to me because she wasn’t happy with the wedding gifts. Status-wise, we are very different, and they always knew about it. My father has three daughters and couldn’t afford the kind of wedding they expected.” Shalin Bhanot and Dalljiet Kaur divorce After filing for divorce, things continued to worsen. First, Dalljiet  made a big revelation about Shalin, saying, “His argument was that I wouldn’t be woman enough if I went in for a C-section.” She further shared that Bhanot had cheated on her and even abused her physically. After many ups and downs in the court proceedings, Shalin Bhanot and Dalljiet  Kaur decided to part ways through an out-of-court settlement, and they finally divorced in 2015.

15 November,2024 12:11 PM IST | Mumbai
Pic/Instagram

Rupali Gangly wishes 'Imlie' actor Sumbul Touqeer ‘Happy Birthday’ with a selfie

Actress Rupali Ganguly shared an adorable picture posing with Sumbul Touqeer to wish her Happy Birthday.   Rupali took to Instagram, where she shared a selfie posing with Sumbul, who turned 21 on Friday. In the image, the “Anupamaa” and “Imlie” stars are looking into the camera and smiling. The picture had a “Happy Birthday” sticker on it. Rupali had earlier shared a selfie, which she described as “Rufee and “Anufee”. Earlier this week, she shared a cryptic post about “silencing” the “noise of humans” after filing a defamation notice against stepdaughter Esha Verma. Rupali took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a quote, which read: “There are times when you need the silence of animals to recover from the noise of humans.” The post came after the actress sent a defamation notice to her stepdaughter, Esha, seeking compensation of Rs 50 crore for 'maligning' her character and personal life. The legal notice was in response to Esha's 'false and damaging statements' and the step was taken to protect her reputation. The notice mentioned that the actress also seeks compensation of Rs 50 crore. The notice was sent by Ganguly's lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, who was seen as a contestant in “Bigg Boss 17”. The legal notice addresses Esha: "Our client states that she was shocked to see the posts and comments published by you on various social media platforms including Twitter (now X), Instagram, and Facebook. Our client states that it is apposite to put the true and correct facts leading to the issuance of the present notice…" In the notice, it has been mentioned that Rupali underwent mental trauma because of which she had to seek medical assistance and that she was humiliated on set and lost professional opportunities. It is also said that Ganguly wanted to maintain a 'dignified silence' but was compelled to initiate the defamation notice because of how her and Ashwin Verma's 11-year-old son was dragged. Ganguly, through her lawyer, has claimed compensation of Rs 50 crore, which her stepdaughter is liable to pay. She has also asked for an unconditional public apology immediately, failing which Ganguly has threatened legal measures. In the notice, it was clarified that Rupali was friends with Ashwin Verma for 12 years, before he separated from his second wife, Esha Verma's mother, in 2009. It was also said that the actress, along with her now husband, tried to help Esha get a break into the entertainment industry, by providing opportunities for photoshoots and making special arrangements for auditions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

15 November,2024 11:14 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
In Pic: Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu reveals reason behind his exit from Kapil Sharma’s show

There was a time when Navjot Singh Sidhu’s shayaris would add spark to any episode of 'The Kapil Sharma Show', but in 2016, the former cricketer left, disappointing many fans. Now, five years down the line, with Archana Puran Singh having taken the chair, Sidhu has finally opened up about his sudden exit from the show. It was shortly after the Phulwa attack that Sidhu made comments on his X account, and now, discussing his departure, the politician has shared that there were “political reasons” behind it. Sidhu recalled his memories of 'The Kapil Sharma Show' while speaking on 'The Grain Talk' show. He said, “The Kapil Sharma Show was a bouquet made by God. No one can take credit for it. It had different fragrances. When Kapil came to me, those days I had just come out of 'Bigg Boss', so we discussed and everything fell into place. Everyone was chosen to be a part of that show.” Why Navjot Singh Sidhu left Kapil’s show Explaining why he had to leave the popular show, he added, “There were political reasons I don’t want to talk about. There were other reasons… and the bouquet fell apart. I have a wish that the bouquet must get together again, the way it was. I will be the first to facilitate. His show is still doing very well. Kapil is a genius.” Many actors who were part of Kapil’s team back then, like Upasana Singh, Ali Asgar, and Sumona Chakravarti, left the show one after the other. Sidhu- ’ You don’t have a genius like him’ He further shared how he always believed in Kapil’s talent even during his lows, saying, “When Kapil was not well, he was jittery, he was going through a tough time. People told me he was over. I said, ‘Guys, he’s a 20. If you can even find someone who is a 10 and make him stand in front of Kapil, I will listen. But right now, even a 5 doesn’t exist. You will have to replace him with something better. Otherwise, you will keep missing him.’ You don’t have a genius like him. Talent does what it can do; genius does what he must.” ‘I wish everyone could get together’ He then became nostalgic, remembering the good old days, and expressed his wish for a reunion with the original gang, saying, “There was dadi (Ali Asgar) and everyone. I wish everyone could get together… Everyone dispersed. Now Gutthi (Sunil Grover) is back. He met me in Goa. He is wonderful. He comes on for 10–15 minutes and regales everybody. He is another genius.” Notably, this Friday, Sidhu will be reuniting with Kapil Sharma for a special episode on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show', which promises to be quite entertaining.

15 November,2024 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rupali Ganguly and Rajan Shahi

Rupali Ganguly gets support from 'Anupamaa' producer Rajan Shahi

Director and producer Rajan Shahi has come out in support of Rupali Ganguly amidst her legal dispute going on with her step-daughter Esha Verma. On Wednesday, Shahi took to his Instagram handle and posted a photo featuring him and Ganguly from the sets of their popular show 'Anupamaa'. Sharing a picture with Rupali Ganguly from the sets of hit TV show 'Anupamaa', he praised her for her integrity and humility. Rajan wrote, “Rupali, you inspire all of us each day, every moment at DKP/Shahi Productions for your hard work, dedication, talent, honesty, integrity, and humility. Anupamaa, you have created "history," a benchmark and landmark very few can reach or create. Thoo thoo thoo! We have seen behind the scenes all the hard work, challenges, and sacrifices you face with a smile. Your humility as an actress is inspirational to all of us at the Anupamaa team.”           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Rajan Shahi (@rajan.shahi.543) He added, “Walk forward always, as usual, with a smile and confidence, as your daily hard work is your answer to all. The loyalty and dedication to your craft and Anupamaa is exemplary. Proud of you and always with you. Thoo thoo thoo. Best wishes and regards, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai / Anupamaa / AK3 team and unit Entire unit of DKP/Shahi Productions / I Shahi From, Deepa Shahi Rajan and Ishika Shahi And the entire "Team" Anupamaa Thoo thoo thoo.” Shahi’s post comes after Rupali slapped Esha with a legal notice, seeking Rs 50 crore in damages. Esha Verma, the daughter of Ashwin, has accused the actress of having an extramarital affair with her father. In her now-deleted video, Verma even mentioned feeling "unsafe" around Rupali. Following the Rs 50 crore defamation suit, Esha Verma deleted all defamatory posts aimed at the actress. She also made her Instagram account private. Rupali Ganguly's Rs 50 crore defamation notice to Esha Verma The legal notice sent to Esha by Ganguly's lawyer Sana Raes Khan was in response to the several accusations the former made against the actress publicly.  The notice mentioned that the actress also seeks compensation of Rs 50 crore. In the notice, it has been mentioned that Rupali underwent mental trauma because of which she had to seek medical assistance and that she was humiliated on set and lost professional opportunities. It is also said that Ganguly wanted to maintain a 'dignified silence' but was compelled to initiate the defamation notice because of how her and Ashwin Verma's 11-year-old son was dragged. Ganguly, through her lawyer, has claimed compensation of Rs 50 crore, which her stepdaughter is liable to pay. She has also asked for an unconditional public apology immediately, failing which Ganguly has threatened legal measures. In the notice, it was clarified that Rupali was friends with Ashwin Verma for 12 years, before he separated from his second wife, Esha Verma's mother, in 2009. It was also said that the actress, along with her now husband, tried to help Esha get a break into the entertainment industry, by providing opportunities for photoshoots and making special arrangements for auditions. (with inputs from IANS)

13 November,2024 09:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ragini Shinde

Indian Idol 15: Badshah upset by Ragini Shinde's elimination in theatre round

Sony Entertainment Television’s acclaimed singing reality show, Indian Idol 15, announced its Top 15 contestants last weekend. In a true shocker, contestant Ragini Shinde, the 15-year-old from Aurangabad, who impressed the judges with her beautiful voice and touching story, has been left out of the Top 15. It's not just the fans who are upset but even the show’s judge, Badshah, can't believe it. Badshah, who had given the Theatre Round a miss, was very surprised to see that Ragini was not amongst the chosen Top 15 in the Grand Musical Explosion. Speaking to his fellow Judges, Badshah expresses his confusion about Ragini, saying, “Ek aisa contestant tha, jisne humein chhoda nahi, humare zehen ko nahi chhoda uske performance ne aur woh hai Ragini”.  About Ragini Shinde's journey on Indian Idol 15 so far Ragini's journey to Indian Idol was nothing short of heroic. As a 3-year-old, she saved her brother from the grips of thalassemia through a life-saving bone marrow transplant, proving herself to be a fighter. While most children her age enjoy the perks of being an innocent toddler, Ragini was busy giving her all to save her sibling. Her audition was one for the ages; singing Asha Bhosle's iconic track 'Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai'. Her pure vocals and fearless choice of song left the judges in awe. Both Vishal Dadlani and Shreya Ghoshal couldn't stop praising her talent, with Shreya even pointing out that her choice of song showed maturity far beyond her years. But it was Badshah, who couldn't contain his admiration during the auditions and had stated, “Agar Aashirwad ka koi face hota toh I think Ragini hoti.’”  Yet, despite all this, Ragini’s name wasn’t called out when the Top 15 were announced in the theatre round, making it a decision that has sparked outrage across social media, with fans and even Badshah questioning the show's choices. The rapper-turned-judge voiced his frustration, admitting he couldn't comprehend how someone so talented, with such a heartwarming story, could be overlooked. Is this the end of Ragini’s Indian Idol journey, or will the makers, along with the support of her fans and Badshah, give her a second chance? Will the rapper use his influence to bring Ragini back into the competition?  Watch Indian Idol Season 15, every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television.

13 November,2024 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rupali Ganguly and Esha Verma

Accusations by stepdaughter Esha Verma caused Rupali Ganguly mental distress

Rupali Ganguly has sued stepdaughter Esha Verma for defamation. The Anupamaa actor is seeking Rs 50 crore in compensation for being called a homewrecker. Esha had not only accused the actor of disrupting her parents’ marriage, but also claimed that she abused Esha’s mother. She had also alleged that Rupali separated her from her father, Ashwin K Verma. In an interview, Rupali’s lawyer, Sana Raees, has claimed that Esha has made derogatory remarks to sabotage her reputation and has made false claims of abuse. The actor has claimed that the accusations have caused her mental distress and tarnished her personal and professional image. The suit also claimed that Rupali has treated Esha with respect and love. In fact, she had even tried to garner opportunities in the entertainment industry when Esha expressed an interest in joining the field. 

13 November,2024 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
Navjot Singh Sidhu on The Great Indian Kapil Show

The Great Indian Kapil Show: Navjot Singh Sidhu returns after 5 years

The Great Indian Kapil Show will be welcoming a special guest in the upcoming episode. It is none other than cricket commentator and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu.The man whose laughter once echoed the studios of Kapil Sharma's comedy show will be returning after a gap of five years. In his absence, actress Archana Puran Singh had taken his spot. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that his return left her upset.  Navjot Singh Sidhu took to his Instagram handle to share a promo video from the upcoming episode. The video begins with Navjot sitting on the judges seat which is usually occupied by Archana. At first, Kapil Sharma mistakes him for Sunil Grover who mimics Sidhu on the show. Navjot narrates a Shayari in his trademark style which convinces Kapil Sharma that he is indeed the real deal. We then see a worried Archana tell Kapil to ask Sidhu to get up from her seat. The video then gives a glimpse of the episode which also features former cricketer Harbhajan Singha and his wife Geeta Basra as guests. Navjot and his wife are also guests for the episode.  Take a look:            View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Navjot Singh Sidhu (@navjotsinghsidhu) Navjot also shared some stills from the episode where he was seen having blast with actors Krushna Abhishek, Sunil Grover, Archana Puran Singh and off course Kapil Sharma. He also shared a picture of Sunil Grover dressed up like him. There were also pictures of him happily posing with Archana Puran Singh.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Navjot Singh Sidhu (@navjotsinghsidhu) Why Navjot Singh Sidhu was replaced by Archana Puran Singh in 2019? On February 14, 2019, a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama resulted in the death of 40 CRPF officials.  Sidhu condemned the attack. However, his subsequent comment on the matter led to public uproar. Sidhu stated, "It (the terror attack) is a cowardly and dastardly act and I condemn it firmly. Violence is always condemnable and those who did it must be punished." He added, "For a handful of people, can you blame the entire nation and can you blame an individual?" This statement did not sit down well with many people who considered it insensitive and anti-national. This led to a public demand on the removal of Sidhu from the popular 'The Kapil Sharma Show'. The makers were forced to fire Sidhu from the show . He was ultimately replaced by Archana Puran Singh who has been a part of the show for five years now. On the show, Kapil often jokes about Sidhu coming back to claim his spot, leaving Archana jobless. The Great Indian Kapil Show episode featuring Navjot Singh Sidhu will premiere on Netflix on Saturday, November 16.  

12 November,2024 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Instagram

Indian Idol 15 singers lend voice to Bade Achhe Lagte Hain new title track

Indian Idol Season 15 contestants Biswarup Banerjee aka 'Idol ki loop wali awaaz' and 'Idol Ki Ziddi Girl' Myscmme Bose have achieved a significant milestone at an early stage of their Idol journey. The duo has lent their voices to the new title track of Sony Entertainment Television's beloved show 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain'. Starring Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar in the lead, the show, which originally aired in 2011, has captured the hearts of audiences across India. The channel has started rerunning the episodes of this iconic show from Monday, 12th November 2024, which airs every Monday to Friday at 8.30 PM. This unique opportunity aligns with the Indian Idol Season 16 theme of 'playfront' singing, wherein the contestants must not only showcase their vocal prowess but also captivate the audience with electrifying stage presence, charisma, and showmanship.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Sony Entertainment Television (@sonytvofficial) Indian Idol Season 15 contestants express their excitement  Biswarup Banerjee from Kolkata shared his excitement, saying, “It’s a dream come true to sing the title track for 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain', a show that resonates so deeply with viewers. Being able to lend my voice to such a memorable song is a huge honor, and I’m grateful to Indian Idol for this opportunity, just after the theatre round. It's a show that has been loved by millions, including myself, and I am glad I could be a part of this show in a unique way." Myscmme Bosu from Guwahati expressed, “I used to enjoy watching the episodes of Bade Acche Lagte Hain, and being associated with such a beloved show, especially at such an early stage of Indian Idol 15, feels surreal. I hope the audience enjoys our rendition as much as we enjoyed creating it!” Auditioning in Indian Idol 15 was also Myscmme's sixth attempt at Indian Idol, as she has tried before in Junior Indian Idol too. This collaboration not only highlights the contestants' versatility but also showcases the commitment of Indian Idol and Sony Entertainment Television to nurture new talent and put them in the spotlight by providing them with a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain' and its storyline The show follows the lives of two people from different economic backgrounds, and lifestyles having opposite likes and dislikes, and how they are forced to have an arranged marriage due to the circumstances but soon after they both fall in love. The Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar starrer gained popularity among the masses for its rawness, simplicity, and the charismatic screen presence that the lead pair had. 

12 November,2024 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/X

'Bhed Bharam' trailer out: Vipul Amrutlal's horror series to air on DD National

The trailer for 'Bhed Bharam', an upcoming supernatural horror series from Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Sunshine Pictures and DD National, has been released. The series is based on the popular novel by Harkisan Mehta and promises to deliver a chilling experience to audiences. Directed by Yusuf Basrai, Bhed Bharam brings a mix of mystery and horror, marking a fresh entry into the horror genre on Indian television. The show features an impressive cast, including Yashpal Sharma, Atul Kumar, Gaurav Chopra, Aishwarya Sakhuja, and more. Check out the trailer Are you ready for a spine-chilling journey? Dive into #BhedBharam - Rahasyon Ka Mayajal where secrets & scares await. Trailer Out Now#BhedBharamTrailerReleasing on 18th November on DD National!#VipulAmrutlalShah @Aashin_A_Shah@iyashpalsharma @atulkumartct @Pranavmisshra pic.twitter.com/Jv5JWacKuW — Sunshine Pictures (@sunshinepicture) November 11, 2024 Bhed Bharam explores supernatural elements and is set on an unprecedented scale for television and aims to captivate viewers with its eerie storyline and compelling performances. Produced by Sunshine Pictures, the show is co-produced by Aashin A. Shah and Ravichand Nallappa. Along with the horror series, Vipul Amrutlal Shah is also working on his next film Hisaab, starring Jaideep Ahlawat and Shefali Shah, set to release later this year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 November,2024 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Celebrity chef Kunal Kapoor

Megha Barsenge & Parineetii to have special hour-long mahasangam

Cooking with love Celebrity chef Kunal Kapoor’s search for his dream home on SonyLIV’s Million Dollar Listing India revealed a poignant aspect of his personal life—his attachment to his grandmother’s kadhai. Kapoor shared the story behind the 1940 kadhai, passed down through generations. “My grandmother had it with her since pre-Partition, and it has been in our family’s kitchen ever since. This kadhai reminds me of the hours we spent together in the kitchen. It’s a symbol of our family’s resilience, courage, and love. It has seen it all—from the bustling streets of Lahore to our humble kitchen in India. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always hope, love, and something precious to hold onto,” he said. Hour-long special Popular daily soaps, Megha Barsenge and Parineetii, will have a special hour-long mahasangam episode on Wednesday. This episode will expose long-buried secrets and highlight the strength women lend each other in challenging times. As Megha (Neha Rana) and Parineet (Anchal Sahu) reach pivotal moments in their respective lives, both are determined to expose the reality for all to see. Rana shared, “The mahasangam episode brings out Megha’s courage as she faces the daunting task of revealing her father-in-law’s secret. Meeting Parineet becomes a powerful moment for me where I not find help but genuine reassurance.”

12 November,2024 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
Asmi Deo and Yash Gera

Rajesh Saksham & Saima Ahmad on getting their dues in TV: ‘Writers have to fight

Should a story’s success go to the filmmaker or the writer? It’s a question often debated in entertainment circles. While OTT platforms have given good writing and writers centre stage, television lags behind. However, producer Guroudev Bhalla hopes to change that with his show, Jagriti—Ek Nayi Subah. At the show’s launch, the producer introduced the writers, Saima Ahmad and Rajesh Saksham, on stage and credited them for their contribution—a rarity in the world of television. In conversation with mid-day, screenwriter Ahmad and story writer Saksham discuss the show’s origin, the state of writers in the television industry, and why change is long overdue. Edited excerpts from the interview. How did the story of Jagriti—Ek Nayi Subah germinate?Rajesh Saksham: It started with my desire to write a story that is [connected to the soil] and I wanted to base it on those who were ignored by the [progressive] society. Being a writer on many historical shows, I had learnt that there are nearly 150 to 200 tribes in India, who fought wars alongside Maharana Pratap and Shivaji Maharaj. In the early 1780s, the tribes and kings coexisted peacefully because they never ventured into each other’s domain. However, the British were keen to explore the forests and the tribes rebelled against it, an example being the Chuar rebellion in Bengal. At that time, many tribes were criminalised and defamed [until] the Criminal Tribes Act [CTA] was repealed in August 1949, which decriminalised nearly [2,300,000 tribals] in India. However, after a few years, the Wildlife Protection Act was issued which made hunting illegal. That was a massive setback for the tribes who earned their living from hunting. The story of Jagriti [played by Asmi Deo] is based on one such small tribe and their exploitation. In the show, the tribe provides the animals they’ve hunted willingly to Kalikant Thakur [played by Arya Babbar] in exchange for a small amount of money and protection. While they are safe from the law, they are kept away from society. They stay away from education because they feel if they are exposed to it, they will lose the identity of their tribe. One voice rises against it all—Jagriti. We’ve shown her as a part of the fictitious Chitta tribe. She is born to a modern and educated woman, a magistrate. Jagriti’s aim is to change the fate of her tribe and unite them with the rest of society. What are the themes you’re exploring through the story?RS: The story throws light on social discrimination, lack of education, freedom from the oppressor and from a rigorous mentality. In today’s society, we are trying to eradicate another kind of mentality of patriarchy, especially in light of some of the heinous things they do to women. We are making people think and maybe help free themselves from such an attitude. Do you think such shows really influence people’s mentality and their views?Saima Ahmad: After watching the show, if your views about the help working in your own home change, if you ask them whether they have voter ID and you include them in your society, then I believe we would’ve accomplished our mission. People in the lower strata are dissatisfied about how society excludes them. In so many buildings, there are different elevators for residents and the service staff. If the show makes you wonder, why should there be a different lift for everyone, then it has successfully conveyed its message. If the urban audience stops treating the under-privileged as invisible, we would have achieved something. Have you seen daily soaps effecting change in society?RS: I don’t have any personal experience of seeing drastic changes. However, I have heard that after Udaan, [there was renewed focus on bonded labour]. People are bought from Bihar, Bengal and Jharkhand to work in the brick kiln. Parents sell their daughters and sons to work in factories. It’s a kind of bonded labour. There was a report about it in NDTV, after which the police raided the place. I am not saying the change happened because of the daily soap, but when the domestic help in people’s homes are underage, we ensure to send them to school. It could be our consciousness or fear. SA: What was normalised 10 years ago, we are at least questioning it now. I remember our house help had separate utensils and would eat in the kitchen. When I had asked my mother why her utensils were kept separate from ours, she claimed it was a habit, which she later changed. This is the first event I attended where writers are introduced and given as much importance as the lead actors. Do you think writers are now getting their due?RS: When writers Salim [Khan] and Javed’s [Akhtar] Zanjeer [1973] came out, they wrote their names on the posters. I believe writers have to fight for their rights. The [director] might be making the film, but it is written by writers. It’s not that after we’ve written it, it becomes someone else’s intellectual property. It will always belong to the writer who wrote it. On TV, every show has the same flavour today. Some writers are only concerned about the paycheque that comes their way. When a writer sees themselves like that, they don’t attempt to do something new, nor are they allowed to do something new. It’s a bold step for this show’s makers to take a stand for the writers and introduce them. Most channels don’t entertain such exposure. SA: Despite it often being said that film is a director’s medium and TV is a writer’s medium, daily soap writers [rarely get their due]. It’s true that you have to fight for your place in the world. Women began to get liberated when they stood up and fought for their rights. Do you think churning out episodes from Monday to Sunday is hampering writers from penning good stories? Should we have seasons like in the West?SA: [Some channels] are taking this initiative now, where they are looking for a [strong] story and are not changing it, irrespective of the TRPs.RS: If this happens, the fate of television will change in India. We worked on Jagriti—Ek Nayi Subah for six months in detail. We will not change our story, irrespective of the TRPs. You cannot bring math in storytelling. Past works Rajesh saksham>> Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii >> Udaan>> Jhansi Ki Rani >> Maharana Pratap Saima Ahmad>> Divya Drishti>> Baghin >> Kyunki Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai >> Ikk Kudi Punjab Di

12 November,2024 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam Abraham
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