ITV

Tag: Aman Varma

  • Sony looks at building curiosity via innovations, specials

    Sony looks at building curiosity via innovations, specials

    MUMBAI: Watch out! That is the clear message that Sony Entertainment Television India’s executive vice-president Tarun Katial wants to send out.

    Innovations are the order of the day at SET. Right from beefing up the weekend content with special shows and ground events for the big one Indian Idol, to getting in new twists and adding new characters to its existing shows, Sony is all geared for action.

    Speaking exclusively to indiantelevision.com, Katial said that the channel is not yet done with the weekend franchise. But instead of launching new shows, weekend is going to be all about specials . We have received a great response to our Independence Day CID special. We are now going to launch a 90 minute start to finish CID special in the weekend slot

    That apart, the channel will also be airing the on ground events that they have canned during the special promotion of Indian Idol. “In addition to the on ground contest and press conference at various cities like Indore, Pune, Kolkatta, Bangalore, we had also flown in the three Indian Idol judges and the cast of various Sony shows. The cast of Jassi, Kkusum presented a special programme called ‘Aap Jaisa Koi Nahi’ in these cities. We will be airing the four ‘Aap Jaisa Koi Nahi’ episodes on the weekends,” says Katial.

    “In addition to performances from the stars, several interested participants even gave on the spot performances to impress the judges and obtain a ‘jump the queue’ pass, which we have included in the specials,”he added.

    But specials apart, SET is also seriously looking at buttressing its long running shows like CID and Kkusum. “We are introducing actor Smita Bhansal’s character in CID. She will essay the role of a psycho analyst, who will help in profiling criminals and putting the pieces together. It will be a sort of come back vehicle for Bhansal, who is returning after a brief hiatus post marriage and kid,” Katial offers.

    What about the long running soap Kkusum, which is in a new phase post the departure of original protagonist Nausheen Ali and the fast forward drama? “It has been our number one show,” Katial defends. We are steadily picking up, especially after the twist in the tale where Mahi is murdered and the main suspect is Kkusum. But you will see that there will be an attempt on Kkusum’s life and it will be discovered that some one in the family is behind all this.

    As for the Friday thriller, Devi, which has been off late reduced to supernatural mumbo-jumbo, a wrap up of the good-versus-extreme evil track is on the cards. Television biggie Aman Varma’s character Vasu (who was incidentally roped with much fan fare early this year) will be eased out and the story will now focus on the love triangle between Juhi Parmar’s character Kalika and new entrant Manish Goel’s character and Mohnish Behl’s Vikram.

  • Pak TV beckon Aman Varma, Sakshi Tanwar too

    MUMBAI: The on-going Indo-Pak friendship talks definitely has desirable effect on the television industry. Following the footsteps of Nausheen Sardar Ali, Aamna Shariff, the ace television actors Sakshi Tanwar and Aman Varma have signed on an Indo-Pak venture Kucch Rishtey Kachche Dhaagon Ke.

    Erstwhile director of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi- Kamal Monga Aman is the producer from India, while the other producer is a Pakistani nationa. Varma’s charcter in the intense family drama is known as Salman and Tanwar plays Ayesha.

    The serial is currently being pitched to Pakistan’s Geo Channel is about a man whos married to two women, an Indian Muslim and a Pakistani Muslim. The story deals with the increasing negativity between the two wives and their respective kids.

    The Indian actors starring in the serial, besides Varma and Tanwar, include Shahbaz Khan, Tasneem and Smita Hai. The serial also stars noted Pakistani actors like Bahaar Begum, Mustafa Qurshi, Saima and Rustam. Tanwar will be romantically paired opposite Shahbaaz Khan.

    Both Varma and Tanwar are back from Dubai after they wrapped up the first schedule of the show. The serial will also be shot in Mumbai and Karachi.

    Speaking about his role Varma offered, “The actors there are pretty receptive about us. In fact they say that our shows are very popular and so are our TV stars.”

    As on the home ground, Varma- who has previously starred in Kyunki…, Kalash, Kehta Hai Dil, and anchored Khullja Sim Sim is currently seen in Sony’s supernatural thriller Devi and Star Plus’ afternoon soap Kumkum. Coincidentally, Tanwar and Varma have been co stars in Devi, till Tanwar called it quits recently. Right now in Star Plus’ Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, she is about to reveal that she is indeed Parvati and not Swati Dixit as she has been posing so far. 

  • K Sera Sera may set up TV production house

    K Sera Sera may set up TV production house

    MUMBAI: Production company K Sera Sera is training its guns on the bigs boys of the production business Balaji Telefilms and UTV.

    The aim is to be among the top three production houses in India in the movies and television business by the year 2004-2005, K Sera Sera’s New York-based president Ash Pamani says.

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com after the annual meeting of the board of directors today, where the company’s results were declared, Pamani said, “We have had a terrific year. Owing to the fabulous synergy that we have with our creative partners Varma Corp, we are hoping for a great year ahead. While this year we recorded Rs 240 million turnover for the financial year 2003-2004, we are aiming at Rs 750 million for next fiscal. As of 31 March 2004, there has been no pending investor grievance or debt.”

    “With more professionalism setting into the Indian entertainment industry, we firmly believe that this industry would only become more structured and grow in the years to come. Our current financial performance reaffirms the same,” Pamani said.

    If last year the stress was on films, this year it is television software. Although plans aren’t finalised yet, establishing a television production house in on the cards, says Pamani. The company has entering into creative partnership for making TV serials with Girish Mallik promoted Clapstem Productions for the production of two serials, which will roll out on Sahara in June ’04. For the year 2004-2005, the production company has plans for four serials thus far, one daily and three weeklies. While Clapstem is producing one weekly and a daily for Sahara, the next one is assigned to Ravi Rai productions. Starring Aman Varma, the weekly is currently being pitched to Sony.

    Event management is another area the company is examining getting into. It isn’t quite keen on taking it up this year though, says Pamani. The company has, however, already entered in joint ventures with leading stars of its forthcoming movies Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Ajay Devgan. The stars will get a select percentage of profit margins.

    That apart, 75 per cent of the distribution set up, which the company is working on in association with the PVR theatre chain, is already established. “We will complete the remaining 25 per cent in this year. As for overseas distribution, we have already started New York operations. We will be looking at the London and the Hong Kong market too,” offered Pamani. “In addition to the distribution platform, we are also looking at extensive marketing of the movies,” he added.

    K Sera Sera, in a tie-up with Varma Corporation released three movies in the financial year 2003-2004. Darna Mana Hai, a multi-starrer suspense thriller, was the debut production, which was released in July 2003. According to Pamani, the company grossed profitable business in all the territories in India. The second production from the company a thriller Ek Hasina Thi, starring Urmila Matondkar and Saif Ali Khan was released in January 2004. Its latest release, Ab Tak Chappan, was out on 27 February 2004.

    K Sera Sera will be releasing seven-eight more films from its stable in the next financial year 2004-2005. The company has chalked out detailed plans and is plans to produce 10 films in a period of two and half years, in association with Sahara India Pariwar and Varma Corp in a Rs 350 million joint venture. 
    Production company K Sera Sera has announced an impressive annual performance. After the annual meeting of the board of directors, held on 4 May 2004, the company announced that for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 April 2004, the turnover of the K Sera Sera production Ltd stood at Rs 240 million.

    K SERA SERA CLOCKS NET PROFIT RS 35.7MN

    K Sera Sera has announced an impressive annual performance. After the annual meeting of the board of directors, held on 4 May 2004, the company announced that for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 April 2004, the turnover of the K Sera Sera production Ltd stood at Rs 240 million. 

    For the same period the company reported a profit of Rs 57.6 million and after tax of Rs 35.7 million. The company has also declared dividend of Rs 1 that is 10 per cent.

    Said Pamani, “We have had a terrific year. Owing to the fabulous synergy that we have with our creative partners Varma Corp, we are hoping for a great year ahead. While this year we recorded Rs 240 million turnover for the financial year 2003-2004, we are aiming at Rs 750 million for next fiscal. As of 31 March 2004, there has been no pending investor grievance or debt.”

  • After Iraani, political bug bites Sudha Chandran, Aman Varma

    After Iraani, political bug bites Sudha Chandran, Aman Varma

    MUMBAI: First it was film stars, now its television stars who are fast scrambling into politics these days. Earlier this year, it was television’s ideal ‘bahu’ Smriti Z Iraani who joined the BJP and was appointed the vice president of the party’s youth wing.

    Looks like another two from telly land have followed suit. Television’s ideal vamp (if there is any such thing) Sudha Chandran (better known as Ramola Sikand of Kaahin Kissii Roz) and Aman Varma are the latest entrants into the field of politics.

    Will the focus be on the ‘bindies’ or the rallies??

    Chandran joined the BJP in the presence of party president Venkaiah Naidu at the party office in Mumbai late yesterday evening. Speaking to indiantelevision.com about the latest development, Chandran explained that it happened all of a sudden. There was a rumour in October last year about her joining politics, but that’s just what it was – a rumour.

    Said Chandra, “Nothing was finalised in October. I had only been talking to Parab Alvani (Corporator, Ward No.91), Vinod Pawde (BJP official) and Sureshnan (President, South Indian Cell, BJP). They had asked me if I was interested in joining the party. After getting my nod, they did not revert to me, but apparently, they had kept my name on their discussion table while talking to Mr Venkaiah for the past few months. As for me, I was approached only yesterday to attend the press conference at the BJP office. Midway through the conference, I was inducted into the party.”

    Shooting presently for four shows – Kahiin Kissii Roz, Tum Bin, Zameen Se Aasman Tak and Karma, the lady refused to agree that she needed to inform the producers before she took the splash in politics. “I am sure that my work will not be hampered by my political agenda. That’s all what matters,” she quipped.

    Furthermore, Chandran said that her entry into politics was a dream come true for her parents and herself. “Ever since I became a public figure, courtesy the film Nache Mayuri and Ekta’s serial Kaahin Kissi Roz, my parents and I were keen to do something worthwhile for the welfare of the handicapped. There are several issues which I am going to take up in this regard. Like, there are reserved seats for the handicapped in buses and trains, but the public has not been educated enough to refrain from using these reservations until and unless they fall in the handicapped category. It is difficult for a normal person to understand the pain and anguish that a handicapped feels.”

    Chandran is a classic case of inner resolve. She overcame her disability caused by an accident, with the help of a prosthetic ‘Jaipur Foot’ to become one of India’s most highly acclaimed dancers. “I think the message to be driven home about the welfare of the handicapped will be easier if I take up the reins; the identification factor will be easier,” she said.

    Is the lady open to contesting elections? She replied, “Anytime. I have left everything in the party’s hands. As and when they want, I will serve the nation in whatever manner they want me to.”

    When asked what was ‘amazing’ about BJP (Chandran was quoted in a leading daily that she found BJP to be an amazing party), she replied, “When Congress ruled, India was a land of scarcities. And, Congress ruled for five decades. Today, India is a plentiful land. The gestation period for commodities is over- the queues outside ration shops is gone, telephonic landlines can be acquired in a short time. With BJP at the helm of affairs, the day is not far off when people from abroad will be rushing to work in India.”
    Aman ka jaddo chalega kya?

    To join the two leading ladies of television in the BJP is actor Aman Varma (Anupam Kapadia of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) who is readying himself for politics.

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Varma said, “I am meeting Pramod Mahajan in this month and then we’ll take it from there. I am interested in politics and I would not rule out contesting the elections in future, but not the forthcoming one.” In a lighter vein he quipped, “Neta aur abhineta mein jyada farak nahin hai. Abhineta mein se abhi nikal do, woh neta ban jata hai.” (There is not much difference between an actor and a politician. If you take out the word ‘abhi’ from the word ‘abhineta’, meaning actor, it would read as ‘neta’, meaning politician).

    Arvind Trivedi and Deepika Chikalia have been two TV actors who had joined politics, but faded away. Whether Iraani, Chandran, Varma and their ilk can rise above the occasion, remains to be seen.

    Several things can be derived from this latest development. One – Either the BJP needs these actors for political gains. Two – the TV actors are really inclined to genuinely serving their country. Three – the TV actors have some lucrative deal with the BJP party. Whatever said and done, the age-old saying – Politics makes strange bedfellas – seems to be proving right yet again.

  • Toyota’s ‘touch and try’ ad mantra

    TV stars Amarr Upadhyay and Aman Varma belong to the 100,000 happy customer club of Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM). More importantly, they are very willing to endorse the company’s brands too.

    Also part of the club are celebrities like Bollywood actress Preeti Jhangiani, south Indian actress Urvashi, ex-cricket administrator Raj Singh Dungarpurkar, lawyer-cum-activist Nana Chudasama, singer SP Balasubramaniam among others.

    In September 2003, automobile major TKM crossed the 100,000 vehicle production milestone in India – within four years of the launch of its Indian operations. The automobile manufacturer has announced the launch of a special limited edition Qualis FS with enhanced features to commemorate the occasion.

    In line with the global Toyota initiatives on advanced technology, TKM also plans to leverage Toyota Motor Corporation’s (TMC) association with the Formula One (F1) circuit. TMC is one of the few corporate entities to participate in F1 racing as a full constructor that includes development of all the important elements such as chassis, engine and suspension.

    The company has launched merchandise around the theme as well as a microsite called www.toyota-f1.com. The interactive microsite has detailed news, views and blogs on the theme of F1 racing, to familiarise itself to Indian enthusiasts too.

    Here, we take a look at the advertising and marketing strategy undertaken by the company in India since 2000…

    TKM’s ad spend proportionately hiked to achieve future targets:
    TKM has invested Rs 9 billion in its plant at Bidadi in Karnataka. The joint venture company’s advertising budget has skyrocketed from Rs 140 million in the year 2000 to Rs 430 million in 2003.

    TKM managing director Atsushi Toyoshima proudly announced that the joint venture (JV) company has rolled out its 100,000th domestically-produced vehicle within three years of its launch in India.

    “At present, we produce and sell around 45,000 vehicles per annum and expect to cross the 200,000-mark within two years. We might consider launching a large-volume small car in the near future but the present focus will be on Qualis, Corolla and Camry,” says Toyoshima. He also claims that the JV company currently has 2,300 employees as compared to 850 in 2000.

    Talking about the future, TKM vice chairman Vikram Kirloskar says, “The reductions in the excise duties announced during Budget 2003-04 and the good monsoons have fuelled the growth of India’s automobile industries. In fact, the domestic auto industry has grown by 17 per cent. By 2010, the Indian market will touch volumes of 1.7 million units and TKM will be well-positioned to grab a sizable chunk of the market.

    Globally, Toyota Motors has set a target of grabbing 15 per cent of the world automobile sales by 2010.”

    TKM strategy since launch:
    While unveiling the Qualis FS, Kirloskar made a presentation about the strategy undertaken by TKM in India. Here, we present some excerpts:

    * Our success story signifies unrelenting attention on two pillars – customer-focus and quality. Our elaborate market research conducted prior to the launch showed that Indian customers desired a novel driving experience. Customers also sought spacious cars and enhanced driving comfort.

    * Our campaign “We have 100 answers” focused on perfection at the dealer end. We made it clear that our network would give priority to every wish and command of the customers.

    * Our company conducts extensive market research programmes on values and customer benefits. Customer benefit is the central theme of our communication.

    * Way back in 11 January 2000, we came up with our “Touch and Try” campaign. The TV commercials launched during that phase was the salesman practising 100 answers.

    The Toyota “Your life is the inspiration behind Qualis” ad campaign

    * The essence of the next campaign was “Your life is the inspiration behind Qualis”. We wanted to target different customer segments with our “Where are you going?” campaign. The TV commercial showed vignettes of rural and urban India – glimpses from places in Uttar Pradesh (where consumers sought spacious cars); Kerala (consumers sought flexible seating); Goa (where consumers sought “easy to drive” vehicles) and Karnataka (easy to manoeuvre).

    * The next campaign was “Touch the perfection”. The consumer focus remained constant even during the launch of models like Corolla and Camry.

    *The company has established 40 state-of-the-art 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) dealerships throughout the country to provide the maximum-possible customer care and satisfaction.

    * Recently, when we touched the 100,000 mark, we asked our customers whether they would like to testify and endorse our automobile brands. We received an overwhelming response from people from all walks of life – TV and film personalities, cricketers, businessmen, singers, self-employed professionals amongst others.

    Kirloskar, for one, is pretty upbeat about their marketing and advertising approach and so are his colleagues!

    Advertising strategy reaped rich dividends:
    While speaking to indiantelevision.com, TKM marketing director Satoshi Aoki says, “The sales have grown exponentially from 21,785 units in 2000 to 25,050 units in 2002. In 2003, we are targetting 34,000 units and have already sold 20,055 till August 2003. We have 40 per cent of the MPV (multi-purpose vehicles) segment in 2003.”

    Toyota
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    No of units sold
    21,785
    28,022
    25,050
    20,055 (till August)
    Market share
    35.1 %
    40%
    37.6%
    40%

    Aoki also adds that the target audience is people in the age-group 30-45 years; businessmen, self-employed professionals with an income of Rs 600,000 to 800,000 per annum; those who drive between 40-50 kms a day.

    “Our research showed that they are seeking an eight-seater at an affordable price – high comfort multi-utility vehicle at a low-operating cost. Therefore, we launched the special edition Qualis FS model.”

    When asked about competition, TKM deputy general manager (marketing division) B Ashish Kumar says, “Competition comes from MPVs like Scorpio (Mahindra and Mahindra), Tata Sumo and Safari, C-segment cars like Accent and Honda City. However, a telling comment on our dominance will be the fact that we have a 46 per cent market share in Maharashtra whereas Scorpio has a 22 per cent share – incidentally, the state is M&M’s home turf.”

    While adding that the same is true for other brands, Ashish Kumar says, “We have a waiting period for all our brands including Corolla and Camry because customers prefer certain colours and shades too. More importantly, we focus on supporting dealers and the direct marketing campaign revolves around the dealers.”

    The recently launched Toyota Corolla (C segment) has clocked sales of 5,248 units between February and August 2003. The Camry, Toyota’s three-box sedan, launched in October 2002 has sold 812 units till date. The company will embark upon a month-long multimedia campaign from 15 September to 15 October.

    Starting 15 September, TKM will launch a special ad campaign for selling 1,000 units of the special limited eight-seater Qualis FS edition that will cost Rs 632,310 (ex-showroom; L3 model without EGR) and Rs 655,320 (ex-showroom L4 with EGR). The Qualis FS limited edition comes with a sleek new full-body stripe to add a touch of style; imposing front grill guard for a powerful front profile; silver metallic dashboard panelling; high mount stop lamp; imported sunshades amongst others.

    Denstu Inc India representative office’s senior client services director Kenji Nogami adds, “This month-long campaign will air on niche channels – sports and news among others. Our regular advertising that revolves around the “emotional appeal” – Live the Qualis life and touch the perfection – will continue post this month-long campaign. In the near future, the F1 campaign will gain prominence.”

    As part of its effort to pamper customers, the company has chalked out a month-long celebration plan for its existing and prospective customers nationally. “These would include exclusive entertainment shows featuring prominent artistes like Sonu Nigam and SP Balakrishnan, service camps special offers and exciting promotions,” says TKM deputy managing director KK Swamy.

    Looks like Qualis proud owners like Aman Varma and gang are in a for a treat!
     
  • No go for the old and the male in soap land?

    No go for the old and the male in soap land?

    It’s a young woman’s world. That truism applies quite firmly on television today and has resulted in a sense of disillusionment amongst the older breed of actors.

    Serials such as Kyuunki, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Lipstick, Kittie Partie and most of the newer ones have one common thread – they tackle female issues. Yesteryear’s TV superstar’s, meanwhile, are having to wait ever-longer for meaningful roles.

    It doesn’t help that producers are increasingly using younger faces citing cost-effectiveness and economies of scale.
    Youngsters (read newcomers) charge less and don’t haggle over the scripts. Eager to make their mark these wannabe stars are mum about script-related anomalies because they cannot risk antagonising the producers.

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/images5/actor1.jpg

    Its a woman’s world in soap land

    Its a woman’s world in soap land

    Left out in the cold, those who can manage it are either shifting loyalities to films, theatre or TV serials in foreign lands such as London and the Middle East. It is a different matter altogether that TV serial directors are also migrating to feature films.

    Aman Varma to appear on silver screen soon.

    Of course, not all are shifting base because of lack of work. some of those who have tasted success on the small screen are gearing up for film debuts. Aman Verma will play Amitabh Bachchan’s eldest son in the forthcoming Bollywood release Baghban. Sandhya Mridul, of Hubahu fame, claims that her role in Saathiya has been appreciated and that her second release Vaisa Bhi Hota Hai with Shashank Ghosh is slated for an April release. She has two more films including one with Rajshri Films.

    Kanwaljit Singh, the good-looking actor who ruled the roost with serials such as Buniyaad, Saans, Family No. 1 has stopped watching serials! He is going slow on TV serial offers and adds that he gets relatively fewer offers today.

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/images5/aman11.jpg

    Aman Varma to appear on silver screen soon.

    Serials are simply not good enough to grab the reduced audience attention span: Kanwaljit Singh

    Singh is critical of the currentdispensation and says: “The serials today are simply not good enough to grab the reduced audience attention span. Producers must realise that the viewers are intelligent people. It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure that they set the tone for audience tastes, likes and dislikes. A lot of work needs to be done on the TV scripts front.”

    Kanwaljit is currently working in films produced by Raveena Tandon and the Nooranis. He was recently shooting in London for a TV series being directed by a Pakistani producer Sevi Ali. He is continues to work in DD serials such as Khushiyaan.

    Viju Khote, another actor who has dabbled in theatre, films and TV, seconds Singh and says: “I feel that the current breed of saas-bahu serials are leading the audiences astray. There is a disorientation between the messages and the target audiences. Whenever, I get a chance, I prefer to watch Discovery, National Geographic, Star World or Zee English.” Khote worked in serials such as Zabaan Sambhal ke, Devrani-Jethani and Aflatoon.

    Khote says that he has stopped accepting new serials as he is tired of repeating himself. He adds that theatre and film offers are far more appealing. Khote has bagged ReelLife Entertainment’s films (Stumped and Pehchaan); Bharat Dabholkar’s new film God Only Knows; and Rajkumar Santoshi’s new film. In fact, several established Marathi actors such as Prashant Damle, who used to work in Marathi TV serials, have shifted their loyalties to Marathi stage. They find it to be more stimulating and the remuneration is on par.

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/images5/kanwal1.jpg

    Serials are simply not good enough to grab the reduced audience attention span: Kanwaljit Singh

    Gaurab Pandey, who has written and directed several telefilms for Star TV and Zee TV, laments: “Every actor must get a fix and believe in the message that is being eventually delivered to the audiences through the medium of TV. If the scripts aren’t in sync with the beliefs of the actors, they are bound to be disillusioned. The older generation of actors who have a theatre background would prefer to do something meaningful.”

    Incidentally, Pandey has shifted loyalties to Bollywood despite clarifying that good content is equally appealing on the big screen as well as on the small one.

    There are writers who have made efforts to push male characters to the centre of attention. Rajesh Joshi scriptwriter Kyunkii Saas bhi kabhi Bahu thi and Kasautii Zindagi Kay adds: “In my serials, I have male characters as important as the female character. If not so, then why is it that Mihir’s character in Kyunkii.. and Anurag’s character in Kasautii… are so popular with the audiences.”

    “I think the male characters are unhappy because in other serials the writers have chosen not to give the male characters a fair weightage due to the popularity the female leads enjoy,” Joshi adds.

    Mahesh Thakur:I am not prepared to play second fiddle all the time.

    Mahesh Thakur, an ace actor who has won accolades for his performances in hit serials like Sailaab, Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai, Tu Tu Main Main to name a few, is digruntled with the television industry.”I think we are going overboard with the saas-bahu sagas. Female dominated scripts don’t have anything susbstantial for the male actors. I am not prepared to play second fiddle all the time” he asserts.

    Thakur has just one serial called Shararat, the latest sitcom on Star Plus in hand. ” I don’t believe in going about looking out for roles. The roles come to me.I am keen on acting in movies,”says Thakur who was part of the multi starrer Bollywood blockbuster Hum Saath Saath Hain.

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/images5/maheshthakur3.jpg

    Mahesh Thakur:I am not prepared to play second fiddle all the time.

    “The elder generation of actors would definitely prefer theatre. I agree with the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier when he says that television is a writer’s medium, films are a director’s medium and theatre is an actor’s medium. Episode after episode are churned out at a break-neck speed. In television, there is no time and space for actors to prepare themselves or get into the skin of the character,” says director Govind Menon who has directed and worked in feature films such as Danger, Kaalapani, Halo and Khwahish.

    Menon has studied the shifts in actors perceptions about the TV medium during his media projects. He has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Film Studies at the Middlebury College, Vermont, USA; and post-graduated with a Master of Arts in Film Directing, Department of Radio Television and Film, University of Texas, Austin, USA.

    “Television as a medium has dried up. The same tear-jerkers and family dramas do the rounds,” says TV serial director and ad filmmaker Sridhar Rangavan who has to his credit serials such as Rishtey and Gubbare, and is making his first feature film Gulabi Aaina.

    The question being asked in creative circles is whether TV channels are trying to squeeze the “saas-bahu” themes dry or whether they will experiment with male-oriented issues.

    One also wonders whether the phenomenon is restricted to the C&S channels because the national broadcaster DD seems to be doing different things coupled with the social message element.

    BR TV managing director Ravi Chopra says: ” Aap Beeti, which has broken all records doesn’t belong to the ‘saas-bahu’ genre. It has beaten Kyuunki.. and Kahaani.. in the ratings race. Our content combines entertainment with a social message that is apt for the existing social framework. Our serials have something different to say irrespective of the genre they belong to. Even the mythological serials also attempt to deliver social awareness messages that are relevant in contemporary times.”

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/images5/sandyamridull.jpg

    I started feeling tired of being repetitive: Sandya Mridul

    I started feeling tired of being repetitive: Sandya Mridul

    It is not just the males who are disillusioned. Sandhya Mridul is currently in the midst of a 6-month break from television serials and says: “I have had a long 5-year stint in the TV industry. I had done whatever could be done in terms of comedy, sitcoms and other genres. I started feeling tired of being repetitive. I had lost a lot of good ‘film’ opportunities due to my hectic schedule of TV-related shootings,” she adds.

    The younger breed of actresses seen in the serials produced by top production houses slog day and night but in private admit that they don’t believe in some of the scripts they are given. They are also afraid to protest against the system due to fears of losing their source of income.