ITV

Tag: Superhit Muqabla

  • ‘We are now focused on growing other businesses’ : Akash Khurana – Nimbus Communications MD and CEO

    Quaint wooden swings and benches strewn between potted plants dot the terrace that overlooks Dr. Akash Khurana’s neat and sleek office in the refurbished building recently christened Nimbus Centre in suburban Mumbai.

    Downstairs, the hum of workers giving finishing touches to the post production facilities and studios that will drive a large part of the software house’s expansion plans is a constant reminder that Nimbus is growing, and bigger still. But even though the gentle breeze that sways the leaves outside beckon to creativity, Khurana turns his swivel chair the other way, and gets down to the more serious business of running Nimbus. Meet Akash Khurana, scriptwriter, actor, HRD professor and, MD and CEO of Nimbus Communications.

    A year after taking charge at the helm, Khurana has eased in well into each of the roles he continues to play with finesse. The promised facilities at Nimbus have almost all come up, Nirvana Television, the subsidiary spun off to service satellite channels is raring to go, and Nimbus’ movie division is ready with its first Hindi feature film.

    In a chat with indiantelevision.com‘s Aparna Joshi, Khurana spoke of his experiences of the year gone by, his projections for the growth of Nimbus and his hopes for the television industry.

    Excerpts –

    How would you trace the growth of Nimbus as a company?
    The history of Nimbus could be traced as an opening of avenues for the entire industry. Nimbus created huge capabilities of risk taking, particularly in the sponsored programme arena. We built a strong leadership position, which continues till today, despite competition. With a history of pioneering behind us, the key thrust now is on the development of new businesses.

    It was Nimbus which initiated the practice of adding value to television programming, which can be especially tricky with a state owned channel. The first sign of corporatisation of Doordarshan, as it were, in the area of air time sales, was catalyzed by Nimbus. Then again, on DD, Superhit Muqabla was one instance of milestone programming that we set. All this made us a specialist on advertiser/sponsor led channels.After that, of course, it became a business opportunity for everybody. But even after 15 years, we still dominate the space, in content creation as well as marketing.

    We will soon have two new shows on DD National Network and given Nimbus’ national presence and continuing association with Doordarshan, we are also marketing shows like Hawayein and Shaktimaan on the DD national network. Nimbus is also present on the Trivandrum DD channel with the No. 1 daily soap, Allakal.

    Does regional television figure high on Nimbus’ agenda as well?
    We were the ones to start a new genre in the South with Shakti, that launched on Sun TV, making it the first of the ‘mega serials’ that later spawned a whole lot of similar shows down South.

    More recently, Nagamma, a socio-mythological currently in its 3rd year has been among the Top 3 shows on Gemini TV. It was launced on a sunday night slot, which was traditonally considered to be a low viewing and unpopular slot. And the success of Nagamma in Telugu, prompted us to remake the same programme in kannada, which has now been on air for more than 12 weeks and continues to be among the Top 3 shows on Udaya TV.

    Apart from a major participation through programmes in the South, we have produced programmes for other regional channels as well. We did Indradhanush for Alpha Marathi.
    No broadcaster is being ruled out as we plan a major thrust in satellite television software.

    And to drive this business forward, we have recently floated a subsidiary Nirvana Television, that would cater to and create programming specially for satellite channels.

    How has Nirvana Television been active in its sphere of operations?
    Nirvana has made a systematic entry into the satellite arena by providing creative direction and software expertise to television events like Femina Miss India, the Zee Cine Awards in Dubai, Zee’s India’s Best….

    Apart from this, a diverse range of shows are being developed. We are working with some great talent on our new shows, and are looking forward to an association with more creative people in all departments. Developing the comedy genre, in particular, would be a major challenge that we would like to take up. We have already commenced production of a show in this genre.
    How has the last year been for you?
    It’s been a learning, and a challenge. On the one hand, thus far, I have been perceived as a creative person, or as an HR management person. On the other hand, as CEO, interacting with every division and department in the company, and the wearing of more than one hat, has been an interesting journey for me. I’m sure in the entertainment industry, it’s a dream assignment for anyone to combine creative talents with managerial skills, although it does call for effective time and task management, more than anything else.

    What are Nimbus’ plans on the film production front?
    Sarhad Paar, starring Sanjay Dutt, is almost ready for release. We have already made a mark in Marathi cinema with Ek Hoti Vaadi, and are also toying with the idea of making another Telugu film. Aziz Mirza and Raj Kanwar have been signed as directors for making films in Hindi.

    We are also going to be expanding our international network in a major way in the coming days. We already have a representative in Los Angeles, who is working on alliances with Hollywood studios. Plans are already on to make international feature films.

    Is the broadcast industry a better place than it was say five years ago?
    It’s interesting the way channels have matured in the last five years. Today, there is far more science and sanity in evaluating programmes. No doubt, even the channels have had their setbacks, and today, survival for broadcasters has become serious business. But importantly, there is far more collaboration and trust between channels and production houses.

    “We are not interested in increasing the head count in the organization for the sake of it. What we are interested in is taking on people who are willing and able to multi-task”

    But are channels willing to experiment and innovate?
    It’s happening, but slowly. There has to be an audience that is willing to experiment, too. There is evolving a set of viewers that is willing to try out everything. There are niche viewers who will be thrilled by innovation.

    Where will the innovation come from? Are there good concepts and scripts being evolved?
    There are, but there is a further need for these. Which is why, a course like Qalam (the annual scriptwriting workshop organised by Indiantelevision.com, spearheaded by Dr Khurana) is needed. It has good people supporting its cause as well as a good faculty, and it enables me, on a personal level, to be able to give back a little of what I have taken from the world. In fact, creating people who are creative is creativity, too!

    Is there a good actors’ pool available to the industry to implement the innovative concepts that broadcasters would be willing to try?
    It’s a reality that there are hardly any good training schools or workshops for actors. Besides, most actors of this generation are not interested in knowing anything beyond the scenes that concern them, and are not involved in the learning process. In fact, a combination of passion and capability is a must for a good actor.

    It was last year that Nimbus launched itself in a new ‘lean, mean, keen’ avatar. What exactly does it stand for?
    Exactly what it says. The total Nimbus staff strength worldwide stands at 75. We are not interested in increasing the head count in the organization for the sake of it. What we are interested in is taking on people who are willing and able to multi-task.

    The word ‘mean’ in the slogan however, has no negative connotations, but implies that we are as driven as we are passionate about our work. And anyone who delivers on these counts gets immediate rewards and recognition.

    Recently, we have redefined certain leadership roles in the Nimbus top management: Sunil Manocha, who has had the longest tenure at Nimbus is now Executive Vice President, Television and Sports, Raju Udupa will head air time sales as Vice President, Marketing, and head of production James Rego has been promoted to Vice President, Sports Television.

    Seasonal businesses like cricket have driven Nimbus’ revenues to a major extent.
    Our attempt is to reduce the peaks and troughs in our businesses, and aim for linear and exponential upward growth. We are now focused on growing other businesses, which is why we created Nirvana Television, and are also focused on expanding our motion pictures division. All this is with an eye on the mission we have set for ourselves – the goal of becoming a billion dollar company by 2010.

     

  • 250 not out: Simone Singh basks in Heena’s success

    250 not out: Simone Singh basks in Heena’s success

    MUMBAI: On November 7, Henna on Sony TV will complete 250 episodes. And who can be happier about the show’s success than it’s lead protagonist Simone Singh!
     

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Singh says, “It is a great feeling to be part of a show which has run successfully for so long. The fact that the show has come so far clearly exemplifies that it has created a loyal viewership base.”

    Singh started her television career with A Mouthful of Sky, an Indian English show on DD Metro. She went on to do popular serials like Swabhimaan, Superhit Muqabla, Chitrahaar, Sea Hawks and Hello Friends, among others.

    Over the past five years, Singh has won several awards and nominations for the Best Actress for her title role in Henna. Another feather in her cap was when she was nominated as the Most Stylish Female on Television at the MTV Style Awards 2003.

    Today, Singh is extremely choosy about her work. “Television actors are working 14 hours a day, for 30 days a month. I don’t want to be a part of such hectic schedules. Leave aside social life, where would that leave my family life?” she asks.

    Singh believes that working for so long robs an actor of his acting capabilities. “One tends to stagnate, no matter how hard he may try not to,” she opines.

    While Singh looks forward to get into films sometime in the future, she does not seem to be in a hurry to bag a role. “I will do films if the roles and the people are good,” she says.

    However, Singh has dabbled in a few movies – like Ek Rishta, Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham, Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya Hai, Sur and Sssshhh… (Cinevistaas first home-production which released last week) – albeit in cameo roles. She will also make a guest appearance in Karan Johar’s Kal Ho Naa Ho (co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan) which is expected to hit the theatres on 28 November.

    On television, Singh has grabbed Aandhi – the next series on the on-going Chausatth Panne in Zee TV. Aandhi will be aired from 16 November. In this series, Singh plays a girl who has to conceal her identity, because she lives under the misconception that she has killed her boyfriend accidentally. Aandhi will also see Aamir Khan’s brother, Faisal Khan making a debut on television.

  • “”Earlier, acting in serials had a certain charm and exclusivity”

    “”Earlier, acting in serials had a certain charm and exclusivity”

     

    Krutika Desai – a Cancerian-Gemini cusp, whose linguistic skills and liberalised outlook complement her dusky sensuous look.

    Liberalised because on-screen as well as off it, she has strayed from the routine to plunge into unknown terrain. Still, she is conservative at heart and more of a family person. Krutika gives a lot of importance to family values but she admits that her near ones too sometimes don’t understand her; perhaps shades of eccentriciity often associated with her star-sign!

    Desai was one of the early birds who jumped into the TV bandwagon during what she calls was boom time in the 1980s. Some of the serials she has worked on are Buniyaad, Chandrakanta, Zameen Aasmaan, Kismet, Hungama, Superhit Muqabla, A Mouthful of Sky and Mansi. Desai has done two feature films – one in Hindi and another in Bengali. She will be traveling to Israel for an English cross-over film in February 2003. She admits that she would love to do more feature films but wants to restrict her appearance on theatre and TV shows.

    However, Desai has been appreciated in the role of Roopali Roopchand (Zee’s Lipstick) and Devanshi (Sony’s Kkusum) and her fan mail seems to be increasing day by day. Desai spoke to indiantelevision.com’s Ashwin Kotian. Excerpts:
     
     

    Tell us about ‘Lipstick’? How did you bag the role?
    Lipstick, the name itself is daringly different. It is a never-before show on Indian television. It was conceived with the intent of shocking the middle class sensibilities and presenting an unadulterated view of the upper class.

    It was a bold theme and telecast appropriately in the 11 pm time slot. It is a departure from the run-of-the-mill fare and examined various issues like homosexuality and extramarital relationships.

    Zee is very particular about the actors who are chosen for roles in the serials telecast on the channel. For the role of Roopali in Lipstick, Shrishti Arya (the producer) had already shot some scenes with two different actors.

    Zee’s programming team wasn’t happy with the results and they urged Shrishti to look for someone else. The character Rupali is a pretty complex one – never played on TV before. It is the role of a fading actress who is on her way down. But she never accepts defeat and tries her best to rise to the top. It was then that the producers approached me.
     

    “Roopali is a vain and hysterical woman. Unwilling to accept middle age and maturity gracefully. Roopali is known for her promiscuity and drinking problem”

    Krutika Desai on her role in ‘Lipstick’
     

    Can you tell us about your character Roopali in ‘Lipstick’?
    Roopali Roopchand is a star – in the true sense of the word. She comes from a traditional middle class family and has paid dearly for her success. But it was a price she did not mind paying.

    Till recently the most sought after heroined in the industry, today she finds newcomers like Kanchan Kumari have taken over her mantle.But Roopali is not prepared to let go. She thinks she can pull her career for another 10 years at least.

    Roopali is a vain and hysterical woman, who is unwilling to accept middle age and maturity gracefully. Roopali is known for her promiscuity and drinking problem. She uses her connections in gossip columns to make headlines for herself, and to spread malice for others.

    She thinks gossip will make her look younger in the eyes of the public. She is on the verge of schizophrenia and is paranoid about grey hair and wrinkling skin. Mention of younger actresses can send her into a flying temper. Her tantrums are growing by the day and she is losing her grip on her career.
     

    What kind of effort went into the creating the persona for Roopali?
    Zee’s programming team, the producer, the fashion designer Fabiya and I experimented a lot with the look and feel of the character. In the beginning, we decided to adopt a western look. Later, we decided to try out the Indian look with a saree.

    We decided to use a lot of jewellery and different wigs. When the programming team saw the rushes, they liked me in a saree as it depicted someone who is modern as well as traditional in the same vein.

    Finally, we crystallized on a mix in which I wore sarees, sleeveless blouses and several additional props. It is indeed how a modern Indian woman looks, talks and behaves.

    The efforts that we made have been successful and the audience identifies with my depiction of the role. I have received feedback that the audience actually waits for my scenes. Even today, there are so many twists and turns as the character is evolving. Rupali has become more involved with the new man in her life.
     

    “By TV standards, it was a bold thing to do..”

    Krutika on the scene in ‘Lipstick’ where she is accosted by an intruder while taking a shower
     

    Can you recount any memorable incident that happened during the shooting of ‘Lipstick’?
    I still remember the second day of shooting in the first schedule. The scene involved my character Roopali being accosted by an intruder while she is taking a shower.

    By TV standards, it was a bold thing to do and my producers made it clear that they would go ahead with the scene only with my permission. I was apprehensive initially but changed my mind later. I felt that there is a need to try out new and different things. Someone would do it for television eventually, so why couldn’t I don the mantle of ushering in something offbeat?

    The shoot happened in a small AC studio and the water had become too cold for comfort. When the scene started rolling, I realized that the water was actually freezing. Within minutes, my teeth were chattering and my director Bhushan rushed to me with a towel. He was afraid that I would get pneumonia and wanted to complete the sequence as soon as possible.

    Two cameras were used and mercifully my co-actor also cooperated. Later on, I got a congratulatory call from Bhushan who was seeing the rushes at the editing table. He told me that it was fabulous scene and I had delivered exactly what he had in mind.
     
    Tell us about your recent entry into the ‘Kkusum’ storyline, which has been hyped up in the promos?
    In Kkusum, my character Devanshi keeps everyone guessing. Devanshi took viewers by surprise when she arrived on the scene almost suddenly. Even now, my fans and people I meet ask me whether I am linked to Siddarth or Vikas Bhalla or someone else. There is a certain amount of intrigue and mystique around Devanshi. Sometimes, she appears so very nice and good; at other times, she seems to be conniving and manipulating. At any point of time, she seems to have something up her sleeve. Balaji’s creative team and the producer Ekta Bahri have really worked hard on the character, her portrayal, her look and the hype around her entry. Here again, the look is very traditional but glamourous – and I use a lot of heavy jewellery.
     

    “My life doesn’t revolve around acting as I feel that there are different dimensions to my persona”

    Krutika on herself
     

    Are you different from the characters you portray?
    I am passionate about my home and my privacy. My life doesn’t revolve around acting as I feel that there are different dimensions to my persona.

    There is a broader spectrum which includes my hobbies like reading, cooking and traveling. I see myself as a housewife, as a mother as much as I see myself as an actress.

    I have become very selective in choosing my roles. I love wearing western clothes – preferably jeans, T-shirts and tracks. I don’t like frills. I love traveling and getting glimpses into the diverse cultures of places I visit. For instance, I would love to go to Egypt as against New York. I would love to go to Northern Thailand; basically I am a mountain person and not a beach person. I enjoy taking long walks in the forests and spending my time amidst nature.I also love river rafting as I find it to be a stimulating experience.

    As far as food is concerned, I am vegetarian and stay away from fried food. I love cooking and try out different recipes; but I prefer to eat simple plain food.
     

    Have things changed since you started your TV stint?
    Seven years ago, things were very different. It was peak time in terms of money and job satisfaction. There were fewer channels – primarily DD1 and DD metro channels; lesser serials and everyone used to watch the serials on air. Acting in serials had a certain charm and exclusivity.

    Due to all these reasons, there was a greater amount of fame and star value – as we used to call it. People who acted in those serials were major stars and became famous almost overnight. In those days, I used to work on as many as seven shows on DD and later Zee – Buniyaad, Chandrakanta, Zameen Aasmaan, Kismet, Hungama, Superhit Muqabla, A Mouthful of Sky and Mansi.

    These days, everyone is doing TV and serials are dime a dozen. Everybody doesn’t watch all the serials – some people don’t watch anything at all and have shifted loyalties to other types of shows.

    The working conditions have deteriorated. Earlier, we used to have our own make-up man, attendant and room. Currently, TV actors don’t get even the basic amenities; unless they demand and bargain for a better deal from the producers.

    Earlier we used to do three to four scenes and in the present scenario, eight or even nine scenes are the order of the day. There is so much more stress that one can actually feel it. The difference in attitude is so clearly visible in terms of the hectic pace of work – everything and everyone seems to suggest “Do it fast and then take on more work”!
     

    “The working conditions have deteriorated. Earlier we used to have our own make-up man, attendant and room. Currently, TV actors and actresses don’t get even the basic amenities; unless they demand and bargain a better deal from the producers”

    Krutika on how things have changed in the TV industry
     

    What are the current projects you are working on?
    Last year, I did a Gujarati play Shodh Pratishodh which won rave reviews and accolades from the masses as well as the classes. We did 125 shows in four months – a record by itself. I plan to do one play every year but I shall be very selective about my roles and characters.

    I have done two films Insaaf (mainstream commercial film) and a Bengali film Dastak (very different and offbeat). I shall be going off to Israel to shoot for an English feature film. It’s about an Indian couple settling down in an alien country and coping with the differences in culture. On TV, I am currently working with Zee and Sony. There are some offers and I am exploring the opportunities.