Actress Poonam Shende shines in new web series 'Naam Gum Jaayega'

Poonam Shende, a rising star in the entertainment industry, has landed a pivotal role in the new web series "Naam Gum Jaayega",directed by Akshay Singh and produced and written by Behnashika Das. The series promises to be a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and mystery. In " Naam Gum Jaayega ", Poonam Shende portrays Radhika, the wife of a dedicated police inspector played by Rahul Singh. Radhika, a fashion designer, puts her career on hold due to her husband's frequent transfers. The character navigates the emotional complexities of feeling neglected due to her husband's intense commitment to solving a critical bomb blast case. In a twist, Radhika's conversation with a journalist friend inadvertently causes complications in the investigation, but she ultimately plays a crucial role in helping to resolve the case.
Poonam shared her journey to securing the role, revealing that she initially auditioned for two parts: a police officer (Rahul Singh's assistant) and Radhika. "After seeing both auditions, they selected me for Radhika's character. Working on this series has been an incredible experience," she said. Despite being a newcomer compared to her experienced co-stars, Poonam felt welcomed and supported on set. "All these actors are very much experienced in the industry, but I didn't feel that way. They were extremely cooperative, and I learned a lot being with them," she remarked.
Poonam highlighted her rehearsal sessions with Rahul Singh, noting his impressive filmography, including "Zubeidaa" with Karishma Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee, and "Airlift" with Akshay Kumar. "Rahul shared his experiences on set, which was very motivating," she added.Additionally, Poonam expressed her gratitude towards Romiit Raj, who shared his extensive television experience and provided valuable guidance. "Romiit is very nice. He shared all his serial experiences and guided me for work," she said.
Reflecting on her time on " Naam Gum Jaayega," Poonam expressed her fortune at working with such a talented cast and the immense learning and motivation she gained. "I really feel fortunate that I got to work with them and got a lot of motivation and learning," she concluded." Naam Gum Jaayega" is set to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and strong performances, particularly from Poonam Shende, whose portrayal of Radhika promises to leave a lasting impact.

For the character of Lavanya, I can only envision Jennifer Winget: Bhaweeka Chaudhary

Bhaweeka Chaudhary, who is currently seen as Lavanya in Sargun Mehta and Ravie Dubey’s Badall Pe Paon Hai, which is produced under their banner Dreamiyata Entertainment Private Limited, says her idol is late Irfan Khan, however, for her ongoing role she has taken inspiration from Jennifer Winget. “When it comes to my craft, I consider Irrfan Khan as my idol. However, for the character of Lavanya, I can only envision Jennifer Winget. She has portrayed powerful characters with a strong screen presence, making her the perfect inspiration for this role,” she said. 
Speaking of Irrfan Khan, she said, “I find immense inspiration in Irrfan Khan’s work, particularly in his portrayal in the movie Madaari. One scene, in particular, stands out to me: the moment when his character receives the devastating news of his son’s passing. What struck me was the remarkable one-take performance he delivered.” “His portrayal captures the raw emotion, pain, and restlessness of the character, allowing the audience to deeply connect with him. It’s a brilliant performance that showcases his exceptional talent and commitment to his craft,” she added. 
Bhaweeka has a very structured process when it comes to approaching a new role.She said, “When I approach a new role, I follow a structured process to fully immerse myself in the character. First, I thoroughly read the script to understand the story and the character’s place within it. I analyze the character’s background, motivations, relationships, and development throughout the narrative.” 
“I often keep the journal for the character to explore their inner thoughts and feelings which helps in building the deeper connection,” she added.How do you break the monotony of a daily show? “In breaking the monotony of daily soap operas, I aim to redefine television acting. While some argue that web show acting is favored nowadays, I believe we can evoke the same depth and authenticity on television. As actors, we'll portray genuine emotions without resorting to overacting, ensuring viewers feel a real connection with our performances,” she ended.

Chetna Singh: Monotony affects every actor

Actress Chetna Singh, who is part of the show Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehta’s Badal Pe Paon Hai, says that it is very important to not let your role get monotonous when you are part of a daily soap. She adds that it is very important to add something new to your character regularly and learn new things from other actors.
“When it comes to my craft, I look for inspiration everywhere, it’s like any actor whose acting style is inspirational, irrespective of screen time, matters to me. Every time I see a character, I always see how he performs, and how he has built up his character. Recently, I saw Laapata Ladies. I like Deepak’s role and I dream of having the opportunity to act so naturally one day,” she says.
She adds, “Monotony affects every actor. It takes time to break it down. Once you catch the character, you understand how to play the role. It's important to discuss this with the team. Ravi sir and Sargun ma'am are very considerate about everything. Usually, producers don’t consider talking to actors much, but they are truly a big blessing for us. I have also seen producers who don’t talk to the actors. I don’t feel very monotonous because we have so many twists and turns and so much fun on the set.”
Talking about other work that she has loved, she says, “Some time back I had seen Gullak and I thought I wish I could get to do something like that. I want to create a character to which every person can relate. And this character is that. And I feel people will relate a lot.”

I have this extra sensory perception when it comes to the supernatural: Simmer Bhatia

Actor-filmmaker Simmer Bhatia, who has been part of shows like Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, Koi Dil Mein Hai, Kkusum, Salakho Ke Peeche, and movies like Muskaan and Mein Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hun, to name a few, recently released her new short film Pravaah: The Flow, which she has produced, written, and directed. It’s a short movie that actually has a music video based on it called O Bawaare, sung by Vikas Bhalla and beautifully written and composed by Dhruv Dhalla of Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Tere Bin Laden, and the recent Mr. and Mrs. Mahi fame. The music audio is released on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many other music platforms. The music video is released on Vevo on my channel. The movie is presented by Promod Films, a brand in itself with over 50 years in the film industry. Was humbled to have them on board presenting her short movie.
Simmer says that she was humbled to have them on board presenting her short movie. “I have this extrasensory perception when it comes to the supernatural. I have been experiencing a lot of supernatural events. Since I was in 9th grade, I used to write stories. My first horror story was written when I was in 9th grade. I still have that book somewhere. It was freaky. I wanted to make a supernatural movie one day after my second short film. I wanted to bring to light the real supernatural and not just the gory, which is what we usually see in horror movies,” she said.
That’s how her supernatural feature Night Encounters happened. “This is actually more of a psychological, mind-hitting reality. It’s really different from what you usually see. It was selected as a screenplay finalist in the Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival in 2018 and as an official selection in the Indiefest Film Awards in 2018. There were real incidents during the shoot. It was shot in three nights. It was a crazy experience, as nearly everyone had fallen sick during the shoot. It featured Ankur Rathee, Anisa Butt, Sonia Rathee, and others, and was shot in Lonavala. I am in it as an actor too” she added.
Born and raised in Mumbai, Simmer belongs to a business-class family but ended up becoming an actor and filmmaker. She said, “I was a born actor. I was called a drama queen. Ever since my school days, I have loved being in front of the camera. On a serious note, I took drama in school and have loved acting since then. I loved watching all the movies, especially Amitabh Bachchan’s. I used to see movie shoots happening in my society.”
Asked how she got her first project, she said, “After some personal setbacks in 2000 and a phase of depression for nearly two years, I bounced back and decided to try my luck in acting. Coming from a non-filmy background with no contacts, I was still lucky to have done a little work. As I was approaching production houses for serials, ads, and movies, I happened to come across Mr. Vipul Shah when his famous serial Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka was on air on Sony. At that time, they urgently needed a female detective character as an assistant to the late respected Mr. Mohan Bhandari. I remember that as I walked in, he saw me and told his team to cast me. I just gave a two-line audition, and there I got 11 episodes of this popular 1,000-episode running serial on Sony. That’s how my acting journey started,” she added.When asked about her future plans, Simmer said, “I plan to work on web series and OTT films as a writer, director, or both. Additionally, I would love to act again in something interesting, intense, and psycho.”

Chandu Champion's Aniruddh Dave enjoys a Hunky Dory time!

Currently, Aniruddh Dave is seen in the Kartik Aryan starrer Chandu Champion, which is running successfully in theatres. His role in the film has been well-received, adding another feather to his cap and drawing even more attention to his public appearances, such as his recent visit to Hunky Dory.Renowned actor Aniruddh Dave recently graced Hunky Dory, a popular restaurant in Malad, making it a memorable visit for both the establishment and its patrons. Known for his stellar performances on both television and in films, Dave’s presence added a touch of celebrity charm to the already vibrant venue.
Aniruddh Dave was full of praise for Hunky Dory, describing his experience in glowing terms. "Hunky Dory is truly an amazing restaurant! The vibe is perfect, the food is delicious, and the staff is incredibly attentive. The interiors are stunning, creating a wonderful dining atmosphere. Every detail here is just perfect. It's the ideal spot for any occasion, and I'm always excited to come back.!" he shared enthusiastically.
Located in the bustling area of Malad, Hunky Dory has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is renowned for its eclectic menu, offering a wide range of culinary delights that cater to diverse tastes. Hunky Dory caters to an array of cuisines, including North Indian, Asian, Japanese, European, and Continental, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all its guests.
The interiors of Hunky Dory are designed to create an inviting and comfortable ambiance. With stylish decor, cozy seating, and well-thought-out lighting, the restaurant provides a perfect setting for any dining occasion, be it a casual meal with friends, a romantic dinner, or a family gathering.
The staff at Hunky Dory also earned high praise from Aniruddh Dave for their exceptional service. Their attentiveness and friendly demeanor contribute significantly to the overall dining experience, ensuring that each guest feels valued and well-cared for. Hunky Dory continues to solidify its reputation as a must-visit dining destination in Malad. Well Aniruddh Dave was a treat to the eyes of people present too in the restaurant basking in the glory of film's success.

Fashion, to me, is a form of self-expression: Manjari Mishra

Fashion can be tricky, but actor Manjari Mishra, who was seen in the Gujarati film Fuleku, the Bollywood film Rocket Gang, and the short film Main Tumhara, has her opinion clear about that. She said, “Fashion, to me, is a form of self-expression, a way to convey personality, mood, and cultural influences through clothing, accessories, and style choices.” Her comfort clothes are very relaxed outfits, like cozy loungewear and relaxed-fit garments, that make her feel at ease and confident too. But for a date night, she would pick a classic yet stylish outfit, like a little black dress, paired with complementary accessories. 
She believes keeping up with fashion trends can indeed be exhausting, especially with the rapid pace of change. She added, “Actors may feel pressured to stay current to some extent, particularly for public appearances and red carpet events.” Manjari, however, agrees that people can sometimes go overboard with trends and says, “Some people prioritize style over comfort or appropriateness. When deciding what to wear, it's essential to consider the occasion, personal comfort, and individual style preferences while also being mindful of cultural and social norms.”  
As an actor, she is open to embracing characters with diverse fashion senses as part of their craft, showcasing their versatility and ability to inhabit different roles convincingly. She added, “When portraying a character with a different fashion sense, actors may opt for more subdued or character-appropriate attire in public appearances to maintain the authenticity of their role and avoid confusion among fans.”

The place had such incredible vibes: Megha Sharma on visiting Neem Karoli Baba Temple

Baal Krishna and Mahakali—Anth Hi Aarambh Hai actor Megha Sharma was fortunate to have visited the Kainchi Dham—Shri Neem Karoli Baba Ashram. Though it was an impromptu visit, she was glad she could make it. She said, “My visit to Neem Karoli Baba’s temple was completely unplanned. I went to Nainital just to explore, and suddenly I realized that Neem Karoli Baba's ashram was there too. So, I thought, 'Why not visit the place?'"  “My experience was just amazing. The place had such incredible vibes that I can't describe them in words. I felt a deep sense of someone's presence, positivity, and aura. There were moments when I was so moved that I got happy tears, and I definitely shed some there,” she added.
Talking further about the trip, she said, “I went to Neem Karoli Baba's ashram and was sitting there, reading the Hanuman Chalisa. After I finished, I laid the book down. Suddenly, someone came running up to me and insisted that I take the Hanuman Chalisa book with me. I told him that it wasn't mine and that I was just reading it since the books are kept there for everyone to use. But he said they felt compelled to give it to me and asked me to take it as a gift from them. I was a bit surprised but took it, seeing it as a blessing from Neem Karoli Baba.”
“I've kept it safe since then. It was such a sweet and unexpected moment. Nainital itself is beautiful, with amazing vibes. The cool weather was a relief from the heat and made the visit even more relaxing,” she added. For Megha, spiritual experiences are when you shed tears while witnessing or joining your hands in front of God or any spiritual power. She added, “The moment you get tears in your eyes and just feel like crying, I believe that is a true spiritual experience. In this age of Kalyug, where do you actually see God?” 
“I am a very spiritual person in my life. It's mandatory for me to light a diya every morning before leaving the house. No matter how late I wake up, I make sure to bathe and light the lamp first before doing anything else. This has become my new routine,” he added. How do these outings help you balance your life? “These outings are very important to balance anyone's life. For example, while working in Pandya Store, I got tired of the daily routine and schedule. You need time for yourself, and going out on a vacation opens up your mind and motivates you to work ahead. It makes you feel refreshed. Vacations are essential because they help you stay stress-free. When you're less stressed, your mind is more relaxed, allowing you to do better work,” she said.
“As an actor, the more relaxed I am, the better my performance will be. If I work continuously without breaks, the stress will show on my face and affect my performance. Taking vacations helps create a mental and physical balance in your life,” she ended.