It’s like opening a Pandora box: Kajol Tyagi on Paurashpur 3

Kajol Tyagi, who plays a double role as Chandrika and Atishi in ALTT's Paurashpur 3, says the show is full of mysteries and every episode will take the audience through a new twist.“The show is packed with drama, reincarnation storylines, mystery, and secrets waiting to be uncovered, leaving viewers with plenty to ponder. As the story unfolds, all the twists and turns will eventually come together, and the secrets will be revealed, much like opening Pandora's box. The mysteries will be solved, and all the threads will be tied up, keeping viewers engaged and curious until the very end,” she said. 
She confessed that even during the audition, she was drawn to the story and its significance. She added, “Having seen a few scenes from the previous season, I was captivated by the show's aesthetic. Moreover, the concept of reincarnation resonated with me, as I've always been fascinated by the idea of punar janam (rebirth). In fact, Om Shanti Om is one of my favorite movies, and this theme is a big part of why I was so attracted to this project.” 
Paurashpur season 3 is nothing less than a visual spectacle, and Kajol says it’s nothing like what the audience has seen before. “When we create a fantasy or period drama, people often try to draw parallels with similar projects. For instance, Paurashpur and Bahubali are epic stories with cliffhangers like 'Why did Kattapa kill Bahubali?' or 'Why did Snehlata kill Chandrika?'. Such comparisons are inevitable when making projects like these. However, in terms of story and presentation, our project is distinct and unique,” she said. 
But she admits that shooting for it was quite challenging too. She said, The heat was challenging. Working for 12–14 hours a day was demanding enough, but add to that the clothes, jewelry, and the heat from the Masahl. While the costumes and sets looked fantastic on screen, we were literally melting behind the scenes.” “Playing my second role as Atishi was slightly more comfortable, but portraying Chandrika was particularly tough due to the elaborate attire and sweltering conditions,” she added. 
While the first two episodes are already live, the new episodes are streaming on ALTT from May 25 onwards. Talking about the second episode of the series, Kajol said, “The goal was to keep viewers engaged and curious. During filming, I didn't get to see much of what other scenes and storylines were being shot, so I'm also excited to find out what's in store for the next episodes. It's going to be a thrilling experience, discovering the story unfold just like the audience will!”

I keep learning and am still evolving: Gulfam Khan Hussain

Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare actor Gulfam Khan Hussain has been a part of the industry for over two decades now and says every day she learns something new about the craft, which is still evolving. She said, “I learned, and still do, from people, their mannerisms, from actors, from old movie stalwarts.” “I keep learning and am still evolving. I try to study the background of the character too, there is always a backstory."
If you could go back in time, is there any advice you would give your younger self when starting out in this industry? I have a lot of gratitude in me. Life has been very kind, and like everyone else, I have had a few bumps along the way. I would definitely tell my younger self to be more smart and careful when trusting people. I'm still quite gullible, though. Dil se sochti hun,” she added. 
She also revealed that she knew she wanted to become an actor ever since she was a kid. “I have loved films since I remember, I used to imagine being an actor since I was a kid, but as I came from a very strict traditional Muslim background, I never told anyone about this,” she said. However, when she started college, she started acting on stage and coincidentally she also got her first acting assignment, while she was performing a play in the same college auditorium years later. 
Gulfam mentioned that the acting industry is just as difficult and challenging as any other profession, and said, “Nothing comes easy, and when it does come it's more difficult to keep it . Whether it's a superstar or a per day artist, we work very hard to achieve our goals and grow with every assignment.”

Kavitta Verma on dealing with the loss of loved ones

While she achieved great success with her movie Police Giri as well as Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana, actress Kavitta Verma says that life had different plans for her. Unfortunately, she lost her mom, and eventually her dad and even her sister, soon after. Thus, despite great work in films, she took a break and grieved her loss.“I was fortunate to work with such good actors such as Sanjay Dutt. Sometimes, life has a plan for you which you are unaware of. I did get a lot of offers after this film. But unfortunately, a few days after the release of my film, my mom expired and then, after a gap I lost my father, and my sister. This literally left me numb and I lost the courage to get up and perform,” she says.
She adds, “I took a gap and then Covid hit. I took this time to write poetry and my first book called Tanhaiyon Se Rishte got published.” Her poetry became a way for her to heal herself. “Kaala was just a guest appearance but I wrote the title poetry for the same as well. This helped me break the loop of depression and the mindset of loss,” she says.She adds, “I feel no one can pull you out of a deep, despondent mindset, unless you want it yourself. But acknowledging your state of mind is also bravery. Life was a great teacher. I had no choice but to stand up and fight again, being an army officer's daughter.” Talking about her future plans, she says, “I would love to get some work in OTT, and get the chance to work with some fabulous artists. Reality shows such as Bigg Boss are good but not for me. I would, for now, stay away from them.”

Anupama Solanki: I never update my location on social media

Actress Anupama Solanki says that she has had such bad experiences from sharing her location on social media that she avoids in completely. She says that she only tells where she was once she has exited the place.“Last year, I was at Starbucks and I updated my location on the spot. After 15 minutes, a few people arrived there. They said that they saw my location on Facebook and came to meet me. Now, I knew these people a bit from before, so it was okay. But this can be very risky as well,” she says.
She adds, “The second time I made the same mistake and I updated my shoot location on social media, a few fans reached there and started following me. It was so harassing that I called my family to the spot. After that, I never updated my shoot location but yes, once I am finished with my work, then I update my location. For example, recently I went to Ayodhya Ram mandir but I updated my location after my darshan.”
She says that people should prioritise their safety over sharing stuff on social media. “I will advise people never share your current location and if you are updating then update later so your journey will be safe. One of my friends visits CCD every day and every day he updates his current location on social media. I feel this is so risky. I will advise people never to update your daily activity location, such as the gym, park, office or your residential location on social media, especially girls. Please don’t make this mistake because anybody can track you easily,” she says.

I'm on the lookout for positive quotes and lifestyle inspiration: Charrul Malik 

Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain! actor Charrul Malik says a lot of our living and lifestyle is influenced by social media nowadays. She feels it is because people start their day with browsing through social media, however, she stressed that the platform is just a fake projection.“We waste half of the time seeing what other people are doing. No matter how much we say that we are not jealous or we won’t compare ourselves but the truth is that we are absorbing a lot of things that are influencing us directly or indirectly,” she said.
Asked if she has incorporated any changes in her lifestyle because of social media, she said it has influenced her choices. She said, “I stick to following experts in diet, health, and medicine, focusing on their recommendations. When I browse social media, I'm on the lookout for positive quotes and lifestyle inspiration. My feed is all about staying positive and healthy.” It is popularly believed that since everything is available at the click of a button, people are becoming more materialistic these days. However, Charrul feels that it's a personal choice. “I don't prioritize material possessions, nor do I see the need for comparison. While there's a societal notion of a desirable lifestyle with certain comforts, like having a nice home and necessities, being materialistic is more about extravagance, like owning a Ferrari or a Rolls Royce. It all boils down to individual preferences. What truly matters are the essentials,” she said.
She stressed that she avoids following influencers or celebrities on social media and doesn’t entertain promotional posts or videos. She said, “Consumers are heavily impacted and influenced by the presence of influencers and actors. As insiders in the industry, we understand firsthand how things are portrayed and the effects they have on consumers.” “If something fits my style or needs, then I might consider it, but I don't spend money just to keep up with trends or what others are wearing. Every penny counts, and I prefer not to waste my hard-earned money on unnecessary things,” she added.

Karan V Mehra opens up on being part of Pukaar - Dil se Dil Tak

Actor Karan V Mehra, who plays the role of Gautam in Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah’s Studio LSD show Pukaar – Dil Se Dil Tak, says that he loved being part of the show.Although the actor has a brief part, he says that he loved shooting for the show. “The show revolves around family love and the values that are of paramount importance, a small unit family of 2 daughters and husband wife get separated due to someone’s sinister ulterior motive and then the struggle of them coming back together,” he says. He adds, “I love the title of the show too. It’s the calling voice of the wolf pack family which got separated after an accident. Apart from being an out-n-out positive character which I have not done in a while, the story line and the team associated with it, also the channel Sony, which always has its makers experimenting and creating something new,” he says.
Talking about his role, he says, “My character’s name Gautam Rathod, who is the CEO of a big company run by the Maheshwari family. My part sadly ends in the first episode as I get killed in an accident.” Meanwhile, he loves working with producers Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah. “LSD is a great production with young dynamic producers. They are doing some wonderful work and I would love to work with them again,” he says.