Vandana breaks barriers in 'Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si'

In a recent episode of "Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si," produced by Rajan Shahi (Directors Kut Production) Vandana, one of the main characters played by Sayli Salunkhe, made a big statement against social stereotypes. The storyline unfolds with Tara, Vandana's daughter, not being invited to her best friend Samaira's birthday party. Why? Because some parents think Tara comes from a "broken home," and they believe that kids from divorced families can be a bad influence. This unfair judgment becomes a central theme in the show, and Vandana decides to take a stand against this narrow way of thinking.
The episode sheds light on the unfair assumptions people make about children from divorced families. Tara is excluded from the birthday party simply because her parents are divorced. Some parents wrongly believe that kids from "broken homes" can be a negative influence, spreading an unfair stereotype that Vandana decides to challenge.
Kunal (Mohit Malik), Tara's father, is understandably upset when he learns about Tara not being invited. He decides that Tara won't attend the birthday party. However, Vandana takes a different approach. Instead of accepting the unfair treatment, she decides to address the misunderstanding head-on. Vandana takes Tara to the party and chooses to speak up about the negative thinking surrounding children from divorced families.
In a powerful moment, Vandana speaks to all the parents at the birthday party. She confronts the misconception that kids from broken homes are dysfunctional or have a bad influence. Vandana stands up against the small-minded belief that children from different family structures should be kept apart. Her message is clear – every child deserves a fair chance, no matter their parents' marital status.
This episode becomes a significant moment where Vandana makes a strong social statement. She challenges the stigma attached to divorced families, urging everyone to reconsider their biases. Vandana's courage to openly address the issue reflects the show's commitment to raising awareness about societal prejudices and advocating for a more accepting world.
"Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si" continues to address important social issues, and Vandana's stand against stereotypes surrounding divorced families adds a meaningful layer to the show's narrative. The episode encourages viewers to reflect on their own biases and promotes a more inclusive and understanding society. Vandana's bravery serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their family background, deserves respect and fair treatment in a world that should embrace diversity.

Mirchi Metro Brings a star-studded morning with Raveena Tandon, Varun Sood, and Namrata Sethe

Andheri Metro Station buzzes with celeb energy on day two of Mirchi’s metro takeover. Raveena Tandon, Varun Sood, and Namrata Sethe dropped by Mirchi’s radio studio, set up at the Andheri Station in collaboration with Metro Line 1. Mirchi RJ Jeeturaaj engaged with the cast for a fun chat during his morning show and spoke about their latest web series Karmma Calling. The celebs also posed for the shutterbugs and their fans.
Mirchi Metro is a 3-day initiative where Mirchi has taken over Andheri Metro Station in collaboration with Metro Line 1. The initiative’s core theme – Ruk Hans Chal - invites Mumbaikars to pause, smile, and then continue with their day with renewed energy.Tune in to Mirchi 98.3 and take a moment to enjoy Mirchi on the move!

Personally, I don't feel that TV will ever be in danger because of OTT: Actor Vaquar Shaikh

Actor Vaquar Shaikh is someone who has been doing television for quite sometime now. He has proved his versatility time and again through shows like Vidya, Saaya, Qubool Hai, Heena, Jannat and Saara Akaash. He has showcased his talent and people have always showered love on him for his performance. Currently, he's seen in Rajan Shahi’s popular show Anupamaa. Sharing his experience as an actor in television shows, he says,”I have been around for quite some time on television and have done many shows. I have almost forgotten how many lead roles I've played in shows. It is the result of years and years of discipline, hard work, and dedication that puts me in the position I'm in today. Looking effortless today is the fruit of all that effort.
Experience is something that you cannot see and measure. It’s there in you, and it keeps coming. Even today, I am experiencing it. It's not like If you have gained experience, it's over. Even today, I am learning something new and will continue to learn with each day that comes. I guess the experience of so many years has helped me a lot in approaching my new role. And at the end of the day, I have my writer and my creatives to help and guide me. So somewhere, I have learned the knack of getting hold of a character, and I feel that if I am portraying a character, I should know what to wear and how to look. If you're seen as your character, people will accept, and then, of course, you need to perform.“
Vaquar and Rajan Shahi could have worked together a few years back but due to some reasons, that didn't work out. They both knew that the perfect time will come and the duo will work in a show. Sharing his latest role in popular show Anupamaa, he adds,”I play this guy called Yashdeep Singh who is the younger brother of Yashpal, younger son of Biji and co-owner of the restaurant Spices and Chutney. Initially, Yashdeep was in the army, and after leaving the army, he went back to his village in Punjab. He was looking after their farms. An order from his Biji came and he went to USA again because he loves his brother and mother so much. He left India and is now staying with his mom and brother. My character's appearance is well-suited for our current location in the US during winter. He wears trench coats, jackets, and mufflers. He maintains decorum, possesses a distinctive style, and exudes politeness and charm. He is articulate, disciplined in his life, and his voice reflects these qualities. As the show progresses, you will discover the challenges he has faced in his life.”
Vaquar also shares the main changes he's noticed on television after working for so many years. “The first thing that has changed is the technical aspect. Storytelling has also undergone a bit of change, but is still fundamentally rooted in Indian sensibilities. If we leave our sensibilities and create stories, they won't work. At the end of the day, society is a mirror with whom we get inspired and create stories. Technically, a lot of things has been advanced. Cameras have changed. Dubbing techniques for recording have changed.“
In the last few years specially during and after pandemic, the TV industry is going through a transition phase where OTT and films are giving back to back competition and yet TV is retaining its audience.On this Vaquar says, " The competition has always been present. Initially, there were only films, and then came some platforms. First, there was Doordarshan then came other satellite channels. Television has always competed on every stage. It's still competing, and it has an audience of over 140 crores. Everything is watched in this country, and people still watch a lot of television. Personally, I don't feel that television will ever be in danger because of OTT. It has its own audience. OTT platforms and traditional television, they both are running simultaneously since they have separate audiences. Films are also running in the theatres. Some people do prefer films if they want to watch something on the big screen for a larger-than-life experience, for the visual treat. I won't deny the fact that a certain piece of the cake has gone to OTT also, but still, there is such a big chunk left for us. Television was, and will always be there. It will never go out. As long as good content keeps coming, I think people will keep watching television. Actually, it's good to have changes. Different types of shows are coming, so television makers also want to bring diverse content, try some unique things. I hope that when something different comes, audience will appreciate it on television. So, that the makers will get inspired to make such thing. So the competition is very healthy; it depends on how you take it.”

I believe I am yet to explore the best within me says 'Main Atal Hoon' actor Sachin Parikh

Versatile actor Sachin Parikh, who was recently seen in an important role in Ravi Jadhav’s Main Atal Hoon, feels he has not yet explored his full potential in Hindi films. Sachin has been working for quite sometime and has done films like PK, Aligarh, Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, Jack N Dil and OTT series like Crackdown 2 and Avroadh 2.
Sharing about his own potential and greed he says, ”An actor is always hungry for better roles with good makers. Our industry has fantastic makers and I am glad to work under their direction. I have worked with eminent directors like Raju Hirani (PK) Hansal Mehta (Aligarh) Madhur Bhandarkar (Dil to Bachha Hai Ji) Ravi Jadhav (Main Atal Hoon), Hannes Holmes (Swedish Oscar Nominated Director for a swedish series [The most Beautiful Hands Of Delhi], Vaibhav Misra (loveshuda), Sachin Karande (jack N Dil), Sameer Sippy(Ishqforever), R Balki (Paa), Jaiveer Sharma (Bajrang Ali), Ajoy Verma (Zapt), Apoorva Lakhiya (Crackdown2), Ravi Adhikari (Karmayudhh), Raj Acharya (Avroadh2). But I still believe I am yet to explore the best within me. These roles were good and it was a great experience working with them. But the best is yet to come! Few directors I would love to work with include Vibhu Puri, Shashank Khaitan, Sandeep Modi, Vishnu Vardhan and Ritesh Menon.”
Sachin got his role in Atal through a noted casting agency Kavish Sinha and team (Onmykayroll casting). He says,”After they showed my audition to the director of the film Ravi Jadhav sir, he immediately told them that he could see his Mr Kaul in me. It was enthralling and completely satisfying. The detailing of the film was amazing - everyone right from the technician to the make up artist - worked on the minutest of detail. The direction under the great captaincy of Ravi ji was simply awesome.”
Sharing his preparatory work for the role Sachin adds,”I was told by the casting team what exactly director wants from his actors. Ravi ji is a director who works more in-between the lines and wants to act more in silence. And I did exactly what was required in my scenes. More matter of fact, more relatable. I studied some unread and unknown part of Atalji's life before i started my shoot.I shot my part in Lucknow and near Raibareli. My residence shown in the film was one of the old heritage properties near Raibareli and it was lovely shooting there. It actually took us to that era.”
Incidentally Sachin has worked with Pankaj Tripathi 12-13 years back in a series called Powder.Sachin shares, “When I met him for Main Atal Hoon we remembered our first work together. I was amazed to see his make up and he was perfect in his look as Atalji. He shared one very intersting thing which I totally agree with him. He said we are have got such a magical thing call camera in front of us. Whatever you do soulfully is caught in this lens. So being real in front of the reel is what i always learn from him.”

Actor Saanand Verma spills the beans on his next film YRF’s 'Vijay 69'

Versatile actor Saanand Verma needs no introduction as he has been doing some great consistent work in Hindi films. His next project is Vijay 69 by YRF for the OTT platforms. Sharing more about his working experience in the film, he says,”Vijay 69 was a great experience as I worked with the legend Anupam Kher for the first time. Being a legendary actor, I learned a lot from him. He is so cool, and is always giving his 100 percent to his craft. It was a great learning experience. I have grown up watching his films and I admire his talent. A few of my favourite Anupam Kher films are Saaransh, Daddy, Karma, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, and Wednesday. He is someone who has dabbled in all kind of roles from comedy to villain with the same amount of success.
Akshay Roy, the director, is amazing, and was always providing enough creative freedom for actors to think, improvise, and create something special. And at the same time, he is a great human being—polite, humble, and incredibly down-to-earth. It was a real pleasure to work with him, he has appreciated my work. I got to know that he has a folder on his laptop with the name 'amazing actors,' and in that folder he has kept my audition in, so I find myself to be quite fortunate.”
He also adds, "I feel extremely lucky that a director of such caliber keeps me in his 'amazing actors' folder. Produced by YRF Entertainment, the newly launched digital arm of production banner Yash Raj Films, it’s an honour for me to part of this.” Saanand has been a part of films like Mardaani, Raid, Chhichhore, Pataakha, Helmet, Babli Bouncer, Thank God, India Lockdown.