February 16, 2007: Prime Time: The charming life of TV stars

Mohammed Wajihuddin

Gucci, Calvin Klein, you name them and she has them. Although she refuses to answer the indecent question of how much she earns, a source says that she charges around Rs 30,000 per episode.

Unlike Mona Singh, who became a household name almost overnight, Ahmedabad-born Ronit Roy acted in a hopeless film, directed a serial, ran a security agency for film stars (his Ace Security and Protection provided security to the unit of Aamir Khan’s Lagaan), before hitting the big time as Mihir Virani of the popular soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

On Balaji’s payroll, Roy is rumoured to get Rs 10 lakh a month. With a house at Lokhandwala and a Scorpio to drive, Roy is among the wealthiest television stars.

His wardrobe resembles that of a maharaja’s — it has everything from sherwanis to suits. But shoes are Roy’s weakness.

”I must have collected over 90 pairs,“ informs the actor who has a difficult job of playing the ideal husband of India’s best-known bahu Tulsi or Smriti Irani of Kyunki…. Many other Kyunki… stars have hit a goldmine too.

February 28, 2007: Hopes from the budget

Ronit Roy

Hope the budget this year has many pleasant surprises. The inflation needs to be beaten and I hope the new budget encompasses measures to curb inflation. Plus the economic health of the nation is pretty great and I hope that it would become better with the announcement of the new budget.

"Won't let kids, watch my soaps"- Ronit

Good for me, not for my kids

Anjali Chandra

Strange as it may sound, popular TV actors would rather not have their children watch their own ‘regressive’ serials.

You could treat this as an admission of sorts. In a recent interview veteran soap artiste Smriti Irani admitted that she does not let her children watch her serials, preferring instead that they stick to educational programmes.

While Irani explains that this is her personal choice regarding the values she wants her children to grow up with, other tele-actors agree that considering the regressive nature of prime time soaps that they act in, they would rather their children not view the programmes.

As Ronit ‘Mr Bajaj’ Roy succinctly puts it, ”That was a personal choice exercised by Smriti, and I agree with her. This is a job for me. I’m an artiste and I might be acting in an adult film, but that does not mean I would allow my five-year-old daughter to see it!

Even while taking on these roles, at times I think that there mustn’t be even one real-life family doing the things that form the premise of these serials!“

Agreeing vehemently with Roy is actress Achint Kaur. Though she says that her son is not likely to be interested in soaps, she is aware of the regressive nature of these shows. Says Kaur, ”No doubt these serials are regressive. Nothing that is shown in them takes place in the real world. Maybe aeons ago but not in this day and age.“

So how is one to keep children away from the influence of these shows?

For Renuka Shahane, the answer lies in correcting the stereotype image of television programmes. While vehemently denying TV censorship in the case of her own children ”because there is definitely more than TV serials that influence a child’s personality,“ Shahane avers, ”I come from an era when TV provided something for everyone.

Programmes took into consideration a variety of likes and dislikes. But now TV seems to have become stereotyped.“

”As actors, it is our responsibility to ensure we provide a variety to the viewers, instead of shows looking like mirror images of one another,“ avers Smriti Irani in answer to the question. For Achint Kaur ”there is hardly anything relatable or contemporary in the soaps. TV needs a larger variety ranging from bread fiction to reality shows and everything in between.“

Something that Roy explains in greater detail when he says, ”What we need is holistic viewing. For example, there is an absolute dearth of good comic relief on TV.

Also, action serials and detective shows would be a welcome change but unfortunately action series have not done well in the past. The world over there are different time bands for children’s shows, comic shows and a late night band for soaps. But in India, primetime viewing invariably means soaps.“

March 29, 2007: From stuffy suits to stylish togs...

… Ronit Roy has been consciously making a difference to his personal appearance

By: Tushar Joshi

In what appears to be a bid to look younger and trendier, Ronit Roy is sporting casual duds at stylish dos. Gone are the trademark stuffy sherwanis, suits and printed shirts. It’s denims, casual tees, chappals and sling bags now.

Says the 40-something Ronit, ”It was a very natural progression, I think. Thanks to my screen avatars Mr Bajaj and Mihir, I’ve been wearing a lot of formal wear. But I soon realised that it was important for me to be myself, so I’ve started wearing things I’m comfortable in. It’s allowed me to break out of a self-created stereotype and also let’s me chill out.“

Getting inked

The red sling bag has become a favourite with the actor now. ”It’s very comfortable when I am travelling and holds everything from my cell phone to my wallet, iPod, deodorant, tissue papers, etc. I like it because it’s bright and vibrant,“ he says.

As an extension of this younger, hipper look, Ronit is also planning to fulfill a long cherished dream. ”I’ve wanted to get a tattoo done for the longest time, but my schedules have really not allowed me to venture out and check out various designs. I plan to get inked as soon as I have some time on my hand,“ he adds

April 13, 2007: Savour simple life at beaches of Goa

By Ronit Roy

My wife Neelam and I both love travelling and we make it a point to go on holidays at least four times a year. I have travelled to a lot of destinations across the globe, but if there is one destination I like to visit again and again, it has to be Goa for the simple reason that it is a beach resort and both of us love beaches. Its proximity to Mumbai is another plus.

Goa still has a sort of slow-paced, village life. For actors like me, who shoot for days together, it certainly provides much-needed rest and peace of mind. Most of all, I love to hang out at the beaches there.

Being a vegetarian I have little scope to enjoy the variety of seafood and meat specialties that Goa is famous for, but I love dining at a restaurant called Banyan Tree. They serve delicious Oriental food. As for shopping, the Tibetan Silver House is where you get great souvenirs and trinkets for a bargain. One visit I will never forget was the year Neelam and I got married. We were in Goa and decided to take a stroll on the beach around midnight. We left the hotel but soon we realised that we were lost. Since it was midnight, all the bonfires were out and we could not see a single house or person anywhere. What we did was sit in a field and open the bottle of wine we were carrying. We had a good night out and it was great fun since we were newly married. For anyone looking for a short, relaxing break, Goa is the place. Explore Goa in your own way and have your own unforgettable experience.

As told to Mili Swarnakar

April 17, 2007: It's Ronit again

Kavita Shyam

Ronit Roy has planned a big surprise for his fans out there. Balaji’s ‘Mr Dependable’, who recently replaced Mohnish Behl in Kayamath, will now be seen playing a significant role in Kasamh Se. After the show takes a five-year leap, Ronit will make his entry in Kasamh Se as an NRI businessman who comes to India on a mission. The actor will be paired opposite Prachi Desai aka Bani in the coming episodes. Ronit, who already has his hands full with shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kayamath and now Kasamh Se, will don a trendy look in the show.

Says Ronit, ”I play the role of Aparajit Deb, a rich and ambitious man, who has been a winner all his life. My character is a subtle blend of being rigid, flamboyant, mysterious and stern and I am sure, it will grow on people gradually. I cannot divulge any more details. I am really excited about this role. Since my character is that of a Bengali NRI, I plan to speak in Bengali sometimes, although with an Anglicised accent.“

So how does he divide his time among his four big shows? ”The endless hours of shooting get a little hectic  but there’s good work happening. I love my work and after a long time I am getting to do something different. Kasamh Se is a good unit to work with and Ekta, along with the scheduling team, has given me enough time for each show,“ says Ronit.

Talking about the plot, Prachi says, ”Aparajit Deb (Ronit Roy) enters my life at a point when I am completely shattered after realising that it was my sister Pia (Roshni Chopra) who betrayed me and was responsible for all my troubles. It is Aparajit Deb who will help me take revenge on her. I am sure it will be fun to work with Ronit as I know him so well. Ronit is my neighbour in real life and now I will get an opportunity to know him better as a co-actor.“ 

April 17, 2007: Ronit-Balaji made for each other

Ronit-Balaji:Made for each other

Ronit Roy has gained quite a reputation for fitting comfortably into the shoes (and the roles) of many an actor, but Ronit isn’t complaining.After having become somewhat of a national icon with his portrayal of Mihir in KSBKBT ( a role that came to him after Amarr Upadhyay and Inder Kumar had played it) the Bengali actor can now be seen as the patriarch Inder Shah in Kayamath ahere he into the space vacated by Mohnish Behl.

So is Ronit the lucky charm for Ektaa Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms?

”well i think Balaji has been lucky for me instead of the other way round,“smiles the popular actor. ”The character in Kayamath was initiall supposed to die and Mohnish had alloted his dates accordingly.However, the track changed and the role got an extension. Since Mohnish had prior commitments he could not continue and i stepped in,“ elaborates Ronit.

With the role of Inder Shah only being extended for about 15 odd episodes, didn’t a seasoned actor like Ronit have any apprehensions regaeding taking it up? ”It is not only the length of the role that matters …My role in Kayamth is a good and strong one. Most importantly, I can never say no to Balaji and Ektaa. Balaji is like family to me. They gave me work when no one else was willing to look at me. That’s the least I can do for them,“ says an emotional Ronit.

The man who made his bollywood debut with the surprise hit Jaan Tere Naam is one of the most sought actors on the Telly today with Mihir in KSBKBT and Rishab Bajaj in KZK having pole-vaulted him to star status. ”I have been vey lucky to have had the opportunity to play such characters. Every night i go to bed thinking that I must have done something really good in life to have been rewarded in such a manner.“ says the actor.

After having played a series of older characters, when will Ronit look at roles that are closer to his real age? ”I really don’t think that I am very young.“ he laughs. ”To be honest beggars cannot be choosers. I dont think a younger role would have ever given me the fame and accolades that the roles of Mifir and bajaj have given meThey are old and greying characters no doubt , but the popularity they enjoy is perhaps unparalleld.“

There is talk about Balaji is on the verge of announcing its new show with Ronit in the lead. ”yea, thats true“ confirms the actor, ”I have signed on a new serial for Balaji. Its a very interesting and a different role. All the announcements wil be made next week.“ is all that Rohit Roy’s elder brother is willing to say for now.

"It's all about managing your time"- Ronit

Ronit Bose Roy is acting in four daily soaps and still making time for family

ROSHNI K OLIVERA

Shooting for four daily soaps is no small feat. But Ronit Bose Roy (that’s how he likes to be called) is doing it, now that he has just made an entry in Kasamh Se. How’s he managing? BT finds out…

You’ve just entered Kasamh Se. It is a very different role…

• My character Aparajeet Dev is a businessman who’s always been victorious in everything he’s done. Obviously he’s cocky, brash and very confident. He has come to India after years. Why has he come back to India… that’s the mystery that will unfold in the next one week.

Your look is very different in Kasamh Se…

• It was basically Ekta’s idea. She wanted somebody in contrast with the character Jai Walia, who is a thorough businessman well-suited. My character is in contrast to that. And it’s worked out very well for me. After almost six years of suits, I’m trying something funky. I’m loving it.

Just two weeks ago you entered Kayamat replacing Mohnish Behl…

• Mohnish Behl’s role was supposed to be a cameo for around 10 to 12 episodes. However, that got stretched. Mohnish had commitments to fulfil. He had to go abroad for a shoot. So, I was asked to take over.

But, how are you managing four daily soaps?

• Kayamat’s role should wind up in the first week of May. Kasauti Zindagi Kay will be taking a leap soon. Kyunki saas Bhi Kabhi Bhu Thi is a little on and off for me considering Mihir’s track is not currently full-blown. It’s just a matter of presence on the show. Now my entire concentration is on Kasamh Se because that will take up most of my time.

How many hours are you working right now?

• I’m putting in about 14 hours everyday.

And what about time with family?

• My daughter Aador will be two in May. Over the past few months we did go on holidays because I had some free time. Now it’s time to hit work again. But I do have time with my daughter in the mornings or when I get back from shoots. My wife Neelam sometimes comes on the sets with lunch and that’s where we also spend time together.

April 18, 2007: His role in Kasam Se

The actor who essays the role of Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Rishabh Bajaj in Kasauti Zindagi Kay will be seen in a new role in Balaji’s frontrunner show on Kasamh Se (Zee) Playing the NRI Says Ronit Roy, ”I was being considered for this role for quite a while now. I finally agreed to do it since it offers me an opportunity to infuse freshness into my acting career. ”My career has been slow for the past two years. Now, I’ve woken up from slumber.“ He adds, ”I play an NRI businessman Aparajit Dev. It’s not a cameo but a fullfledged act. There is a story behind the comeback, which I can’t detail at this point. But my presence will greatly influence the relationship between the lead protagonists Bani (Prachi Desai) and Jay Walia (Ram Kapoor).“ His co-actor on the show, Kapoor, adds, ”I can only reveal that Ronit is going to be one of the strongest characters on the show. His return to India is going to impact my marriage to Bani.

”Now, would that be for the better or worse is the for the viewers to guess. You have to watch the show to know that. But let me tell you, it’s a mix of both.“ Generation leap Roy states, ”There are certain changes lined up in Kasauti.. as the show will go for a generation leap very soon. Kyunki..is going as strong as ever and I’m also perfroming in a cameo in Kayamath.“ Besides acting, Roy runs Ace securities. He says, ”Since I’m busy acting, it’s my brother-in-law who takes care of the business.“ Any plans of getting into production? He replies, ”I might do that in the future. Right now, I harbour no such plans. I hardly have time to even join my brothers’s (Rohit Roy) production or to sign up a new show.“

April 21, 2006: Ronit in, Pawan out!

WHILE Ronit Roy is doing a deluge of shows including ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, ‘Kasauti Zindagii Kay’ and ‘Kayamath’ on Star Plus, Pawan Shankar rues over the fact that the television industry is not giving him his due.

Pawan had entered ‘Kasamh Se’ (Zee) as the business tycoon Tarun Sablok a few months ago and was promised a meaty role ahead. However, when Pawan’s character was about to soar, his role got suspended temporarily. Reason? Ronit’s entry as a business tycoon has hampered the chances of Pawan’s character being developed as initially mapped.

Incidentally, Pawan had shot to fame with the portrayal of an up right lawyer in ‘Siddhanth’ (Star One). Later he did shows including ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera’ (Sony) and Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman (Star Plus). His roles in these serials didn’t make an impact and made early exits.

But whilst accepting the role in ‘Kasamh Se’, Pawan was told that his character Tarun Sablok would grow parallel to Bani (Prachi Desai) and Jay Walia’s (Ram Kapoor). However, here too, his role died prematurely.

When quizzed about this, Pawan maintains a studied silence and speaks reluctantly, ”Television as signments are unpredictable. I just go to the sets and deliver my dia logues.“ But wasn’t his charac ter supposed to be developed in a big way? He stated defensively, ”My track was going negative and I didn’t want to play nega tive role. Moreover, I wanted a leave for 15 days.“ He adds, ”I have decided that now I will take up TV assignments only on my terms. Otherwise, I have some film offers that I am considering. I was offered the negative role in ‘Viraasat’ (Star One) too.

But like I said, I don’t want to play neg ative roles.“ When quizzed Nivedita Basu, chief creative director Balaji Telefilms says, ”We had thought of a track between Bani and Tarun. But it wasn’t working out; we needed someone stronger to hold the audience’s attention. Ronit’s track is a long one; right now, Tarun is not part of the story.“

April 29, 2007: Mr. Bajaj will not disappear

Q You have entered one more Balaji show. What’s your role like in Kasamh Se? I am playing Aparajit Deb in Kasamh Se. Deb will be using Bani to take revenge against Jai Walia for something that had happened in the past.

Q Are you playing a negative character?

It starts on a vengeful note but I don’t know how it will shape up later. The dislike for Walia is justified so the character isn’t totally negative. But he does have shades of grey.

Q You must be happy with your role in Kasamh Se because you are playing a character who is close to your own age.

I joined Kyunki as a young man before the first generation leap happened. Then for the next two years I played father and now for the past one year I am playing a grandfather. Acting is not about getting your age right, but playing the character convincingly. Because of the character’s demand I had a salt and pepper look in Kasauti. Unfortunately in India a little bit of grey hair is associated with old age.

QHow come Mr. Bajaj of Kasauti is dead before the generation leap?

Both Bajaj and Anurag Basu will come back at a later date. But I can’t say when because it is up to the creative heads to take a call on their return.

QBetween Kasauti and Kyunki which is your favourite show?

It’s really difficult to choose between two of my hit shows because the characters are so different and the shows too are poles apart from each other. But yes I did like playing Bajaj in Kasauti. But now Kasamh Se is my favourite show.

QIsn’t it hectic and stressful to work every day of the month without a break?

It’s definitely hectic but not stressful. In fact, I don’t get stressed at all. I take a 15-day break from work every two years and go on a holiday abroad.

QIt is said that Tulsi’s character is likely to end in the near future because of the growing tension between Smriti and Ekta. Will Mihir also follow suit?

Nothing has been finalised as yet. It’s for Ekta and her creative team to decide on what they want to do.

May 1, 2007: What's your problem, Mr. Walia?

Ram Kapoor is insecure about Ronit Roy’s entry in Kasamh Se. Emergency meetings with Ekta Kapoor and sudden attempts to lose weight establish his anxiety

unal M Shah

The self-assured Ram Kapoor aka Mr Walia of Kasamh Se is not quite so in real life… of late, that is. From what we hear, he has been losing sleep, and weight, over Ronit Roy’s (aka Aparichit Deb) popularity in the show, which earlier rested on his popular shoulders.

Our sources on the sets say, ”Ram is very insecure about the growing popularity of Ronit’s character. In fact, after Ronit’s entry in the show, the TRPs have soared. Ram has already had about six meetings with the creative team, and another two meetings with Ekta. In fact, Ram is now on a weight-losing spree. He comes to the sets for just nine hours, and of those, he works out for three hours. His personal trainer accompanies him to the sets.“

Obviously, Ram pleads innocence when questioned on the validity of the rumours about his insecurity regarding Ronit. ”This is absolute rubbish. On the contrary, I am thrilled with his entry. I was unhappy with the show some months ago as I thought that the storyline was getting monotonous. After the leap and Ronit’s entry, Kasamh Se has changed for the better. When I learnt that Ronit is joining Kasamh Se, I told the creative team and Ekta that this was a good move indeed. I am actually thrilled.“

However, his efforts to revamp his look and frequent meetings with the creative team hint at the obvious. Why else would he suddenly wake up to asserting his place in the serial? ”I did have meetings with the creative team, but that was before Ronit’s entry,“ Ram clarifies.

Ronit Roy, the man responsible for Ram’s self-doubt and anxiety, denies giving stiff competition to Ram. He says, ”I don’t think Ram is insecure at all. He is a very good friend. He is not the kind of person who would get insecure. We share a great rapport.“

June 17, 2007: Prerna, Bajaj of "Kasauti..." are Bhutanese Heartthrobs

By Syed Zarir Hussain. Asia Pacific, 10:00 AM IST

The skyline was afire with tints of red and gold with the sun beginning to set over the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Middle-aged Lily Tashi and her two sisters-in-law were busy, their hands in full flow, sowing paddy in this village on the outskirts of capital Thimphu.

The clock was ticking and the three women were getting restless to get back home.

‘What will happen to Ap Baja?’ asked one. ‘Will Am Pena and Anura come together as a couple again?’ wondered another before the three hurried back home with bamboo baskets slung over their backs.

Guess who Ap Baja, Am Pena and Anura are? Ap Baja (Ap means Mr in Bhutan) is none other than Mr Bajaj (Ronit Roy) of the popular Indian soap ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’ telecast on Star TV, Am Pena (Am means Ms in Bhutan) is Prerna (Shweta Tiwari), and Anura is Anurag (Cezanne Khan).

Speaking just a smattering of Hindi, the three Bhutanese women - their national language is Dzongkha - pronounce Prerna as Pena and Bajaj as Baja - but that doesn’t deter them from following the serial.

‘For us, ‘Kasautii…’ is almost a religion - we have been following the serial for years and have never missed it,’ Tashi said.

‘I have just about two hours to complete all my household chores - freshening up, cooking and other things - before I get to be in front of the TV.’

Such is the craze for Prerna and Bajaj that any Hollywood or Bollywood actor would be put to shame in this Land of the Thunder Dragon of 700,000 people.

‘Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, Priyanka Chopra, or even John Abraham would go unnoticed, but if Prerna or Bajaj or Anurag happen to come to Bhutan they would surely be mobbed!’ said Pema Rinzin, a well-known Bhutanese filmmaker.

The popularity of the Hindi soaps has its flipside - the timings of the serials have led to several family discords, even triggering a divorce.

‘I have two TV sets at home and by 9 p.m. (Bhutan time is half-an-hour ahead of the Indian Standard Time) both the sets are blocked - my wife watches ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’ and my teenaged daughter loves watching ‘Indian Idol’ on Sony TV,’ Rinzin said.

‘I catch up with world news on TV only in the mornings and often have to miss football matches at night.’

In 2002, a couple in Mongar village fought over a World Cup soccer match and a Hindi soap as there was only one TV set at home and different tastes to cater to.

‘The fight reached such a stage that the husband in a rage pushed his wife, leading to a fractured arm. The two later got divorced,’ Sherub Gyaltshen, general secretary of the Motion Picture Association of Bhutan, told IANS.

It’s not just the women who are crazy about Hindi TV soaps - a village council meeting that was to discuss urgent local issues was adjourned because many of the male members pleaded with the headman to stop the proceedings when it was time for ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’.

‘If someone casts Prerna in one of the Bhutanese language movies it would surely be a hit because she is so popular in the towns and suburbs of Bhutan,’ said Dorji Wangchuk, an award winning documentary filmmaker and vice president of the association.

(Syed Zarir Hussain can be contacted at zarirhussain@yahoo.com)