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January 12, 2008: Ronit learning Krav Maga
The official self-defence system of the Israel forces has quite a following in the city, with celebrities training with it too
MUMBAI: Forget Tai-chi. Taekwaondo and good ol’ karate too, for that matter. For the latest defence technique comes from Israel. It’s called Krav Maga and it is built on the official hand-to-hand combat of the Israeli forces.
The system is based on the premise that all defenses are based on human reflexes, making the techniques easy to learn and apply. ”Not many know that this is also the preferred system for US Military and law enforcement personnel,“ says Mehul Vora, who is training actors Ronit Roy, Rahul Bhatt (Mahesh Bhatt’s son), and Luv Sinha (Shatrugan Sinha’s son) in it.
”The aim to make these defenses become a part of your muscle memory which can then be instantly applied when you encounter a hostile situation, compared to other martial arts where self defense is taught at the fag end of an exhaustive traditional or sports or fitness oriented training program,“ he explains. What makes it so popular is that everyone can learn it. ”I have taught it to so many women and children,“ says Mehul.
Consul general of Israel to Mumbai, Mr Daniel Zonshine, is another believer in this form of martial art. ”What makes Krav Maga more practical for today’s times, is its hands-on, efficient approach towards aggressors.“
Mehul claims that while there are quite a few people claiming to be experts in Krav Maga, one should first find out whether the so-called ‘instructor’ has even been to Israel or learnt from qualified master before signing up with them. He did both.
Ronit Roy catches up on Krav Maga every chance he gets with his time being divided work and home. ”I like it because it uses a practical approach and it’s a combination of various martial arts,“ he says. ”I have a security agency so I like to keep abreast of the latest moves and techniques before I teach my boys the same,“ he adds.
Mehul says Krav Maga is also a great way to relieve stress. ”It guarantees you burning 600 calories per workout. You feel really upbeat post a session of Krav Maga with all the high impact cardio training, power drills and stretching exercises.“
Ronit my fav- Shweta Keswani
Telly actors pick their favourites
The awards season is on in both the TV and Film industry so we asked a few television stars to pick their favourites.
Shewta Keswani (Gurinder Chaddha of Baa Bahu Aur Baby)
”Saakshi Tanwar, Ronit Roy and Smriti Irani. They have been part of the most popular K serials. Because of her hard work dedication, Smriti is now also doing well as a producer.“
Ronit Roy still numero UNO- Highest paid in television industry
These days TV is no longer considered a small medium. Television stars get paid a fat amount. We list the 10 top TV stars and what salaries they draw.
10. Twinkle Bajpai – Rs 15, 000 per day. She plays Laxmi in Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyaan. This is her first show and as of now she is doing only this one. She works 20 days a month.
9. Jay Bhanushali – Rs 20,000 per day. He was recently seen in Jhalak Dikhlajaa. He debuted in television almost a year back. Kayamath is the only show which he is doing right now.“ I am happy with amount I am getting right now. At least I can comfortably spend on my expenses,“ says Jai.
8. Ram Kapoor – Rs 25,000 per day. Kasamh Se is the only show which he is doing. He did a cameo for Kyunki.
7. Rajshree Thakur – Rs 30,000 per day. She is the lead in Saat Phere and under a contract of 20 working days a month.
6. Prachi Desai – Rs 35,000 per day. ”As of now I want to concentrate on my film so I will take break from Kasamh Se. However, when I return, I will talk about my raise.“
5. Shweta Tiwari – Rs 35,000 per day. Shweta is immensely popular actor and is only doing Kasauti Zindagi Kay which is going off air.
4. Sumeet Sachdev – Rs 37,000 per day. He is doing Kyunki and Karam Apna Apna with Balaji.
3. Sakshi Tanwar – Rs 45,000 per day. She is in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki as the main lead.
2. Smriti Irani – Rs 1, 00,000 per day (It is said that she wanted an increment before she left Kyunki). She works 20 days per month but in addition is also producing many shows.
1. Ronit Roy – Rs 1, 00,000 per day. He used to do three shows for Balaji at one same time. Right now he is doing Kasauti and Kyunki.
PS: All actors are under contract with their respective production houses. This contract has a various clauses which generally includes 20 working days a month. Most are paid through cheque. Newcomers get paid around Rs 20,000 but it can vary depending on the production house. 
Ronit my style icon- Amit Tandon
source: tellychakkar.com
Fast Take
My wardrobe: Organised, thanks to my man Friday
Time to spruce up: Few minutes; I am a fast dresser
Fashion passé: Flowery and printed shirts
Unconventional style: I love wearing pink
Fetish for: Watches. I own a Rolex worth 4.5 lakhs
Style Icon: Ronit Roy
January 19, 2008: "Oh please, I am not a hot hunk"- Ronit
Actor Ronit Roy is against flings and believes in the institution of marriage
What is it that you have that attracts women to you?
Oh! Please I am not a hot hunk and didn’t even know that women were falling for me left and right. I feel like any normal man. It should be my performance as an actor that should draw people towards me.
Why do you come to Kolkata so frequently?
My association with Kolkata has been long. Its always work that brings me to this city. Last month I came here as an ambassador for a brand and more recently to inaugurate a fast food store. I have done a couple of Bengali movies and got a chance to spend some time in this city. I love the hospitality of the people here.
Do you believe in having flings?
Not at all! I am a typical Indian male and believe in the institution of marriage. It’s fine to have flings if one is single. But not after marriage. I neither go to parties, nor drink. My world now revolves around my wife and children.
Now-a-days stars are extra cautious about their security. How do you protect yourself?
I don’t think that it to be much a problem. I have always armed security escorting me.
What’s your favorite dish?
I have to follow a regulated diet. But I simply love Bengali sweets. In general I have a sweet tooth and love all kind of sweets, especially rosogolla and jaggery sandesh.
January 24, 2008: Kaho na yaar hai's latest victim- Ronit "Mihir" Roy, courtesy India-Forums
Ronit Roy Mihir on Kyunki becomes the next victim of the amusing prank for the happening show Kaho Na Yaar hai. We catch up with him for his views.
When Gautami was bowled over by a prank for the show Kaho Na Yaar Hai, why should her on screen better half be left out? Ronit Roy the Mihir of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was caught off guard while shooting on the sets of Kyunki.
The prank started of by a STAR news reporter approaching Ronit for an interview. While the interview was on, a female fan intervened and asked Ronit to pose with her for a picture. Though annoyed, Ronit very politely tried making the lady understand that he was busy giving an interview and hence wont be able to pose for a picture at that moment. But seeing the woman uneasy and unwell, Ronit decided to oblige with the request. Just when Ronit posed for the photo the lady along side him collapsed. Unnerved Ronit asked for a chair and water and tried making her feel comfortable. It even went to the extent of Ronit making her smell his shoe to regain consciousness. Mean while the reporter pestered him to continue the interview that stressed Ronit out.
When asked about the prank Ronit said, ”Yes it was part of the game. They normally show a video on the actor in Kaho Na Yaar Hai, which the stars are unaware of. I was a little tensed at the start but eventually I figured out that it was a prank being played on me.“ We also asked him if he felt that the prank was harsh and his answer was, ”The prank played was not harsh. It was actually funny.“
”Participating in the show was a great experience. My friends accompanied me on the show and Gautami was present with her set of friends. As Gautami and me are friends, it felt like we all were a big gang. It was a day out for me. We really enjoyed“, commented Ronit on his experience on the show.
As the show is based on friendship we also asked Ronit his take on friendship and his opinion was, ”For me, my friends are my family and my family are my friends. There is no tag of expectation, pressure or condition in the bond of friendship. It’s a beautiful relation one can ever have.“
Reporter: Ranjini Nair
Author: Ankita Gaba
January 25, 2007: I love my job because...
Ronit Bose Roy Actor
… because I love the celebrity lifestyle.
My job is exciting because I get to explore new things.
It gives me the opportunity to work with new people, try different kinds of roles, work out of different locations and meet new talented individuals every day.
Stardom is exciting, and I can’t complain about the money.
As an actor, you command respect and love from your fans.
But then: As far as my job is concerned, I try not to focus on the negatives. It’s the entire package that matters.
January 29, 2008: Ronit at a 6 pack party
February 1, 2008: Happy Feet- Ronit rehearsing for Balaji awards
arre o, Samba? Ronit Roy
Happy feet
Telly stars have been matching steps for Balaji’s The Global Indian TV Honours, which will be held tonight at the Andheri Sports Complex. We caught some of the Balaji stars in action in the rehearsal room. Incidentally, Mr Bajaj (Ronit) has some Brazilian bombshells for company. Though entry to the event is by invitation only, 9X will telecast the show.
February 4, 2008: "Give children their spaces, please!" - Ronit
Lack of open spaces and playgrounds in Mumbai bother me. In the name of redevelopment, we are building tall and magnificent buildings; we have beautiful homes. But open spaces and playgrounds remain largely ignored. They are fast disappearing. It is a troublesome thought. The builders and the Municipal Corporation should give it a serious thought.
Open space is a child’s right. Denying that changes the way a child thinks and grows because they could get restricted to playing indoors. Thankfully, my children aren’t in the age of getting hooked to computer or play station. My daughter Aador is more into art and music. But it is important that in their age, they should be playing and running around.
When I was a toddler, I walked and fell on grass. Aador falls on concrete grounds. It hurts me.
The school that I went to as a child had a zoo, a football ground, a hockey ground, horse riding acting activity and yet abundant space to play amongst other facilities in the complex. That was the luxury I enjoyed. But when I got to Aador’s school, it feels so claustrophobic.
There is some open space and only one slide.
I am sure that the government is aware of the situation and they are taking steps from their side to better the situation in terms of flyovers. But, citizens should also take precautions to curb the traffic menace.
Simple solutions like car pooling will help a lot. We have to take some step. After all, the roads are not going to get wider.
February 8, 2008: "80% of the stuff reported, untrue"- Ronit
Ronit Roy: ‘There are lots of things printed about us TV Stars but when you are shooting 15hrs non-stop work you do not have the time to bother checking who has misquoted you and not, we are all logical enough to understand that whoever has been quoted saying a certain thing about someone else it is probably 80% untrue. If film stars like Shah Rukh Khan can be misquoted then how can we save ourselves? We dont make enemies reading the news. Life is too short for that’
February 19, 2008: Ronit bags a Maha role in Ekta's Mahabharat
Parag Maniar / Kavita Shyam
Ronit Roy
Ekta Kapoor’s Mahabharat is all set to unveil the biggest actors of the small screen donning the most talked-about characters in the mythological magnum opus. If sources are to be believed, the most loyal actors of Balaji Telefilms will feature in the show. Sources from the production house reveal that Ronit Roy has been chosen to portray Bhishma Pitamah in the show.
A source from the production unit says, ”Ronit Roy has been a favourite of Ekta Kapoor. Their professional relationship goes back a long way. The character of Bhishma Pitamah is the central character in Mahabharat. According to Ekta only Ronit can do justice to the role.“
A mythological as big as Mahabharat is bound to be a big budget project and Ekta is not leaving any stone unturned to make it a mega-success. Our source adds, ”Ekta Kapoor plans to make the Mahabharat on a massive scale and more opulent than the earlier Mahabharat.“
It may be recalled that Mukesh Khanna had played the character of Bhishma in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat. ”Comparisons will be inevitable but Ronit will do his research and also interpret the character as written in the script. Ronit is completely charged to portray the character of Bhishmah Pitamah,“ says the source.
Though Ekta remained unavailable for comment, a source from Balaji on condition of anonymity confirms that Ronit will play Bhishma Pitamah. ”When Ekta Kapoor had approached Ronit Roy to play the role, he was more than willing to portray Bhishma Pitamah. He had said that Bhishma was his favourite character from Mahabharat and considered himself lucky to be getting to play this character.“
However, when contacted, Ronit Roy did not deny anything but added, ”I would not like to comment on anything right now. We should wait for Ekta to make the formal announcement.“ Well, get reading on your research Ronit, you’ve got a tall order to live up to!
Who was Bhishma Pitamah ?
Bhishma Pitamah was the youngest of son of Shantanu and Ganga. Few know that Bhishma’s real name was Devavrata. He came to be known as Bhishma because he took a Bhishma Pratigya-the vow of lifelong celibacy and service to whoever sat on the throne of his father. This gave him a place amongst the gods and he was granted a boon of Iccha Mrityu-control over his own death.
February 20, 2008: Ronit working hard for Bhishmah Pitamah
Which is the first face that comes to mind when you hear ‘Bhishma’ in ‘Mahabharata’? Well, of course Mukesh Khanna, his overpowering persona coupled with baritone voice made him one of the most lovable characters of ‘Mahabharata’.
Now, Ronit Roy is put up against the huge challenge as he has agreed to play the role of Bhishma in the war epic, this time being produced by Balaji. The task is huge, but Ronit is full aware of the expectations and the actor is working very hard on his character; he is doing research which of course involves seeing a lot of ‘Mahabharata’ tapes.
Balaji is trying to create ‘Mahabharata’ on a bigger scale than it was earlier presented in the 80’s and this time they are casting their best actors, but the big question remains, Will Ekta and her boyz be able to beat the benchmark?
February 22, 2008: Ronit gets big daddy of all roles
Ekta’s ‘Mahabharat’ different?
Moving from our saas bahu drama, our queen bee’s busy roping in her stars for her mega starrer ‘Mahabharat’. And true to Indian tradition, she knows that this is one drama that would not draw flak. Moving away from the ’superwoman bahu and beti’s’, Ekta’s busy in her own world with her Kshatriyas and the Pandavas. And there’s lot of grapevine floating around on who’s going to walk away with what crown! But we do know for certain that Ronit Roy’s playing the grand daddy of all roles - Bhishma Pitahmah! Mukesh Khanna shot to fame in the epic ‘Mahabharat’ of BR Chopra..so is Ronit on his way of doing the same?
Well, we are not suprised. Ronit’s the blue eyed boy of Ekta’s clan. And both Ekta and Ronit, in terms of professional relationship sure do go a long way back. And her justification through sources say, ”Who else but Ronit can do justice to the role.“ And nothing’s really small budget when it comes to Ekta Kapoor.
She’s planning to leave no stones unturned. Ekta and Ronit were unavailable for comments. We also hear that Chetan Hansraj’s been roped in to play Bheema. And, the light eyed hunk is going our ’six pack ab’ way! He’s already hired a trainer to get into shape and we sure are waiting to see the rippling muscles set the screen on fire. Chetan is busy with ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki’, but is quite excited of playing the role of Bheema…the man with the muscles. And he plans to bring in a different look from the earlier look of Bheem in ‘Mahabharat’. We do wonder who her leading ladies would be…her favorite ladies, given the industry buzz are overworked and almost tottering to near exhaustion.
It’s pretty strange how everyone’s saying this ‘Mahabharat’ is going to be different, and yet, one can almost hear the unspoken fear of living up the high expectations that BR Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’ set. So would our queen bee’s magic is yet to be seen!
February 26, 2008: "Nobody is bigger than the show"- Ronit
26 Feb 2008, 0000 hrs IST,AMRITA MULCHANDANI ,TNN
Some things never change on television. Like replacements. Okay, to put things simply, lead characters in prime time/afternoon/evening soaps are no longer indispensable.
On the contrary, if someone can’t cope with the gruelling work hours (Krystle D’Souza, Pranita Sahu), starts getting Bollywood dreams (Prachi Desai), acts pricey (Rajeev Khandelwal, Smriti Iraani, Pulkit Samrat, Cezanne Khan, Iqbal) or refuses to grow old (Surveen Chawla, Apoorva Agnihotri, Rucha Gujarati, soap-makers think of the handiest quick-fix formula — hire another star, change the storyline to suit his/her re-introduction (usually a bullet wound, a fall from a cliff, a raging fire or a car accident) in the show.
What about the poor audience though? Can they even relate to this constant stream of new Tulsis, Anurags, Kinjals et al? In Karam Apna Apna, for instance, Apara Mehta’s character has been replaced thrice over. Mihir, changing face in three months, became a joke in the world of television. Nivedita Basu, creative director of Balaji Telefilms says, ”If the old actor is creating problems for the production house, then we have no option but to change the actor. We just can’t stop a successful show.“
Actor, Ronit Roy who replaced the first television icon Mihir in Kyunki …, says, ”I was accepted easily by the audience. I have realised that nobody (character) is bigger than the show.“
Actress, Gautami Kapoor who replaced Smriti Iraani in Kyunki … says, ”I don’t think it is easy for the audience to relate to a new face that they have known for six-seven years. But they do believe in giving a fair chance to a newcomer and that’s why I just followed my gut feeling and took up the role.“
While Hiten Tejwani, who’s often known in television circles as a replacement actor — replaced actors in Kkusum, Kkoi Dil Mein Hai , Kkesar and Kasauti Zindagi Kay , says, ”The audience does face problem when it comes to identifying a character, but if the replacement actor is popular, he can carry off the show well.“
And now television’s youngest bahu Bani is all set to quit Kasamh Se in May and mentor Ekta Kapoor is launching a nationwide audition to get a replacement. How does Prachi feel about someone else taking over Bani’s role? ”I think if a character is replaced, the show doesn’t do well comparatively. Nobody can replace any character because an actor makes a character,“ chips in Prachi.
Hate to say this Prachi, but, in the end, a TRP-topping show has to go on!
February 26, 2008: "I will never say, I have arrived"- Ronit
Ronit Roy (Mr Bajaj of Kasautii Zindagii Kay)
”Ronit will never say he has arrived; for then people will say Ronit has passed away“
”I feel I have not arrived as yet. I’m still struggling. That is what they say about life — life is about running; it is not about arriving at a destination. You reach one destination and from there you take a stepping stone to another. People who have done so many inspiring things in life want to do so much more. I still have to raise two children; my elder daughter is going to college now and I have two small children — so, there is so much to do materialistically too. Ronit will never say he has arrived; for then people will say Ronit has passed away! That would be the end of it. When you have been given a beautiful life, live it to the fullest. I still have much more to achieve in life.
February 26, 2008: "I want to play James Bond"- Ronit
Couch potatoes of all age groups instantly identify with Mihir, Mr Bajaj and even Aparajit Deb.
The actor who plays these characters on small screen is often referred to as the Amitabh Bachchan of television. Arguably the highest paid star, Ronit Roy prefers to underplay his success.
In a chat with NT, he speaks about his upcoming role of Bhishma Pitamah, and his foray into Bollywood sometime later this year.
Ekta Kapoor is soon to launch an epic serial on the small screen and has selected Ronit to play Bhishma. Ask him if he is excited about it and Ronit says, ”Everything is in a preliminary stage. Of course, a makeover will be needed as I will have to get the right look to portray such an iconic persona of Indian mythology.“
In the previous version of tele epic, Mukesh Khanna, who played the role of Bhishma, got stuck with the image. Does he fear getting typecast and not being able to play other characters? ”At the moment I am more focused on the role and am not looking at the repercussions it may have on my career. If I play a character well, it should get me more work. What’s there to fear about?“ he counters.
Would this epic be as successful as its earlier counterpart? Ronit brushes aside such concerns, ”I am just an actor in an ensemble cast being put together by a big production house. The success or the failure of the serial is not my concern at all.“
He is known to be Ekta’s favourite actor but ask him if he has ever suffered her ill-famed temper and Ronit says, ”Over a period of time when people work together they learn to accept each other’s whims and fancies. I know Ekta as an extremely understanding person, who is very supportive of her actors. I have never seen her lose her temper. Maybe I have been just plain lucky so far.“
Considered to be the highest paid television star today, Ronit’s serials have been topping the TRPs for the last five years. Has he devised any special strategy for his success? ”I think it’s my honest approach and sheer hard work, which has paid off. As far as being the highest paid artiste is concerned, I think there are others who are earning much more than me,“ quips Roy.
In reality dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Ronit came across as a talented dancer. But he was eliminated because he was not willing to ask for votes. Why didn’t he do so when he has such a huge fan following? ”I consider my fans to be my family. I get so much love from my fans. To ask them to pay for that love, is just not done.“
He began his career with films like Jaan Tere Naam and Sainik. Now that so many television actors are trying their luck on big screen, is he also ready for a second run in Bollywood? ”I have been offered a few film projects. But I’m still looking out for something really interesting. One role that I would love to play is that of James Bond .
March 3, 2008: Rohit, Ronit ready to compete
One look at the Roy brothers, Ronit and Rohit, and this is what comes to mind.
Ronit, older of the two, is the reserved, suave guy, and Rohit is the flamboyant dude. But do you know it’s the other way round! At least, when they were younger that was the case.
"As a kid, I was this shy boy wearing thick glasses, someone who preferred to stay at home and read, while Ronit was the more flamboyant and outgoing kind," reveals Rohit. But why do people have a different impression of the two? "I guess people have a different perception of Ronit because he’s played characters like Mihir Virani and Mr Bajaj on TV. So those who don’t know him think he’s more the restrained kind. Actually, Ronit is a mad hatter! He’s great fun. I used to be an introvert, but I have opened up a lot now," he explains.
The one thing common between the two is the strong bond they share, always wishing the best for the other. But, now the two are going to clash! Both are participating in an upcoming reality dance show called Yeh Hai Jalwa. The last time they came together in a dance show was in Jhalak Dikhlla Jaa, where Rohit was an anchor and Ronit, a participant.
But this time it’s competition at home. Ask Ronit about this and he says, "I don’t look at it like a competition. I just believe one should put in his best, and keep raising the bar for yourself. About Rohit, he’s a flamboyant and energetic dancer. He’s surely one of the top contenders."
What if Rohit scores more than him? "I would love it if he wins," says Ronit. "In any case, everything Rohit’s got is more than what I have. He has a bigger house, he makes more money than me, he’s a film actor, he charges more, he’s a bigger star," laughs Ronit.
That’s the rapport the brothers share, they are like friends laughing and joking often, but they also have their fair share of arguments. "It’s a mixed bag. There are times when we fight and then make up. But the bottomline is that the emotions are very strong," says bade bhaiyya.
"Ronit’s always been a father-figure," says Rohit adding, "He was the bully who would beat me up when he thought I was wrong. He still does!"
On a serious note, the two have strong admiration for each other’s work. "Rohit’s a great actor and now he’s also turned director. In Dus Kahaaniyan everyone says Rice Plate, the story he directed, was the best."
Rohit avers Ronit’s grown to be one of the finest actors in the country today. And not just that, even in the reality dance show he believes Ronit has no competition. "He’s the best undoubtedly," he declares.
March 5, 2008: "Ronit is a very good actor"- Mukesh Khanna
Declares MUKESH KHANNA in a candid chat with HITEN TRIVEDI on Balaji's upcoming mega venture 'Mahabharat' where Ronit Roy dons the garb of Bhishma
Ronit Roy might have not been too successful in Bollywood, but his stint in television has definitely brought him a lot of glory.
With his standout performances in Ekta Kapoor's daily soaps, he has won himself the title of 'the superstar of the small screen'.
Ekta is now coming up with the all time epic drama 'Mahabharat' where her favourite Ronit would be seen playing none other than Bhishma Pitamaha.
Do we need to help recollect your memories about BR Chopra's 'Mahabharat' where Pitamaha was played by the veteran Mukesh Khanna? Khanna perfectly personified Bhishma, so well that even after two decades of the epic being aired, people still refer to him as Pitamaha.
We speak to the original Pitamaha as to what he feels about Ronit playing Bhishma in Ekta's 'Mahabharat' and why he was not offered the role.
"First of all I am anti-Ekta and her K-factor daily soaps. Looking at the way I have been criticising Ekta in public, I don't think she would ever cast me in any of her serials, not even 'Mahabharat'.
Ronit is certainly a very good actor and I think he will do proper justice to the role," says Khanna.
When asked about rumours that his clips from the old 'Mahabharat' have been shown to Ronit for him to easily understand and adapt the character of Pitamaha, Khanna replies, "Even I have heard the same.
My sources recently said that Ekta has been showing my video clips from the old 'Mahabharat' to Ronit. Let's see how well he personifies the character."
But when contacted Ronit rubbishes the rumour saying, "I don't believe in doing all these things. I have the calibre of putting soul in any character that I play by just reading the script.
Neither had I done this when I took over the character of Mihir Virani in 'Kyunki Saas...', nor will I do this when preparing for Bhishma." Overconfidence, eh? Let's wait and watch who proves to be a better Pitamaha — Khanna or Roy.
March 8, 2008: Chak de, Women's Day!
Author: Amul Sharma Date: 08 Mar 2008
The men in the industry speak out on what today means to them and the place the women they live with have in their lives. They also ponder on the possibility of having a day singled out for them
It’s a male-dominated industry, but B-Town guys love their ladies. Be it their mothers, daughters, sisters, wives or girlfriends, they’re either very proud or protective about them.
Some wonder why you need to single out a day to celebrate the existence of women. Others agree it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a Men’s Day too.
Anil Kapoor
For me every day should be Women’s Day. This day is about treating women with respect and equality. Women should always be respected, admired and treasured; and not just on one day. They are almost the truest form of purity and selfless love. From my family to my films and personal friendships with women, I have always had the utmost regard for women and have treated them all equally and with respect. My son Harsh and I bow our heads and stand before the three women in our home — Sunita and my daughters Rhea and Sonam.
Riteish Deshmukh
Women’s Day is celebrated to connect women globally and to inspire them to achieve their full potential in anything they do. I think it’s great that it is celebrated… it started when women didn’t or couldn’t exercise their rights or participate in a competitive world. Today they are equal to men in every sense and have outdone them in many things. I guess it’s not a bad idea to have a Men’s Day too… we men deserve some pampering!
Sajid Khan
I don’t believe in such days, for the simple reason that I don’t get the concept of being nice to other people on a particular day. Why can’t everyday be a Children’s Day or a Valentine’s Day and a Women’s Day? It is a man’s world and if women did get a chance to rule it, the world would be a much better place for sure. Everyday is Men’s Day because I think it is man’s world, and all men are dogs. They don’t really need a day named after them.
Ronit Roy
I would think today’s a day to stop and acknowledge the importance of the women in our lives and of their accomplishments. And yes, why not have a Men’s Day? It would be nice to have the ladies acknowledge our existence and accomplishments. But I guess that in their own way they do on all the other days. I would like to wish all the women a very happy Women’s Day.
Akshay Kumar
The women in our lives deserve all the love we can shower on them. And why just have one day that gives us a chance to show them how much they mean to us? We can tell them that every day of our lives. You don’t need an occasion for that. About having a Men’s Day, why not?
Sanjay Dutt
Everyday should be Women’s Day. Men just can’t do without them. Women are not just special people to be treated with love, but also nurtured, cared for and respected. I have met some amazingly strong, intelligent and beautiful women in my life — of which my mom (Nargis Dutt) holds the most special place in my heart… Richa, my daughter Trishala, my sisters Anju and Priya… all of whom I have always held very dear…and my wife Maana, whom I love a lot. I salute all women today!
Tusshar Kapoor
I really don’t know much about why we celebrate Women’s Day to begin with. I guess we do so to cherish women, right? We don’t really need a special day for men because it is a liberated society we live in and men and women are treated and looked upon in the same light.
Zayed Khan
To me, Women’s Day is a modern way of making women feel special. We tend to label things and glorify ideas —Women’s Day is a way for making card companies increase their sales. It’s ironical and pointless to have these days. On a serious note, every day should be celebrated as Women’s Day. I believe in equality of women. Women are as important as men. Today’s women know how to balance their personal lives with their ambitions. I see so many women in my family doing that. Behind every happy man there’s a woman.
Sunil Shetty
I think the only reason Women’s Day is celebrated is because women are special. Behind every successful man there are two women — his mother who takes him to the pedestal of success and his wife who takes him through the rest of his life. If a man is fortunate to have a daughter, she takes him to his grave. For me, it has been three women — my mom, Mana and my daughter Athaiya — who have made me what I am. It’s for the women to decide whether there should be a Men’s Day. Father’s Day is good enough for now.
Upen Patel
I don’t know why we celebrate Women’s Day. But for me, every day is Women’s Day because they are the purest form of love.
March 14, 2008: Roy'al choice
Author: MiD DAY Correspondent Date: 14 Mar 2008
The gym-trim Ronit Roy, who has carved a special niché for himself on TV, may not be a foodie but he is very particular about his diet. He is convinced that food has a spiritual quality.
Ronit’s Thought For Food
I am a vegetarian. I like to eat a lot of greens. I don’t like corn and baingan and avoid tomatoes and potatoes. I eat a lot of dudhi.
I begin my day: Usually, if I have a hectic schedule and have to wake up early then I have a cup of invigorating black coffee without milk and sugar.
My breakfast is: Restricted because I don’t have milk products. I either have upma or a poha.
My lunch is: Sprouts, dudhi ki sabzi or some other sabzi with some dal, which I carry from home. I avoid wheat and rice. Sometimes I have jowari or nachni ki roti or wheat roti with my sabzi.
I don’t eat maida at all.
My evening snack: At six in the evening, I am ravenous. So my wife packs sprouts, kala channa, chila or soya chaklis for me. I don’t like them much but have one or two if I am hungry. In between, if I feel hungry I eat idlis. While doing Jhalak Dikhla Jaa I ate a lot of dry fruits like anjeer and black raisins as I needed the energy.
Dinner is a vegetable with some dal. I love eating dal and papad or steamed vegetables.
My fitness regime: I hit the gym four to five times in a week for my weight training as I like to keep my body in shape. On days when I am extremely tired, I skip the gym to give my body rest. Otherwise, my weight training session lasts for 35 to 40 minutes. Besides that I skip a lot and also do my cross training in the gym.
My wife and I catch up with each other on our Sunday brunch at the Marriott. I like a glass of red wine with my brunch.
My favourite restaurants: Marriott and the oriental restaurant at The Club. Abroad, I look for the ones that serve Thai and Chinese food. I avoid Italian fare because of the maida and cheese. At the most, I may eat a risotto. While travelling I survive on juices, yoghurts and salads. I have burgers and junk food once in four to five months.
I am a caffeine addict toh mera coffee toh chalta hi hai.
Nowadays I don’t wake up and eat in the middle of the night. Earlier I would wake up and eat mithais.
After dinner I don’t eat anything.
I am extremely fond of sweets. Once in three months I binge and have sweets for two to three days in a row. I love jalebis and rabdi. In Bengali fare, I love Bengali samosas and mishti doi. I can eat five kilos of mishti doi because I love yoghurt. Yoghurt is the only milk byproduct that I eat.
Childhood memories of food comprise: My mom ke haath ka khaana. If there are five dishes on the table I can distinctly make out what my mother has made. My mom makes this Bengali sabzi, which is called paanch mishali. It has five different vegetables in it.
When I was in Turkey for the shooting of Kasamh Se, I was there for about six days. Out of those six days, for two days I was fasting, so other days we used to have a buffet. And as usual, I couldn’t eat many things. But there was a salad bar, so a plateful of salad was enough for me.
I haven’t cooked for years now. In fact, I don’t even remember how to cook. I can cook quite a lot of things like chilli paneer, soya kheema with green peas in it. In fact, it used to taste so good that people would think its actually mutton kheema.
I can’t resist buying different brands of coffee.
My favourite kitchen appliance: The kitchen is not my space.
My favourite dining friend is my wife, Neelam.
Currently my favourite food is home-made vegetable pasta. I avoid the pasta outside as it has lots of cheese in it.
For a romantic meal: We hit the beach shacks. I have been patronising three to four beach shacks for almost 20 years now, since the time I first went to Goa. The aunties in these shacks have become family now, they know exactly what I want even before I can place an order. Since I don’t eat non-vegetarian fare they will put my dal fry and rice or paneer tikka before me. I also enjoy a fine dining romantic meal. In Mumbai, my choice of restaurant for a fine dining experience would be Spices. Neelam does not drink but when I seek her company she has an occasional glass of red wine, or a glass of fresh lime and I have my glass of red wine. I am all for a beautiful ambience with lots of candles.
March 25, 2008: "I want my team to be the fittest"- Ronit
RONIT ROY
Tell us about Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa on 9X.
Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa has a unique concept- the show will feature each celebrity with a team of five members. The celebrities will coach these members, and unlike any other dance reality show, Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa will provide the participants with a platform not only to perform but also share their skill and expertise with the other team members. This show will provide the audience with entertainment never seen before. When I was eliminated from Jhalak, I had made a promise to my audience and Shaimak – I had said then: ‘I will not stop here but will continue my journey and take my dancing skills to the next level.’ Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa is where I will prove my skill as a dancer at the next level.
What made you sign on Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa? What are your expectations from the
show?
Dancing is like Freedom for me. Like I said earlier, I was looking at getting on the next level and that got me excited about Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa. Personal expectation is that during the show I learn, try and polish my skill further as a dancer. As far as winning and losing goes I have set my goal- I will try and bring something exclusive to my audience every week. I will try and live up to their expectations. Currently I am not thinking of who will win or lose, but only about providing the audience with an enthralling performance every time my team and I are out there.
How will you train your team?
I plan to share my knowledge with my team. What I have learnt over the past few months is that it takes a lot to be a dancer -- one needs to have flexibility, grace, knowledge of body dynamics and the basics of the skill. A critical element that we would be looking at is the fitness level; it’s of utmost important that the team be fit… I would want my team to be the fittest on the show.
What do you think will be the USP of Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa? What’s your plan of
action?
I am a person who lives in reality! Every moment is real for me, and that reflects in my performances. Dancing is freedom -- an artistic medium that can display emotions. Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa is a great platform not just for the celebrity participants but also the team members who have lot of emotions, and this show will provide them an opportunity to display their skill. I plan to put my best foot forward and absolutely enjoy this experience!
Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa has no jury - what is your take on that?
For me there is no bigger jury then the millions of people who will watch tehs how on Television. The viewers are extremely influential, and have the ascendancy to make or break an actor. Having the audience as the core jury of Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa will provide the participants with an opportunity to concentrate on the TV audiences, who are supreme.
Who will be your strongest competition on the show?
From this lineup? They’re all fabulous! The lineup on Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa is terrific -- it’s a remarkable ensemble that will provide the participants with the best competition. According tome Husain is very good; Prachi and Shweta are fine dancers too. In fact, everyone is so good it will be difficult to point to one as a tough competitor. Rohit has already proven his talent, so for me the competition will start from home!
April 09, 2008: Gods of small screen
As is now well-known, TV is an extremely well-paying medium. Where male actors are concerned, the crown of highest paid actor goes to Vinod Khanna for obvious reasons.
Apparently, it was the huge pay packet—more than Rs 2 lakh per day—which lured Khanna to give his nod for Smriti Iraani’s daily soap Mere Apne.
The next actor is Ekta Kapoor’s blue-eyed boy Ronit Roy, who got a new lease of life with Balaji’s Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi after his unsuccessful movie career. The actor who was later seen as Mr Bajaj in Balaji’s Kasauti Zindagi Kay and as Aparajit Deb in Kasamh Se, has become a staunch Balaji loyalist. Presently, he’s charging more than Rs 65,000 per day. After Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 2, his market value has gone a few notches higher.
The next big actor is Ram Kapoor who has become a household name with his Jai Walia act in Kasamh Se. He earns more than Rs 40,000 per day for his exclusivity and loyalty. Hiten Tejwani, another trusted Balaji actor gets around Rs 35,000 per day. He has never ventured beyond Balaji for roles.
Besides the above, actors Sharad Kelkar (Nahar of Saat Phere) and Sharad Malhotra (Sagar of Banoo Main Teri Dulhann) net around Rs 25,000 per day.
The small-screen sure yields big returns.
April 17, 2008: Dear Ronit
Ronit Roy has been relieved from his exclusivity contract with Balaji Telefilms. He is too expensive for the producer
Vickey Lalwani
Ekta Kapoor and Ronit Roy
Three years back, in May 2005 when Mihir aka Ronit Roy wanted to do something out side Balaji Television that made him a household name, Mentor Ekta Kapoor demanded her pound of flesh. She told Ronit categorically that it's either her or Manish Goswami's Sarkar. After spending sleepless nights Ronit decided to quit Balaji Telfilms. He had then said, ”Both the shows (Kyunki… and Kasauti…) made me a household name - Mihir Virani and Mr Bajaj. I have also sacrificed a fat pay packet. But I did what was morally and ethically correct.“ Ekta wanted Ronit to work exclusively for Balaji and Ronit backtracked and went back to her. Goswami was left twidling his thumbs; he had no choice but to kill Ronit's character in Sarkar.
Last week again, Ronit found himself at crossroads. However, this time he has decided that he will not work for Balaji, exclusively. While Kasautii... is over and Ronit is gearing up to play Bhishma Pitamah in Kapoor's upcoming mythological Mahabharat, he is also on the verge of signing a Cinevistaas show. Interestingly, this time, Ekta did not stop him. Not so long ago, Ronit also participated in reality show, Jhalak Dikhlla Jaa 2 and is currently doing Yeh Hai Jalwa.
Our well-placed source from the TV industry says, ”Balaji has no problem when their actors participate in reality shows.“
How come the change in Ekta's stance? Our source laughs and spills the beans, ”Ronit was proving to be too expensive on monthly basis. It's better to have him on daily basis. On his two current shows with Balaji (Kyunki... and Mahabharat), Balaji needs him for just 19 days in a month. So why should they pay him a fat amount every month?“
While Ekta remained unavailable for comment, Balaji Telefilm's General Manager - Operations, Ketan Gupta, confirmed that Ronit is has been relieved from his 'exclusivity' contract. He said, ”Yes, we have dissolved the exclusive contract with Ronit. However, there is no fall-out, no animosity. Ronit is a fine actor. And yes, we will not have him on monthly basis anymore since it's an economical and sensible proposition for us.“
Ronit elaborated on his 'exclusivity' contract with Balaji and told us that it was applicable only until either Kyunki… or Kasauti… went off air. ”The contract became null and void when Kasautii… was pulled off,“ he said.
When asked if paying him on monthly basis was a costlier deal for Balaji Telefilms, Ronit quipped, ”It's too early to calculate that and answer your question. Right now, I am only on Kyunki… with Balaji and am shooting about 10 days for that. As for my future assignments, yes, I am in talks with Cinevistaas for a show. I am also in talks for a couple of films.“
April 24, 2008: Chinese Mantra
Ronit Roy is getting into shape to play Bhisham Pitamah in Ekta Kapoor's Mahabharat. We hear that the actor has rented a hall in Versova, where four instructors are preparing him to fit the role. Says Ronit, ”I have been practising for the last six months and I am enjoying every bit of it. I have been learning Chinese martial art and other defence-attack tactics - Purgo and Capoeira.“ He however, brushes off the fact that he is simply following the diktats of mentor Ekta. A source from Balaji Telefilms says, ”Ekta Kapoor has made it clear to Ronit that he needs to have good biceps and triceps for Bhisham Pitamah's role. Ronit has almost achieved a lean look.“
April 25, 2008: Guarding SRK
Author: Tushar Joshi Date: 25 Apr 2008
Ronit Roy’s security agency is providing cover to Khan and his entourage during IPL matches
you’ll have to get past me! Bodyguard Yaseen with
Shah Rukh Khan
Apart from acting on television, Ronit Roy also owns and runs a security agency, Ace Security and Protection. He is providing the security cover to Shah Rukh Khan and his entourage during the Indian Premier League matches. In the past, Ronit’s agency has worked with several B-Town actors and also managed several events.
A source reveals that Ronit is working in tandem with Shah Rukh’s bodyguard Yaseen on taking care of security matters. ”This isn’t the first time he’s worked with Shah Rukh. They have a long association where Ace has worked on providing security for Shah Rukh at many of his events.“
Family’s safety
Throwing light on how it works the source adds, ”Ronit is not handling ground security. He’s closely working on Shah Rukh and his family’s personal security. This means providing them proper cover and making sure their every move is monitored.
Since Yaseen is Shah Rukh’s personal bodyguard he tells Ronit the mandatory requirements and what kind of security is required. Depending on the scenario and the surroundings the security arrangements change.“
Ronit confirms that his agency is providing cover to Shah Rukh. ”Yes my company has a long-standing relation with him. Beyond this I wouldn’t want to say anything.“
April 28, 2008: High on Tai-Chi
The martial art is getting quite popular among celebs for different reasons. Glacxy Ferrao checks it out
The ancient secret Chinese art of Tai chi is quite popular nowadays among a lot of people around the world. India too is not far behind with some of our well-known celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Zayed Khan, Ronit Roy, Rehan Khan, Jesse Randhawa, etc, practising the art quite diligently. This martial art is well-known for its health benefits as well as fitness, vitality and stress management as it stresses on complete relaxation. Unlike the hard martial arts like taekwondo, tai chi is known for its soft, slow, flowy movements. It is force that is needed here, rather than strength.
Tai chi as taught everywhere in the world, usually comprises of 108 positions and 37 movements. But since it involves slow pace and difficult complicated movements the students many a times get bored. So the combat version of original Tai chi has been transformed now into a fitness and health science called Executive Tai Chi which is a fast to learn art for today’s busy, stressed out man. Without using any complicated steps, executive tai chi has been made very simple, and can be practised by men, women, children, girls, pregnant women and even the elderly.
Even healthy and sick people can benefit from tai chi. Cardiac patients, stroke patients and chronically disabled patients can also benefit greatly from this art, say the exponents of tai chi. It is now the most happening fitness system in Asia and is actually a form of meditation, or what could be called as meditation in motion.
No wonder then, that even our celebrities have got hooked to this martial art. Let’s check out what they have to say about Tai-chi:
Actor Ronit Roy who has been practising this martial art for the past 4 years says, ”I heard about taichi and at once got interested in it. I learnt it in 2004 and I’m practising it till today. It’s a different form of martial art which has motion in it with very slow movements. I would call it a sort of yoga in motion. It’s a type of spiritual martial art which improves your balance and breathing. It does not show instant changes in a person. The actual changes are seen much later in life. One must do it continuously and the power develops slowly. Sometimes people learning the art get bored as it has slow movements. But it’s good in the sense it maintains the equilibrium of mind and body.
Says well-known model Jesse Randhawa who has learnt Tai chi along with other martial arts, ”I was always interested in martial arts. I’ve learnt Taekwondo and kickboxing. I was also learning Tai chi for some time since I have this craze for learning different types of martial arts. Basically, I learnt Tai-chi because its a different form of martial art which somewhat varies between dancing and martial arts. It’s very flowy and so I got attracted to this form.“
New kid on the block, actor Rehan Khan has just started learning the art as he feels that it increases the flexibility of the body. He says, ”Tai-chi requires 45 minutes of stretching exercises. I practise it for two hours everyday in the morning, four times in a week. Right now I’m learning the basics and then I’ll be put into combat which is a one-on-one thing. I’ll be graduating in this martial art form in a month’s time. It takes nearly 4 months to learn the full course. There are no safety guards used in combat tai-chi and if one gets hit he gets badly hit. I’ve been learning tai-chi to increase the flexibility and agility of my body. And also to prepare myself for roles in action films,“ he says.
Even the action king of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar too used to teach tai-chi in Thailand in his earlier days before he became a great actor here. Actor Zayed Khan too is known to practice this martial art form. In fact, not just actors, a lot of common people too are getting deeply interested in tai chi. In today’s times when fitness is catching up with people in a big way it’s no wonder that tai chi too is fast emerging as a way of staying healthy and happy. The health benefits of tai chi
Health improvement Increasing energy, agility and flexibility Loosening and strengthening joints and muscles Controlling weight Rejuvenation of body, mind and spirit Stress reduction Improving concentration and intuitive abilities Emotional control
April 28, 2008: Body of work
Fitness expert Prashant Sawant is training Hiten Tejwani, Chetan Hansraj and Ronit Roy for Ekta Kapoor's Mahabharat
Kavita Shyam
Ronit Roy, Chetan Hansraj, Ekta Kapoor
Ekta Kapoor is all set to make her new show Mahabharat a grand success. The producer has got Prashant Sawant (the fitness trainer who is responsible for Shah Rukh Khan's six pack abs in Om Shanti Om) to work on Ronit Roy, Hiten Tejwani, Chetan Hansraj and Harshad Chopra's physique.
Prashant, who owns a gym in Juhu, has been training actors and models for the past few years.
Chetan who plays Bheem in Ekta's Mahabharat, confirmed and said, "Yes, Prashant will start training us next month. The show requires us to look very fit. We will be working on having a lean look. We will also be learning martial arts and sword fighting for two months for which we will have trainers coming to teach us all the way from Karnataka and Kerala. I am yet to meet Prashant. Meanwhile, I have been going to my personal trainer and I am looking forward to our new fitness regime. I have already started having high protein and low carb diet to get in shape. I am also preparing myself to play Bheem by reading as much I can about the Mahabharat."
Hiten, who plays Karan, said, "I have been going to Prashant for a while now. He is there to help us build our body."
Ekta too confirmed the news but refused to comment further as she will only divulge the show's details at a later stage.
Prashant said, "I have got a brief from Ekta on how she wants me to train the actors. She wants them to get a very look which is very similar to the actors in the film 300. It will be a challenge to get these actors to build their bodies as they have hectic shooting schedules. I am currently customising their diet and work out plan based on their respective body type. Shah Rukh was training under me for two years and he took four months to build his six pack abs. I only have two months to train Mahabharat's actors. But I am glad that people are taking fitness seriously these days."
The daily show will go on air in July.
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