Asianet Communications Ltd appoints John Brittas as Business Head

Asianet Communications Ltd (ACL) has appointed senior journalist and icon of modern visual media, John Brittas as Business Head. Before joining ACL, Brittas was the Managing Director and Editor of CPM owned Kairali TV. His programmes like Cross Fire aired on Kairali TV made him a household name in Kerala.

ACL runs two entertainment channels –Asianet and Asianet Plus.

The eventful career of John Brittas, who hailed from a small village of Kannur, commenced when he joined ‘Deshabhimani’ after his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Trissur, Kerala Verma College. Later he grabbed his Masters from the same college being the topper. At the age of 22 he went to Delhi and joined JNU for M.Phil and later Ph.D. ‘Deshabhimani’ was considerate enough to transfer him to Delhi as its bureau chief. There, even before joining his office, he got an assignment to escort the then Chief Minister of Kerala to Punjab for a discussion with the ‘Akalis’, a radical group beseeching a separate state. He witnessed many incidents at the capital that designed India’s future both at the home front and in the international arena. Brittas has done first-hand reporting for the general elections between 1981 and 1999. He also covered the general election in Nepal soon after the tragic death of King Birendra. He was physically present in Ayodhya during the Babri Masjid demolition. Brittas became the first journalist from India to reach Baghdad during the Iraq war. He is the youngest correspondent to get the Central Hall pass in the Parliament.

Ulka Gupta returns as Kaali in Jhansi Ki Rani

Young Ulka Gupta, who wowed millions of viewers across the country with her impressive portrayal of the great Rani Laxmibai in Zee TV’s Jhansi ki Rani, is back in the show. This time as Kaali, the intense, spirited daughter of a tribal called Bandhu who had supported the Rani in her battle against the queen of Orchha. The character of Kaali will soon emerge as the new face of India’s struggle for Independence - Kraanti Ka Naya Chehra. Ignited with a strong passion and fervor for her motherland, she will be seen assisting Rani Laxmibai in her war against the British. One look at the pictures of Kaali and you know that Ulka is all set to play a feisty firebrand who’s ready for the kill!

Speaking of her new assignment on the very show that made her a household name, Ulka said, "It's great to be back on the sets of Jhansi Ki Rani. The crew, the cast members, they're all extremely affectionate since we have such wonderful memories to choose from. I'm all excited to be playing Kaali as she the same fire within her, the same intensity and passion for freedom as the Rani"

Speaking on the introduction of Ulka as Kaali, Sukesh Motwani, Head- Fiction Programming, said, "Ulka has been the face of Jhansi Ki Rani ever since we launched the show. If the audience had had their way, they'd never have let the Rani grow up. Naturally, we were keen to bring Ulka back as the show enters its most exciting climax. And a mere flashback wouldn't have sufficed. As Kaali, Ulka will embody the new face of India's struggle for Independence and work hand-in-hand with the Rani in her battle against the British."

To catch Ulka Gupta return to the small screen as Kaali, stay tuned to Jhansi Ki Rani at 8pm Sunday-Thursday on Zee TV.

The Royal Wedding on Discovery Channel

Date and Time: April 25, 26, 27 and 28 at 20.10.

To celebrate the upcoming royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Discovery Channel exclusively on OSN has a brilliant bouquet of special documentaries dedicated to this highly anticipated event.

This exclusive season, dubbed ‘Royal Wedding Week’, will be broadcast on Discovery Channel (channel 80) exclusively on OSN from April 25 to April 29, with a series of original programmes on the nuptials and fanfare that surrounds it.

Each day that week will feature a new programme, starting on Monday, April 25 with the intriguing documentary, ‘Royally Obsessed’. For most royal fans, collecting a piece or two of memorabilia to mark a royal event is enough. But for others, their collecting has become an obsession. ‘Royally Obsessed’ introduces viewers to the most fanatical royal collectors in the world through personal tours of their royal relic-crammed homes and seeks to understand their royal obsession.

With William officially off the market, attention now turns to Prince Harry who will undoubtedly take over the reigns as the world's most eligible bachelor. Discovery Channel lifts the lid the following day on the boy Princess Diana called ‘the naughty one’ in the riveting documentary, ‘Wild About Prince Harry’. The programme tracks Prince Harry's journey from young child to war hero, charity campaigner and royal pin-up through rare photos and footage, and interviews with friends and family.

The celebrations shift up a gear on Wednesday, April 27 with the fascinating documentary ‘30 Days That Rocked The Royals’. This in-depth piece marks the most significant 30 days between the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and their son's. It highlights all the triumphs and tragedies in the Royal Family over the past three decades, from weddings and babies to funerals and scandals. This is a snapshot of Britain's most famous family as you've never seen it before.

Finally, on Friday April 29, Discovery Channel brings all the excitement surrounding the wedding itself to viewers with the documentary, ‘The Biggest Day’ which takes an exclusive behind the scenes look at how key players prepared for the wedding day, the pressure they were under and the challenges they faced.

‘Royal Wedding Week’ is a fantastic celebration of pomp and pageantry, and of true love and fairy tale weddings from April 25 - 29 on Discovery Channel (channel 80) exclusively on OSN.

Game of Thrones airs on OSN FIRST and OSN FIRST HD

‘Game of Thrones’, the upcoming epic fantasy TV series will air on April 20 at 22.00 (UAE) exclusively on OSN FIRST and OSN FIRST HD screens only days after the US premiere. Based on the series of best-selling novels - A Song of Ice and Fire - by George RR Martin, the ten part epic looks set to redefine the fantasy genre. Following kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power... all will play the Game Of Thrones.
Already being dubbed TV event of the year and pitched as ‘the Sopranos with swords’, the series has caused major excitement for TV fans around the world. George RR Martin's epic fantasy gets the HBO treatment, which means his dense tale of warring kingdoms, sexy and supernatural hijinks, and neck-snapping plot twists can sprawl with the grandeur it requires.
Game Of Thrones is an expansive saga set in the Seven Kingdoms of the mythical continent Westeros and follows several noble families as they vie to rule the land. Reminiscent of Medieval Europe, the series is set in 298-99 AL (After Landing).
The series opens with King Richard Baratheon (BAFTA award nominee Mark Addy, The Full Monty, A Knight’s Tale), who is married to Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey, 300) of the wealthy and corrupt House of Lannister, asking Eddard ‘Ned’ Stark (Sean Bean, Red Riding, The Lord of the Rings) to become his chief advisor after the questionable death of his right-hand man.
In the east, there is a threat to the throne by the exiled teenage Princess Daenerys (Emilia Clarke, Doctors) and her brother Viserys (Harry Lloyd, Doctor Who), whose family ruled the Kingdoms for many years before their bloody deaths.
At the edge of the Kingdoms, dangerous powers are stirring north of The Wall, an ancient barrier of ice stretching 300 miles and standing 700 feet tall. Ned’s bastard son Jon Snow (Kit Harington, Greys Inbetween) joins the brotherhood of the Night’s Watch, a group sworn to protect the Kingdoms from the perils that lurk beyond the freezing barricade.
Author and executive producer George RR Martin commented: “Game Of Thrones is an epic fantasy, with a conflict for power at its core. But it’s more than just politics; there are questions of loyalty, lust, sexual obsession, desire, defiance, history. In this world, when you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. Honour and mercy have no place in the game of thrones.”
The series is a true spectacle, an engrossing, ground-breaking fable that will bring a new level of realism to the fantasy genre that will surprise and captivate audiences. Game Of Thrones is a true HBO original, premiering exclusively on OSN FIRST and OSN FIRST HD every Wednesday at 22.00 UAE from April 20.

Asianet Television Awards 2011 on Asianet

Date: April 20, 2011

Time: 6.30pm-11pm (IST)

Asianet Television Awards 2011 were distributed at a glittering function was held recently at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. The show was witnessed by  25,000 strong crowd. Several prominent persons from the film industry and socio-cultural spheres were present on the occasion.

Asianet Managing Director K Madhavan, Suresh Gopi, Devan, Suresh Krishna, Ajmal, Rajith Menon, Kalpana, Suchithra, Sarayu, Lakshana, Sonia, Harsha, Sajan Surya, Prem Kumar, Rajasenan, Sree Movies Unnithan, Dr S Janardhanan  were some of the personalities present at the function.

‘Harichandanam’ won the award for the best serial, which was accepted by its producer Baiju Devaraj. Sujith Sundar won the award for the best director for the serial ‘Autograph.’ Arun Ghosh won the best actor award for his role in ‘Parijatham’ and  Rasana for the best female actress for the film ‘Parijatham.’ Actor Sarath Das and Actress Praveena was on hand to collect the popular  award for her outstanding performance in various serials.
Others who won awards include  Baiju Devaraj (Ever Green Hit Serial - Manasaputhri), TS Raju (best character artiste - male), Sona Nair (best character artiste-female), Kishore and Aiswarya (best Negative Character), Pradeep Prabhakar (best actor in a comic role). Karthiketan (Popular Serial - Devi Mahathmyam), Rajeev Alunkal (lyricist), Aji Saras (music director), Madhu Balakrishnan (playback singer- male), Gayathri (playback singer-female), Jeevan and Sandra (child artistes), Anil Bass (Script Writer), Pushpan (cameraman), Joby Pannabra (editor), Sreejith (Sound Recordist) , debut artistes  Pradeep and  Shalin and  Ravi Vallathol and  Sujitha (Special Jury awards).

Other cine Stars such as Sreekala, Asha Sarath, Archana, Sujatha Naidu, Richa Panai, mahalakshmi, Sini, Yadhu Krishnan, Praveena, Kripa and other comedy artistes from TV/ Film industry, Playback Singers in the lines of  Madhu Balakrishnan, Gayathri, Ramesh Babu, Alka, Rehman entertained the viewers.

Geeta Ma’s Maa makes an appearance on DID Doubles

Reveals that Geeta always wanted to be an air hostess and a model before she entered the world of dance

Master Geeta Kapur, who is Maa for practically everybody on the sets of DID Doubles, was overjoyed when at the recent shoot, her own mother paid her a surprise visit! What made it particularly interesting for everyone else on the sets was that Sr. Mrs. Kapur shared plenty of trivia about daughter dearest Geeta that no one really knew about!

Apparently, Mrs. Kapur revealed, “Geeta was an early bird when it came to dancing. She started moving gracefully at the age of 3….. we used to live in this really tiny house with so many people hovering in and around… but Geeta would use the bed to practise her steps and would keep dancing all day long!”

Geeta’s mother was amused when the cast and crew of the show affectionately called her ‘Badi Maa’ since her daughter is the original ‘Maa’ on the sets. She further revealed, “Do any of you guys know that Geeta first wanted to be an air hostess? And that she dabbled in modeling before she joined Farah as a background dancer?” Mithun Da was tickled pink on finding out Geeta’s little secrets and couldn’t help but rib her mercilessly over them.

Geeta, overwhelmed by all the love surrounding her, told the audience, “I am extremely fortunate to have the woman, on whose feet I would perch my toes and dance holding her hands, here with me today. My mother is the most important person in my life. There’s no one who understands me better than she does. And I couldn’t have asked for more support from her in every endeavor I have ever taken up!”

Watch the mother-daughter bond beautifully on DID Doubles at 8:00PM on March 19 on Zee TV.

Zee TV’s fun filled ‘HOLI-DAY’ !!!

Dev Radhika

Zee TV’s ‘ Saanwre ke Rang Racchi Chhoti Bahu’ will present a Holi Special Event on March 21 from 7.30pm onwards.

Going by the current track, Dev (Avinash Sachdev) is now falling in love with Radhika (Rubina Dilaik), but he is not able to voice his feelings for Radhika. Therefore he plans a big Holi celebration at the Raj Purohit's, where many people are called, including Radhika. The basic plan is to propose to Radhika amidst the celebration of colours.

To build the necessary ambience, the leads of Zee shows like Archana (Ankita Lokhande), Manav (Sushant Singh Rajput), Mona (Sara Khan), Anukalp (Nishant Malkani), Rudra (Iqbal Khan), Gauri (Binny Sharma), Laxmi (Veebha Anand), Suraj (Rohit Purohit), Geeta (Sargun Mehta), Rohan (Nikhil Chaddha), Karan (Karan Grover), Abha (Suhasi Dhami) will be present to grace the event.

Avinash and Rubina as Dev and Radhika

"Apart from these actors, there would be some special performances by celebrities too. Sambhavna Seth will be seen performing on the dance number Dilwalon ke Dil Ka Karrar Lutne and Hoth Rasile mere Hoth Rasile. Along with her there will be Kashmera Shah displaying her sizzling dance moves on UP wala thumka Lagao… along with the Dabangg man Sonu Sood. Bhojpuri actor, Manoj Tiwari will also be dancing to a popular song along with Sambhavna and Kashmera. We’ll also have a ‘Hasya Kavi Sanmelan’ to tickle the audience’s funny bone as popular comedians – Ehsaan Qureshi, Sunil Pal, Moses and Sugandha Mishra perform one hilarious act after another,” adds a source from Zee TV.

Kashmera Shah with Sonu Sood

"Yes, Chhoti Bahu is celebrating a grand Holi special, and it will be one very exciting episode for the audience as they will get to see many performances by various celebrities  and also see some romantic moments between Dev and Radhika,"  said Rubina Dilaik, the lead of the show.

The onscreen couple of Geet Hui Sabse Parayi, Drashti Dhami and Gurmeet Choudhary and the off screen pair of Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij have been also roped in to sizzle in the Holi Special episode. Geet and Maan will be seen performing on 'Tip Tip Barsa Pani' while Jay and Mahhi will burn the dance floor on the number 'Zor Ka Jhatka Hayee Zoro Se Laga'". When contacted, Jay Bhanushali said, "It was great to perform with Mahhi. The location where we shot was also awesome as it was surrounded by a lake on all the four sides".

Sonu Sood and Manoj Tiwari with Sambhavna Seth

The Dancing DID superstar’s Dharmesh and Kishore were especially called in to re-create the UV (ultra violet) act which had shot them to fame in the earlier season of DID. Dharmesh confirmed the buzz saying, "Yes, I performed for Chhoti Bahu Holi Special episode. We did a Sheshnaag act which I had done in  DID earlier on the number 'Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo'; ultra violet lights were used to give the act its superior special effects.”

With so many big stars joining the Chhoti Bahu brigade, the Holi episode is indeed going to be something to watch out for..…

Don’t forget to tune in to the Chhoti Bahu special Holi event on March 21 from 7:30PM onwards..

Chhoti Si Zindagi : A tender tale of two little girls in a big, bad world!

Isha and Ira in Chhoti Si Zindagi

 There's a heart warming new show on Zee TV's horizon that has got the industry talking....this J.D. Majethia production, tentatively titled Chhoti Si Zindagi, is the sensitive story of two young children who must find their own in a world where they have no one they can call their own!

The new show follows the lives of these two kids, Isha and Ira, until destiny packs in a nasty blow, changing their life forever...requiring them to be strong, spirited and independent in order to survive! Despite trying circumstances, they share a very close bond and always look out for each other.

While the role of Isha will be played by Richa Mukherjee who played Laali’s younger sister Rekha in Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Ira is played by Shruti Bhist, an immensely adorable fresh face on the television circuit. Playing the father fraught with severe adversity, yet putting on a smiling face for his girls is the well-recognized film and television actor Pavan Malhotra. Zee TV and Hats Off Production are currently tight-lipped about the remaining cast but the buzz has it that the show has some prominent names making a comeback after a prolonged hiatus.

Pavan Malhotra in Chhoti Si Zindagi

Speaking about his role in the show, Pavan said, “It’s always exciting to play roles with layers, rather than characters that are open and shut cases of ‘good’ or ‘bad’. My character Shyam has a very interesting graph in the show – at different points of time, the audience will feel very differently about him. To be able to play such a part convincingly is a challenge and I am looking forward to it!”

The show has been extensively shot in picture-perfect locales of Pahelgaum and Kasauli. Watch this space for more on this exciting show!

Mummy’s Surprise for Geeta

‘Geeta Ki Gang’ members from seasons 1 & 2 of Dance India Dance 
pay tribute to Geeta Ma on the Holi special episode

This week on DID Doubles, be prepared to catch Master Geeta Kapur with her jaw wide open … completely caught off-guard by one surprise hurled her way after another. To begin with, Mithun Da sneaked in her mother on to the sets of the show in a bid to delight her. As if that was not enough, Geeta’s Ma had a surprise in store for her too.

When Senior Kapur went up on stage and said “This one’s for you, darling!”, Geeta had no idea what was coming her way. The ace choreographer was left spellbound on seeing some of her most beloved contestants from the previous 2 seasons of DID– Dharmesh, Siddhesh, Kishore, Binny and Amrita perform an act for her on the Holi special episode of DID Doubles. Geeta could not have asked for better gifts than reuniting with her kids after a long hiatus. Geeta was misty eyed from the moment she recognised Dharmesh, who was wearing a mask, by his trademark style of dancing.

Binny and Amrita said, “For this act, we chose to dance to those particular songs that we know Ma is personally fond of!” Geeta was on Cloud Nine to meet her old contestants and had no words could describe her feelings. She said, “I am mostly in touch with Dharmesh but since Binny has become Zee ki star and Siddesh has become a dancing sensation, I hardly get to see them. I am really happy to meet Amrita and Kishore, who have carved a niche for themselves in their chosen sphere.’

Dada just said, “Geeta this the biggest tribute the kids can ever pay to a Mentor.”

Don’t miss the fun on the Holi special episode of DID Doubles Saturday, March 19 at 8:00PM only on Zee TV.

Zahida Parveen bids adieu to Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli

 The character of Yasho Masi ends naturally

Zahida Parveen, who essayed the role of the evil Yasho Masi in Zee TV’s leading primetime show, Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli is actually a wonderful person in real life. With Yasho Masi being thrown out of Swarn Bhavan, her track in the show comes to a natural end. Yasho Masi was infamous for plotting and scheming — be it trying to kill Karan or her own sister Pratibha or making life difficult for Abha. In the end, the proverbial good prevailed over evil and Yasho Masi was ousted from Swarn Bhavan.

Yasho Masi who was one of the most hated characters on Indian television is actually loved by one and all on the sets. On screen, there were tears of victory but off screen the drama had shifted gears and everybody lamented Zahidaji’s exit from the show. Karan Grover said, “She was a lively person and very helpful”. Suhasi Dhami, who could not stand Yasho Masi in the show, used to spent a lot of time in real life chatting and bonding with Zahidaji on sets.

Zahidaji got a huge chocolate cake and treated the unit with an elaborate lunch on her last day of shoot. Getting emotional, she thanked everybody for being supportive and caring at the same time expressed her longing to return to the show. Will she turn over a new leaf and return in the serial or will she strike back as a true blue villain till slain, is not yet known. All we know is — Zahidaji will be missed on the sets!

Tune in to Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli every Sunday to Thursday 8.30PM (UAE Time) only on Zee TV.

Sara Khan asked to gain weight and Nishant Malkani to reduce for their big night

What do you think of Sara Khan and Nishant Malkani as a couple? Made for each other? or a little oddly matched? Well, whatever your take is, here's what the makers of Ram Milaayi Jodi who cast the two actors together seem to be thinking. After scrutinising reels of footage over the last couple of weeks, the creative team behind the show has reached a consensus that the two look absolutely adorable together, except for one little flaw that they would like to see corrected immediately!

The producer of the show Rajita Sharma is apparently of the opinion that Sara with her ‘size zero’ obsession has begun to look like a delicate China doll infront of Nishant who is constantly on a ‘get bigger and beefier’ trip. In terms of sheer physicality required for their roles, Nishant who plays a shy and sweet Gujarati chhora Anukalp should ideally be a lean and lanky guy rather than a strapping hunk. And Sara who plays Mona, the Punjabi phataka, ought to look a little more hatti-katti and filled out rather than the porcelain delicacy she currently is!

And given that the track is about to showcase the two of them sharing intimate moments on their ‘big night’ in the coming week, their focus on their  hysicality is heightened. So while sara's been asked to dig into extra carbs, Nishant has been asked to go easy on his high protein-high carbs diet to look a little leaner!

When contacted, Sara said, "The idea is to get us to look like an ideal couple for the big night and both Nishant and I are game for whatever it takes to make the scene look absolutely perfect!"

Stay tuned to Ram Milaayi Jodi at 9.30pm every Sunday to Wednesday on Zee TV. The romance is just about to brew!

Megha Gupta dons the role of Dr Arundhati in YMGGK on Zee TV

New Entry in Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli sets temperature rising

One look at model turned television actress Megha Gupta can make many a men go weak in the knees. With Megha’s entry as Dr. Arundhati in Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli (YMGGK), the show is taking interesting turns. She plays an integral role and is instrumental in getting Karan back to normalcy from coma. Viewers are aware of the fact that Karan is in a state of coma lying unattended in a hospital as none of his family members are aware of the fact that he is still alive. When a helpless Karan has nobody to turn to and the hospital authorities are refusing to bear the medical expenses, Dr. Arundhati steps in and takes the onus of Karan’s recovery.

Megha Gupta is known for playing pivotal roles in serials like Kkavyanjali, Kumkum, Mamta, CID and as the lead actress in Rajshree Production’s Main Teri Parchhain Hoon. Megha said, “It’s an interesting character and I readily accepted the offer. I am sure everyone will like the loving and caring Dr. Arundhati who sacrifices her life for the sake of her patients.”

This benevolent doctor becomes a very important part of Karan’s life. What will happen to Karan and Abha relationship, will Karan come back to Abha? Will Abha and Dr. Arundhati be pitted against each other or will they be oblivious to the other’s presence? Will Karan fall for the beautiful Doctor who has given a fresh breath to his life….?

Watch the drama unfold on Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli every Sunday to Thursday at 8.30pm on Zee TV.

Women’s Day quotes from Zee TV's popular actresses

 Urvashi Dholakia (Malini Yadav of Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharmyudh)

I’m proud to be a woman. Every day is a Women’s Day in my life. I don’t need a special day to celebrate it. But I would like to say that in today’s world, it’s very important for her to be financially independent. Success hasn’t come easily to me. I have toiled hard to find a foothold in the entertainment industry. Personally, I feel that you come in the world alone and you go from the world alone. You have one life. Live it to the fullest. I have lived my life on my own terms and conditions and I’m very proud of whatever I have achieved today.

Pragati Mehra (Maheshwari of Chhoti Bahu)

Ideally speaking, I have a disconnect with ONLY one day marked for women as ‘Women’s Day’. Because in today’s day and age, women are at par with men in all spheres of life and across all strata’s of the society. At times I feel it’s an added advantage that above all women are intrinsically a nurturer too which men have to develop. So if there isn’t a ‘Men’s Day’, there should not be a women’s day either…all days are ours for keeps!!! But having said that if by announcing a day we women are showered with special privileges its welcome and I enjoy that!! But on a larger scale , as a society if we can see the change that women are respected in real sense of the word, given their due, equal platform without prejudice and contempt …that’s a celebration…that’s a real WOMEN’S Day!!! On a happy note, I do see things moving in that direction.

Rubina Dilaik (Radhika of Chhoti Bahu)

The most significant woman in my life is my mother. It’s very overwhelming to see the gleam in my mother’s eyes whenever she talks about my achievements. Success hasn’t come easily to me. I have given my sweat and blood to enhance my performance as an actress. For me success is not a stage, it’s a process. Being a woman I feel financial empowerment is a must. It not only boosts your confidence but also gives one clear vision to choose options in their lives. I feel very proud about the fact that at such an young age, I’m able to shoulder the responsibilities of my family along with my father. My heartfelt gratitude to everyone because of whom I’ve achieved success and have seen some really favorable times in my life. On Women’s Day, I take this opportunity to thank everyone!

Vandana Joshi (Nandini of Dil Se Diya Vachan)

I strongly feel that we don’t need just one particular day to celebrate the joys of being a woman. But I have to say that I feel extremely proud to be a woman. I’m very happy about the fact that I’m financially empowered and I’m not dependent on anyone for anything. Success hasn’t come to me easily. I have slogged hard for it and today I feel that my hard work has paid off! There are so many opportunities in front of me and I can do whatever I want. I feel struggle is very important in one’s life. Its only after you have toiled hard that you enjoy the fruits of success. I have earned everything on my own. My parents were averse to the idea of me dancing when I participated in DID. They were also not in favor of me pursuing acting when I got Dil Se Diya Vachan. But the fact that I have proved myself has made them change their perspectives. Today my family supports me in everything that I do and I’m glad of the choices that I made in life. On woman’s Day, I would like to tell all the women – go and live your dreams!

Jayshree T (Jayshree Karmarkar of Dil Se Diya Vachan)

Earlier women were only considered to be a daughter, sister, wife and mother. Today, times have changed and women are at par with men in every sphere. Women are PM’s, President’s, Actors, Sports personalities, CEO’s, Train drivers, Auto rickshaw drivers, you name it and you have women as achievers in every field. It’s a great thing that women have become so dynamic and go-getters in life. But all said and done, they must not forget that are sisters, mothers, wives and daughter as well and they should have the ability to juggle both their personal as well as professional lives with élan. This is my message to all the women on Women’s Day.

Zarina Wahab

Women empowerment has come a long way from the days when the purdah system was prevalent in society. Television shows are women centric and a lot of them are focusing on current malpractices in the society with the aim of educating women helping them stand for their rights and fight for a cause. There is trend of positivity as far as women liberation or empowerment is concerned. Awareness is the biggest agent of change and awareness in the right direction can help achieve the desired result.

Sargun Mehta (Geeta of Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharmyudh)

A woman is the epitome of tenderness, care and wisdom. On this Women's Day, I would like to wish every woman a very Happy Women’s Day. My message to everyone is — Have a wonderful time out with your gal pals, and enjoy the company of your women friends. And while you do so, spare a thought for unfortunate women, who live in tyrannical societies where men override...

Nivedita Tiwary (Runjhun of Bhagonwaali)

Charles Malik said, “The fastest way to change society is to mobilise the women of the world." So very true! If I have my way then I would like to celebrate the spirit of womanhood by spending the day with myself doing things I love to do – read books all day long, step out for a warm cup of coffee and then snuggle up early in bed and sleep like a baby. Spending a day alone will help me introspect and give me a sense of freedom to do my own thing.

Rita Bhaduri (Naani of Bhangonwaali)

When I look back and reflect on the change in women’s liberation in the last few decades, I find there has been a remarkable change. A lot has been written about the new face Indian woman and her new found spirit of womanhood but I am still concerned about the hoards of homemakers around the country who work relentlessly for the betterment of her family but at the end of the day retire without an iota of appreciation in her kitty. Housewives across the globe should be respected. Men should either cook one meal or take the homemaker out on a date or do anything that will make the woman of the house feel special.

Ankita Lokhande (Archana of Pavitra Rishta)

Ofcourse it is a really nice thing that we have Women’s Day; one day when you can unashamedly revel in every aspect of your femininity! And what makes better is that on this day, no one will dare disagree with you either! This year I am sure that I will be celebrating in some way or another especially since I know that Sushant will plan something (he loves giving me surprises!)

Savita Prabhune (Sulochana of Pavitra Rishta)

Women’s day marks a celebration of the emancipation of women from the bondage of social evils. Especially given the social background of women’s rights in our country, I feel proud to be a part of this graceful gender which though underestimated at times, has contributed in a huge way to our society. Ofcourse this doesn’t mean that the day has to be all serious and somber. I will take some time out to tell my closest.

Usha Nadkarni (Savita tai of Pavitra Rishta)

I have not celebrated Women’s Day till now and how do I? I am shooting for most of my waking hours?! But I am sure that a lot of the other’s on the show do. I have heard that it is a day when all women indulge themselves in pampering at spas and parlours etc. But I don’t think that is the only way in which one can celebrate being a woman. I salute all women who make a positive difference to society and work for the betterment of others.

Ashlesha Sawant (Urmila of Dil Se Diya Vachan)

I think I will plan something with all of my closest female friends and family members. If I get the day off, nothing like it for sure! Then I can treat my family to some quality spa time while it will be a celebration over lunch or dinner with my friends! Nothing quite like a girls day out… (smiles).

Veebha Anand (Laxmi of Sanskaar Laxmi)

I have never really celebrated Women’s Day. The only woman who comes to mind on this day is my mother. Her dedication towards our home and family is one to learn from. She has always supported me and my siblings in all we do. She has encouraged me every step of the way towards the realisation of my dream of being an actress!