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!

Fox Series enhances programming to create New Women’s Channel

The channel, now called FOX, targets women with quality programming dubbed in Arabic and available in dual audio

Fox International Channels (FIC) is upgrading its FOX Series channel into a new 100 percent Arabic general entertainment channel for women featuring content available in dual audio (Arabic and English). The new FOX channel, will be called FOX, features exclusive blockbuster shows as well as new and exciting genres including international lifestyle programming.

“FOX Series was dedicated to bringing the best quality home entertainment to the region. FOX is taking this philosophy one step further and creating a channel for women with great formats, shows and new seasons of programming. Our research revealed that there is a huge demand for quality entertainment targeting women. Taking a page from these insights and findings, the all new FOX channel will now be the one-stop destination; bridging this void,” said Rohit D’Silva, General Manager at FIC Middle East.

Fox will be premiering a number of exciting new shows never-before-seen in the region on Free TV. The hugely popular award winning Glee, a musical comedy-drama television series that focuses on the high school glee club and Masterchef Australia, an Australian competitive cooking game show will now be showcased on FOX. Additionally, the channel will introduce to the region the ground-breaking novel series Lie to Me, the hit crime drama series based on the real-life scientific discoveries of world-renowned body language psychologist Paul Ekman. Especially exciting is the introduction of the show Jdeed O Mofeed during the day time, featuring unique content that adds educational value while providing practical solutions for women’s everyday life, across various genres such as cooking, arts and crafts, health and beauty, parenting and home improvement. The ever famous favorite classic Desperate Housewives will also be showcased featuring season 6. As a launch special, FOX will air all these shows on a daily basis, bringing viewers a new episode every week night.

The new FOX channel, just like the FOX series channels will be readily available on Free-to-Air and accessible to all individuals in the region.

“FOX is the next step in the brand’s evolution, offering improved value proposition to advertisers that is more comprehensive, with novel genres of programming and exciting new series that cater especially to women. You could not ask for better programming!” said Pierre Al Daher, President, Broadcasting, Rotana Group.