The producers of Jamai Raja are still to pay me: Sara Arfeen Khan

It all started when actor Sara Arfeen Khan did not get paid for her stint in the show Jamai Raja. The actor says that once the show ended, the producer also disappeared. "I worked for 3 months in Jamai Raja last year. I was part of the show in October, November and December and my first cheque was due in January. The show got shut down and since then we have had problems connecting to the office and Meenakshi," says Sara. 

When they got no response, the former cast decided to approach Cine and TV artists association (CINTAA). "After 5 months of no one responding to our calls and messages, we actors formed a group and decided to go to CINTAA. CINTAA organised a meeting  with Meenakshi, who promised us that the cheques would be cleared in a few weeks. She even mailed us the same. After that we waited for another two months, but nothing happened," she says. 

Sara adds, "Finally after dropping messages and warning her a couple of times about going to the media, her office staff released two post dated cheques for one month's payment. But the first cheque bounced! I informed the office and got really mad at them and they promised me that they will issue another cheque and that the 2nd one will not bounce." 

However, the second cheque also bounced, which was when Sara decided to  take legal action. "After waiting for another 10 days, my office deposited the cheque which also bounced. Then I told my coordinator that this is a criminal offence and that I need to talk to my lawyer. After that I got a a message from Meenakshi promising me that she will do a RTG transfer within 5 days. After 5 days, I messaged her again and reminded her of her promise. She did an RTG transfer of only 50,000, which was nothing compared to the amount due. Several messages were sent to her and my coordinator and there was no response. Then I contacted my lawyer and he sent her the first notice," she says. 

Although some money was returned, Sara says that a lot is still balance. "After the notice, she transferred the balance amount of one month's payment. By then my lawyer had already stated in the notice that according to section 138, she has to pay 18 percent of the bounced cheques. After that no money has been transferred and there is no response from Meenakshi regarding our payments. It's been 7 months and our payments have not been cleared. I am left with no chance but to seek the help of media," says Sara. 

A helpless Sara states that she feels hurt at being betrayed in this way. "I feel very cheated as I used to work religiously and would travel for 3 hours daily to Naigaon for the show. Most of the time I even put in extra hours, which clearly has not been appreciated " she says.

Actress Asawari Joshi makes a comeback to comedy with Sony SAB’s Shankar Jai Kishan - 3 in 1

Sony SAB’s upcoming show Shankar Jai Kishan - 3 in 1 has lined up interesting star cast to play pivotal roles. The latest to join the bandwagon is Veteran actress Asawari Joshi who will be playing the mother of the triplets, Shankar Jai and Kishan (Ketan Singh).Asawari Joshi who has acted in a dozens of shows and movies, will essay the character of Savitri, a doting Punjabi mother in the show. Her character is that of a drama queen yet a very emotional person at heart. She is sensible and sarcastic yet has a melodramatic approach for everything as she is handicapped due to some accident in the past. Asawari was previously associated with Sony SAB for an iconic show ‘Office Office’. Commenting on her role, Asawari Joshi who plays Savitri said, “I feel really happy to be back on SAB. Savitri is very interesting character. She is extremely possessive about her children like any other mother. Though she is unaware that her son Kishan is the one who is disguised as her other two sons. Every woman can relate to this character.” 

Shankar Jai Kishan-3 in 1 will air from August 8th, Monday- Friday at 10 pm only on Sony SAB!!

Babbu Maan the winner of four World Music Awards is back with another hit

Well known for his distinctive lyrics, live poetry and electric performances the prominent singer Babbu Maan is back. His latest song “Baarish Ke Bahane” seems like a perfect pick for all in this monsoon. The song is the outcome of the collaboration of Babbu Maan, Dj Sheizwood and Shweta Khanduri who are totally rocking in it.

The song that was launched a couple of weeks ago on YouTube and other music platforms has become a massive rage and is being heard on loop among the youth. The song has already created a buzz out there.

The only music producer and DJ of India who has produced and remixed more than 101 rocking music albums in just 7 years have made a comeback through this song. The specialized DJ who introduced house music in India on being asked about to comment on actors who sing said, "People should do the job that they are meant to do. They should not do other's job." When asked about the experience while working with Shweta he said, "We extremely loved working with her and looking forward to working with her more in near future."

The actress Shweta Khanduri who is prominent in this latest hit on being asked about her future collaborations said, "You'll next see me in a comedy film soon but I can't reveal the name for now."

The song “Baarish Ke Bahane” can be clearly seen adding to that glory and fun of monsoon as people are loving it. Watch the song to feel the spirit of rain and add to the excitement of this rainy season.

Paras Kalnawat -- the debutant in Meri Durga

Model turned actor Paras Kalnawat is playing the male lead in Ravindra Gautam and Pradeep Kumar's  popular show Meri Durga on Star Plus. Paras is a Kashmiri Brahmin brought up in Nagpur and came to Mumbai couple of years back. Paras is a popular model from a reputed institute and won the most popular model award from the institute.Speaking on his fiction debut with Meri Durga Paras says,"I wanted do be an actor since my childhood and have always been active in the drama participation. When I came to Mumbai, I did an acting course from Barry John Acting Institute. My parents also played a huge role in my career as they always wanted me to come in front of the camera. And here I am playing the character of Sanjay Prince in Meri Durga." Paras also shares the role briefly,"Sanjay Prince is a son of a politician and he is all about himself who is proud and snob. I am enjoying my time on the set as everything is so new to me. Looking forward to a great time in Meri Durga." The show has a fantastic buzz post the leap. The show's unique storyline is keeping the audiences glued.

I want to continue to shock the audience: Shardul Pandit

Actor Shardul Pandit’s show Kuldeepak is nearing its end and he says that this is an emotional time for him. He, however, adds that as an actor, he has got used to this now. “Obviously, I am sad but it's a part and parcel of our industry. Many shows, big and small, come and go. As long as the story is gripping the audience, it’s been worth it,” says Shardul, who played the role of Devang in the show. 

Talking about his character, he says, “My character was a modern husband and father, who was very supportive of his wife, eventhough her beliefs contradict with his. He would also show a lot of respect towards his child. This was the first positive lead character that I played, and I got to learn a lot.” 

The atmosphere on the set was amazing, says Shardul, adding that he made many friends. “I became close to Sanyogita Bhave, Keerti Nagpure and Vansh Madhedhwari and Jagrut, in fact, I was close to everyone,” he says. 

Talking about future plans, Shardul says he is looking to experiment with his shows. “I want to do shows that give me a chance to play a different and a strong role. I have always broken stereotypes with my shows. When people saw me first, I was an alcoholic, so they felt I could just do negative characters. But I proved them wrong with Kuldeepak. I want to continue to shock people like this. I feel that talent and perseverance are the two qualities that an actor must posses and I am constantly working on these,” he says. 

However, if he is offered a reality show like Bigg Boss, the actor will refuse. “I don't think I can be that naked in front of the world and talk about my private life,” he says. He has anchored shows before and wants to host Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. “Anchoring Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is my dream. That's the reason, I got into fiction. Every time I met people from the channel, they told me that I should try for the show after I play a lead in another show. Fingers crossed, let’s see what happens now,” he says.