It's historical moment for Indian television

There will be double celebration for producer Rajan Shahi this Diwali. His show 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' will be completing 2500 on the 19th of this month. “It's been 10 years that I have been shooting Yeh Rishta... This Diwali is even more special for us as we complete 2500 on that day itself. The entire team of Yeh Rishta is ecstatic,” says Shahi. 

He adds, “The day would be a historical day for the entire industry because this is the first show that has completed 2500 episodes, so it's a proud moment. What I really think has helped us in this journey is that we have always focussed on the story and remained true to it and have never got intimidated by our competition. The team has been extremely focused and dedicated and their positive attitude has worked.” 

The producer adds that the avid viewers are responsible for making the show such a big hit. “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hain is the longest running daily soap in terms of episodes. The whole credit goes to the audience, it is because of them that the show has been doing so well and it runs with such dignity. Despite so many other shows, it is still a top-rated show. The show has a very good fan following and they have supported and motivated the team to perform their best. We have also been able to achieve this thanks to the efforts of the team. They have always stood by each other. We have managed to maintain the texture and uniqueness of the show because of our excellent writer and creative team,” he says. 

Shahi feels that the story of Kartik and Naira is what has worked wonders for them. “I think they have worked well for the show and we have managed to go higher in terms of our TRPs. They try to fulfil their aspirations individually and also keep the family together. As a maker, I am very excited and am looking forward to the upcoming track. I feel the viewers will get to see a lot of twists and turns in the show. The story will only get more gripping from here on,” he says. 

The show is also synonymous with elaborate wedding sequences. “Each wedding of Yeh Rishta… is unique and people look forward to it. The production value of our festive sequences is high. We make sure to take care of each and every element,” he says. It's a historical moment for Indian television as it is the longest running show and being loved by masses and classes. Speaking about Diwali plans he says, " Diwali is a double celebration this time as YRKKH creates TV history for maximum number of episodes 2500. Diwali celebration starts from the 18th morning with a Havan and a lunch with full YRKKH TEAM and in the night will b bringing in DIWALI with YRKKH ACTORS AND TEAM AT MY RESIDENCE" We wish you grand success in everything you do Rajan!

Smokin’ Hot! Vaani Grooves Like A Dream to Pay a Classic Tribute Re-interprets Classic Hit Ni Main Yaar Manana Ni From Daag

Vaani Kapoor’s sexy dance moves created records online with Nashe Si Chad Gayi, the most viewed Bollywood song ever on Youtube with 306 million views! Now,  she pulls off a sizzling dance tribute in a reboot of Ni Main Yaar Manana Ni, a classic chartbuster from Yash Chopra’s cult film Daag. Vaani, who is set to star alongside Hrithik Roshan in YRF’s high octane action entertainer releasing Jan 25th 2019, is jaw-dropping in the video.

In Nashe Si Chad Gayi, Vaani moved to a mix of salsa, hip hop and free style. Here she reinterprets this classic number with evergreen lyrics,  with popular contemporary dance moves.To get her moves absolutely right for this tribute, she trained and rehearsed for 10 days for 2-3 hours.In the video, Vaani’s  perfect body, lissome form and effortless moves here bring out the best in her easy going, confident and winsome persona- she dances like a dream, celebrating the magic of movement. 

Speaking about this tribute, Vaani said, "Ni Main Yaar Manana Ni" is a cult classic and also one of my favourite songs from a Yash Chopra movie. The song is about never giving up on one’s love and I connected instantly with it when I first heard it. I have always followed my heart, my dreams and thankfully God has been kind. It's a special song for me and I hope everyone loves my tribute to the original.”

Beyond technique and form, there is the joy of letting go, and dancing to your heart’s desire. Vaani Kapoor, ever the free spirit, interprets herself beautifully with this classic retro number where she simply smokes up the screen!

Entertainment folks talk about the cracker they resemble

Phuljhadi, Anaar or Chakri; this Diwali, entertainment folks talk about which firecracker they associate themselves with. 

Priyanka Negi – I think I resemble an anaar because the story of my life is "ek anaar, sau bimaar!" Where ever I go, people shower me with so much love that I feel like a sparkling anaar, basking in the love and light. 

Dalljiet Kaur - I think I will associate myself with a phuljhadi because not only is it safe but also the most loved cracker for all age groups. I like to believe that people of all age groups can relate to me and bond with me. 

Supriya Kumari - I resemble the sutali bomb as I will I am also a chota packet, bada dhamaka. It’s funny but that’s how I feel about myself! I am very spontaneous as a person and I feel that keeps me energised all the time. 

Rishikesh Ingley - I would like to say that I resemble the sparkling rocket that spreads colourful lights in the sky. I, too, like to add colour and light to people's lives and spread happiness around me. 

Sehban Azim - I am a diya, that is how I am. I am calm and composed, simply spreading as much light as I can. I am consistent and persistent. I am the light which consumes as less as possible to last long. I fight strong winds to survive and I don't cry or make loud sounds about it. Maybe it is boring, but it is simple and that is the way I am. 

Jasmin Bhasin - I resemble a phuljhadi because I am bright, lively and joyful. A phuljhadi is the simplest firecracker and I also feel that I am a very simple person. What you see on my face, is exactly how I am feeling. 

Shakti Arora - I resemble a rassi bomb because I make sure whatever I take up, it has to make some noise. Plus, it is also my favourite fire cracker and I love it. 

Sheeba - I am a chakri because I am always running in circles, trying to do everything. A chakri is full of energy and gives light everywhere, which is how, I feel, I am as well. 

Rohit Bhardwaj- I resemble a rocket as I always think big, dream big and do big and want to touch the sky. 

Rohit Purohit- I resemble an atom bomb. I am unpredictable and has the power too to express when I want to.

Karan Oberoi counters back the irrational arguments around the ban on crackers

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Supreme Court finally showed some mercy on the Delhi denizens by restoring the ban on the sale of fire-crackers.  Taking note of the prevailing atmospheric conditions and the degrading air quality, the majority of the population took a sigh of relief after the ban. But another section came up vigorously to oppose the ban, giving it a communal angle. Calling it an attack on Indian tradition, people flooded the Twitter and Facebook with anguished remarks. Among the opponents, Chetan Bhagat, a well known author, took to twitter saying, ‘Can I just ask on cracker ban. Why only guts to do this for Hindu festivals? Banning goat sacrifice and Muharram bloodshed soon too?”  

Also, Producer cum Director, Vivek Agnihotri tweeted: Anyone saying Diwali is a festival of light and not of fire-crackers is a result of screwed up history books written to demoralise Hindus. Who can forget the scene witnessed by Delhi last year, when darkness took over the light of dawn and a dense blanket of smog encircled the city, thereby up - levelling the concentration of cancer causing pollutants. Countering back such irrational arguments in the name of religion, Karan Oberoi, a familiar face of Indian television came on the front to appreciate the Apex court’s decision. “I really don’t understand why such a federal case is being made out to the ban of firecrackers! It is a decision that has been made keeping in mind the general health of the public! And why are we trying to give a religious or fanatical hue to everything that is going around us!  People who understand the true essence of religious scriptures won’t be hung up on manmade rituals to celebrate HIM!” he said.    

Expressing his perception about religion, he further adds, “Religion was created by man to keep in check the primal instinct of man to be violent, for the formation of a peaceful society!  Not for it to be used as a tool to create fear, submission, differences, and conformity! Every religious text, which is supposed to be a guideline for healthy co existence points to it, yet the so called custodians of religion perpetuate an entirely different narrative! 

The verdict might provide a bit of relief from the episodic air pollution spikes in the capital, though forcefully, people certainly need to understand that at the end of the day, court’s decision is in their favour and hence needs to be respected whole heartedly.

Malishka Mendonsa throws a birthday bash for B-town friends

Following a successful contribution to radio, Malishka Mendonsa has lit up small screens through television reality shows, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Bigg Boss. (Soon to be seen in another TV show) Fondly referred to as ‘Mumbai Ki Rani’ by her fans, Malishka has now realised her long cherished dream of acting and dancing for cinema and how! Soon to be seen sharing screen time with powerhouse performer, Vidya Balan, Malishka will be debuting in Bhushan Kumar and Atul Kasbekar’s, (Ellipsis Entertainment) Tumhari Sulu, slated to release on the 17th November, 2017. Interestingly, 11th October was her birthday but Malishka wanted to celebrate it on the 14th October, the day the trailer of Tumhari Sulu released, (as it is her birth date on the big screen!) Accordingly, she arranged for a birthday bash for her close friends in the film and media industry including Vidya Balan, Manav Kaul, Tanuj Garg, Suresh Triveni, Atul Kasbekar, Gauhar Khan, Faye D’Souza, Pria Kataria, Kaneez Surka, Pritam Singh and Sushant among others.