Tuesday, December 31, 2013

31/12 - Epi 2 - A Wedding is Fixed

Tuesday 31st Dec 2013

On the last day of the year, the second episode.

Pace was a little slower than the first, and a few more characters were introduced, starting to flesh out the story. The Bollywood feel stayed, and was reinforced by the grandeur of the scenes, especially the haveli scene and the temple scene. Loved the sweeping shots of the haveli ... I love the grandeur of Rajasthani towns, these were shot most lovingly and beautifully.

So the fire was Paro's dream ... or rather, a recurrent nightmare. One in which the bad guy is a BSD officer with red eyes and a hatred filled heart. She wakes up panting, this is apparently a regular occurrence. So much so that her maamisa sees her fear at a glance ... 'it happened again?'
Her maamisa tries to comfort her, fire can be destructive, but it can also be beautiful ... Paro meekly accepts the comfort ... but that dream was closer than before, too close for comfort, and she is shaken.

Sanaya's accent is already settling into place ... so much so that I want the Rajasthani words to be cut down! Again love her voice modulation ... Paro is a simple, gentle village girl, and Sanaya's voice is soft, her tone and demeanor mild and sweet.
Also loved her clothes ... the white lehnga choli and bright colored dupatta in the first scene, and the purple on in the latter part of the episode.

And as she murmurs to herself, 'those eyes were closer than before, redder than the fire ...' Rudra makes his entry ... or rather, his eyes do.
His battalion scurries to and fro with new information ... five terrorists have entered and killed five jawans. The CO wants Rudra ... Rudra is already out riding his bike across the desert.

Paro and Bindi make their way to the temple where the wedding of a village girl is to be fixed ... to be paid for by the Thakur. A yearly occurrence. Apparently the villagers don't know the wedding is a cover for arms smuggling.

Thakur is busy in his pooja ... the grandeur of the temple and the costumes was impressive. Purple brocade jacket?! And matching purple turban ... kurta and jodhpurs ... the thakur seems to believe in blending tradition and modernity :)
His wife is the Rajmata, Sadiya Siddiqui ... a fine actress, I like her! She's better dressed than her husband.

Thakur has to leave the puja to attend to some pressing matters of treachery in the village ... a trifling matter of executing a guy for becoming informer to the BSD. He is wonderful and the annadaata of the village, doing good for everyone .. if only people would let him get on with his gun smuggling in peace.

While the girls get on with the process of getting their name chosen to be the next bride ... Paro's friend
proclaims that her groom is on the way ... and Rudra's motorbike zooms across the desert.
The temple rituals continue ... and Paro is the chosen bride. The Rajmata is happy ... she can fulfill her promise to Paro's dead mother.
So Paro has grown up surrounded by loving relatives and guardians, all aware of her tragedy, united in their hatred for a common enemy, she is the victim of the same enemy ... she gets all the sympathy and affection she needs. But it doesn't rid her of that recurrent nightmare and fear of the dreaded BSD.

And Rudra, an officer in that BSD, is riding across the desert into her life. 

Monday, December 30, 2013

30/12 - Epi 1 ... Rangrasiya - explosive start!

A bus hurtling through the dark night, a quick refresher stop, fond parents carrying a doll home for their beloved pampered child ... and through the darkness of the night, explosive bursts of sharp gunfire ... the killing fields.

The child Paro awaits her parents ... young, innocent, her face alight with the sheer joy of life and living, chasing butterflies as flighty and pretty as she is. And her life as she knows it, is wiped out in one tragic accident. She cries for the loss, as her loving uncle and aunt and cousin comfort her in their warm embrace. Orphaned, but her life has warmth and love still ... she is not alone. She hides her tears and turns a smiling face to the world, to those who try so hard to comfort her.

In another place, a boy ... a bubbling cauldron of repressed anger and hate ... abandoned by his mother, teased by his fellow mates, abused by harsh uncaring teachers, his bitterness nursed and fomented by an equally bitter father ... his life's lesson, don't trust beautiful women, for they belong to no one, neither parent, husband or their own children, hammered into him by his father. No softness, no comfort, no gentle embrace in his life, father and son both imprisoned in their individual and collective bitterness and hate.

The first meeting across the two buses ... brilliantly done! Both kids were brilliant ... the angry young Rudra, his hate barely contained inside, threatening to erupt at any moment ... and the sweet, smiling Paro, so quick to see another's pain, and offer comfort ... she presents him with a sweet smile, and with a quick throw, her smiling doll. Is that the first softness, the first smile that Rudra has seen since his mother left him?

The foundation of the story, of both the characters, was very beautifully laid in the initial episode itself ... the explanation of why they are the way they are. Both the kids were very good, both completely laid the base of the adult characters beautifully. The little Rudra was brilliant, his eyes showed the anger simmering inside, just waiting for an outlet. The sweetness of Paro's character was showcased beautifully by the little girl. Rudra's breakdown in the bus, Paro seeing his tears, her instinctive offer of comfort ... I thought he would throw her doll away, refute it, but he didn't ... he accepted the comfort. Will that doll be the medium through which they recognise each other?

And then fifteen years later, the grown up Paro ... love the title song as Paro runs swiftly over the hot sand, her pallu held between her teeth, her face lit with a soft smile, her cousin chasing after her ... then the girls run to the injured camel, Paro dispatches her cousin to fetch some healing herb and tries to comfort the camel with some mantras ... calls for help to a strange camel rider in the distance ... and watches with horror as he approaches her ... she backs, only to fall, and stare in stupefied horror as he encircles her with a ring of gasoline poured from his canteen, and with a single shot sets fire to it ... leaving her inside a glowing circle of fire .
And she screams ... as the silhouette stands towering over her.

SN - Sanaya's complaints that she had to run over the hot sand, and they showed it only in slow motion ... Sanaya, they did show it at normal speed too, and you ran very fast! I was impressed at how quickly she did manage to run across the shifting sand.
Her scene with the camel ... reminded me about the story of Sanaya befriending the camel :)
The circle of fire ... reminded me of the article about how Sanaya had to sit inside the ring of fire over four hours for that scene.
Am thoroughly impressed again by Sanaya's voice modulation ... her voice is completely different again, soft, and with the Rajasthani lilt in her words. She is looking gorgeous too ... so young and innocent and pretty!!!  

Sanaya, and more Sanaya

Raining Sanaya today, not that I'm complaining!

Wishing her all the best for Rangrasiya, hope it brings laurels and accolades to Sanaya and the entire team of Rangrasiya! On the eve of the launch, a few more people join in to wish her well, including tweets from Karan Tacker (sweet of him!), Daljeet and Saurabh Tewari.





^^ From today's TOI - Mumbai Times

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Sanaya in Bigg Boss and in GPA


Bigg Boss 7
Sanaya and Ashish performed in the grand finale of Bigg Boss ... the performance was breath-taking, especially the part where Ashish twirled Sanaya holding ONLY onto her jaw ... how did they ever do it?! My heart was in my mouth watching that part!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3fSrPNGDgY

A facebook link ... very good HD
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=592666574131813

The dance gave a brief glimpse of what the Paro-Rudra interaction is going to be like ... intense!!!!

Followed by some hilarious Sanaya- Salman Khan interactions ... she told him she talks a lot, he promptly replied, "I can believe it!" She also repeated her now favorite line, 'Ashish speaks only 50 words a day, I've booked 40 of them.'

If anyone can get a better quality link, please post!

Colors Golden Petal Awards 
Dance with three other Colors heroines on Nagada sang dhol baaje ... Sanaya danced beautifully and looked gorgeous in white ... very fast dance, all the girls were good, though my eyes were fixed on Sanaya! Her smile just lights up the screen!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Good News - Congratulations!

Been wanting to share this here since I got the email ... most of you will remember Sandy aka HAA ... she had a baby boy on the 6th of December. Please share your good wishes here ... am sure she will visit the blog soon, and I will send her the link to this post too.

Congratulations, Sandy ... and all the best to you for your new little bundle of joy! 

Monday, December 23, 2013

New Sanaya Interview in HT


New HT article. LOVED her answers! <3 em="">
'I've Told Mohit, I'm Going To Take Him Down'
Jokes Sanaya Irani about competing with her boyfriend; talks about her successes and failures.
Popular actor Sanaya Irani will soon be back on TV, essaying a new role in her upcoming serial, Rangrasiya. Having put her last flop TV outing Chhanchhan behind her, she says she's learnt lessons from success and failure. Confident of her new show, she is about competing with boyfriend Mohit Sehgal as his show Qubool Hai will clash with hers in the same time slot.
Is it true that Rangrasiya has been inspired by Shakespeare's Othello?
It depicts the destructive nature of love. When Ashish (Sharma, co-star) was briefed about his character, he was given the reference of Othello to help him relate to the intensity of the character.

So it's Ashish's character which is based on Othello, not the entire show. Okay, that makes more sense to me ... the story of the show does not seem inspired from Othello, from the promos and the previews. 
Do you sense competition with Mohit as your shows will air at the same time?
Well, I've told him that I am going to take him down. (laughs).
Not just Mohit, I hope she takes ALL other shows down too!!! 

Post Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon (IPKKND), people seem to expect a reprised version of your popular character Khushi. What's your take on that expectation?
I'm happy that people love me that way. I accept love in whichever form it comes, even if it is as Khushi. Obviously people have loved me as Khushi as perhaps IPKKND is my biggest show. But people also recall my other roles Gunjan and Chhanchhan to.

Love this answer ... it's definitely true, and I like the way she gives respect to all her shows and all her characters, while acknowledging that IPKKND is her biggest hit. But she has a lot of fans from MJHT - including myself ... and there are people who liked Chhanchhan too - despite the failure of Chhanchhan as a show, she doesn't shake it off and refuse to acknowledge it. Which I'm glad about, because I liked Chhanchhan and really wish that it had been better written. There was a lot I could relate to in it, and wished had been better emphasized. 

Have you put the failure of Chhanchhan behind you?
If my shows don't do well, it doesn't mean I say, "Oh my God, that was a disaster." You learn a lot from every show, and I had my share of learning with Chhanchhan. I don't consider it a bad patch in my life. Whatever happened on Chhanchhan happened for a reason and it had to end because I had to do Rangrasiya.
Loved this answer too ... as I said above, she acknowledges all her shows, success or failure ... and I love the way she takes the positives out of every situation. I'm glad Chhanchhan happened for two reasons -  it put a distance between Sanaya and Khushi, and we got to see Sanaya on screen for six months in the interim. 

Two actors sharing a bond of friendship is rare and it was lovely to see you supportingDrashti Dhami on a reality show. How did the two of you become friends?
Both of us find it wierd to talk about our friendship. We're like any two ordinary human beings who are friends. We are normal people and we do things that normal friends do. We met during our college days and we've been friends since.

Two college friends, who chose the same field and have both been doing well ... she puts in straight into the lowest common denominator ... really, what's the big deal? 
What do you think of Mohit's role in Qubool Hai?
I have watched the show but it was misreported somewhere that I hadn't. I really liked him on the show. A lot of people called to tell him that he's doing a really good job and I'm very happy that he is finally doing something that he likes.

Clarification again - straight and to the point. 
Quick Five
A show you like on TV currently?
Big Boss (BB) is the only show I currently watch, other than some English series. This is the first season of BB that I'm watching and I feel people selected this time are much more well-known that the other seasons.
An actor you feel is popular?
I really don't know as I don't watch a lot of television shows. But I guess actors of Diya Aur Baati Hum are popular as it is the biggest show on TV.
Hehe ... really? LOL The actors are popular?! She should have gotten her answer during SPL in Birmingham, when they were almost being trampled over in the rush to reach her and Barun! 
Anyway, nice of her to say this.  

A habit you want to get rid of?
I was very short-tempered but I think I have changed now. But, I think I'm very loud and impatient. I would like to change that.
That's Sanaya again ... she's quick to point out her own shortcomings ... secure and confident about what she is. Her fans think she's pretty much flawless - she knows she isn't. Tongue 

What kind of shows do you want to see on TV?
TV is about being creative so everybody should make what they believe in. People shouldn't overthink.
Again - no criticising or pointing fingers - but a pragmatic acceptance of the bigger picture. There are lots of channels, lots of shows ... people can make what they like ...  people also can watch what they like ... and ignore the rest! 

What do you think of reality shows on TV?
I like dance reality shows and feel various talents should be promoted on them.

Really loved this interview - her answers were straight forward and to the point. No beating around the bush, no waffling. She says it like it is ... I especially liked her answers about Chhanchhan and moving on from it, without ignoring it just because it didn't work. She takes it on the chin, and learns some lessons from it ...
There is a saying to the effect that one learns more from one's failures than from one's successes ... and that is the mark of a truly successful person. 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Rangrasiya Sneak Preview

I would have added this in the previous post, but this really deserves a post of its own.

Fabulous, fabulous preview ... what a show!!! It looks like a movie trailer ... it looks like the TV version of Ramleela ... what a scale it has been shot on! Sanaya is lucky to be a part of this show ...i f all goes well, and it is as well written as it is well presented, then this will definitely be another gamechanger on Indian tv.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9Xkc39ixXQ&feature=youtu.be 


Rangrasiya launch

Launch of Rangrasiya in Jaipur .. fitting, as the shooting of the show has mainly been in Rajasthan till now. So many articles today ... will take a while to update!

First of all, the Rangrasiya poster ... fabulous! Love the colors ... elemental, earthy, raw, dramatic ... the explosion of fire and smoke behind the lead couple over a background of harsh pitiless desert terrain ... Rudra - cold, ruthless, unyielding ... Paro - delicate beauty, a hint of steel behind a vulnerable outer facade.



Photo of Sanaya and Ashish at the launch



A vm with all the pics of the launch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10tq40r4G9U


Will add all the articles in this post ... there are a zillion of them!

TV This Fortnight - 15th - 31st Dec 2013

TV for the last week of the year

Still watching ...

Ek Boond Ishq ... the screenplay and execution is slipping, but the story has picked up pace, so am still watching. Can't understand why, if the entire Shekhawat khandaan is apparently privy to the story of Radha's mrder, and MJ's arrest for the same, why they are withholding the details of the murder story from Tara ... can understand that RPS and Nirmala know about Aditya's guilt (if he is the guilty one) and don't want to share it with Jairaj ... but the whole story about Radha's murder must be common knowledge as there was a court case which decided on MJ's guilt and convicted him. Why can't they tell Tara? And why can't Tara research old newspapers etc. to find out what is in the realm of common knowledge, rather than these khufiya James Bond tactics?
Is the girl in the small house Radha? And is she blind/handicapped after the murder attempt?

Gustakh Dil ... simple, light hearted, not much angst ... Barkha and Nani are not outright evil, just annoying stupid socialite women ... they actually do have a point about Lajjo being a misfit in Nikhil's society, but since Lajjo is the heroine, that part is irrelevant. Nikhil continues to be blissfully clueless to the feelings of either Ishaana or Lajjo, and even to his own. If they would show Lajjo trying her best to better herself, study, learn English, develop a veneer of sophistication to match Nikhil, while still staying true to her own self, that would make things more interesting  ... unfortunately, for most soap makers, Westernisation of an Indian telly heroine still is a big no-no.

Khelti Hai Zindagi Aankh Micholi ... is going off air in Jan. Pity ... it started off well, but degenerated into saas-bahu saga too quickly. It was supposed to be about the struggles of Ami, a fatherless girl, who was attached to her father, and how she copes with his loss ... it became more about Sanjay and Shruti's love story, which was okay ... and then too much about Sanjay's mom not accepting Shruti, along with evil conniving nanad and bhabhi! Too much ho gaya!

Mahabharata .. I like the promos of Krishna and Arjun ... want to watch, but it comes at 8.30 pm, which is EBI time :( Need to record and watch on repeat. Also the new Poonam Dhillon show on Sony is going to be at the same time. 8.30 is suddenly a tough slot - what to watch!

Veera ... the new kids are good, especially Ranvi and Balwant ... Veera is settling into her character. Still not too happy with Gunjan ... she has changed from the simple, sweet girl she used to be. Ratan is a sbitter about Veera as she used to be ... so many years have not changed her attitude. And Veera still hungers for a mother's love.

Ye Hai Mohabbatein ... watchable as of now.

Qabool Hai ... has lightened up with the arrival of Haider and his dressing as Heena ... why do so many cv's go the 'boy dressing as a girl is the height of humour' way? For the most part, it's crass and stupid, unless it's a part of the story, like Vishwajeet in EBI. And most actors make it worse. Mohit was obviously quite uncomfortable in the role ... it shows in his acting - most unconvincing! Poor guy! 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Sanaya in GPA

Small snippet on SBB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDQXUDdKQLM

Sanaya in pale cream and gold ghaghra choli, looking gorgeous and ethereal ... white/cream is so her color!!! Also love her baalis ... I want them!






She says that she's wearing a ghaghra choli by Jerry, their top stylist, and it's very beautiful and she loves her look. It's the same look that she has in the show, so she's very happy with it.

SN - Yippeee ... she is wearing ghaghra cholis in the show :)

Also says she's excited about the show, she's always excited about all her new shows, she hopes she will get some more acceptance, and the show will rock.

Hope so too, Sanaya .. fingers crossed and all good wishes for Rangrasiya!

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Rangrasiya - 3rd Promo


Third promo 


A wedding ... a tearful bidaai ... a journey across blazing desert sands, carrying a new bride ... the promise of entering a new life, in wedded bliss with a man who belongs to her and her alone ... the ultimate dream of a young orphan girl, the promise of belonging. 

A checkpoint with armed military men, stern and uncompromising in their duty ... 

A search, not sparing the bridal dowry chest ... the discovery of arms, proof of smuggling attempts ... proof of guilt .. or so the panicked elder seems to think, as he withdraws his gun hastily ...
But too late, the captain of the military group is faster on the draw ... and even as the young bride looks on in horror and shocked disbelief, the happiest day of her life changes to the most tragic ... two quick shots, and the elder, and her new husband sprawl lifeless on the golden sand. 

Her new life over before it even started ... her dreams shattered before they could take shape. 

But worse is to come ... a choked scream escapes her throat as the military commander moves towards her ... the nightmare hasn't ended yet. 

And the promo ends with a captive desolate Paro, her hands bound to the jeep, being taken away by an uncompromising ruthless Rudra. 

Sanaya's expressions in the few seconds of the promo ... faboulous!! She doesn't need words ... shock, dawning horror and anguish mixed with disbelief at the turn of events ... 
the shock as she opens her eyes after the noise of the shots 

the dawning horror and disbelief as she realises what has happened 


looks at the ground, at the sprawled broken body, embodying her shattered dreams ... she cannot believe this ... it can't be true ... no!


The ruthless commander, intent only on his task, his duty, no thought to spare for anything or anyone else.


Now the grief comes in, as the enormity of what has happened starts to sink in


and she looks with shock and fear at the man who is the cause of her grief ... and who will cause her more of both.


He stands unmoved, even contemptuous ... he is merely doing his duty.


And she finally breaks her shocked silence to scream ...a choked bitten off scream as her fear grows to panic ... she is alone and defenseless ... what will he do to her?


There is her answer ... not a reassuring one. Captivity looms at the hands of a merciless stranger ... what will become of her?

Credit Sunara for caps



HD link
http://desitvforum.net/tv-shows/rang-rasiya-promo-720p-start-30th-december-2013-video-watch-online-hd/

Yahan doli guzarati hai toh saanata hai sangeet , dulhan ki bidaai main hatyaron ki taskari yahan ki reet ...

Rann ki rait per rakth se rachi prem ki dastaan ...rang rasiya . 

Probably the best promo of the three ... while not giving any new information, the characters and base of the story spelled out more clearly ... where will they go from here? 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Sanaya and Stardom

From HT Cafe ... if anyone has the link, please post. Date is 8th or 9th Dec,


Saturday, December 7, 2013

Sanaya Again

Posting because it's a very cute picture of Sanaya, and I like the writeup



Sanaya was 6th on the Sexy List 2013 this year.

TV heaven
The popular soap star has the kind of fan following established pop stars would be proud of. Although her smile has enough wattage to light up an entire city, Sanaya offers plenty more including acting talent and a personality warm enough to make you forget about the cold winter. 

I like the write up because it mentions the three things I love best about Sanaya ... her acting talent, her gorgeous smile and her warm personality.

Also loved the Zing magazine quote on her ... The beauty of her heart shines on her face. 

I think these quotes sum up why I like Sanaya so much, and have stayed her fan for so many years now. 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

TV This Fortnight - 1st to 15th December

My TV watching has gone down tremendously ... I have barely two shows on my watch list currently. What has happened to Indian TV?

Gustakh Dil ... going okay.

Ek Boond Ishq ... slow with ups and downs.

Jodha Akbar ... haven't been watching since the Jodha pseudo pregnancy track started ... anyone know what happened in that?

Madhubala ... haven't been watching it much, but get glimpses of the promos and occasional scenes ... is Madhu pregnant again? Seems to be getting interesting again.

Balika Vadhu ... this must be the worst acted track going on in BV ... saw the episode where Shiv's mother is told she isn't his mother ... it was horrible! Awful acting from all concerned ... I switched channels in sheer disgust!

Qabool Hai ... watched for Mohit's entry ... that guy seriously needs to learn acting. And he needs to leave Samrat behind ... he is so stereotyped! KSG even with ponytail is much better to watch! Speaking of ponytails ... WHY in the name of God does KSG have that thing?!

Veera ... watched for the new kids on the block ... I like Ranvi, and the actor is trying his best to act like Bhavesh ... found that cute. Not impressed with the new Veera at all.

Just realised from this list, there are no decent sitcoms after SGP :( 

Sunday, December 1, 2013

IPKKND ... one year on

It's been a year since IPKKND ended ... in some ways, I have moved on. I don't miss it too much, I am over the anger and bitterness about the way it ended, and am very happy for Sanaya and the way she has moved on in her career and put it behind her. Out of everything that upset me about the ending, the worst was the abrupt way it was pulled off air at four days notice ... it was meant by SP to be a slap in the face of the hysterical fans who were shouting themselves blue in the face for "No Barun, No IPKKND" but it was an indirect insult to the hard work Sanaya and the rest of the cast and crew had put in ... and were still willing to put in to continue the show, knowing that TRPs would dip after BS left. Sanaya's tears on that day still haunt me, and I have not had the guts to watch that SBS again, or even the last episode.

But the bitterness is less, so I can now watch old episodes and Arhi scenes and lose myself in the magic again ... despite the way the show unravelled, the Arhi chemistry remained intact till the re-marriage and the couple is still magical. I wonder if Rangrasiya and Sansh will be able to replicate even a fraction of that ... I fervently hope so, because I think Ashish might be an even better actor than BS, from the few clips that I've seen ... and he is definitely more committed to his craft. If Rangrasiya is as well-written as IPKKND was, then I hope it reaches even greater heights than IPK did.

So in that hope, and as a farewell of sorts to IPKKND ... a well written article from Telly Tadka
http://www.tellytadka.net/telly-tadka-spice/iss-pyaar-ko-kya-naam-doon-anniversary-special/

A fond farewell to one of my most favorite shows. Thanks to Gul Khan and 4 Lions, and to the entire cast, Sanaya, Barun, Abhaas, Daljeet, Akshay, Deepali, Utkarshaji, Jayshree ji ... to Mamaji, Shashi babu, Garima, Buaji ... to all the Prakash's who kept appearing and disappearing with unfailing regularity ... to Lakshmi the goat ... to Rocky, Lallan and co ... to the magical poolside ... the green recliner ... to Devi Maiiya, Haye Re Nand Kishore and What the ... to Hello hi bye bye ... to tent like anarkalis and shiny polyester three piece suits ... to mangled Hindi and Nannav mere bhai ...

Here's hoping Rangrasiya fills the void IPKKND left ... and more! All the best to Sanaya for Rangrasiya!!!

Also hoping MAMR finally finds release ... and 22 Yards actually gets made ... otherwise that idiotic two months of ASR's kidnapping, the ruining of the IPK story to accommodate the ambitions of one actor, and the final drama of the IPK ending will all 'meant nothing ho gaya'.




Friday, November 29, 2013

Rangrasiya ... 2nd promo

Second promo of Rangrasiya

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSQalgtp57Q&feature=youtu.be

A group of veiled black clad women in the distance ... a shot of Paro in red running for her life ... through thorns, barefoot in the burning sand ...

A grim faced Rudra in uniform, watches through his binoculars, and gives chase in his jeep ... finally hunting down the hapless girl like a hunter corners his prey,. She tumbles exhausted to the sand, finally spent ...

Jahaan rangon ki chadar nahin, jahan mausam ka marham nahin ... 

He speaks slowly and hatefully ... 'bhaag jahan tak bhaag sakti hai ...' a slow taunting drawl ... run as far as you can ...
Then menace enters his voice ... 'par jahan bhi rukegi ... sarhad ki tarah mujhe payegi ...' 
But wherever you stop, you will find me there ... the limit to where you can run is only me. I define your borders.

And he gets off his vehicle and walks slowly to the cornered panting girl ... taking out his water bottle, knowing she is parched after her long run ...
And deliberately he spills the water as he walks ... her eyes fix on the thirst quenching stream falling uselessly on the sand ...
He offers her the bottle with the last remains of the water she craves ... a deliberate insult ... this water is worthless to me, so I threw it ... you are worthless too, so I take pity on you ... here, have it ...
And a proud fiery Paro knocks it fiercely out of his hands ... down she might be, but never out ... bent for the moment, but not beaten ... no pity, no charity for her ...

In the background, the haunting strains of   'Rangrasiya ... Rangrasiya ...' 

Carrying forward the first promo and adding this one ... it seems Paro has been recently widowed ... was that at the hands of Rudra? She is at the mercy of the vultures, they already denuded her of her ornaments ... what else were they planning to do, that made the young girl away from them into the desert?

Rudra sees her through his binoculars ... it seems he killed the man in the course of duty, maybe suspecting him to be a smuggler?/traitor? And suspicion naturally extends to the girl he was going to marry ... was she involved in the same activities?
So Rudra chases the girl, it seems his suspicions are well founded, as she is running into the desert, towards the border ... this is all duty for him ...

But is there more than just duty involved? The way he says ... run as far as you can, but you can never escape me ... that seems to indicate a history between them ...

The second promo was as visually stunning as the first, even more so ...
The background music is good ... liked the strains of 'Rangrasiya ... rangrasiya' at the end ...

The actors are both brilliant! Sanaya's expressions at the end of angry defiance ... loved that! A fierce, fiery Paro ... she might be an orphan, but she is not an object of pity, or a bechari ... taking cue from the mythological characters they are named after, and judging from this promo, Paro and Rudra will have a fiery relationship, but one of equals.
Also liked Ashish's body language and attitude ... very well acted. Both actors are going to be a treat to watch ... two powerful performers as strong characters ... hope the story and characters are well written ... if they are, I can see this show doing really well!!! 

Thursday, November 28, 2013

More on Rangrasiya

Too many articles, can't keep up, so just posting some interesting ones.

Latest from TC ... http://www.tellychakkar.com/tv/tv-news/sanaya-iranis-daring-acts-jaisalmer-she-shoots-colors-rang-rasiya

Sunday, November 17, 2013

TV This Fortnight ... 16th-30th November

TV This Fortnight

Still following ...

Ek Boond Ishq

Gustakh Dil

Khelti Hai Zindagi Aankh Micholi

Also watching (more erratically)

Jodha Akbar 

Anyone watching KBC, 24 and Comedy with Kapil? I'm watching KBC as often as I can ... always love quiz shows. I caught the KBC episode with Kajol, my favorite actress and enjoyed it thoroughly. She retains her spunk and zest for life, and is as bindaas as she was ... no one else could ask Amitabh Bacchhan if they can change their answer after they've locked it! Also I admire this lady ... after her retirement, she's doing something useful and trying to give back to society, with her association with the Lifebuoy campaign.

24 is going well ... a very good adaptation for Indian TV. I especially enjoy the political scenario here, well adapted and very easily recognizable! :))) Anil Kapoor is doing well, so is Mandira Bedi and the rest. Interesting to see Shabana Azmi here in a meaty role ... the lines between BW and TV have really blurred, and more and more BW actors seem to be crossing over to the other side. Saw a clip in SBS about Jaya Bachhan also coming in a fiction show soon. Amitabh Bacchhan is already doing one on Sony. ANd of course, so many TV actors crossing over to BW this year and doing quite well.

Comedy with Kapil is enjoyable as always. 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Rang Rasiya - First Look, First Promo!

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/131114/entertainment-tvmusic/article/sanaya-irani-set-play-bride

After 'Chhanchhan', Sanaya Irani has been roped in to play a young Rajasthani bride in Colors’ upcoming show, 'Rang Rasiya'. 'Rang Rasiya', produced by Saurabh Tewari, will be broadcast in the same slot as Bigg Boss, once the reality show’s current season ends.
Sources close to Sanaya told us that 'Rang Rasiya' is about a young girl, Parvati, who believes deeply in the power of love, and what happens when her paths cross with a man who doesn’t. The crew has been shooting in the harsh terrain and climate of the Rann of Kutch as the story is set along the border of India.
Will Sanaya be able to match the success of 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon' with 'Rang Rasiya'? Watch this space. 




This was quick ...First look of Rang Rasiya on SBB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj8ioE0Pu5s

This was even quicker!!!

FIRST PROMO!!!! Thanks, Shwethu!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC8S0ksMO5A


Article on Colors website ...

Seems like this will be Paro's story ... Sanaya all the way!!! Whooopiieeee!!!!
http://colors.in.com/in/news/sanaya-irani-to-play-a-rajasthani-bride-for-colors-new-fiction-show-1212.html

After playing pivotal roles on screen where she wowed audiences with her chirpy, bubbly characters, Sanaya Irani is all set to make her debut as a dashing young Rajasthani Bride in Colors' upcoming show Rangrasiya. Produced by noted television producer Saurabh Tewari who has a number of hit shows to his credit, the show will be replacing Bigg Boss. According to sources, the show is about a girl who believes in love and how her path crosses with a man, who doesn't believe in it. The crew of Rangrasiya has been shooting in the harsh desert terrains in the Rann of Kutch, as the show is a love story set along the borders of India. We look forward to seeing Sanaya who was last seen on screen as a happy-go-lucky girl, re-create magic with her new avatar as Parvati on the silver screen soon. 

Times of India 
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv/news/Rang-Rasiya-inspired-by-Shakespeares-Othello/articleshow/25986625.cms?

Saurabh Tiwari and Abhinav Shukla's Nautanki Telefilm is all set to entertain audiences with one more love story titled Rang Rasiya on Colors, post Madhubala- Ek Ishq Ek Junoon.

Rang Raisya is already making rounds in the media, all thanks to Sanaya Irani's popularity and her comeback to TV post Chhanchhan.Sanaya is paired opposite the handsome Ashish Sharma and the show is slotted to go on air postBigg Boss 7.

"As the show will have a Rajasthani backdrop, it has been extensively shot in the beautiful locations of Bikaner and Jaisalmer," says a source.

Revealing about the storyline a source says, "Rang Rasiya is a story of Rudra (played by AshishSharma) an army official, who does not believe in love and Parvati (played by Sanaya Irani), who always dreams of love. The story will further narrate Rudra and Parvati's strong, passionate and aggressive love story despite having different ideologies in life."

And if sources are to be believed, Rang Rasiya is based on William Shakespeare's celebrated tragedy 'Othello'.

All our efforts to reach Saurabh Tiwari were in vain.

TellyBuzz finally woke up! 
http://www.india-forums.com/tellybuzz/buzzin-hot/17657-rang-rasiya-inspired-by-shakespeare-othello-is-to-be-shot-extens.htm


After two successful love stories, Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon and Do Dil Ek Jaan, producers Saurabh Tiwari and Abhinav Shukla are all set to bring forth another love story for the audiences titled as Rang Rasiya which is already buzzing in the media.
Our source related to the show informed us, "The story of Rang Rasiya is going to revolve around Parvati (Sanaya Irani) who is an orphan and dreams of love and Rudra (Ashish Sharma) who is an army officer who does not believe in love and emotions. Rang Rasiya's story will revolve around the life of Parvati and Rudra as to how will love happen between the two even if their thoughts do not match. This love story is based in Rajasthan and the team is going to shoot extensively in locations like Bikaner, Jaisalmer, old forts of Rajasthan and desserts. The shoot is expected to start from 23rd November onwards."
Our source further added, "The story of Rang Rasiya is inspired by Shakespeare's Othello and the show is expected take the 9 PM slot on Colors after Big Boss."
So, are you all excited for another epic love story on television?

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

TV This Fortnight 1st - 15th Nov

Am slowly getting back to some TV watching ...

So far I like Gustakh Dil and Ek Boond Ishq. 

Production values of EBI are really good and all the actors look their parts, the rich Shekhawat family looks upper class, Tara's family looks middle class, except for her sister, who could be either.

Gustakh Dil is sweet, there are no evil vamps or villains there, even the MIL's feelings towards her village DIL are understandable, given the way her son got married. The acting is uniformly decent, I like the girl playing Lajjo.

Balika Vadhu ... ewww, ewww, ewww ... they replaced Ganga! I loved Sriti ... I can't handle the new Ganga. Strike BV off the watch list, Shiv-Anandi were boring, I was watching only for the Jagya-Ganga story.

Qabool Hai ... KSG now sports a pony tail ... what is it with Gul's heros, why do they all start looking like bhangis sooner or later? Though KSG at least shaves regularly, thank heavens for small mercies ... but a pony tail? Seriously?!!!
Not following the show for ages, just caught a promo ...

Madhubala has dropped completely off my radar, as I watch Ek Boond Ishq at 8.30.

Need to get back to Aankh Micholi ... it was shaping well, last I watched. Also heard good things about Jodha Akbar ... anyone watching that? The girl was second lead in a SP show, Ruk Jaana Nahin, she was prettier and more talented than the main lead, not surprised to see her in her own show. I can now catch that at 8, as BV is out for me now :) 

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sanaya News

November opens with Sanayalicious news ... first the confirmation of her new show from Saurabh Tewary, and then from Sanaya herself in a very cute Diwali segment. Have been busy moving house, so will update the news articles later ... the SBS Diwali segment video is below.

Sanaya Diwali SBS

Adding more snippets as I find them, so that this post has all the news.

Newsroom launched a new feature, "Newsroom Spoilers" ... started with a short interview with Sanaya.
http://newsroomspoilers.wordpress.com/2013/11/05/newsroom-spoilers-launch-interview-sanaya-irani-on-her-professional-life/

Older articles
The first to appear - the TOI article way back in Sept even before CC went off air.

Sanaya Irani as lead in Saurabh Tewari's next on Colors
Neha Maheshwri, TNN | Sep 17, 2013, 11.45 AM IST

Sanaya Irani as lead in Saurabh Tewari's next on Colors
Sanaya IraniMore Pics
Telly actress Sanaya Irani, popular as Khushi Kumari Gupta from Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon and last seen in Chhanchhan, has now been finalised to play the lead in Saurabh Tewari's next on Colors.

Barely a month since her show, Chhanchhan, went off air after running for six months, the actress has already bagged a new show.

According to a source, the show is about a girl who believes in love and how her path crosses with a man, who doesn't believe in it. Says the source, "Sanaya has been in talks with the production house for a long time. She has been now been finalised.

In fact, the production house was keen on casting her as the lead in Life OK's Do Dil Ek Jaan, but things couldn't materialise back then. The production house is now busy casting the male lead. It will be a casting coup of sorts as Sanaya is much in demand despite her last show failed to rake in the ratings."

On the same day, came this article on Newsroom 

Sanskaar to return with a fresh new season and Sanaya Irani's show on Colors TV.


Newsroom is here updating fans on the latest developments of Colors TV bringing shows back to fill in their slots after the 7th season of Big Boss.
The highly promoted show Mrs Pammi Pyarelal will bid adieu in October to get replaced by Sanskaar Darohar Apno Ki Season 2.
The show will supposedly retain the same lead pair and half of the cast will be the same.
Sanaya Irani's new show will launch after Big Boss and supposedly get the 9pm slot if believed.
Get geared for some major news updates in the following days to come.
Sanaya Irani confirmed to us about doing a show with Colors TV.

Newsroom
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Few days later came another confirmation in TOI 
Sanaya to compete with best friend Drashti
Neha Maheshwri, TNN | Sep 21, 2013, 12.00 PM IST
Sanaya to compete with best friend Drashti
Sanaya Irani and DrashtiMore Pics
Sanaya Irani and Drashti Dhami have defied the popular belief that two actresses can never be good friends. The two have been close pals for long and Sanaya was also seen supporting Drashti in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6. 

However, with Sanaya's latest project, she will be pitted against her friend. The actress, last seen inChhanchhan, has been finalised to play the lead in Saurabh Tewari's next on the very channel which airs Drashti's Madhubala " Ek Ishq Ek Junoon.

With their shows airing on the same channel " also produced under the same banner " they will definitely invite comparisons.

Says a source, "The makers had also offered Sanaya the lead role in Do Dil Ek Jaan, but it didn't materialise. It would be interesting to see who performs better in the rating chart. The show is about a girl who believes in love. Her path crosses with a man, who doesn't believe in it."

Sanaya didn't revert to our text message.

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Sanaya had apparently left by then for her US holiday, so no further news from her end. The trickle of articles speculating about the male lead then started. 

Gurmeet approached to play the lead opposite Sanaya in Nautanki

 Telefilms' next on Colors 

02 Oct 2013 03:32 PM | SrividyaRajesh

Gurmeet Choudhary is surely on a roll, when it comes to getting offered the best of roles on TV. Post his successful stints as leads in Star One's Geet Hui Sabse Parayi and Zee TV's Punar Vivah, the actor is being flooded with interesting offers.
As reported by media earlier, he was approached for the sequel of Gunahon Ka Devta to be produced by the Producer of Lapataganj on SAB TV, Ashwini Dheer. We now hear that the talented actor has been approached by Nautanki Telefilms for their upcoming show on Colors.
As we know, Saurabh Tewari's next on Colors already has the vivacious Sanaya Irani as the lead. And the hunt is presently on for the lead guy, who will play a BSF officer. Amongst lot many known faces approached for the show, Gurmeet happens to be one. We hear that the makers were keen on casting him as the lead opposite Sanaya.
A reliable source states that Gurmeet has been in consideration for a while. However, he usually quotes an exorbitant amount, as the man is keener on doing films now.
Yet another source though told us that Gurmeet was indeed approached for the new show on Colors, but he did not fit well into the role.
If sources are to be believed, Ashish Sharma, last seen in Zee TV's Rab Se Sohna Isshq is also in talks presently for the lead role.
The yet untitled show will launch on Colors post the culmination of Bigg Boss sometime in December 2013, and will take the 9.30 PM slot.
We tried contacting Gurmeet, but he did not reply to our calls and text messages till the time of filing the article.
Let's see who bags the role opposite Sanaya in this Colors show.
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One more Newsroom article ... there were supposed to be two parts to this interview, but the second part was pulled abruptly. The channel and PH are keeping the show tightly under wraps for now. 


Prashant Bhatt divulges details about Sanaya Irani's new show and Madhubala being promoted well by the channel


Newsroom is here with our latest byte on Sanaya Irani's new show on Colors TV.Newsroom was the first media portal who confirmed with Sanaya Irani for being the female lead in Nautanki Films next.
Media buzzed that a new show already started shooting for the 9:30pm slot on Colors TV?
Prashant replied,"Details are tentative but the show will get the 9:30pm slot on Colors TV after Big Boss.The show will have a unique approach and will surely be appreciated.We will leave no stone in promoting the show."
And the next show for the 9pm slot on Colors TV?
He replied,"Nothing is finalized as the shows production house is still in search for the female and male leads."
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Ashish Sharma opposite Sanaya in Nautanki Telefilm's next
Vijaya Tiwari, TNN | Oct 14, 2013, 02.40 PM IST
Ashish Sharma opposite Sanaya in Nautanki Telefilm's next
Ashish SharmaMore Pics
Nautanki Telefilms, the makers of Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, are coming up with a new show on Colors starring Sanaya Irani and this news has been hogging the limelight ever since it broke out. 

And here we bring to you another update on the show. Reliable sources close to the show inform us that Chandragupta Maurya fame actorAshish Sharma has been locked to play the hero opposite Sanaya.

Certain sections of the media had recently reported about Gurmeet Choudhary and Ashish Sharma being approached to play the lead. However the latest buzz says that Ashish has bagged the project.

When contacted, Ashish Sharma said, "I've been approached for the show but talks are still on and nothing has been confirmed yet."

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A rubbishy article on Telly Buzz, while it gave the name of the new show for the first time, TB obviously had no clue about the male leads in the running. TB didn't even confirm Sanaya Irani was the FL ... one of the stupidest articles from TB in a long while! 

Rang Rasiya- title of Saurabh Tiwari's new show on Colors.


Saurabh Tiwari's Nautanki Films who are at presently producing Madhubala - Ek Ishq, Ek Junoon on Colors and Do Dil Ek Jaanon Life Ok is all set to present a new and entertaining show on Colors

The show will be an intense love story which tells the tale of a girl in love with a boy who denies the relationship. How they gradually come together is the crux of the story. While it has earlier been reported that Sanaya Irani has been approached for the show, nothing has been confirmed as yet. 

However, as per our source the name of the show has been finalized, "The show is named as Rang Rasiya and will be visually very appealing. It is supposed to get the prime time slot and may go on air sometime in December after Bigg Boss Saath 7 gets over." The title seems to be inspired by Ketan Mehta's film based on the legendary painter Raja Ravi Verma. Going by the title the show does promise to bring additional color and add multicolored hues to the storyline of a couple. 

While Sanaya's last outing in Chhanchhan was a short one she has a huge fan following. Her fans want to see her with Barun Sobti, Sanaya's co-star from Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? which is highly impossible since Barun is busy shooting for his upcoming films. The other possibility of a male lead is said to be Mohit Sehgal who is her real life beau and was seen with her earlier in Miley Jab Hum Tum. All their fans are keen on seeing the real life couple back together on screen.

Keep reading TellyBuzz for more updates on the show.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telly Chakkar went one better and brought in a completely new guy who wasn't in the running at all. The idiocy and dumbness of the online TV sites seems to be increasing every day. 

Producer Saurabh Tewari's next for Colors, post the success of Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek Junoon will be a Rajasthani love story to be shot on a grand scale. Tentatively titled Rang Rasiya, the show will have popular name Sanaya Irani as the lead.
The hunt for the guy to play Sanaya's love interest is yet on, though few known names have been in the reckoning for some time now.
Tellychakkar.com was the first to report Ashish Sharma being in talks for the lead role.
We now hear that the toss up now is between Ashish and Nikkhil Chaddha, who is presently seen in Zee TV'sSapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke.
A reliable source tells us that Ashish and Nikhhil are presently into final talks for the role. And in 2-3 days, the actor will be finalized and locked.
We tried contacting both Ashish and Nikhhil, but they remained unavailable for comment.
Our efforts to get in touch with Producer Saurabh Tewari proved futile.
Let's see which actor gets to play the guy opposite Sanaya.

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Newsroom seems to be the most authentic site of the lot ... at least the news it gives isn't mere speculation without any basis in fact. Rang Rasiya is starting to sound more and more promising, Colors and Nautanki seem to be investing a lot of time, money and effort into the show. 

Rang Rasiya new show starring Sanaya Irani : Report




Newsroom recently informed readers about Sanaya Irani being confirmed as the female lead of Colors TV new show titled Rang Rasiya to be aired at the 9:30pm slot which is currently accommodated by Big Boss.
The show will have a authentic flavor and the ingredient in the initial days of all romantic shows which is separation. According to a source from Nautanki Telefilms,this project was planned long time back but Saurabh Tiwari needed popular faces as this project has a lot of investment (including Colors TV) which is double than the production cost of the other shows made by the same production house which are Madhubala and Do Dil Ek Jaan.
The male lead of the show will be Ashish Sharma if everything goes well but things for the male lead are at tentative stage as even Mohit Saighal can be considered. Newsroom will keep Sanaya Irani fans updated about the latest happenings.
Well it isn't the end of news as the show have some highly romantic scenes inspired from the Bollywood film Rang Rasiya which had some intense bold scenes which will be minimized looking at the time slot of the show.The title says it all which means the show is all about the Passion Of Romance.'

Newsroom
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Another copy-paste article ... 
Rang Rasiya, Starring Sanaya Irani will be a Love Story on Colors 
October 28 
Sanaya Irani

Saurabh Tiwari to launch new drama on colors channel Featuring Famous TV Actress Sanaya Irani who will be playing Female Lead.
The Show is expected to Have Title " Rang Rasiya " May Inspired Ketan Mehta's Film which is based on Raja Ravi Verma (a Famous Legendary Painter) 
The Show will have Additional Color & Some high Drama on the show.
The Drama will be a Love Story. The Story Reveals around a Girl who believe in Love but her Path Cross with a Man who Not Believe in Love & any type of attraction. Serial Story Revolves around this two people.
Source inform that Production Cost ( High Budget) of this drama will also be high compared to their other shows like Madhubala & Do Dil Ek Jaan.
The title of the Show "Rang Rasiya" means Passion of Romance.

Well fans of Sanaya are extremely waiting for her comeback after ChhanChhan which went off air on Sony Tv.

Do keep up the space for more updates. 
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TC again with another article ... no idea how accurate this one is. The PH and channel are keeping very tight lipped about the show. 

Barkha Bisht, the third important angle in Saurabh Tewari's Rang Rasiya for Colors?

29 min ago | Tellychakkar (29th Oct 2013)

Rang Rasiya, the upcoming show of Saurabh Tewari's Nautanki Telefilms for Colors is already star-studded with Sanaya Irani and Ashish Sharma in lead roles.
The news doing rounds now is that Barkha Bisht Sengupta, who returned to television after a hiatus with Sony Entertainment Television's Parvarrish when she replaced a pregnant Rupali Ganguly as Pinky, is presently in talks for a pivotal role in Rang Rasiya.
A reliable source tells us that Barkha will most likely play the third angle in Rang Rasiya. The lady will don a negative character for the grand Rajasthan backdrop show.
We tried our level best to get in touch with Barkha, but we could not reach her.
Our efforts to get a confirmation from Producer Saurabh Tewari were in vain.
Barkha has earlier been part of noted shows like Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Radha Ek Shyam, Kkavyanjali, Doli Saja Ke, Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai. She will also be seen in the upcoming movie Ram-Leela.
Let's hope we get to see Barkha in this challenging negative avatar.
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And finally Sanaya is back in town and we get confirmation about the show from the producer ... followed by the SBS where she confirmed it herself. 

Sanaya Irani confirmed for Rang Rasiya


Sanaya

Sanaya Irani
Onkar Kulkarni : Mumbai, Fri Nov 01 2013, 16:15 hrs
Sanaya Irani of Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Do fame has been signed to play the lead in Colors new show,Rang Rasiya. Irani who became immensely popular playing the romantic lead opposite Barun Sobti inIss Pyaar Ko..., however faced her first setback when Chhanchhan failed to impress the audience. InRang... the actress, has been cast opposite Ashish Sharma, who was seen on shows like Chandra Gupt Maurya and Rab Se Sona Isshq.
Set to go on floor by November end, the show is being produced by Saurabh Tewari's Nautanki Films. Meanwhile, Rang... will be Tewari's second project with Colors after the hit, Madhubala - Ek Ishq, Ek Junoon. When contacted, the producer said, "I share a personal equation with Colors. Before becoming a producer, I was the channel's fiction head for four years. Also, Madhubala ...is doing well, so why not one more show with the channel?"
An intense love story, Rang Rasiya will be shot in Rajasthan across four cities including Jodhpur,Bikaner among others. The show is a replacement for Bigg Boss Season 7, which will go off-air by December.
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