Friday, May 29, 2015

Sanaya - Serial Success : IV in Eastern Eye

Sanaya Irani: Serial success

Published on : 28 May, 2015

By Asjad Nazir



CHALLENGES: Sanaya Irani in Rangrasiya
Indian television has now become a major force and one of the main reasons has been a handful of actors who have helped elevate it to a new level.
One of these stars is talented actress Sanaya Irani, who has impressed audiences with her performances and gained a global fan base. Such is her star power that last year, she beat off high-profile Bollywood actresses to be voted in the top five of Eastern Eye's globally popular list of 50 Sexiest Asian Women. Sanaya has been taking a sabbatical since her last series Rangrasiya ended and is looking forward to returning to the small screen.
Eastern Eye caught up with Sanaya for one of her most in-depth ever interviews to talk about a range of subjects including television, her passions away from work, inspirations, moving to Bollywood, why she doesn't see herself as sexy and acting.
How do you look back on your remarkable journey as an actress?
(Laughs) Oh my god. Actually, it has been remarkable. I didn't think it would turn out like how it did. I feel blessed more than anything else because so many people come into this industry with such big dreams, and I guess only a few of them get fulfilled, so I feel lucky I even reached this position. Yes, it's been a remarkable journey, but I have worked very hard and completely respected my work. I won't take that away from myself. I think I also deserve part of the credit.
You must be proud that Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon is still going strong in so many countries despite it ending a few years ago?
Yes, it's really amazing to think of it. It's been years since I've been part of that show, but people will still call me (by my character name) Kushi when they see me. It feels really good. The show is over, but it's good that it's still going on in so many other countries.
You do different characters with each show. Is that a conscious decision?
I do, I wait for something that is at least different from the previous one. I've done quite a few shows now and you know how TV is. It's not like you get a different character every second day. I mean, after Rangrasiya, I've been waiting for something good to come my way. But television can be a little bit of a stereotype, so I make a conscious effort to ensure that my character doesn't resemble the previous one I have played. I try to sign something at least a little different and have managed it so far.
Fans are eagerly awaiting your return. Have you found something that you want to jump into yet?
I can't talk about it right now because I haven't signed a contract, but there is something and very soon people will know. I just hope it works out. Once all the formalities are done and the contract is signed, I think it will automatically be in the news. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.
A lot of television stars have moved to cinema and you're one of the biggest. Why haven't you done the same?
I think somewhere I am staying away from it but I don't know why. I'm just not very comfortable with Bollywood. It's a very different world - you know, you hear all kinds of stories! I'm not saying anything is right or wrong, but I feel like I just don't want to get myself there yet. I would do a Bollywood film if it were a really good banner - if Yash Raj Films or Karan Johar gave me a film, I would definitely do it. But it is not like Bollywood is my aim. I could not do it and I am fine about it.
Would you say television is more powerful than cinema in many ways now?
Of course it is, because you reach people on a daily basis. If I was in cinema I would probably do one or two films a year. With TV, I'm in people's homes every single day. Honestly, when I started, it wasn't as big as it was today. When I joined, my only intention was to act. I wanted to start off with a clean slate and build my way up to become a better actor. That is really all I wanted to do. I really didn't think I would come this far and so much would work out for me. I am sometimes very pessimistic that way.
What do you mean?
I always underestimate myself and think I can't do this or I can't be so popular or I can't do well. That is why I say I feel blessed and so happy this journey turned out the way it did.
Does a huge fan base put you under pressure in terms of their sky-high expectations?
I believe you can't decide if a show is going to do well or not. Sometimes you can have the best content and a good channel, you could have everything, and things don't work out. I think every show has its destiny and follows a path.
But what I can confirm is the kind of work that I do on the show. When I did Rangrasiya, it didn't do as well, but I do know all my fans and the viewers really enjoyed watching the show. They liked it and would write wonderful things about it. For Chhanchhan, I hoped it would have turned out better than it did. But I don't regret anything because I truly gave my best. Be it RangrasiyaIss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon or Miley Jab Hum Tum, it doesn't matter which did better - I think people who like my work liked it in all of them.
You must be happy about that?
Yes, like I said, I can't make sure if a show will be a hit or flop, but I can make sure my fans enjoy what I'm doing and like the kind of work I do. I specifically select shows that are different or where my character is different, so they get to see a new side of me and it doesn't bore them.
You must be getting offered a lot of reality TV shows. Is that something you will do?
I have always maintained that a dance show is the only thing I would do in reality TV. I once did a stint on some cooking reality show and didn't enjoy it. It wasn't my cup of tea. Sometimes I feel the shows are not as real as they say it is. So I'm consciously staying away from it. I would never do a Bigg Boss or Fear Factor. I am so afraid of all of these things. It really takes guts to go there and I don't think I have it. So if it was a dance reality show I would definitely do it, but besides that, no.
What are your biggest passions away from work?
Well, I love watching movies. I'm getting to spend a lot of time with my family. When I'm working I don't get to spend as much time with them. So pretty much just lazing around and being with my family, watching films and hanging out with friends. All the things I never get to do when I'm working. I like cooking and I like baking, so I experiment with that. But I guess work will be starting soon and all of this will come to an end.
You have been voted in the top six of EE's list of the 50 Sexiest Asian Women for the past two years. How do you feel about that?
(Laughs) I don't feel sexy at all. It's great that people think that I am, but it's really funny because people who know me would never say I am sexy. I think people who vote for me don't think I'm sexy, but they love me so much they want to me to make it on any kind of list, be it sexy or best actress. I truly believe that - if you genuinely asked people, I don't think anyone thinks I'm sexy.
Looking ahead, do you have a dream role you would love to play?
There are certain films I look at and wish I could do that. I remember when I saw Black, I was like, I wish I could do that'. I saw Queen and I came out thinking, I don't want to do films, but if I get a role like Queen, I would do it.' So there are a few roles here and there but I really don't think that much about it. To be honest, when something challenging comes to me, I get really scared.
Really? That is surprising.
I'm not one of those people who is like, I'm going to do this and going to kick ass' when something really challenging comes along. I get really scared. I go into my shell and think, oh my god, why is somebody thinking I can do this?'
I felt that about each one of my roles, be it Rangrasiya or Iss Pyaar Ko. I have had the toughest time when I started off. I always underestimate myself and think I won't be able to pull it off, but somehow I manage. That is why I don't think of a dream role because I don't even think I can pull off what I am thinking. So there's no point thinking. I just want to take it one step at a time.
If you wrote a script for a show yourself, what concept would you write about?
(Thinks) This is something I'm going to have to think about. I can't think of anything right away, but I really love comedy. I wish I could do something like that, you know. I see so many of these English comedies that are so well done, so I wish I could do something like that.
Character-wise, if am greedy, I want to do something challenging, like maybe portray a girl who is physically challenged. I don't know if I could ever do it, but I want to try something like that.
What inspires you?
Well, I don't know if it's an inspiration, but I just want to become a better human being. I just want to be completely honest with myself and with people around me. I just want to help people as much as I can. It's not a Mother Teresa type speech', I truly want to.
I always wonder, will I ever have that much of an income to help so many more people? We are in the television industry today, but tomorrow we may not be. I just wish I knew I would have that much income coming in from every time of my life so I could go out there and help so many more people. I want to do that. I just want to become a better person.
Finally, what message would you like to give to your fans?
I would like to tell them, thank you so much for everything you have done for me. Watching all my shows, for loving me, for enjoying everything that I've done, so thank you so much. I will be back soon and I will need your support. So you have to promise me that you are going to be there to support me.
Hopefully in the future, I will also do more interviews, so a big sorry that I don't do more interviews. I am just a weird person that way, when I'm not in the limelight, I like not to be in it. I feel my work should speak for itself. But I get it. People don't see me in so long and do expect one or two interviews, so I promise there will be more. And you will see me back on TV very soon. I need all your love and your support.
Special thanks to www.twitter.com/teamsarun and www.facebook.com/teamsarun


Friday, May 15, 2015

Other Shows We're Watching

Manmarzian ... don't know why Neil got so angry ... well, I do understand him getting angry, because Sam asked him to make sure she stays away from Arjun ... and the next thing he sees is Sam and Arjun bringing Samrat to the party, apparently together. Followed by the Sam-Arjun hug. So no wonder Neil is annoyed as heck ... but wasn't he being overly possessive? And also quite unobservant ... he didn't notice that Sam was deeply upset about something, and on the verge of tears. Since he's known Sam for so long, and is such a good friend, found his insensitivity surprising ... guess the cv's had to get Samaira to leave the house somehow, to meet up with Radhika.

I am liking the Sam-Arjun chemistry. I thought Kashmira was an okay actress ... but she was very good today. Her expressions when she hears her mother blame her for her brother's death were so good ... her anguish, her closed eyes, the silent tears ... and the single tear when she remembers the scene ... she is lost in that anguishing memory and Neil's tirade just washes over her like water off a duck's back ... she doesn't even register what he's saying, except for that slight ironical smile when he mentions Arjun ... he is so far from the truth.

Ahem tends to be a little wooden at times, but he's good for the most part. Is he beginning to sympathise with Sam and feel bad for her, despite himself ... or is he still playing a part?

The guy playing Neil is good, and getting better.

The girl playing Radhika is very bland ... why does SP always get these newbie girls who can't act?! She is a poor actress ... forgiveable, since it's her first show ... but she's also very bland and childish ... should blame partly the script and partly her poor acting.

Reporters .. missed the first few minutes as well as the last couple of episodes, so couldn't figure out who the girl is, whom Ananya has brought home. Did gather she was a drug addict, in the clutches of a dealer, and Ananya managed to get her out.

Sanaya in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 8

Finally confirmation of Sanaya's return ... in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 8. Am happy ... she has wanted to do the show, has been offered twice, but turned it down because she was busy with her fiction shows, and was quite clear that she can't manage two shows at the same time. So this is the best time for her to do Jhalak ... when she doesn't have anything else on air.


Pritam to host..Sanaya Irani, Kavita Kaushik, Sargun Mehta in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa..

http://scrutinybykhimaanshu.blogspot.in/2015/05/pritam-to-hostsanaya-irani-kavita.html

 

Colors' popular celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa has successfully completed seven seasons and is all set to gear up with its 8th. Several celebrities from different backgrounds have been approached for the reality show.

As we reported earlier, the makers have approached Faisal Khan, Puneet Issar, Shamita Shetty. Now we heard, sexy damsel Sanaya Irani, who was last seen in 'Rangrasiya', FIR fame Kavita Kaushik, Ravi Dubey and his wife Sargun Mehta have been approached.

Kavita and Sanaya have been finalized and are ready to burn the dance floors of 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa'.

While Sargun has given the green signal, her husband Ravi who is currently doing Zee TV's Jamai Raja is discussing the monies. If everything goes well, we will see the lovely telly couple competing against each other in the dance reality show.

'Bigg Boss' fame RJ Pritam Singh, who was last seen in 'Farah Ki Dawat' has been finalized to co-host Jhalak.

-K. Himaanshu Shukla



http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/Jhalak-Dikhhla-Jaa-Kavita-Sargun-Sanaya-to-participate-and-Pritam-to-host/articleshow/47283885.cms

'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa': Kavita, Sargun, Sanaya to participate and Pritam to host 

With the eighth season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa underway, the makers have started finalising the celebrities who will showcase their dancing prowess on the dance reality show.

And we hear that actress Kavita Kaushik, better known as Chandramukhi Chautala in FIR, and Sanaya Irani, who was last seen in Rangrasiya, have been finalised.


Incidentally, telly couple Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta have been approached and while Ravi is still discussing the monies with the production house, Sargun has given her nod.


Pritam Singh, who was last seen in Bigg Boss, has been finalised to co-host the show. Sargun and Pritam didn't revert to our text message.



Friday, May 1, 2015

Sanaya Snippets and other TV shows

New post for May ... starting with the best news in a while ... news of Sanaya's probable return to TV. Since the lady has said it herself, this is from the horse's mouth, as it were ... can't get more reliable than that! Now the wait to see what she is doing ... JDJ or a new fiction show. Or preferably both, one after the other. :)

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




Still watching Gangaa ... the whole teacher thing is being dragged quite a bit ... am not a fan of toilet humor. Hope they get over this part and continue with the main story soon. Prabha mami reappears ... I thought she would be banned after her stunt of getting Gangaa adopted as a servant. This time, it appears she will get her just desserts too.

Reporters ...  Who is Tarini, and what is she to Kabir? Also who is the actress ... I have seen her before ... can't remember where.

IKNMP ... Neil finally finds his voice and repudiates his engagement. Must say, if Nivedita hadn't realised till now that he would never be able to accept her as wife, she is very dumb. Or was it that she knew all right, but was just hoping to trap him into marriage regardless? Even more stupid ... what's with TV vamps trapping guys into marriage against their will? What do they actually hope to achieve? Marriage is tricky enough when both partners like or love each other ... when they don't like each other, or one partner is already in love with someone else, it's downright suicide. Especially for a supposedly intelligent, educated, independent woman like Nivedita.

Dosti ... Yaariyan ... Manmarzian  ... started watching this as I'm on the verge of giving up on IKNMP ... the show is interesting and intriguing as of now.

The 'female lead' Radhika is fairly standard young naive innocent types, she's an okay-ish actor for her first show, but has no spark ... she's rather boring ... has a sweet smile though.

Neil seems to be a nice guy too, good friends with everyone, charming, good-natured ... will he change shades as the show progresses, or will he continue to be the quintessential 'good friend'? Shouldn't think so ... he is labelled as 'male lead' ... one of the two.

It's the other two lead characters who are more intriguing ... Samairah is very interesting, and is played well by Kashmira, an unusual role, I would have liked to see Sanaya play this ... Kashmira is good, but there are scenes when I feel strongly that I would love to see what Sanaya made of this ... there is a resemblance between her and Sanaya, including the Parsi nose :) ... Kashmira has a harder face, while Sanaya retains her babyfaced innocence ... that might have made Samairah's character more effective ... an outwardly confident smart young girl, but with hidden vulnerabilities and complexes. The relationship between Samairah and her mother is very interesting ... for once, the girl has a past, not only the guy.
The lady playing Samairah's mother is very attractive ... casting spot on here. And I like the fact that there is a woman in charge of the agency, also like the office setting, where there actually seems to be some work going on ... for how long, is of course, anybody's guess.

Arjun is an angry young man with a difference ... a past which he hides not under anger and rudeness, but under a charming smiling exterior ... another first. Ahem Sharma is very good looking and a good actor too. Me likes :)


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