Giaa Manek & Chandni Bhagwanani in Bombay Times (14 May, 2014)

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TV stars and their lucky charms!

Be it a blessed kada, or their favourite deity's photo, most television actors have good-luck charms that they never part with. Here's what some of them (s)wear by!

Kushal Tandon I have been wearing this kada — half silver and half copper — for 10 years. It was given to me by a guruji, who my parents believe in. I never remove it, unless absolutely necessary. I believe in its power as I have only seen good times after wearing it.  Chandni Bhagwanani My lucky charm is a sona patti that my grandma gifted me on Dussehra two years ago. That was my last gift from her and and I always carry it in my wallet. During auditions, I even place it in my pocket. It makes me feel stronger.

Giaa Manek I have been carrying a miniature idol of Lord Krishna for the past four years. It's either in my bag or in my pocket while signing a new show or making an important decision. More than luck, I keep it for its positive energy.
 Meiyang Chang I picked up this jade charm while travelling in China. It is supposed to bring good fortune as well as ward off negative energy. It has calmed my road rage and gives me the peace of mind to focus on my work and personal life. I carry it everywhere — be it auditions or business meetings.

Asha Negi I am very fond of an evil-eye bracelet that was gifted to me by a fan who said, 'Kahin hum dono ko kisi ki nazar na lage'. I wear it most of the time and if not, I always carry it with me. I can feel it's power and positive energy.  

SOURCE:  Times Of India 

PRESS RELEASE: 'Jhalli Anjali..' is a story of self-discovery of girl after breakup : Chandni Bhagwanani

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Chandni Bhagwanani won heart of many with her simple girl-next-door look in Swastik Pictures 'Amita Ka Amit' on Sony Entertainment. The bubbly actress is all set to make her come back on small screen with Channel V's show 'Jhalli Anjali Ke Tootey Dil Ki Amazing Story', says she is quite similar to her onscreen character.

"I relate to my onscreen character Anjali a lot, we don't care about the world, we are just ourselves. Like Anjali, I would rather wear a jeans and a kurti in a party, rather than wearing a one-piece that everybody nowadays wear," says Chandni.

So like Anjali is she also a Jhalli? Chandni laughed and said, "No..Well Jhalli does not mean she is mad. She just thinks in a different way. She is not like those typical girls who talks about nail paints."

Talking about the USP of the show, cute and lovable Chandni said, "It's a youth based show and we are going to tell the story from a girl's point of view of what happens after breakup. It's a story about a Ambala based girl Anjali, whose world revolves around a guy. Then he left her heartbroken, after which she begins an amazing journey of self-discovery."

'Jhalli Anjali Ke Tootey Dil Ki Amazing Story ' will be launched today (12 May) and will air Monday and Tuesday at the 6 PM on Channel V.

Karan Sharma's coverage in Bombay Times (09 May, 2014)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) and Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) on May 1, has led to a rift between actors and producers. Actors are crying foul against certain clauses in the MoU. For example, it forbids lead actors from quitting a show for at least three years. There's also a clause that makes it compulsory for actors to sign an attendance register. It empowers producers to impose penalties and deduct payments from actors who report late.

Producers say they fail to understand the hue and cry around the MoU because there's nothing new about these terms. Explains producer Yash Patnaik, "They have been a part of agreements between actors and production houses for long. The MoU has simply formalised it. Also, nothing is forced on anyone. Negotiations always happen between an actor and production house before an agreement is signed. But you can't leave a show once it becomes popular." The MoU will ensure discipline, believe the makers. Says a producer requesting anonymity, "A lot goes into making a show popular. Everyone's hard work goes down the drain when the lead face, synonymous with the show, decides to exit. Many shows have even shut down abruptly. What about those associated with it, from lightmen to spot boys? Why should they suffer because one actor wants to grab a bigger opportunity? Is it not right to expect them to give back what they have got from the show? A talented actor will never face dearth of good work."

Producer Saurabh Tewari adds, "Agreed that good content will run irrespective of its lead face quitting or staying put. But several factors have led to this MoU. When shows wind up prematurely, the producer incurs huge losses and it filters down to the crew. A producer starts recovering his investment only after six months on an average. Is it wrong to expect the lead actor to cooperate? Also, many actors have signed exclusive contracts with channels and get paid handsomely for the days they don't shoot. Then why do they quit once the show becomes a hit?" Producer JD Majethia says, "The MoU is basically to correct undisciplined actors. Sincere and disciplined actors need not worry."

Actors speak

'Three years is a long time' Alok Nath: I am completely against this MoU. How can CINTAA enforce such rules? It's meaningless to sign a contract that will not allow them to leave a show for three years. I want CINTAA members to work in a daily soap before making such rules.

'It's unfair on actors' Karan Sharma: This is encroachment of an actor's freedom. I think it's more in favour of the producers. When many shows don't last even for three months, how can you bind an actor for three years? That too, when producers can give marching orders to actors with a week's notice period?

'It should be mutual and flexible' Rashami Desai: The three-year restriction is not viable unless both parties are happy with the show. Serving a notice period should be fine as it gives ample time to the production house to find a suitable replacement. What if the show goes off air in six months? There is no clause to cover the actor.

'We work in an insecure environment' Shashank Vyas: Now, most daily soaps hardly last a year. We work in an insecure environment. We might have lot of offers today, but nothing tomorrow. There should be an understanding between an actor and producer. If an actor wants to take up another offer, he/she should be allowed to exit after serving a two-month notice period. That time is sufficient for the producer to look for a replacement.

'We are not labourers' Tina Dutta: I think no actor will be keen to abide by such rules. We are here to perform and entertain people; we are not labourers. We slog day and night the way the producers want us to. So, there should some understanding between the two parties. Also, a daily soap is not just an actor's responsibility; it's team work.

'What about our Personal lives?' Sharad Kelkar: Actors also have the right to enjoy their personal life. We would also love to have weekends off, but we make a lot of adjustments. You can't make a contract and apply it to all. So many parameters are involved in a daily TV soap. At the end of the day, the interests of both parties have to be taken into consideration.    

SOURCE: Times Of India