Latest news with #HindiGEC
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Parineeta Borthakur joins Vasudha as the fierce and graceful matriarch, Chandrika Singh Chauhan
Vasudha has struck an emotional chord with audiences through its compelling portrayal of layered relationships within the Chauhan household. As Vasudha (Priya Thakur) navigates a storm of manipulations led by Karishma (Pratiksha Rai) and Megha (Mandeep Kaur), one constant figure has anchored the family with quiet authority — Chandrika Singh Chauhan, the matriarch who leads with strength, dignity, and unwavering principles. The character of Chandrika, who has been integral to the narrative since the show's launch, will now be portrayed by seasoned actress Parineeta Borthakur , taking over from Nausheen Ali Sardar. Known for her nuanced performances and emotional depth, Parineeta brings a fresh yet faithful energy to the role, capturing Chandrika's inner strength and complex emotional core with restraint and grace. With Vasudha recently ranking among the top 10 shows on Hindi GEC, stepping into such a pivotal role mid-way comes with its share of responsibility. Parineeta acknowledges the challenge but is embracing it with sincerity, hoping to live up to the audience's expectations while carrying forward the emotional weight of the character with honesty and respect. Speaking about the role, Parineeta Borthakur shared, 'Joining a show like Vasudha, which is already performing well and has recently secured a place among the top 10 list of shows across industry, is exciting. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cinangka: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Stepping into a character mid-way comes with its own set of challenges, but I see it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a story that has already touched so many hearts. I've always been drawn to stories with emotional depth and strong female leads, and the moment I read about Chandrika's character, I felt an immediate connection. She's a layered, dignified woman, someone who leads with quiet strength and conviction. I hope to bring my own interpretation while staying true to the essence that audiences have connected with.' She added, 'Chandrika isn't just the matriarch of the Chauhan family, she's a woman who places discipline above emotion and upholds order with grace. Portraying someone with such emotional complexity and unwavering principles has been one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences of my career. I truly hope the audience embraces my portrayal as Chandrika's journey unfolds in the episodes to come.' Producer Arvind Babbal said, 'It has been a pleasure working with Nausheen Ali Sardar. She brought grace and dignity to the role of Chandrika Singh Chauhan. We are truly thankful and wish her all the very best. As we move ahead, we are delighted to welcome Parineeta Borthakur to the cast. She is a thoughtful and talented actor, and since coming on board, she has shown a deep understanding of Chandrika's layered persona. Her ability to show strength and emotion with elegance makes her an ideal choice for this role. We are confident that her performance will truly resonate with the audience.' With Parineeta stepping into the shoes of Chandrika, viewers can expect a seamless continuation of the matriarch's pivotal role as the drama intensifies. Will Chandrika's presence hold the family together as tensions rise? Can Vasudha withstand the next wave of conflict? Abhishek Sharma on Vasudha, Bagging Lead Role, Bond With Nausheen, Other Co-stars & Love For SRK
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kyunki, saas bahu and suffering never go out of style
Old films re-releasing in theatres seem to have inspired the television industry to bring back the one bahu who ruled them all. Tulsi Virani and her family make a comeback in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kahi Bahu Thi (part deux or redux, take your pick) on Star Plus from the 29th of July. I can't help but wonder if I am nostalgic or disappointed. Nostalgic about the return of Tulsi on her moral high horse, or disappointed with the stagnation of television programming in India, that allows a 25-year-old show to remain relevant. Interestingly, I was working with the channel that broadcast the show when it went off the air in 2008. I recall it being a big deal that Tulsi Virani would no longer be on our screens. Well, not anymore. As Kyunki makes a return after all these years, and potentially opens the door for other erstwhile soap operas to return, or be rebooted, I can't help but wonder – what is it about watching a woman suffer and make unrealistic sacrifices that appeals to people? Or, for that matter, watching a family or home turn into a hotbed for indiscretions and crime? Does the chaos and unhappiness of someone else's home make us feel better about our own? Is it trauma bonding, where we feel like we are not the only ones suffering in a bad marriage or toxic family? Maybe in some cases, it's an opportunity to acknowledge toxicity and potentially course correct one's behaviour. Ekta Kapoor's rise coincided with the establishment of the daily soap as appointment viewing on Hindi GEC. The small screen czarina seemingly found inspiration in the closeted dysfunction of Indian homes. She went on to create multiple stories of love, marriage, suffering, tragedy and crime that audiences lapped up every evening, week after week, for years together. In a country where we once enjoyed shows like Buniyaad, Saans, Kora Kagaz, or Dekh Bhai Dekh, Kapoor single-handedly changed our viewing palettes and diets. Whether it was Kyunki, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kkusum, Kasamh Se, Kayamath, Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii, Kundali, Kis Desh Mein Hain Meraa Dil, or Kkavyanjali, the K sagas shaped television programming in India for over a decade and made domestic upheavals the mainstay of our weeknight programming. What all these shows had in common, apart from an alphabet, was that they are/were drenched in the tears of the female protagonist whose life was an unending obstacle course of misunderstandings and misery. Along the way, she also sermonised like a priest about sanskaar and sindoor and cooked like bonded labour. The problem is not just that these daily soaps promoted regressive ideas like equating your spouse to your fate/destiny (Kumkum Bhagya), made marriage and motherhood the essence of a woman's life, or glorified women for tolerating infidelity, abuse and harassment to make their marriage work. The larger problem was that the pressure of producing five or more episodes a week irreversibly impacted the quality of content we were producing. Scripts were replaced with background score and sound effects, performances with VFX (remember the lightning strikes and freeze frames), and realism with melodrama. Add to this the pressure of weekly ratings, which meant that shows soon gave up on their resolve to differentiate themselves or stick to what the progressive launch promo promised. Take Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi itself. The show, which was meant to celebrate Indian joint families and the values that hold us together, had characters across generations commit indiscretions and even sexual offences. The leading man, Mihir, whose death left an entire nation in mourning, had an extramarital affair with Mandira that produced an illegitimate son. Mihir and Tulsi's eldest son Gautam married thrice and his first ex-wife eventually married his cousin. Three female characters are raped, of which one was an instance of marital rape. Tulsi killed her son Ansh in a Mother India moment, and took her mother-in-law Savita off life support, though euthanasia is illegal in India. Babies were swapped or kidnapped, spouses were bumped off, and women constantly spewed venom at each other. Ironically, for a family that lived in Shanti Niketan, they rarely seemed to have a moment's peace. This was the summary of just one show. Multiple such shows were being broadcast simultaneously, or continue to be, each one with equal or more dysfunction than the next. Thanks to a lot of criticism and perhaps audience fatigue, the situation has marginally improved over the years. Though we still have the occasional bahu turning into a house-fly, snake, supernatural being, making a trip to the moon on a scooter, hanging on a kite or being romanced by a gorilla, Hindi GEC channels have made an effort to create shows that atleast begin with the promise of progressive thought. But sadly, most of them eventually devolve into sordid sagas or have repetitive conflicts. Also Read | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, Traitors, IPL, Kapil Sharma: How streaming is replicating television, the very beast it wanted to tame There is a lot of nostalgia among the original audiences about the return of Kyunki, but it remains to be seen if the Virani family will strike a chord like they did two decades ago. The boomers and millennials who grew up watching Tulsi handle her family with tears, slaps, monologues, and, on occasion, even a gun, have all grown up or become older. They have had kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and been exposed to social media, OTT content and smartphones. One can only hope that, since a quarter of a century has passed since we first met the Viranis, they have evolved and their story has saas, bahu, but not half as much saazish. Kyunki, twenty-five years later, all of us deserve better.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did You Know? Vasudha actress Mandeep Kaur was a school teacher before she became an actor
Vasudha has firmly captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling and emotionally charged drama. As tensions escalate, with Karishma (Pratiksha Rai) planting a bomb at a product launch and Megha (Mandeep Kaur) making evil moves against the Chauhan family, the two sisters continue to deepen the intrigue. Yet, behind Megha's composed and cunning persona lies Mandeep Kaur's transformative journey, one that began not in front of a camera but in a classroom. Before stepping into the world of television, Mandeep was a dedicated schoolteacher, nurturing secondary school students. For her, Teaching was more than just a profession, it was a passion. But hidden in the everyday routine was a creative spark, which took its first step when she auditioned for a television commercial. What began as an experiment soon became a calling. From ad films to Punjabi cinema and now Hindi GEC, Mandeep found herself evolving into a performer, one role at a time. Mandeep Kaur shares, 'Teaching was never just a job; it was a part of who I was. I loved the classroom energy, the daily exchange of ideas, and the quiet pride of watching my students grow. But life has a strange way of nudging you in new directions. My first time in front of the camera was for a small TV ad, and I still remember the feeling, I felt seen in a way I hadn't before. Acting became a new language, one that allowed me to express everything I couldn't say out loud. One opportunity led to another, and slowly, I found myself falling in love with the craft.' She adds, 'Playing Megha has been one of the most enriching challenges for me. She's not your stereotypical antagonist — she's intelligent, composed, and layered with complexity. What excites me is how she constantly keeps the audience guessing. I genuinely believe my years as a teacher have helped in roles like this — observing students, understanding their emotions. I'm excited for what lies ahead and can't wait to see how viewers respond as the story progresses. ' From teaching lessons to navigating dramatic plot twists, Mandeep Kaur's journey from education to entertainment is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing how powerful performances can arise from the most unexpected beginnings. As the suspense builds, will Megha succeed in her mission to destroy the Chauhan family from within, or will the truth catch up to her? Priya Thakur's Journey For Vasudha: Outdoor Shoots Helped Me Build The Character
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jamai No. 1's Abhishek Malik recreates Allu Arjun-inspired look from Pushpa 2; says 'I got goosebumps because the look is a complete replica'
Popular fiction drama Jamai No. 1 is set to serve viewers a visually arresting and emotionally charged twist as Neel (Abhishek Malik) transforms into a never-before-seen avatar of Goddess Kaali Maa—one that channels the iconic intensity of Allu Arjun 's look from Pushpa 2. In a first for Hindi television, the male lead steps into a divine and powerful form that blends cinematic flair with raw emotional gravitas. As the plot thickens with Riddhi's ( Simaran Kaur ) kidnapping and Neel's desperate mission to rescue her, viewers are in for a high-voltage visual experience. To bring this striking transformation to life, Abhishek's makeover is no small feat—it took close to two hours each day, with full-body paint, dramatic eye makeup, elaborate temple jewellery, and a traditionally draped saree completing the intense look. What truly ups the ante? Abhishek performed a stylised, high-energy action sequence in this avatar, engaging in combat while draped in the heavy ensemble, bringing together devotion, adrenaline, and drama in a way that's never been attempted before. Abhishek said, 'Honestly, I was genuinely thrilled when I first heard about this track and I was going to play as Goddess Kaali Ma. I got goosebumps because the look is a complete replica of Allu Arjun's iconic avatar from Pushpa 2—fierce, intense, and rooted in power. We did a look test, and the response was amazing. Everyone on set loved it, and I even got a call from our producer saying, 'This look was made for you.' That meant a lot to me. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo It's something completely out-of-the-box—something that's never been attempted on Indian television before. This is a high-octane track, and what makes it even more exciting is that there's a major fight sequence woven into it. It felt like those grand, stylised action scenes in Indian cinema. The transformation process itself was quite intense. It took nearly two hours to get into the avatar, from the body paint to the heavy saree and elaborate temple jewellery. Everything was detailed and weighty. Performing powerful action sequences in that look was physically exhausting, but also incredibly empowering.' He added, 'This is, without a doubt, one of the most challenging and creatively fulfilling sequences I've ever shot. This look is unlike anything the audience has seen before on Hindi GEC. Jamai No.1 has always pushed boundaries, and this track is a perfect example. We've been shooting this sequence for over two days, and just removing and reapplying the paint and makeup each time is a task in itself—but I truly hope the audience feels the emotion, energy, and effort we've put into it. ' While Abhishek is all set to be a part of this power-packed sequence in the show, it will be interesting for the viewers to watch what happens when Neel enters the courtroom with Riddhi in his Kaali Maa avatar just as the judge is about to announce a life sentence for him. Will he surrender himself, or will Riddhi find a way to save him from the false accusation? Muskuraane Ki Vajah Tum Ho actor Abhishek Malik shows his last clicked selfie on his phone
News18
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Jamai No 1: Abhishek Malik Channels His Inner Pushpa, Copies Allu Arjun's Look From Film
Abhishek Malik's recent look for Jamai No. 1 has left Allu Arjun fans surprised. Check out the pictures here. Popular television show, Jamai No. 1, is set to serve viewers a visually arresting and emotionally charged twist as Neel (Abhishek Malik) recently transformed into a never-before-seen avatar of Goddess Kaali Maa — one that channeled Allu Arjun's iconic look from Pushpa 2. Abhishek took this intense avatar as the current track of the show revolves around Riddhi's (Simaran Kaur) kidnapping and Neel's desperate mission to rescue her. On Wednesday, Abhishek Malik took to his Instagram handle and shared a series of pictures from the sets in which he was seen channelling his Pushpa look. He was seen sporting a full-body paint, dramatic eye makeup, elaborate temple jewellery, and a traditionally draped saree, completing the intense look. What truly upped the ante? Abhishek even performed a stylised, high-energy action sequence in this avatar, engaging in combat while draped in the heavy ensemble, bringing together devotion, adrenaline, and drama in a way that's never been attempted before. Talking about the sequence and the transformation, Abhishek said, 'Honestly, I was genuinely thrilled when I first heard about this track and I was going to play as Goddess Kaali Ma. I got goosebumps because the look is a complete replica of Allu Arjun's iconic avatar from Pushpa 2—fierce, intense, and rooted in power. We did a look test, and the response was amazing. Everyone on set loved it, and I even got a call from our producer saying, 'This look was made for you.' That meant a lot to me. It's something completely out-of-the-box—something that's never been attempted on Indian television before. This is a high-octane track, and what makes it even more exciting is that there's a major fight sequence woven into it. It felt like those grand, stylised action scenes in Indian cinema. The transformation process itself was quite intense. It took nearly two hours to get into the avatar, from the body paint to the heavy saree and elaborate temple jewellery. Everything was detailed and weighty. Performing powerful action sequences in that look was physically exhausting, but also incredibly empowering." The actor then added, 'This is, without a doubt, one of the most challenging and creatively fulfilling sequences I've ever shot. This look is unlike anything the audience has seen before on Hindi GEC. Jamai No.1 has always pushed boundaries, and this track is a perfect example. We've been shooting this sequence for over two days, and just removing and reapplying the paint and makeup each time is a task in itself—but I truly hope the audience feels the emotion, energy, and effort we've put into it." Jamai No. 1 airs every day at on Zee TV. First Published:
