Views: 9550
Posted on:
27 April 2009 at 12:00am
To My Dear Blog Buddies,
Today I write to you to talk about Parul Chauhan - my 'Bidaai Girl'- the term I use to affectionately address both Sara and Parul. Today I feel very proud as I see her success and I nostalgically look back upon the initial days, when I had first selected her for Ragini's role. She became the only possible choice for Ragini's role the day I took her audition, as I knew there could be no one who could play the role of Ragini better than Parul. I very happily told her that day that you have been finalized and now chill before the roller coaster ride starts. She was ecstatic!
In the next few days her anxiety increased as she one day ended up landing up at office in tears because she was not sure that she had ACTUALLY been selected for the role and that I may end up casting someone else. I smiled and took out the contract and asked her to sign it right away and reassured her that "YOU ARE MY RAGINI". Parul cried that day and promised me "Sir, I will never let you down!"
And my 'Bidaai Girl' has lived up to her promise! With sincere hard work, humility and dedication she has become a well known face in India and globally today! Throughout her journey when she has gotten awards, bought herself a car, and received appreciation for her work, I have always felt that she 'truly' deserves it.
Recently she had been a bit upset about the way she had been treated on a reality show as a few had been treating her in a condescending manner. My advice to her even at that point had been to pour her heart and soul into her work, which she has been doing for so long, and then let your work speak for itself. Hard work and dedication has the power to change perceptions and today I feel proud when I see her getting so much appreciation!
The first person to be interviewed in the 'View N Interview' section on my blog is none other than the very sweet and talented Parul who is behind the success of Ragini's character in our show Bidaai! While I will be asking Parul some questions from my side, I also want to open up the floor to all my blog buddies
Feel free to post your questions to Parul here on my blog and I will select three questions from our blog buddies to ask Parul!
Stay tuned as coming very soon is this very special video blog interview as for the first time I interview our very own Parul Chauhan!
Yours Truly,
Rajan Shahi
Views: 4071
Posted on:
26 April 2009 at 12:00am
Hi Blog buddies,
I apologize for the long delay. For the last four days I was in the interiors of UP for some professional work with my team and there was no network there. I have had the guilt in my mind that I haven't been in touch with you all so when I entered reached home today around 3:30 AM, I said to myself that I first need to sit down and write to you all.
Well to give you guys an update, for the last four days I was with my team of writers and production, brainstorming and generating new ideas while personally I was also going through a self rediscovery process. On the way back from UP, I went to Delhi to meet my dad. In spite of my insistence all the time, my father had never seen any of my work till Bidaai happened and for me it was one of the most memorable days of my life when my dad told me, "I am proud that you made Bidaai". He watches Bidaai and according to him the show portrays the sanskaars and values of our culture. Today Bidaai bonds us together.
Next, I met my sister Nomita who indulged me in mindblowing food! She wanted to know more about the Alekh and Sadhna track
but I kept a few of the secrets under the wraps so she can enjoy the show like you all
My mom who watches the show with the same intensity and observation that you guys, my blog buddies, do. Surprisingly enough she had the same observations that you guys have had recently like Raghini and Ranvir's track, the hair styles, clothes, etc. My niece Nainika who is away in a hostel is also a big fan of Bidaai and catches up on the episodes once shes back. And what's more my daughter Ishika was very upset with me as she couldn't be part of Ranvir and Raghini's marriage track this time
Today I feel grateful because the most precious gift Bidaai has given me is a special 'connection' with my family. My dad met Parul and Sara in Delhi last year during the launch press conference and they all really bonded so well. As I was returning from my trip, my dad told me "I know that they are very successful and give them my blessings." I was really happy!
Though my flight back to Mumbai reached late, I wanted to share the trip's experience as well as pass on the blessings to my Bidaai team so I reached film city at 1 AM in the night where Angad, Sara, and Puneet were shooting for an action scene which you guys saw on Friday. They were quite surprised to see me land up on the sets so late. Sara was quite touched when I conveyed the blessings to her. Angad and Puneet were quite excited about the action scene and told me that they are waiting to hear the about the audience's reaction
It was also nice to see Sara so excited as she had gotten a special gift from Ali to commemorate their meeting anniversary. In fact Ali was present on the sets, he is like a part of the team. It feels nice to see the way Ali pampers Sara and that they are so happy and content with each other. God Bless them! I got to know that Sara had been attacked by a mentally challenge person the day before. Though she has not gotten hurt, she did get scared. Our production team after that one incident has become very serious about security on the sets. I ensured that there is a good amount of security on the sets as it is my responsibility to ensure that the whole unit and cast is safe and secure.
I like to surprise my Bidaai team and land up on the sets anytime. The love and support of the Bidaai cast keeps me moving and whenever I am in a bad mood or feeling low, visiting them tends to cheer me up. The kind of honest bond and love I share with the four leads in the show is an unmatchable treasure for me!
Here are some memories from Bidaai that I want to share with you guys
And now its time for me to reply to my blog buddies all of whom I am grateful to for having taken time out to write to me....
Maya hippe and Shagun: Keep watching
. Mohit's real name is Aayush and he is a very bright and energetic person in real life too. The minute he entered our office, we knew that he is Mohit. Neha's real name is Rashmi and she is a very bright and talented young lady.
Mansi: You can send your photos to dkpnewtalents@gmail.com.
Starryeyedgirl: Ashita vinit have performed very well and amazing people to work with and are extremely good dancers too.
Muthmade: Madina the song "Saat Vachan Ke Jeevan Saathi" has been especially composed by music director Bhavesh and btw my dad and his family are also from Lahore.
Desibnb: Yes we have done lots of studies on In the future coming shows trying to show the authenticity and culture of the place.
Galini1: Thank you for the appreciation but 1 hr episodes doesn't let my team go home for days.
Himanvineet: Yes you were right. There was a correction. I mistaken the singer of some other song
Zatsss and Sia: You both write really well. Ever thought of becoming writers?
Kamaruli: I hope your friend has the conviction and fate in herself to stand up against any injustice. In fact, if you are a good friend you should give her that confidence. Episodes are shot 4-5 days in advance. But sometimes there is a cut to cut scenario, for example Friday's episode was shot till Friday early morning.
Himanvineet: Not at all. Infact I educate myself in through your (audience) comments
Aartig15: Blog Buddies are always welcome on the sets
Feels so great to be back and I look forward to hearing from all of you. Till then sayonara blog buddies....
Yours Truly,
Rajan Shahi
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Views: 1622
Posted on:
24 April 2009 at 12:00am
Very few people know of this stint of mine on the silver screen, which happened at the age of nine in the film Masoom. This was the first stage or experience of my life in this industry which I am here to share with you guys today. I had played the role of Sayyed Jaffrey's son which was Shekhar Kapur's directorial debut and coincidentally the producer happened to be my grandfather's neighbor. My family was based in Delhi and so when the film required a child for that role, instead of flying a kid from Mumbai for the shoot I was asked whether I would want to do the role. I very happily agreed!
In fact this film opens with my Grand Fathers shot, Mr. Jairaj, who was Jugal Hansraj's caretaker. This is the only film we worked in together. In one scene I had to hit Jugal Hansraj due to which he refused to give any shot with me until he would be allowed to hit me back. Later on Jugal and I became very good friends though the bickering and fighting did continue, which Shekhar Kapur had to many a times intervene and solve.
Very few people know of this first experience in the industry though my school had publicized it really well but I have never chosen to mention it because it is kind of embarrassing
. Vibhaji (Kaushalya from Bidaai) had called me one day as she said she had recognized me while watching Masoom. I first refused to accept its me but later had to give in. She saved the clipping on her phone and showed it to the whole unit, it was really embarrassing! I joked with my bidaai actors that I had acted 28 years ago so that made me the senior most actor, even senior to Alokji
The Masoom experience has taught me a lot. It has taught me some golden aspects of filmmaking which I still implement till date. Firstly, the method which Shekhar Kapur followed due to which in spite of being a directorial debut he successfully completed the film in a span of 2 months and the technique he used with children, I still keep it in mind for the presentation of the leads of my shows. He intelligently used the actors around the children to their advantage to take their acting to a superior note. Even if on that innocent face of Jugal, the addition of a single tear would do the trick! Likewise, when I present a totally raw actor, I ensure that he is in the company of superior actors and brilliant situations to enhance his character till he/she would learn the tricks and nuances of acting!
Looking back I really appreciate that I was part of this very beautiful film....
Yours Truly,
Rajan Shahi
Views: 858
Posted on:
24 April 2009 at 12:00am
Views: 1808
Posted on:
16 April 2009 at 12:00am
Hi Blog Buddies,
Today I write to you with mixed feelings as a recent incident or should I call it an 'accident', which occurred, that has really troubled me, saddened me, educated me, and most importantly inspired me! The outcome is that I have learned how important it is to stick to not only 'my' conviction but 'our' conviction. In my years in the television industry, I have observed while working with some really intelligent and successful people who prove to be true leaders, that it is important to have the conviction in what you believe but it is probably even more important to have the intelligence, humility, and maturity to learn how to 'choose' the 'right' people to work with! And once you make that choice, as a good team member you must respect their thoughts, ideas, and in a very proactive and intelligent manner provide inputs. There will always be different Points of Views and with individuals working together there are bound to be differences in opinions but what's crucial is to have an environment which provides respect, space, and support for each member to put their best forward.
Many a times I have been asked for the secret recipe for the success of Bidaai and Yeh Rishta. And I really believe there really is no confirmed secret, theory, technique or philosophy behind success. Yet there are some important ingredients and probably the most crucial one is that of having conviction and faith in one's hard work! And the foundation of this hard work has to be in the setup of a team as it is with collaboration and synergy that the best of work can come to surface...
Recently we have 'lost' two of the most beautiful, hardworking, intelligent, and sensitive human beings because there was a struggle between the 'We' and the 'I'. That word 'I' is powerful but in the wrong setting can leave out no room for team work and 'our' ideas to work together. And one of the people we lost, I called 'Sir'- a term I rarely use- because it truly is for a person who commands respect and for me, I really look up to this individual.
Because they were in a struggle with one's point of view which said 'my' thoughts, 'my' ideas, and 'my' point of view and there was no room for 'ours'. We ultimately 'lost' because 'I' alone could not support them!
And yet we have won because the fight was not one which would lead to chaos, ill will or negativity. In fact we emerged out of the situation as winners as we became free birds from the cages of ego and decided to open up our wings towards a future where we could work with combined conviction and leave healthy room for differences of opinion. We have decided TOGETHER that we will work on something new, with our conviction, dignity and self-respect.
We won because we dint want to go on with the struggle as it would just lead to chaos, bad will, negativity. Taking an introspective view, I went to the shootings of Bidaai in Andheri and Yeh Rishta in Madh Island and wondered to myself as I met all my team members and actors that I hope we have not gone from the our to my stage as I would never want to lose such brilliant team members. And I was lucky enough to get a positive response from the rest of my team. Yet, I know 'I', 'Me', 'My Self' are all identical forms of an ugly monster which can creep in and take away togetherness of such a brilliant unit and actors team.
But of course within in there is an optimism that once again bridges will mend, contacts will renew, and the future will be more than perfect and also the realization of the possibility of working together will exist. We will somewhere miss the feeling of being 'together' as I have understood that success, TRP's and all the other apparent factors of this industry are all secondary compared to the importance of enthusiasm and togetherness of working on a show together.
And now getting to the comments by my blog buddies - you guys are great and I really appreciate all the feedback I am getting from you all.
Aarti_g15 thanks a lot for loving Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. It is this love of such fantastic viewers like you because of which we are motivated to even do better and better. The beauty of the Akshara and Nitik duo is the vulnerability of the characters. They will be obviously tying the knot sooner or later and get into that beautiful institution of marriage but more than the marriage it is its process which is more interesting and appealing for the audience. Just wait, watch and enjoy!
Waterlily_126: a big thank you from my side for loving our shows so much and being so loyal towards it, it is a pleasure to have viewers like you. Vasu and Aalekh's relationship is a very complex but a very interesting one. A number of fascinating facts will disclose in the coming episodes and will keep entertaining you guys!
May: Hina has consciously been given a very subtle and simple look in the pre-marriage phase. A very nice look has been worked out for her post-marriage phase. I agree that the promo look isn't really appealing but we had shot that in the beginning of the show to fill in the promo requirements. So you need not worry, I promise that you will not be disappointed. Keep watching!
Kamuralee: I will definitely pass on the message to Ragini. She would definitely love to hear opinions of people like you who adore her!
Himanivineet: it is a beautiful song composed by Lalit Sen, sung by Alka Yagnik and lyrics by Anamikaji who is also the dialogue writer of Bidaai to whom we address as 'Mummy' with love. The song is very special to me too
StarryEyedGal: amazing! I will definitely inform the whole team of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai about your art project. I am sure they will be delighted to here about it! And about the characters, I personally like characters which have different dimension to explore instead of it being restricted to a positive/negative theme. It should be realistic and that's what I believe in. And from our side, Best of luck for your project!
CrazyFanatic: Eva and Saalekh and for all those who hopes Sadhna to become a stronger character, Sadhna is even now a very positive character as her strength lies in her respect and love for her family. Her character will emerge into a stronger character soon. And about the honeymoon sequence in Yeh Rishta.., it is shot in a beach resort. Where? You decide, Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, wherever you want
Lats55:
1) The initial sequences are a combination of Munnar and Mumbai.
2) The writing and ideas are a collaboration of the team. In fact the idea of both the shows is an initiative and combined effort of the writers, creative directors, directors and of course Vikas Behl. Without them, nothing would be possible!
3) We make the chemistry much stronger and interesting by adding a lot of songs in the beginning. (These are some of my trade secrets
)
And now blog buddies I take your leave but I am really looking forward to hearing from you guys on what you think about conviction and how its shaped your lives as well. Its great connecting with you all
Yours Truly,
Rajan Shahi
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