We want to be more than a boutique production house: Neha Anand

Babbar Ka Tabber is your second web series. What has the feedback been like?

People are still catching up with the show, but whosoever has watched it, they’re definitely able to relate to it. The middle-class set up of the show resonates amongst the masses. The nuances of the show have been picked up from real life incidents also, and I think the audience is finding it interesting to see their own lives with a tadka of entertainment.

Two shows in the first half of 2018. This seems to be the big year for Mango People. Comment.

We’re grateful to Viu and Zee for their trust in budding producers like us and it’s been sheer coincidence or luck that both just came out one after the other. We just hit jackpot last year when both our shows got commissioned and that too on such big platforms. We had made two short films last year too and both the films got nominated this year for the best short films by IWM digital awards. This just gives us more confidence to do more better stuff in the digital space. We’ve had our share of struggles and let downs, but it only feels great to see all the hard work finally getting noticed and appreciated.

Mango People holds membership to a rather exclusive club. Most production houses are founded and led by a single person, while Mango People is a company lead by two – you and Victor Mukherjee. How does the partnership work?

Well, don’t know what ‘exclusive club’ means, but our friendship has really helped us make our partnership work really well over the years (touch wood). Victor and I have been working together for more than a decade now. We started off as colleagues at Red Chillies, became best friends, who now have a business together. We have an understanding of each other’s working style. While I look into the show-running aspect of the shows, Victor handles the story writing and direction bit. Together we’ve networked, created our team, faced hardships and good days too – hoping to go a long way as business partners.

It is usually almost impossible to not have creative difference in the field of content development. What about you guys?

We do have a lot of creative difference every now and then, which I think works for us. While his choices and liking are more intellectual and niche; my likings are slightly commercial, because of that we’re able to see two different points of views and that helps us create a mix of both and maintain a good balance. We put across our logic and consider all the best and worst-case scenarios and then mutually come to a decision.

What is the way forward for Mango People Media?

We are in talks for a couple of more shows with platforms, some interesting projects are in the pipeline. We are also working on content for a series of short films for our own YouTube channel. We want to be more than a boutique production house but a destination for all content solutions. We are also working with a lot of brands in the space. We also want to increase our team strength along with quality content, and, would also like to get into film production.

Anika and her family to go homeless in Ishqbaaaz

MUMBAI: Star Plus’ Ishqbaaaz, which has recently gone on a rewind mode, has started on a new note.

The love story of the lead couple – Shivaay and Anika – has now started in a different way. But before the duo falls in love, viewers can expect tashan and drama in the show.

In the coming episodes, Anika and her family will get homeless. As Anika’s chachi will not be able to pay rent, the owner will kick them out of the house, leaving them to live on the road.

How will Anika solve this problem?

I like the innocence of Bindi: Diya Mukherjee

KOLKATA: Diya Mukherjee, who is currently playing one of the lead protagonists in Zee Bangla’s Seemarekha, says she likes the innocence of her role in the show.

The Indrani Haldar starrer daily soap features her in the role of Bindi.

When asked what the best part of playing a role like Bindi is, Diya said to businessvoip, “I like the innocence of Bindi. I like enacting the scenes where she is bewildered and talks foolish things. She is a very innocent girl who doesn’t understand the culture of a city. She has never been to a school but is aware of her responsibilities. She respects everyone.”

“But the best thing is the support and love that I get from the audience,” added the young and talented actress.

Diya has previously acted in Bengali serials like Tumi Ele Tai, Taranath Tantrik etc.

Karan unwell, Vivek turns Mahadev, Dheeraj ‘BACKS OUT’ from show, Spandan returns to Udann and other Telly updates

MUMBAI: As we approach the end of this eventful week, Telly update brings to you a platter full of scoops on your most loved television celebrities.

On one side, we have the charming Ruslaan Mumtaz sharing one out of many shades of an actor while on the other hand, we have news of Rohit Reddy praising wife Anita Hassnandani, Dheeraj Dhoopar backing out of a show and a lot more.

So what are you waiting for? Checkout today’s bunch of Telly updates–

Ruslaan Mumtaz shows one out of many shades from an actor’s life

It’s rightly said, life of an actor has many unsaid and unspoken shades. Well, actor Ruslaan Mumtaz, seen in Bollywood flicks like MP3 and TV soaps like Kehta Hai Dil Jee Le Zara, recently shared a post on his Instagram handle which clearly showed one of the shades of an actor’s life.

Karan Tacker not well

The handsome Karan Tacker is not keeping well. The actor, who began his career with Star One’s Love Ne Mila Di Jodi is ill. He recently took to his Instagram handle and shared about his ill health. businessvoip wishes him speedy recovery.

Rohit Reddy praises wife Anita Hassnandani

Key to a happily married life is– “Wife is always right and never leave a chance to praise your wife.”

Well, it seems like Rohit Reddy is all praises for his wife Anita Hassnandani. Rohit recently took to his Instagram handle to share how Anita is like an inspiration to him and he feels inspired by her journey. Well not just Rohit, even we are inspired.

Madhurima Roy and Aarti Gupta to be a part of Criminal Justice

As Applause Entertainment is gearing up to make an Indian version of British television drama series Criminal Justice, the makers are all set to keep the audience hooked to their TV screens with a stellar cast.

The series is directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and produced by BBC India. The cast of the show includes Jackie Shroff, Vikrant Massey, Pankaj Tripathi, Mita Vashisht and Anupriya Goenka.

Now joining the list would be Madhurima Roy, who was last seen in Viu’s Kausikiand Tera Baap Mera Baap fame Aarti Gupta.

Vivek Dahiya turns Mahadev!

Dressed as Shiva, a tall and lean actor walked in on the sets of a recently held television awards gala and it took us a while to recognize the person. It was Kavach actor Vivek Dahiya whose brand new fantasy thriller Qayamat Ki Raat will release this Saturday walked in bare chest flaunting his chiseled body.

Vivek, who’s taken home the trophy of dance reality show Nach Baliye, performed Tandav on Bolo Har Har track from the movie Shivaay at the awards night and nailed it.

Manjot Singh to play the lead in ALTBalaji’s next Bobby Ki Dulhania

Popularly known as Lali from Fukrey, Manjot Singh, who started his career with the movie Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye, is all set to enter the web space.

Sources confirm that Manjot has bagged the role of Bobby in ALTBalaji’s upcoming project Bobby Ki Dulhania.

We hear actresses Aarti Gupta (Tera Baap Mera Baap), Neha Panda (Maach Mishti & More), Kanika Gautam (Kalash – Ek Vishwaas) and Madhvi Rao will be part of the series. The girls will play the roles of prospective brides for Bobby.

We wish the actor all the luck!

Dheeraj Dhoopar BACKS OUT of Sony TV’s Comedy Circus!

Comedy Circus is all set to return to the television screens after a four year hiatus. And the one thing that remains the same in this season of the show is the panel of judges, which will once again comprise of Archana Puran Singh and Sohail Khan.

The confirmed names that will be seen joining the show include Anita Hassanandani, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Karishma Sharma, Tejasswi Prakash, Mubin Saudagar, Shiny Doshi, Siddharth Sharma, and Paritosh Tripathi to name a few.

Now the news coming in is that actor Dheeraj Dhoopar has opted out of the show. As per the media reports, Dheeraj has backed out of the show at the last minute and Anita has been roped in to replace him.

Dheeraj was quoted in the daily saying that he realised during rehearsals that he had to devote more time to comedy and because of his packed schedule due to Kundali Bhagya, he had no option but to bow out of the project.

(Also Read: I am protective but not a possessive husband: Dheeraj Dhoopar)

Checkout Swara Bhaskar’s first look from ‘It’s Not That Simple 2’

VOOT is all set to bring its second edition of It’s Not That Simple after the successful completion of the series. After the unparallel success of its plot and performances in Season 1, its sequel will touch upon bold and powerful themes centered on the lead character – Meera.

Taking about her character in the series Swara says, “It’s Not That Simple has always been one of my favourite shows and it feels great to be a part of its second season. It is nice to see how the story has developed in this new edition that introduces newer conflicts in Meera’s life. I find Meera as a character extremely interesting and I am really excited to be back on the show.”

“This season highlights Meera’s struggle to create her own identity in the corporate world. I am very happy that Danish returns as director for this season as well. I don’t think anybody else could step into his shoes for a show like It’s not that Simple,” further adds Swara Bhaskar.

Here’s first look of Swara from the series–

Colors’ Udaan to witness the RETURN of this major character…

Colors’ Udaan started off with young Chakor, played by child actor Spandan Chaturvedi, whose character started off as a means to make dreams come true and overcome fear while doing so.

After a leap of 10 years, the show saw actors like Meera Desothale (Chakor), Vidhi Pandya (sister of Chakor), Vijayendra Kumeria (Sooraj) and Paras Arora (Vivaan) joining in.

While a lot has transpired ever since, a recent dream sequence has enabled Spandan to return to the show as the grown up Chakor (Meera) will be having flashes of her childhood.

Is Rashmi Sharma’s Roop plagiarised? Writer Shakti Singh accuses

MUMBAI: Rashmi Sharma Production’s Roop is making waves these days. The show has become a talk of the town due to its bold concept of a boy and his struggle with feminism. businessvoip had earlier reported about popular TV actors who had declined the project because of its courageous concept. Actors like Shashank Vyas and Shivin Narang were approached for the lead character but they didn’t give a positive nod.

The daily is once again mired in controversy. Shakti Singh, a former casting director who is getting into TV production and writing, has accused the show producers for plagiarizing his concept.

The concept of Roop, according to Shakti, is an exact replica of an idea that he along with his writer Lalit Kumar had derived. Shakti is currently working for his own production house Parnavi Pictures. Under the same production house, he was working on a project titled Pehchaan and registered the concept. The story revolved around a boy and his struggle with effeminacy.

Shakti further narrated that he along with his team had pitched a few concepts to Zee TV. His concepts were apparently declined by the heads, however, when they asked him if he had another concept, he verbally narrated them the concept of Pehchaan. Days later when Roop’s promo went on air, Singh was perplexed and infuriated. After watching a few episodes, Shakti realized that Roop had a stark similarity with Pehchaaan.

Sharing his ordeal, Singh exclusively told us, “On 1 March 2018, my writer Lalit Kumar and I went for a meeting with Zee Essel group to pitch some concepts. We had a meeting with their executives. Post the meeting, they asked us if we had another concept to pitch. At that point we said that we had not mailed any of it so they asked us to narrate them verbally. Cut to now the same concept is running on Colors TV with name ROOP-Mard Ka Naya Swaroop. We really don’t know how this concept has been passed on. We are constantly trying to reach out to Rashmi Sharma Telefilms. We have dropped them mails asking to share us the date of their show’s registration. I want Rashmi Sharma Telefilms to reply to our mails since we’ve not got any response from them.”

He further pleaded, “It’s a humble request to Rashmi Sharma Telefilms to take this matter into consideration, for the clarification on the details of the Roop concept.”

Shakti is yet to seek help from the law since he doesn’t know whether Roop’s concept was registered before his concept or not.

businessvoip tried contacting Producer Rashmi Sharma to get more details, however, despite constant calls and texts, we couldn’t explicitly get revert from Sharma over the plagiarism accusations till the time of filing this article.

We hope Rashmi and Shakti sort this matter.

Rubina Dilaik in her bridal glory makes an upbeat entry on Punjabi beats

MUMBAI: It is well said ‘Marriages are made in heaven’ and the most loveable and a stunning couple from the television world Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla took their wedding vows in Shimla today (21 June).

Since both of them are nature lovers, they decided to tie the knot at a famous palace in Shimla. The wedding was attended by family members and close friends of the couple.

The bride, the groom, and their squad have been sharing each and every candid moment of the couple’s pre and post wedding ceremonies on social media.

Stylish Rubina looked stunning in her wedding ensemble. She wore white coloured lehenga embellished with floral work and simple make up made her look ethereal in her bridal glory.

Chak de phatte!

Rubina-Abhinav’s wedding reception will take place at 28 June at a Bungalow in Mumbai.

Here’s wishing the two a blissful life ahead!

Ira’s life to undergo a twist in &TV’s Meri Hanikarak Biwi

MUMBAI: &TV’s drama Meri Hanikarak Biwi, featuring Karan Suchak and Jiaa Shankar, is a story about how Akhilesh’s life turns upside down after his fiancee Ira, a doctor, accidentally performs a vasectomy operation on him.

The current storyline revolves around the turbulent relationship between Ira and Akhilesh which has almost hit the rocks. Vallabh informs Akhilesh that Ira feels that there is nothing left in the relationship and that she is planning to pursue higher studies abroad.

The upcoming episodes will then shift focus to Dr. Rajat’s mystery case. Ira will be seen telling Siddhi that the doctor is alive. Furthermore, when the police interrogation will start, Ira will inform them that the incident with Dr. Rajat was accidental.

Keep reading this space for more updates.

Sodhi to propose Roshan in SAB TV’s Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

MUMBAI: The current track of SAB TV’s Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Neela Telefilms) is revolving around the beautiful and loveable couple, Sodhi and Roshan.

As reported earlier, Sodhi creates fiasco when he informs Roshan that he wants to confess to her something at 8.30 pm. Confused and agitated, Roshan later calls her parents and creates chaos. Everybody in the Gokuldham society tries to ask Sodhi about his confession but he doesn’t reveal.

(Also Read : Dinyar Tirandaz & Roshan Tirandaz to re-enter SAB TV’s Taarak Mehta)

So, what is the secret that Sodhi is trying to hide?

Well, here we have the answer!

Viewers can look forward to a cute sequence and that is Sodhi will say ‘I love you’ to Roshan at 8.30 pm.

But why exactly at 8.30 pm, you wonder, right?

7000 days back, on the occasion of love moon night, he had proposed to Roshan and he wanted to propose to her again as this time was also love moon night.

How romantic!

TV actor Sudhangshu Pandey roped in for Deepak Pandey’s next

MUMBAI: Sudhangshu Pandey, a well-known face in Bollywood who started his career with Khiladi 420, is apparently all set for his new short film with Deepak Pandey.

Depaak recently got over with his project titled 26th January staring Madhurima Tuli and Mrunal Jain. If reports are to be believed, he is now gearing up for his new short film and apparently Sudhangshu Pandey has been locked in for the project.

The short film is based on the “dancing bar” of Mumbai.

We tried contacting Sudhangshu for a confirmation but the actor remained unavailable.

Well, we are looking forward to Deepak’s upcoming short film. Are you exited to witness Sudhangshu once again on screen?

TV celebs wish a happy father’s day

MUMBAI: Who said only the mom’s are the one who act like the guiding light in our lives.

Well, fathers hold equal place and importance. Where on one side girls are daddies little princess on the other side father’s are the one to give their sons ’The Talk’ about life.

From saving from you from your mom’s banter to giving us all the possible gems in the world, from late night talks about life to sorting out the important decisions in life father’s have been the most important element in one’s life.

Today on the occasion of father’s day our telly town celebrities share the best traits they have adapted while growing up from their father.

Take a look at what they have to share.

Laksh Lalwani – The best thing that I learnt from my dad, Romesh Lalwani, is being courageous and never giving up. I think the teachings of your father, his experience and the time that he spends with you are your most valued possession. He is a big motivation in my life. He has always told me to speak the truth and I follow that. I am shooting in Umergaon on Father’s Day, so I will wish him on the phone as he lives in Delhi.

Shivin Narang – I’ll be travelling for a shoot outside Mumbai on the 17th but once I am back, I will take my dad Girish Narang out for dinner and surprise him with a gift. My father has always advised me to be honest with my work and to respect it.

He has always told me to be humble with people and not to throw unreasonable tantrums. He has motivated me to upgrade myself as a person and as an actor. The best gift from my father is the freedom that he has given me. He has always supported me and guided me in every phase of my life. Even when I started my career in acting as a newcomer, he was there to take care.

Rohit Purohit – My father Ashok Kumar Pareek has influenced my life in a lot of ways. He is the person who inspired me to become what I am today. He is not one of those fathers who will make you sit with them and teach you things rather he is someone who taught me things by doing them himself. The only message for my father is that, “Wheneber and whatever I am today is just because of you. If you would not have supported me I wouldn’t have been where I am today dad. I still remember your sacrifices; you have been the biggest strength. I love you more then I have ever expressed.”

Anuj Sachdeva – “It was in 2004 when my father told me that he wants to sees me on television. We used to have this small TV set in our house and he was watching Grasim that year. Back then, I had no connection from this industry but then I worked very hard and in 2005 I somehow managed to get through Grasim pageant. I have always followed my dad’s advice no matter what, says Anuj.

My father has always been somebody who has taught us to work hard and to invest your heart in your work. He has followed that principle all his life. There are no shortcuts in life is the greatest learning I have received from my dad. Happy father’s day papa.

Mrunal Jain – My father Shailesh Jain is backbone of my life. whatever I am I am because of him. He has brought me up giving me my business sense and roots. I am grateful to him as he has gone through lot of hardships too and has supported me in all my endeavours. I love you papa and I want to tell you I am the most lucky person on earth to have a father like you.

Ssharad Malhotra – More than just being a father, my father Sushil Malhotra has been my buddy, my confidant, my partner in crime and someone I could pour my heart out to as and when required; my superhero and truly my source of inspiration. He taught me how to work hard, how to care about others and not to focus only on myself. I’m still learning those lessons but I can’t imagine a better role model to help guide me.

All of us have grown up listening to our fathers ‘golden’ bits of advice, most of which we did not like hearing in our childhood but find valuable now. I remember as a kid, he always used to get something while returning from work, it could be a toy, a candy bar or something that invariably brought a smile to my face. I remember my father getting up at dawn every day and taking me for my cricket practices at school. He has always been there in the best and worst times and has always taken me through it. My father lives in Kolkata and I am shooting so I won’t be able to meet him on Father’s Day.
Shashank Vyas – My father, Vikas K. Vyas was the first person who supported me when I announced my decision to become an actor. My father never stopped me from doing anything as he has full trust in me and his upbringing. Whenever I feel low in life, he is the only person who motivates me. I am grounded and humble because of him. During my childhood, I used to visit the office and the peon and the others used to praise him for his friendly and supporting nature. I have adapted that nature of his.

He gave freedom to me and he deeply believes that his son will never do wrong to anyone. My father is a simple, healthy man and has taught me the value of money. After having so much money, he lives a middle-class life and travels by public transport. He raised his hand on me only once. He is earthy and easily connects to every age group.

Jasmin Bhasin – I am ecstatic that my father Mr. Surpal Singh Bhasin will be here this time on Father’s day so I will take him out for a nice dinner and tell him how special he is to me. He has always told me that first I should complete my education then pursue acting. The best gift my father has given me is the freedom to choose whatever I want to do. I think I have come this far because of that trust and freedom.

Aniruddh Dave – My father, Vipin K Dave taught me to be happy even while going through a bad patch in life. Cake, ale and being merry is his funda of life. Being grounded and content is the key to success is what he has taught me. As I am so occupied with my work, I won’t be able to join him on Father’s Day. But for me, every day is Father’s Day for me. He loves perfumes, so, I will send him a bottle with a cake. I don’t want anything from him apart from his love.

He was in Mumbai last week and we used to go for a morning walk every day. And now when he is not with me, I miss that. Love you papa.

Shivani Gosain – My father, Satish Chander Gosain never wanted me to get into acting as he was not in favour of me entering this industry. But slowly with time, he has accepted this. He wanted me to have a secure life. But even then, he has always been there as a strong support to me.

My dad has recently gone through two major surgeries so he has limitations related to health and eating. I wish him best of health and a happy fathers day.
Vahbiz Dorabjee – My father Jehangir Dorabajee has influenced my life in a very important way. He is the best thing in my life. He is my anchor and my backbone. I don’t think I need to look up to any hero in my life because I have an idol in my house. Recently, when I also turned an entrepreneur like my father, I realized how much I have learned from him. I learned to be a risk taker, confident, bold honest in how I communicate. I didn’t always know how to do business, but I am learning, and observing him has helped me tremendously.

This Father’s Day I would like to tell him that I love him and I want to thank him for being there and for being such a good example and such an idol. Thanks to him, I am learning to live life. He is in Pune and I might just go and surprise him.

Amal Sehrawat – As both me and my father Raj Bail Singh are engaged with professional commitments on this Father’s day, I am going to wish him over a video call. The only advice he gave me was to take up the profession where I can give my 100% and that the job should not tire me but excite me every moment. Every moment spent with him and under his guidance is a gift to me.

Here’s wishing our readers a happy father’s day.