“There’s a soul behind b**bs!”: Shama Sikander; Slams trollers for body shaming


TV actress Shama Sikander is known for her staunch opinions and is one of those rare actresses who put it out quite effectively. In a recent event, when the beautiful actress was in Australia enjoying her travel escapade, her Instagram account was ornate with her exquisite travel diaries. However, things turned sour soon when her pictures started receiving cheap comments. Shama, who made her TV debut with Yeh Meri Life Hai (2003), was body shamed on her pictures. The lady took it in her hands to hit back at the trollers.

In a rather sensational post on her account, Shama thrashed the trollers. The same post also garnered much appreciation for her.

businessvoip connected with the 38-year-old actress to talk about the whole body shaming fiasco. In an exclusive tete-a-tete, Shama gave a befitting reply to all the haters. She spoke about her thoughts on the herd mentality and how cyber bullying can also lead to drastic scenarios like suicide.

Excerpts of the interview are as followed:

Ask the chirpy lady what prompted her to publish the bold post and she smiles elegantly. “It actually was meant in a jest. I was in Australia enjoying, and usually I don’t read comments but I was just reading them. See, we are humans after all, so it hurts. When people say these mean things it hurts. So, I thought of making fun of them through the post,” she starts.

She further adds, “Just because you have the option to comment, will you comment anything? You want to objectify my body? You want to objectify if they are big or small? You need to understand that there’s somebody behind those boobs, there’s a soul behind boobs! It shows your mentality, what you say about others, says about you. I’m not sad about it. I just wanted to hit back in a positive way and tell them, they (breasts) are mine, so you relax.” She pauses and continues, “If you want to admire something, do it, if you don’t want, then don’t. Just because you can comment, you don’t have to write anything cheap. It’s like I’m inviting you in my house and then you throw stones at my place only.”

Interestingly to troll the trollers body shaming her, Shama posted a picture in bikini. She says, “People say that if you are wearing a bikini, you are inviting people to criticize you. That is very sad in our country. What else do you wear on the beach? You want me to wear burqa on the beach? And why must I do that? Even if I want to go nude on the beach I can do that, it’s my body and my right. You don’t like it then don’t see it.”

“In India we don’t have a beach culture; people are not used to see women in bikini. I don’t know how they will react if they see someone nude. I was in Bontay beach in Australia, chilling and wearing a bikini comparatively less exposing. Subsequently, I see group of Indian boys – bewildered, staring at women in bikini. They don’t even realize how creepily they were ogling. I don’t want to demean them, but they are not used to it. I’m just bringing this to everyone’s attention. Even if you have to go in your building’s swimming pool you have to think 10 times what to wear. I think it’s time to move on and be okay with our bodies. We are born nude; of course I’m not saying that you go nude and walk, unless you want to. I mean they are just breast, chill, they are just body parts,” she explains.

The lady has been quite vocal about her journey – her stint with depression. While these comments won’t hurt the strong willed Shama, they might be devastating for others. “People do get depressed reading such comments. And honestly, it’s disheartening and soul breaking. People don’t realize it. I just want to say to everyone that don’t give a damn. People say what they want to; they even have things to talk about God.”

“You can have an opinion but don’t impose your opinions on others. Whatever you are saying just feel the responsibility. Your words can harm somebody; your words can make people commit suicide. We are also human; we also have soul which can get hurt,” Shama concludes.

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Indra thinks Nayan to be his wife in E Amar Gurudakshina


Here we bring an update for the loyal fans of Colors Bangla’s E Amar Gurudakshina.

The daily drama, which is produced by Subroto Roy Production, has a lot of drama in store which will keep the audience hooked to the television screen.

According to our source, in the coming episode, upon noticing Nayan (Debattama Saha)’s attire, Indra will think her to be his wife. Naturally, he would want to take her along with him. Anjana will try hard to make him understand that he can’t do so but he won’t budge from his point. Eventually, Nayan will be brought to his home.

On the other hand, Anjana’s brother will get to know who his brother-in-law is. It will be revealed to him that his brother-in-law is none other than Rudra’s (Suman Dey) father Suresh Ray Choudhury.

OMG! What will happen now?

We tried to connect with the actors for a comment but could not reach. Stay hooked to this space for more updates on your favourite TV shows.

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Reasons why Yeh Rishta…lasted for 9 long years


Watching television is the favourite leisure activity or rather non-activity for millions of people around the world. After a long hard day at work, the first thing most of us want to do is go home, lock the door and plop down on the sofa.

From classic black and white sitcoms to soap opera dramas and animated cartoons, there have been a number of groundbreaking TV shows to grace our screens over the years. And one of the shows ruling hearts in the current era is Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Director’s Kut Productions) which happens to celebrate its ninth anniversary today (12 January)!

Launched in 2009, the show is still soaring high on the wings of success with more than 2500 episodes. The show is not only popular for its content, actors and storyline but also the fact that many actors found their soulmate on the set. And with this, Yeh Rishta…clearly seems to have a history of budding on and off-screen romance.

Let us take a look at what makes Yeh Rishta… the most loved show and the sensation it is today.

Brilliant Starcast:

One of the primary reasons the show has worked wonders and they all look like a ‘real family’ is because of the fabulous casting done for this show. When Hina Khan and Karan Mehra played a couple – Akshara and Naitik, many viewers who did not know much about the actors’ personal lives speculated them to have a thing for each other as they looked so compatible, which also complemented their acting.

Surviving the test of time:

The show has survived despite challenges coming its way. Akshara and Naitik were two names which made Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai a whopping success. When Hina and Karan left the show, many assumed the show to be a sinking ship. But yet again, it is the fan adoration which kept the project going as they equally loved Kartik and Naira as the previous duo.

A ‘no Vamp’ show:

When it comes to vamps, no other television industry can quite match up to ours. Production houses have created some of the most iconic vamps. Infact, our dailies swear by the thought that every Tulsi needs a Mandira! But what makes Yeh Rishta…different from others is that the show runs only around positive characters. The Singhania family faces problems which are societal or family oriented and solve it in unison giving all of us #perfectfamily goals.

Relatable content:

There are no second thoughts. The fate of each show depends upon the connect it manages to establish with its audience. As much as people try to say it’s about this and it’s about that, it’s still about the ratings and the show will only sustain if a show is well-liked by network base and has no notable naysayers among the executive suite. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is one show which churns out content which is relatable to the daily lives of every individual across age groups given that the show houses characters in a joint family with grandparents, parents and kids among other relatives.

Also, the show, time and again, highlights important social issues which we happen to talk about in our day to day life.

Cultural connect:

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai not only entertains the masses but also brings the youth and others closer to the Indian culture by celebrating festivals such as Makarsankranti, Holi and Diwali. The show tries to tap majority of the festivals and roll out special storylines around it in a way that enriches the viewers’ minds. We are sure some moments around the festive storylines do send a buzz of nostalgia too.

No ‘over’ dramatization of events:

The characters in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai are complex and layered but meaningfully. It isn’t about filling oceans with tears, or better, spoiling the bahu’s daal by adding extra chillies or garam masala in it which hardly requires any acting talent.

Exciting tracks:

The storyline is fast paced and does not bore the audience with the over-stretched drama. Also, the show keeps shifting focus to every character thereby shifting dynamics of the protagonists. The creatives of the show have also made sure to not keep repeating the same drama over and over again.

Unique love stories:

Be it Naitik and Akshara, Kartik and Naira or Naksh and Keerti, all of them have a love story which is distinguished and not run of the mill. While Naitik and Akshara got married following the family norms and traditions, Kartik and Naira’s love affair and marriage was projected with finesse. The writers gave the story of Naksh and Keerti, a complex twist much to the keep the entertainment level up.

Style quotient:

All the characters of Yeh Rishta… look luminous with the outfits designed by Ritu Deora. Most of their outfits are trendsetting, special their bridal wears. Based against the backdrop of Rajasthan, the outfits are modish with a touch of traditional.

Do you have more reasons to why Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is adored so much? Let us know in the comments below!

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Vrushika Mehta goes the incest way for her next project


Cousins are known to have a love-hate relationship and most cases the first best friend during our childhood. Life is unpredictable and so is love.

The whole world was taken by a shock when they came to know that Jamie and Cersei (famous Game Of Thrones character) were indulged in incest. Now for the first time, Indian television will be witnessing the same.

Although some communities do allow marriages between cousins in India, it is difficult for most to imagine a romantic relationship between cousins. However, there have been cases where romantic feelings creep in, in spite of the complications involved. Kevin Bacon, who married his distant cousin, Franklin Roosevelt married his fifth cousin and Charles Darwin married his first cousin to name a few.

Such a courageous act will be done by TV actress Vrushika Mehta. MTV’s latest show, Love on the Run showcases its viewers the story of Jhanavi, played by Vrushika Mehta and Kush, played by Parv Kaila, who unknowingly fall in love when they meet each other at a campsite and later on realize that they are cousins. Like we know, love, at first sight, has its own charm, Kush starts falling for Jhanavi cause of her spiritedness and positive outlook about life.

After returning from the camp, Kush and Jhanavi pine for each other and find themselves falling more in love with each other. They coincidentally met and as fate would have it, they get to know they are cousins. Their world comes crashing down when their parents prohibiting them from continuing their relationship. However, they chart out their family map only to find out that they are third cousins. They decide to pursue their relationship despite the objection from their family. However, their family comes to know about it and attempt to burn Kush alive.

Commenting on the upcoming episode of Love on the Run aired on MTV, Vrushika Mehta said, “I had an amazing time on the sets of Love on the run. It is also after a long time that I’m doing an episodic, so what I really liked about the show is how it salutes the power of love and is youth-centric. I loved the story and it’s very different from what I have done earlier. It shows how love is pure and raw and knows no bounds. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this episode turns out to be.”

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BARC India Ratings: Week 1 (2018); Taarak Mehta soars up to #1 slot


Time for the BARC ratings yet again!

In the urban space, Colors rules the roost, Star Plus climbs up to second position followed by Zee TV. In the rural areas, Zee Anmol tops the chart yet again leaving behind Star Utsav and Star Pal.

Impressions (000’s)

Urban

Colors 439287

Star Plus 385880

Zee TV 350649

Star Bharat 331958

Sony Entertainment Television 297308

SAB TV 286626

Sony Pal 178776

Zee Anmol 171776

&TV 155992

Star Utsav 150707

Rural

Zee Anmol 513567

Star Utsav 396160

Sony Pal 378521

Star Bharat 346269

Rishtey 323827

Dangal TV 258281

Zee TV 219205

Big Magic 171606

Star Plus 159556

Colors 158773

Taarak Mehta has begun the year 2018 with a big bang by becoming the number one show in the urban section. Kundali Bhagya has climbed to second position and Super Dancer has mounted up to the third rank. In the rural scenario, Kumkum Bhagya, Tere Naal Ishq and Baalveer have gained maximum ratings.

Impressions (000’s)

Urban

SAB TV’s Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 6961

Zee TV’s Kundali Bhagya 6930

Sony TV’s Super Dancer Chapter 6495

Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya 6464

Star Plus’ Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 6356

Colors’ Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki 5975

Star Plus’ Yeh Hai Mohabbatein 5862

Star Plus’ Star Screen Awards 2018 5846

Colors’ Udaan 5665

Colors’ Ishq Mein Marjawan 5614

Colors’ Tu Aashiqui 5560

Colors’ Bigg Boss 4804

Zee TV’s Mahek 4705

Star Bharat’s Kya Haal Mr Paanchal 4632

Star Plus’ Tu Suraj Main Saanjh Piya Ji 4457

Zee TV’s Piyaa Albela 4286

Colors’ Dil Se Dil Tak 4165

Star Plus’ Naamkarann 4156

Colors’ Shani 4095

Star Bharat’ Nimki Mukhiya 3981

Rural

Zee Anmol’s Kumkum Bhagya 7911

Rishtey’s Tere Naal Ishq 6528

Sony Pal’s Baalveer 6350

Sony Pal’s Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 5890

Zee Anmol’s Jamai Raja 5715

Star Bharat’s Kya Haal Mr Panchaal 5308

Star Utsav’s Devika Ambe Maa Ki Ladali 4990

Star Utsav’s Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon-Ek Bar Phir 4878

Zee Anmol’s Ganga 4851

Zee Anmol’s Kaala Teeka 4817

Sony Pal’s C I D 4587

Zee TV’s Kundali Bhagya 4251

Sony Pal’s Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan 4095

Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya 4090

Star Bharat’s Nimki Mukhiya 4084

Sony Pal’s Gutur Goon 3947

Sony TV’s Super Dancer Chapter 3548

Zee Anmol’s Santoshi Maa 3504

Star Utsav’s Ishqbaaaz 3502

Zee Anmol’s Ek Mutthi Aasmaan 3055

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Sphere Origins to roll out a horror show on Discovery JEET


The new GEC Discovery JEET is all set to make its way on Indian television starting 12 February (2018).

The channel has a great line up of shows namely Swami Ramdev: Ek Sangharsh, 21 Sarfarosh: Saragarhi 1897, Mere Papa Hero Hiralal, Khan No 1, Comedy High School, Gabru: Hip-Hop Ke Shehzaade, Anjaan: Special Crimes Unit, Man Vs Wild with Sunny Leone and Lucha: Dangal Ke Sultan.

Now, the latest information that has come to our news desk is Sphere Origins’ newest show ‘Rural Myths’ with the channel. The project is a horror episodic based show and will tentatively feature 13 different stories.

One of the episodes will present a bone chilling tale featuring MTV Splitsvilla 3 winner Parag Chadha as the negative lead. Also, Sanskaar – Dharohar Apno Ki (Colors) actress Shamin Mannan will play the female protagonist.

According to our sources, Parag and Shamin will be seen playing siblings. The cast and crew are currently in Kashmir shooting for the same.

When contacted Parag, he affirmed doing the show and excitedly mentioned, “This is a show about the places which have some supernatural story to tell. I cannot give out any details but yes, the show and the story is one-of-its-kind and hence I chose to be a part of it.”

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My daughter is my biggest critic: Shubhangi Atre on winning Women Achievers Award


Nothing feels great to know that your hard work is being paid off and you are being appreciated!

Pretty and talented actress Shubhangi Atre, who is currently entertaining the audience as Angoori Bhabhi on &TV’s daily series Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain (Edit II), is on cloud nine these days.

The actress is not only winning hearts by essaying her role with perfection but recently she was felicitated for her work too. Shubhangi was awarded the prestigious Aadhi Abaadi Women Achiever’s Award for her spectacular performance as an actress.

businessvoip spoke to Shubhangi to know more about her feeling on the win.

An elated Shubhangi told us, “It’s a great feeling! It feels nice when you get awards and appreciations in return of the hard work that you put in your work. There is a sense of responsibility that follows too that you have to keep working hard with honesty and dedication. I always make sure that such things never go to my head. I feel that I have to go far, do more of good work and entertain people.”

“My husband, my daughter, my mom and dad, everyone in my family is very happy with this achievement of mine. I hand over all my awards to my daughter. There has been a lot of contribution from my daughter too in whatever I am today. She has kept a lot of patience being a kid. I have been far away from her many times. She follows my show and she is my biggest critic,” added Shubhangi.

Along with a loving family, it is important to have good supportive working environment that contributes a lot in your success and Shubhangi feels blessed to have one!

She further told us, “I feel that family support is very important because it keeps you grounded. It is important to keep yourself grounded to your roots. The equal credit goes to my team of Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain because it’s a wonderful team to work with. We all support each other and everyday is like a picnic on sets for us. So the credit of my award goes to everyone out there.”

Congratulations! Way to go Shubhangi!

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Playing positive character is a new experience: Kuldeep Singh


Television actor Kuldeep Singh, who has mostly essayed negative roles on the small screen, says playing a positive character in Vighnaharta Ganesha is a new experience for him.

“I portrayed negative leads in Yeh Hai Aashiqui, Aye Zindagi, Savdhaan India… Yes, initially when I entered the show, I was quite worried about the expressions of a divine character as I was doing negative roles and it was easy to portray that, but doing a positive role is a new experience,” Kuldeep said in a statement.

The actor says he had difficulty in speaking chaste Hindi.

“I need lines to understand them first and then I speak them in my own way. But in the (this) show, I have to mug up the lines,” he added.

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Aishwarya pledges to adopt a pet this new year


Last year brutalities on animals & animal lovers alike made to the headlines making us wonder the mindset of the current human race. After Alia Bhatt who went ahead to support ‘Co-Exist’ a cause dedicated to the welfare of strays. Television actress & Ex-Miss India contestant Aishwarya Sakhuja kickstarted the new year visiting an animal studio for the strays to take a pledge and also to create awareness.

Aishwarya shared a heartwarming post, ‘Did my favorite thing ever..managed to sneak in some quality time with my fav wonders at the @catcafestudio . What a noble noble concept of going all out to take care of these feline creatures…! Which is also part of my 2018 new year resolution..! These furry ones honestly deserve all the love & affection they can get!’

The actress who was last seen in the cult comedy show Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai Take 2 is an animal lover and also had a dog while she was growing up. Only recently the actress got inked which is a tattoo dedicated to her late dog.

Aishwarya shares, “I love every animal. I don’t think most of us understand rather know that we need to share our planet with all the other species equally. I can’t fathom to think about the cruelty done to animals. I wish I could open the doors of my house to strays but my family doesn’t live in Mumbai and Rohit & I are constantly on the go to take responsibility of a pet. So in my free time I make sure I spend time with strays in the vicinity of my apartment.”

She says “After visiting the animal studio that is a home to many strays, I have made my mind to adopt or sponsor one stray at the shelter. I have documented the entire procedure of the adoption process which will be out in a form of series shortly as my main motive was to promote the cause. We as actors enjoy a certain kind of following on social networking sites. We use the photo sharing app to post random pictures & videos & get many hits. Why not use the same platform to reach out to more people who have an inclination towards animals and want to reach out to the right people & adopt a stray rather than buy or the least to be aware & put a stop to animal cruelty happening around us.”

“If I could be of even a little help getting one stray a home , I guess my job’s done. I’m not stopping anytime soon.'”

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Mohit Raina is a very positive and down-to-earth person: Kamaljeet Rana


Kamaljeet Rana who has done a plethora of mythological and episodic shows in the likes of Suryaputra Karn (Sony TV), Karamphal Daata Shani (Colors) and Gumrah (Channel V) has always opted to essay characters which are edgy and out-of-the-box.

The current project he has bagged is Discovery JEET’s Sarfarosh: Saragarhi 1897. Produced by Contiloe, the show will feature Mohit Raina and Mukul Dev in central roles. The story will explore the scenario of the North-West Frontier Province (in modern-day Pakistan) in 1897 where 21 Sikh soldiers, a part of the British Indian Army stood their ground during an attack by 10,000 Afghan tribesmen even though they were vastly outnumbered.

Kamaljeet plays the character of Sunder Singh, an officer in an important post in the Sikh military. Elated to share details about his role in the show, Kamaljeet averred, “I am supremely excited! I have always wanted to play a defence officer and wear a uniform. When I was approached, I couldn’t hold myself back! Because I have done mythology before, I had a hang of martial arts and sword fighting and that helped me enact action sequences. We shot the opening sequence in Ladakh and it has been an amazing experience. Even here, the set has created the ancient era flawlessly. It feels so real!”

Talking about shooting with Mohit Raina, Kamaljeet expressed, “Mohit is a gem of a person and every down to earth. He creates a positive environment on the set and is helpful to others. The best part about shooting with the team is that we are not bound by script only. Our director, Mohit and other actors on the set actually sit and brainstorm about the sequences we will be shooting.”

Kamaljeet also mentioned that he has high expectations from the show as nothing so distinguished has been brought on the small screen.

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