Ramayan not going off-air in June, as per its cast- Tellychakkar
Sagar Pictures’ Ramayan that’s being simulcast on Zee TV and DD National seems to have failed to garner the much needed TRPs. Hence, we are wondering if the show will have an early end in June 2013 as reported by certain sections of the media. However, the cast of the show thinks otherwise.
Gagan Malik who plays the role of Ram on the show shared withTellychakkar.com, “I haven’t received any such news.” When asked about the dipping TRPs he averred, “If you look at our show personally, you will realise how beautiful our episodes are. But, the only thing that we are lacking in is the promotion. I think the channel needs to promote the venture. It’s been more than four months since it was last promoted.”
“TRPs don’t really matter to me. In fact, the show is doing a decent job in the morning slot. So I don’t think it will go off-air,” said Neil Bhatt better known as Laxman.
When contacted Neha Sargam (Sita) stated, “Ramayan has a fixed story and that isn’t changing. So as far as I know ideally our story should go on till August 2013.” When we reminded her about the falling TAM ratings she said, “I do not believe in TRPs.”
Moving on, a source went on to say, “It was decided that Ramayan would have 72 episodes and going by that we still have a long way as we have just aired 31 or 32 episodes. Apart from that there is no intimation from the channel.”
Keep reading this space for more updates…
http://www.tellychakkar.com/news/ramayan-not-going-air-june-its-cast
I don’t want to be worshipped as Sita – Neha Sargam – tellychakkar
When Neha Sargam got the role of Sita in Zee TV’s Ramayan, she naturally felt that it was indeed a challenge to play such a dynamic mythological character. She says, “It wasn’t easy to play a magnanimous persona from a bygone era who was the epitome of all virtues that a woman should have. She however did have some flaws too.”
What kind of flaws is she referring to? “Sita, was after all human. Maybe some can think she made a mistake when crossing the Lakshman Rekha which thereby led to Ravana kidnapping her. However, she did that as she was afraid that a Rishi (saint) would curse her husband. She had no clue whatsoever that it was Ravana in the garb of a rishi (saint).”
Was Rama wrong on demanding that Sita should undergo a fire test to prove her chastity? “Yes, while playing the role of Sita, it has often occurred to me that she has been treated unfairly at times. However, in an epic like the Ramayan, nobody is wrong. All the characters including Rama, Kaikeyi and even Ravana are right on their own path. Also we must remember that there are various versions of the fire test, in one version Sita who had the element of fire in her was given by Rama to Agni Dev to safeguard her in the exchange of a chhaya Sita (fake Sita) as he already knew that she would be kidnapped by Ravana. The fire test had been done to retrieve the real Sita. In another version, Rama asked her to do a fire test to prove that she was devoted to her husband.”
Some feminists argue that Sita was a weak lady to tolerate autocratic behaviour from her husband. What is her take on that? Neha is of the opinion, “She clearly told Rama that there was no necessity of doing this fire test when she had been a trustworthy wife. She believed that her husband had no need to doubt her, yet was asking her to go ahead with the test. Nevertheless she would do it to prove that she was right all the way.”
She firmly refutes accusations that Sita was a weak woman, “I think she was very powerful in her own way. She stayed with a demon like Ravana yet didn’t let him touch her for a year. If she had wished to, she could have killed him right away. When she was meditating in the avatar of Goddess Lakshmi on having Lord Vishnu as a husband in her next birth; Ravana interrupted by touching her. She took an oath that she would be the reason for his assassination in her next birth; however she wanted Rama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) to kill him, which is why she purposely didn’t destroy him.”
Most Indian TV viewers remember the 1980’s Sagar Art’s Ramayan version the best of all the Ramayan serials ever telecast on TV. What is her take on that? “Even my parents are fans of that version. However, during that time Indian TV viewers didn’t know as much about the TV industry as they know today. Arun Govil and Deepika Chikhalia who played Rama and Sita respectively, were worshipped. As I am just portraying a character, I don’t want to be worshipped. I just would like to be appreciated for my work.”
For more interesting updates on the show do keep watching this space.
http://www.tellychakkar.com/news/i-dont-want-be-worshipped-sita-neha-sargam
Neha Sargam living upto her surname – Article in TOI
People live up to their names. But Neha Sargam seems to be living up to her surname! The actress, who plays Sita in ‘Ramayan’, has a honey-coated voice that can hold a tune beautifully.
Neha, in fact, had auditioned for a singing reality show in the past, which landed her initial roles on television. These days, it has become almost a regular feature on the sets of Ramayan in Baroda for her to sing a song between takes and during breaks. And while the entire cast loves listening to her, her biggest fan is her on-screen brother-in-law, Neil Bhatt, who plays Lakshman in the show. Sources reveal that Neil invariably has a farmaaish for Neha and doesn’t let her sit at peace unless she sings the song of his choice!
Said Neil Bhatt, “We are a little cut off from our own world in Mumbai, since we are shooting for Ramayan in Baroda. In times such as these, it’s great to bond with your fellow artistes. Neha’s a fabulous singer, so I make her render songs of my choice every now and then. She has a great range as a singer and can sing all kinds of songs.”
Courtesy: The Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv/Neha-Sargam-living-upto-her-surname/articleshow/17450630.cms
Related Articles on other websites:
http://www.indiablooms.com/BollywoodDetailsPage/2012/bollywoodDetails051212a.php
http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_neha-sargam-gets-a-fan-in-neil-bhatt_1774561
Neha Sargam misses her family -Article in Telly Chakkar
Neha Sargam, who is currently seen essaying the role of Sita in Zee TV’s Ramayan, is busy shooting in Vadodara for this Sagar Pictures’ epic drama. And though this pretty lady is very fond of her cast and crew, she cannot help but miss her family all the time.
“I love my character and the people around but how I wish all of this was in Mumbai”, she confides. Ask her if she is bored of the place to which she quickly shoots back, “Not really. It’s all fun till we are shooting, but when I have a day off; I just do not know what to do though there are times when we go shopping and pick up a few things.”
Does this mean that she misses Mumbai because one can do so much there? “Not really, but actually I miss my parents.” After a little pause, she adds, “Had they been here with me, even Baroda would have been fun. I just do not know what to do with them around me.”
We just hope your wish comes true, Neha!
Courtesy: Tellychakkar
http://www.tellychakkar.com/news/neha-sargam-misses-her-family
When “reel life” experience became “real” on the sets of Ramayan – Article
Sometimes, the thin line between reel and real life gets smudged. This is exactly what happened on the sets of Sagar Pictures’ Ramayan (Zee TV).
The cast and crew was shooting for Sita’s (Neha Sargam) bidaai sequence and the actors involved in the scene started weeping for real. Yes, we are talking about Neha and her parents in the show played by R K Dutta and Nitika Anand. They were shooting while the song that was playing in the background was Babul ki duayen leti ja.
Shared Neha: “I couldn’t stop crying as the sequence and the song reminded me of my father. I miss him a lot as I am shooting in Baroda and he is based in Mumbai. In fact, I continued crying for the entire week after that.”
RK Dutta on the other hand said, “I am from NSD (National School of Drama) hence every scene has to be real for me. I believe in want I am doing and I don’t fake it.”
Our source went on to add, “The cast also ended up crying because with Sita moving to Ram’s place… there will be very few scenes of her with her parents.”
Well…this is one cast and crew which is connected by threads of tears!!!
Courtesy: Telly Chakkar
http://www.tellychakkar.com/news/when-reel-life-experience-became-real-sets-ramayan
‘Ramayan’ producer wants Seeta Swayamvar to be iconic – TOI article
Ask a woman about the day she will not allow another woman to outshine her, and in all probability, it would be her wedding day. Very evidently, it isn’t just the woman of today who wishes to look radiant and resplendent in her bridal finery. Centuries ago, it is well-documented that even princess Sita ensured that her beauty was unparalleled on the day that her father King Janaka announced her Swayamwar.
Ramayan is all set to showcase the iconic Sita Swayamwar sequence on Sunday, 23rd September. Naturally, to recreate the divine aura of Indian mythology’s most unforgettable bride Sita and to ensure that her leading lady Neha Sargam looks absolutely stunning, producer Meenakshi Sagar has decided to leave no stone unturned. She has roped in renowned fashion designer Archana Kochhar to specially create an authentic, traditional outfit for Sita’s Swayamwar that will be remembered on television for years to come.
While most television shows have their own in-house stylists who put together costumes for all the artistes, enlisting the expertise of a prominent fashion designer is still very unusual for Indian television as it entails higher budgets.
Speaking of her decision, Meenakshi said, “Sita’s Swayamwar is a landmark event in the story of Ramayan. It marks the union of Lord Ram and Sita. At the Swayamwar, Sita’s father king Janaka had announced a contest whereby the strongest prince, who would be able to wield the immensely heavy bow of Shiva and string it successfully, would get her hand in marriage. In order to embody the much sought-after, beautiful princess, I wanted Sita’s look to be glorious and memorable. And who better than Archana Kochhar to create the look? Archana luxuriously draws inspiration from ancient Indian regalia even for her contemporary bridal collections and all that stems from immense research. I know I can blindly follow her sensibilities and so I brought her on board for such an important look. I’m thrilled with the results!”
Designer Archana Kochhar said, “I am grateful to my friend Meenakshi for having given me the opportunity to re-create one of the most iconic bridal looks of Indian mythology. I have adhered to her brief of keeping Sita’s look as close as possible to the original classic. We have chosen a rich hue of red for the lehenga-choli and blended it with pink undertones. The intricate embroidery and the jewelry to go with the ensemble has been kept purely traditional for retaining the element of authenticity. My attempt, as a contemporary designer, has been to make the ornate outfit extremely comfortable for the actor to wear. Layers and layers of textured fabric, embedded with jewels have a way of making the dress exceedingly heavy. Smart choices of lighter crystals and substitution of materials have been made such that the look isn’t compromised, yet the artiste can move comfortably and perform. I think Neha’s looking gorgeous and I hope the audience loves our creation!”
Actor Neha Sargam, who has just made her first appearance as Sita on Ramayan, is as excited about her Swayamwar look. She said, “I am extremely fortunate that the creative team and particularly Meenakshi ji have gone the extra mile to ensure that I look divine as Sita at the Swayamwar. The creation by Archana Kochhar looks like a dream and is light and easy to wear. I honestly didn’t feel like getting out of it when I put it on at the trial itself. I look forward to shooting the Swayamwar sequence.”
Archana Kochhar designs Neha Sargam’s outfit for Ramayan
Sagar Pictures’ Ramayan aired on Zee TV is gearing up for Sita’s swayamvar, who is considered as one of the most beautiful woman of the mythological era.
The stage is set to find the most suitable husband for Sita and many princes from different states will be seen competing to win her. The makers of the show are leaving no stone unturned in making the swayamvar sequence a grand affair.
On the show Sita’s character is played by Neha Sargam and according to some reliable sources we hear that Sita’s outfit will be designed by well-known designer Archana Kochhar. Her out-fits will enhance the beauty of queen Sita for one of the most important sequences of the show.
Talking about the re-union, Producer Meenakshi Sagar says, “Archana and I are very good friends in real-life. I have seen her work and I think she designs some of the most beautiful clothes. She is also designing the clothes for the wedding sequence of my upcoming film ‘Rabba Mein Kya Karoon’. So I thought of combining fashion and TV. People usually don’t spend on outfits when they are making shows like this but I especially wanted to make everything look larger than life. I just hope people appreciate the hard work that we have put in.”
Period dramas are the flavour of the season – TOI Article
Why are these period soaps suddenly so popular? Nikhil Sinha, producer, says, “People always connect to characters who have been a part of their lives. And these epics are a vital part of our Indian culture.” How has advancement in technology enhanced mythological soaps? Does that attract the audience too? “Technological advancements have made ‘Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev’ look contemporary and has generated interest among young audiences too,” shares Sinha.
Do mythological shows really help GECs get more TRPs? Sukesh Motwani, fiction head of a GEC says, “A mythological/period show offers stories with many layers and it’s also an interesting narration/retelling of our rich and diverse culture. We can recreate an epic without adding extra element of drama. Its originality is what attracts the audience.”
Of course, a historical/ mythological show means a lot of research goes into the scripting. “Earlier shows used to portray important nuggets from the epic. Now, we add emotional moments in the show because our audiences love the emotional connect with the screen characters. So, this makes us to do an intensive research. Besides, mythological/period flicks mean lots of investments. The sets depict a particular era in the past, lavish costumes, jewellery and
locations have to look authentic to strike an element of connectivity. And, these shows are targeted towards all age-groups and that is why they are popular even now,” says Sukesh.
And how do actors who take part in such shows feel? Neha Sargam shares, “I never thought that I would ever get to play Sita. It came as a pleasant surprise when I was offered the role. I feel blessed.” Mohit Raina agrees, “I’m happy that audiences have accepted me as Lord Shiva and the show has become so popular. The show is based on the Shiv-Puran and is authentic.”
Considering these costume dramas are garnering above average TRPs, for now this is a formula that’s working.
Courtesy: The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv/Period-dramas-are-the-flavour-of-the-season/articleshow/16281580.cms
Neha Sargam always wanted to do an epic role
Simplicity — that’s the word that best defines telly star Neha Sargam. Neha’s tryst with acting was an unplanned one. Music was the world she knew! After making her debut in the daily show, Chand Chhupa Baadal Mein, Neha played the bad girl in Haar Jeet, followed by a cameo in Punar Vivaah.
Now, she is gearing up to play the role of Sita in Ramayan, a role that had been much coveted and had top actresses angling for. In a light-hearted chat, Neha on the tinsel trek, her divine move, love and lots more.
Role Play
I never thought I will get to play Sita’s character ever in my life. It came as a pleasant surprise. Let me confess, it was always a fantasy to play a mythological character. Considering current soap trends, I wasn’t sure an epic like Ramayan would be remade and I’d get this lucky. My mom keeps telling me that I look like heroines in the ’60s. Also, many times on the set of Chand Chhupa… my crew members and co-actors would often ask me to strike a pose as goddess Durga or goddess Lakshmi when I’d wear a saree, saying I looked ‘divine’. I never knew that those fun sessions will turn real and I’d actually be playing a role like this. I’m very happy and feel blessed that I got through this role, especially since many top actresses had also been in running for the same.
Fitness Fundas
Many people told me that I am looking svelte and slimmer of late and it is true. When I was doing Chand Chupa…, my face was chubby and I was pleasantly plump because the role demanded a girl who was very ordinary. Once the show went off air, I started working out, jogging and eating right, and all puppy fat vanished from my face, which has made people think that I’ve reduced drastically. I was never a fitness freak till I got my first acting project. I thought I’d do an MBA, followed by some singing venture — but as I got into acting, I knew how essential it was to stay and look fit. Since then, I’ve stopped being the foodie that I was and take care of the way I look.
Music Mania
Had I not been an actor, I would have been a singer. I hail from a family where everyone sings and that’s what I’d love to do professionally. It would be great to be the part of a show like Star Ya Rockstar. However, I don’t want to make a career out of music and earn money. In our family, we worship music.
Family Album
I’m a complete family person. If I ever travelled out of town for exams or visited relatives without my family members, on most occasions I’d fall sick. I’m very close to both my mom and dad. For me nothing’s more important than my family and friends. I’m not a party animal and prefer to stay home and spend time with my loved ones. My friends often call me a mood spoiler, but I don’t want to be seen as a partying sort of person.
NO time for love
I don’t believe in the concept of having a boyfriend. I don’t think I want someone to follow me wherever I go. The only male friend I have is my dad. My mom’s my best friend. I never felt the need to have anyone special in my life apart from them. I feel love may not even happen to me ever and I’ll probably settle for an arranged marriage some point in life, but it will have to wait for now.
Coutesy : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv/Neha-Sargam-always-wanted-to-do-an-epic-role/articleshow/16137611.cms
Meet TV’s newest Ram and Sita
Gagan Malik and Neha Sargam play the parts of Lord Ram and Sita respectively in the latest version of Moti Sagar’s mythological epic Ramayan, on Zee TV.
Till last week, the serial was still showing the childhood years of the characters. Then, on Sunday, it took a leap in time and showed the actors in their adult roles.
Neha came to public notice in Chand Chupa Badal Mein. She was shooting for a cameo in Punar Vivaah on Zee TV when she was asked to give a look test for Ramayan.
“They said it’s for Sita. I thought I would have to go through various look tests and dialogue delivery. Luckily I had to go through only three,” she says.
“Speaking chaste Hindi isn’t a problem for me because I speak good Hindi. But my vocabulary is not that great,” she grins.
Work was hectic at the time. “I was offered two others shows along with Ramayan, but I think no other show can be compared to Ramayan. Family dramas will keep coming, but Ramayan will come once in a decade. Nobody on earth would like to miss this opportunity.”
Has she watched the earlier versions of Sagar’s Ramayan?
“I was not born when the first Ramayan was aired on Doordarshan. But I have managed to watch the repeats on DD and other channels. I have not really followed the second version but have watched it in bits and pieces.”
How much does she know about the epic?
“I have been hearing about it from my mom and grandmom from my childhood. So I guess I know quite a bit about it. My grandmom had written the word ‘Ram’ 84 lakh times in a book, which I still have.”
Her grandmother, who has passed away, would have been delighted to know that she was playing this role, Neha says.
“The biggest change that I have discovered in me is that even before I starting shooting, the fact that I am playing Sita has made me tolerant. Earlier I used to scream at people if they came my way while driving. Now I wait till they cross.”
About her co-star, Gagan Malik, she says, “I met him for the first time during the look test and photo shoot. He told me that I looked exactly the way he imagined Sita would look. And I said he looked exactly how I had imagined Ram!”
She says she is comfortable with the heavy costumes she has to wear “but it takes some time to get ready!”
Neha says she not done any homework for the role but “I have started doing my riyaaz (she was an Indian Idol [ Images ] contestant) regularly. It helps me to concentrate on my work.”
Gagan Malik, who acted in the TV serial Navya, was selected to play Lord Ram after a long process.
“I went through a series of tests for three months. They were looking for the appropriate look, physique, dialogue delivery and of course the acting skills. When it came to the costume, I saw a shine of satisfaction in the eyes of the judges.”
Did he do any kind of preparation for his role?
“I’m from Delhi [ Images ] where we used to have a centre that used to organise holy events. I would always play the role of Ram and Krishna in those events and I feel all that have paid off,” he says, smiling.
He had to lose around seven kilos to look like Ram during his sojourn in the forest.
Gagan says his mother is a Ram Bhakt. “She has read the Ramayan more than 200 times and has written the word ‘Ram’ around two crore times. Now she must be happy that she can see her son in the same role.”
Has he read the Ramayan? “I haven’t read it completely but I have started reading it. I know the entire story because I used to listen to my mom.”
Any change in his lifestyle after playing this role?
“I have stopped eating non-vegetarian food. It is not that I have taken a pledge against it but I just happen to follow it,” he says.
Courtesy: http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/meet-tv-newest-ram-and-sita/20120827.htm
Lord Ram and Sita unveiled on Zee TV’s Ramayan
Thu Aug 23 at 12 am
Link:
http://www.zeetvusa.com/press/lord-ram-and-sita-unveiled-on-zee-tvs-ramayan.html
Gagan Malik, Neha Sargam to play Ram, Sita in ‘Ramayan’
Mumbai, Aug 23 (IANS) Actors Gagan Malik and Neha Sargam will be seen as Lord Ram and Sita in the latest, small-screen version of mythological epic “Ramayan”.
The show is aired on Zee TV, and currently shows child versions of the characters. However, it will take a leap of time and will show the two actors in their roles starting Sunday, said a statement.
Gagan was earlier seen in shows like “Pratha” and “Navya”, while Neha is known for “Punar Vivaah” and “Chand Chupa Badal Mein”.
Both of them are excited about their association with this big-ticket show, produced by Sagar Arts.
Gagan has done his homework to essay the role, and said: “Playing Ram, unlike any other character I have played so far, requires a great deal of preparation, be it in terms of reading up on the finer nuances of the Ramcharitmanas or studying and imbibing everything that Ram stood for.”
“As an actor, it will be my endeavour to get the body language, the demeanour, the tonal quality of my voice and the diction right,” he added.
The show’s leading lady, Neha is upbeat as she has childhood memories of her grandmother narrating the tales from the Ramayan.
“She would tell us sisters about how each of us should strive to emulate Sita when we grow up. While I don’t know if I have been successful in emulating Sita’s virtues in my personal life, landing this role is the closest I will ever get to living out my granny’s dream for all of us,” said Neha.
Actor Neil Bhatt, who shot to fame as Abhi in “12/24 Karol Bagh”, will play the role of Lakshman
Courtesy:
Neha Sargam apologizes to her mentor Rajan Shahi
Neha Sargam debuted on television with Sony Entertainment Television’s Indian Idol as a contestant after which she stepped into fiction world with Rajan Shahi’s (Director’s Kut Productions) Chand Chupa Badal Mein, followed by many other shows like Haar Jeet, Punar Vivah et al. Certainly, Rajan Shahi is the one who paved way for Neha into the small screen space.
Today, at the press meet of Ramayan (Zee TV), the actress apologized Rajan Shahi for not informing him about her new project. “I really want to say sorry to Rajan sir because I couldn’t inform him about me taking up Ramayan. I am afraid but on the other hand I was asked not to speak about it until Sita gets revealed in front of the media,” confessed Neha.
The point is that Neha shares everything about her professional commitments to Rajan.
Neha went on, “I know, he must have already known that I am doing Ramayan from industry sources, but till now I haven’t informed him. I really want to apologize for that. I am going to make a call to him as soon as I get free today.”
Neha…as Godfather says…everything is business…nothing personal…Hope Rajan will understand it!!!
courtesy: Telly Chakkar
http://www.tellychakkar.com/news/neha-sargam-apologizes-her-mentor-rajan-shahi
Neha Sargam 