2.Noutati media

http://www.fuzionproductions.com/extra-curricular-talents-television-actors/

Vivian DSena on why he has been bumped off in Madhubala
While there's buzz that Vivian Dsena has been bumped off from TV show Madhubala... Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, the actor, who has played superstar RK for almost two years, seems unfazed. He says, "I was informed about the time leap and RK's death three days ago. RK and Madhu's love story has been over-exploited. Hence, the decision. I wouldn't have looked convincing as a father to a 25-year-old girl as I'm 25."

Why does he think the time leap happened? "Plummeting TRPs and the over-abuse of the RK-Madhu relationship caused the leap," he says, adding that he believes that all good things come to an end. "Of course, it feels bad. It's our baby. To establish a show and make it a success, demands a lot of hard work, especially with such stiff competition. However, everybody has to move on. Nothing is permanent in the world. Reel or real life, there is an end to everything. You won't remain popular forever," he adds.

With his track wrapping up in a week's time, doesn't he find the development abrupt? "TV is unpredictable. I am no one to comment on it. The creative team must have decided in the best interest of the show."

The character has won him recognition and applauds, so will he be able to get out of its shadow easily? "Yes, it has made an image and is larger-than-life. God has been kind. They called me wooden-face and non-performer when I started working in Madhubala, but it didn't bother me. They even said that I am a misfit and too young to play RK. I leave everything to destiny," says Vivian.

About his 'alleged' tantrums, the actor says, "Some people like me so much that they wanted me to sit at home and not play RK and hence, the rumours of me throwing tantrums. Had that been so, I wouldn't have been shooting 12 hours a day, 26 days a month. Someone snooty will shoot five hours and will give only 10 days to the show. I have never taken excessive leaves as I realise the show revolves around RK and Madhubala. I don't like people being intrusive as one has to respect my personal space. People have gone to the extent of creating my fake IDs on social networking sites and leaking out confidential information from the shoot."

So, what did his co-actor Drashti Dhami say about the development, with rumours doing the rounds that the two are no longer on talking terms? "That's not true. We are cordial. We haven't got the chance to speak about my exit," Vivian insists.

Talking about life after Madhubala, he says, "I'm planning to take a month-long break and spend time with my family in Ujjain. I also intend to work on my body; I have gained seven kilos."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/tv/news-interviews/Vivian-DSena-on-why-he-has-been-bumped-off-in-Madhubala/articleshow/29309032.cms

Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek Junoon: Why has Vivian DSena aka superstar RK quit the show?
http://www.totalfilmy.com/news/sat_20140125_0558/madhubalaek_ishq_ek_junoon_why_has_vivian_dsena_aka_superstar_rk_quit_show39073.html

Who will replace RK aka Vivian DSena in Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek Junoon

The story of popular TV show Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon will take a leap forward by a few years in February, and it will lose its male lead Vivian D'Sena, who plays the role of superstar Rishabh Kundra aka R K.

However, the show will introduce new characters.

"Come February, Madhubala Ek Ishq, Ek Junoon, will undergo a leap. The leap will be a natural progression which will present a fresh storyline and perspective to the strong audience base who have loved the show and watched it consistently since it first launched," a spokesperson for the channel said.

"As is norm, we will see the inclusion of new characters following the leap who will support the show's story as it moves forward," the spokesperson added.

Though the channel has not said anything about Vivian leaving the show, the actor took to microblogging website Twitter to reveal that he is quitting the show.

"Hey guys the news you all have heard is unfortunately 100 percent true. Madhubala is taking a leap and I won't be a part of it after the leap," he tweeted on January 22.

He has thanked his fans for loving him and his character in the show.

"Guys thanks a ton...R.K. was never possible without you guys. Whatever I am today is only because of you all. Don't worry I will be back with a bang," Vivian added.

Madhubala Ek Ishq, Ek Junoon, which went on air in 2012, features Drashti Dhami in the title role. Recently, the show introduced a new character KRK (Keval Ram Khuswami), R K's twin brother. But it seems even the double role failed to grab the audience's attention.

http://www.authintmail.com/article/entertainment/who-will-replace-rk-aka-vivian-dsena-madhubala-ek-ishq-ek-junoon

It was a mutual decision: Vivian on quitting 'Madhubala...'

Popular TV actor Vivian Dsena says his recently announced exit from the show "Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon" came after a mutual decision was taken by him, the show's producers and the Colors. Besides, he wasn't convinced about playing a grown-up girl's father following a time leap.

"It is the decision of the makers of the show. I think whatever they are doing is best for the show," Vivian told reporters here Friday at the show's press conference.

"Moreover, wherever I am today is just because of them only. Obviously I am feeling bad that my fans won't be able to see me again in 'Madhubala...' but I think it is good for the life of the show," he added.

"Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon", which went on air in 2012 on Colors, features Drashti Dhami in the titular role. Produced by Abhinav Shukla and Saurabh Tiwari, the show is reportedly set to take a leap forward, and post that, Drashti will return as the daughter of Madhubala and Rishabh Kundra, essayed by Vivian.

Vivian has said that he would not have been convincing enough in the role of a father and thus, he decided to leave the show.

"It is also true that my fans would not expect me to play a father to a 25-year-old (in 'Madhubala') as I am 25 myself in real life," Vivian said.

"So, I think I wouldn't be convincing enough to play a father, which is why the mutual decision was taken between me, the producers and the channel," he added.

Vivian, who came to limelight with the portrayal of a vampire in the TV show "Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani", feels "R.K.'s character has got into my blood" and "it is very difficult to take it out of it and out of my body".

The actor has even thanked the makers of the show for providing him the opportunity and for believing that he could fit the bill to play an arrogant superstar in the show.

"R.K. will always remain close to my heart because it has been one of the best characters for me and I always thank him (Abhinav Shukla) for this and the entire team of 'Madhubala...' and Colors," Vivian, who has been part of other TV shows like "Kasamh Se" and "Agnipareeksha Jeevan Ki - Gangaa", said.

"These guys thought that I fit the bill despite that fact that people came and told them that Vivian Dsena is a wooden-faced actor, he would not suit the character and he would not be able to pull it off. But I think it was the fate and positivity in them that they believed in me and gave me a chance," he added.

http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/vivian-dsena-quits-madhubala-ek-ishq-ek-junoon-tv-show--11470.html


Vivian Dsena: Quitting Madhubala was a mutual decision
http://movies.ndtv.com/television/vivian-dsena-quitting-madhubala-was-a-mutual-decision-475378

It was a mutual decision: Vivian on quitting 'Madhubala...'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/tv/news-interviews/It-was-a-mutual-decision-Vivian-on-quitting-Madhubala--/articleshow/29396673.cms

Producer Abhinav Shukla: Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon will take the leap in about two weeks!

Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon is taking a 20-year leap and everything in the storyline will change

We got a big shock when news of Vivian D’Sena quitting the popular Colors’ show made rounds in the media circuit. Calls and assumptions were made, but people just couldn’t figure out the real reason behind Vivian’s exit from the serial. Was it the same thing that happened with Karan Singh Grover all over again or did the actor bag a Bollywood project… all our speculations and doubts were laid to rest as we had a word with the B.A.G Films & Media Ltd producer Abhinav Shukla, who co-produced Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon with Saurabh Tewari.

When did you decide to actually take the leap?

We’ve been working on many ideas and time leap was one of them. After trying so many tracks in the show, we realised that a leap in time is the best possibility and option at this point of time. So we discussed this with the channel heads and once they were convinced, we were happy to move on. It’s not been that long.

Were both the lead actors okay with this sudden plan in the show?

Both Drashti and Vivian were okay with the idea. They were ready to do what we expected them to. The show has been running successfully for two years, no? I know what you mean by when you ask me if they were okay with the decision. Honestly speaking there have been a lot of talk going around about Vivian not continuing with us ‘coz he has tantrums and throws his weight around on the sets; nothing of which is true. We have a great working relationship with him. Unfortunately, the story reached a point where Rishab Kundra cannot be a part of the show. Some characters come and go, it just the way of a story.

How did Drashti Dhami react to the new of the leap?

No reaction. Story demanded so she was ok with it.

What kind of protagonist opposite Drashti are u looking for?

We are looking for someone who can give that edginess to the love story with his acting. It could be a very popular face or it an absolutely new guy who people will fall in love with eventually. We are still in the process of writing that character.

Have the auditions begun yet?

No not really. However, on the periphery we have been looking but not to a great extent. Once we freeze the character sketch we will get aggressive with the auditions. And if it is Karanvir Bohra we will make a formal announcement.

When will the leap finally happen?

We are working cut to cut to keep the show on schedule. So we doubt it will take that long. It’s just that we have to plan our shooting and any new story takes time to set up. Keeping that balance in place, say about 2 weeks.Subscribe to me on YouTube

http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/producer-abhinav-shukla-madhubala-ek-ishq-ek-junoon-will-take-the-leap-in-about-two-weeks/

Drashti and Gurmeet: Will the popular Geet jodi return with Colors' Madhubala?

Drashti Dhami and Gurmeet Choudhary, when they come together, screens get scorched via their sizzling chemistry.

Their fans turned fanatics watching them romance on screen in Star One’s popular show, Geet.

After the show ended, Drashti and Gurmeet moved on in their respective careers, featuring in different shows, but their fans, heart-in-heart have always wanted to see them back together on screen.

And opportunity came knocking for the same after the male lead, Vivian Dsena, in Drashti’s ongoing show, Madhubala made an exit from the show.

The show airing on Colors and produced by Nautanki Telefilms, was set for the casting of the new male lead, and the clamour to cast Gurmeet opposite Drashti rose to deafening heights.

Well, as per our sources, as of now, Karanvir Vohar will be seen as the new lead in the show.

However, another source did mention that Gurmeet and even Karan Singh Grover, were given a shout out to come in as the male protagonist in the serial.

As part of the casting process, usually, many actors get approached before the makers finally zero in on the final name.

KSG did not agree to the offer, is what we hear, and though the makers were very keen to re-kindle the magic of Maneet (as fans lovingly call the jodi of Drashti and Gurmeet), the fact that stands true as of now is that Gurmeet is not a part of the show.

When buzzed Gurmeet to get more info on the same, he said that he was not approached to be a part of Madhubala.

However, producer Saurabh Tewari neither denied nor agreed on the development. He shared with us, “We are still debating on the name.”

Well, the debate is on. Fans of Drashti and Gurmeet…hope you all are reading this. If you all want the two in Madhubala, get going creating the buzz.

KSG or Vivian? The biggest exit shock?
http://www.tellychakkar.com/fun-zone/poll/ksg-or-vivian-the-biggest-exit-shock-329

Suwati Anand to be seen in Madhubala!
She has apparently been roped in to play Bittuji’s wife in the show which is set to take a 20 year leap after two weeks.

The young beauty who was last seen as Manjusha in Pavitra Rishta will soon be seen in Nautanki Films Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon on Colors. She will be playing the role of RK's secretary Bittuji's wife in the show. The show has been in news recently for the leap that is due to happen any time now due to which the character of the main lead RK played by Vivian Dsena is to come an end.

While the makers and the channel are still putting finishing touches to wrap up the current storyline before the leap, it seems they have started roping in new actors in the show. According to our reliable source, "The leap will take place in two weeks from now. While Karanvir Bohra has already been approved by all to play the main lead after the 20 year leap, the news is kept on hold and will be confirmed only after all the papers are signed. The show which will have new faces except for RK & Madhubala's daughter (played by Drashti Dhami again), Shama Deshpande who plays RK's mother and RK's secretary Bittuji (Indresh Malik) who will be seen post the leap too."

"And Suwati Anand has been finalized to play Bittuji's wife and has already started shooting for the same. They will apparently be shown getting married and the couple will be seen as a support to RK's mother and daughter."
Suwati Anand too confirmed the news and said, "Yes, I will be coming in as Bittuji's wife Leelavati. It is a very interesting character and will continue to be around even after the leap. Apparently, she and Bittuji had a child marriage and then she comes to town where RK and Madhubala insist on getting them married again. She is a simple girl from the village who comes to Mumbai and is left wide eyed with wonder. She is thrilled to know that her husband works for superstar RK. After the leap too the couple will continue staying with RK's mother."

Suwati's entry will be aired in the Wednesday's episode of the show. Keep reading TellyBuzz for more news.

Seema Khot Mattoo

Vivian Dsena thanks his fans for loving him as RK in Madhubala!

http://www.india-forums.com/tv-show/841/madhubala-ek-ishq-ek-junoon/video/310244-vivian-dsena-thanks-his-fans-for-loving-him-as-rk-in-madhubala.htm

“R.K. Will Always Remain Close To My Heart”- Vivian D’Sena

Popular TV actor Vivian Dsena says his recently announced exit from the show ‘Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon’ came after a mutual decision was taken by him, the show’s producers and the channel. Besides, he wasn’t convinced about playing a grown-up girl’s father following a time leap. ”It is the decision of the makers of the show.

I think whatever they are doing is best for the show,” Vivian told reporters on Friday at the show’s press conference.

“Moreover, wherever I am today is just because of them only. Obviously I am feeling bad that my fans won’t be able to see me again in ‘Madhubala…’ but I think it is good for the life of the show,” he added.

‘Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon’, which went on air in 2012, features Drashti Dhami in the titular role. Produced by Abhinav Shukla and Saurabh Tiwari, the show is reportedly set to take a leap forward, and post that, Drashti will return as the daughter of Madhubala and Rishabh Kundra, essayed by Vivian.

Vivian has said that he would not have been convincing enough in the role of a father and thus, he decided to leave the show.

“It is also true that my fans would not expect me to play a father to a 25-year-old (in ‘Madhubala’) as I am 25 myself in real life,” Vivian said. “So, I think I wouldn’t be convincing enough to play a father, which is why the mutual decision was taken between me, the producers and the channel,” he added.

Vivian, who came to limelight with the portrayal of a vampire in the TV show ‘Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani’, feels “R.K.’s character has got into my blood” and “it is very difficult to take it out of it and out of my body”. The actor has even thanked the makers of the show for providing him the opportunity and for believing that he could fit the bill to play an arrogant superstar in the show. “R.K. will always remain close to my heart because it has been one of the best characters for me and I always thank him (Abhinav Shukla) for this and the entire team of ‘Madhubala…’ and channel,” Vivian, who has been part of other TV shows like ‘Kasamh Se’ and ‘Agnipareeksha Jeevan Ki – Gangaa’, said. “These guys thought that I fit the bill despite that fact that people came and told them that Vivian Dsena is a wooden-faced actor, he would not suit the character and he would not be able to pull it off. But I think it was the fate and positivity in them that they believed in me and gave me a chance,” he added.

http://tellyexpress.com/2014/01/27/r-k-will-always-remain-close-to-my-heart-vivian-dsena/

Vivian Dsena's TOP 10 UNKNOWN FACTS


Madhubala : Who REPLACED RK aka Vivian Dsena?

Madhubala : #WeWantVivianBack TRENDS on Social Networking Sites in support of RK aka Vivian Dsena



Madhubala TV show lead actor RK's press conference

Puneet Sachdev to enter Madhubala as the negative lead

The storyline of Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon (Nautanki Telefilms) is all set to witness a lot of changes in the upcoming episodes.

In fact, a lot has been written about the new cast and the storyline. But the latest is that actor Puneet Sachdev, last seen in Mrs. Pammi Pyarelal, will now enter Madhubala as the negative lead.

Yes, Puneet will play budding actor Abhay Kapoor’s secretary.

Now who is Abhay Kapoor? It’s the character name of the new male lead who will enter the show post Vivian Dsena’s exit, the casting for which is still on.

Getting back to Puneet’s character, he will invite RK (Vivian) for budding actor Abhay’s party. But RK’s manager Bittu (Indresh Malik) will be getting married on the same day hence, RK will give a miss to the bash to attend the wedding. The act will not go down well with Abhay’s manager and animosity between RK and him will grow.

Furthermore, as reported in the media, Suwati Anand will essay the role of Bittu’s wife.

Puneet confirmed his entry but asked us to get back to him later for further details.

He will begin shooting today.

Sbs

Drashti Dhami's journey in Madhubaka ek ishq ek junoon

http://www.fuzionproductions.com/rk-madhu-reveal-secrets-madhubala-highlight-day/

http://www.fuzionproductions.com/madhubala-fans-rage-post-exit-vivian-dsena/

Gurmeet Choudhary & Drashti Dhami ROCKS in Madhubal full


Vivian Dsena EXCLUSIVE PART 2 INTERVIEW on QUITTING Madhubala

NEW NEGATIVE ENTRY in Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon 29th January 2014 FULL EPISODE


Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon : Puneet Sachdev to do a NEGATIVE ROLE in the show

Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon's RK aka Vivian Dsena to shoot for a commercial in Goa


Telly Express : Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Qubool Hai and more

"Yes, I will be the villain... the ultimate bad guy in Madhubala!" - Puneet Sachdev
Playing an out and out negative role of Nikhil Lamba is Puneet Sachdev as he comes in to destroy RK and his family in Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon!

With the leap now in place, there are new characters coming in one after the other in Nautanki Films popular show Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon on Colors.

The latest news is about Puneet Sachdev coming in the show. We also got to know as to how the story will be taken further from a very reliable source, "The story which is being planned is that RK's (Vivian Dsena) entire family will be wiped out in a major fire and only RK's mother played by Shama Deshpande and Drashti Dhami who will play RK's daughter will survive. While RK's mother will try hard to keep her away from the film industry but she will get attracted to the glitz and glamor and find her way to show business. RK's secretary Bittuji (Indresh Malik) too will be around to help the family tide over the crisis and will be the young aspirant's guide to filmdom."

"The fire will be carried out on the instructions of Puneet Sachdev who plays the upcoming producer Nikhil Lamba. This character has grown up the hard way and has struggled a lot to reach where he is today. He is shown to be a very young and ambitious guy who joins a film production firm as a business manager and impresses his boss so much that he ends up marrying his daughter. He is a survivor who is about to achieve his dream of becoming big in life when he feels that RK is going to spoil it all. Since he doesn't want anything to come between him and his success he decides to destroy RK completely. He is the person who will be behind the fire and ruining RK and Madhubala's life. Post the leap too Puneet will be around and will try to be a threat to RK - Madhubala's daughter."

We called Puneet who denied knowing anything about the upcoming story line but confirmed his entry and said, "Yes, I will be seen in Madhubala as the main negative lead in the show. I will be the villain... the ultimate bad guy."

Puneet has earlier done shows like Kasauti Zindagi ki, Bidaai and Bhabhi in which too he has played negative roles. He had earlier said that he was now interested in doing positive roles but the offer seemed to be tempting enough for him to accept, "I was hoping to do a positive role but then when they called me for this role and I cleared the look test too so I thought of it and decided to go ahead since it was an interesting role in an already popular show."

Way to go Puneet, all the best to you and the Madhubala team!

Seema Khot Mattoo

10 unknown interesting facts about Vivian Dsena

elevision heartthrob Vivian Dsena charmed millions of fans essaying the character of RK in Colors’ show Madhubala and now that he has decided to quit the serial, many of his fans are left shattered.

But here’s something that will make them smile. Yes, presenting some interesting lesser known facts about the good looking actor.

1. Vivian is born to a Hindu mother and a Christian father. Therefore he is of Indian and Portuguese descent.

2. Vivian was a national level football player and wanted to pursue football as his career.

3. Vivian loves eating rice mixed with curd.

4. Vivian’s favourite Bollywood actors are Rekha and Salman Khan.

5. As a B-Tech student, Vivian was all set to pursue his engineering exams. But he got a call from Gladrags and that changed his life.

6. The super charming actor loves to relax and meet his friends at Barista in Lokhandwala, Andheri.

7. Vivian’s favourite restaurants are Red Box and Ramee International, Mumbai.

8. Vivian uses perfumes which have the odour of musk.

9. According to Vivian, his mother and his wife (Vahbbiz Dorabjee) are his biggest critics and they help him improve as an actor

10. Vivian holds the character of RK in the show Madhubala very close to his heart .

RK to take a break from acting to help Madhu during her pregnancy period in COLORS TV' Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon - Colors





RK (Vivian Dsena) and Madhu’s (Drashti Dhami) life will yet again seem blissful with Madhu getting pregnant in Saurabh Tewari’s Madhubala -Ek Ishq Ek Junoon on Colors.

While RK and Madhu will be busy preparing for the big moment of Bittooji’s (Indresh Malik) wedding with Leelavati (Swati Anand), Madhu will feel dizzy and later faint. The doctor will be summoned, post which RK and Madhu will be excited on getting the good news.

As we have reported earlier, RK will get into a tussle with Nikhil Lamba, essayed by Puneet Sachdev, the secretary of the budding actor Abhay Kapoor during the wedding of Bittooji.

Just because RK would have cancelled taking part in the launch party of the actor, Nikhil will spread the news in the media about RK’s insecurity owing to the emergence of the young actor Abhay. RK will be annoyed on hearing this!! But he will take a shocking decision of taking a break from acting for nine months, as he wants to serve Madhu as a loyal husband during her pregnancy.

So what will RK do?

He will go to Abhay’s party and will announce his decision of taking a break from acting. He will throw an open challenge to Abhay that he has nine months to secure all the fan-following and popularity. And after nine months, RK will be back again to take his place of the ‘superstar’.

We hear that the viewers will see some great romantic moments between RK and Madhu, just as Madhu will go through her pregnancy phase.

We tried calling Vivian to know more on this, but he remained out of reach.

Watch this space for more updates.
http://www.tellychakkar.com/tv/tv-news/rk-take-break-acting-help-madhu-during-her-pregnancy-period-colors-madhubala-590

Vivian D’Sena: I shoot for 25 days and 12 hours a day – how am I throwing tantrums!

He made his debut on television a few years ago and now he is tagged the superstar of the small screen. And is dogged by controversy on his exit from Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon…

Vivian D’Sena may have an arrogant manner, but the dude is actually charming, humble and a darling in person. He laughs out loud at being called an ‘actor with a wooden face’ and ‘someone who has a lot of temper tantrums’. He explains his side of the story, the reason behind leaving Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, his equation with producer Abhinav Shukla, his interaction with Drashti Dhami and more…

When did you first know about the 20-year time leap in Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon?

I heard of this just about a week ago.

Is the time leap the only reason you decided to back out of the serial?

When we decided to take a leap in time, it was a mutual decision between the producers and me that we should end Rishab Kundra’s character here. It would be unconventional for the larger than life character of RK to age and stand in a corner doing nothing. So that is the reason we decided to end it and I bowed out.

We heard rumours that your temper tantrums were the prime reason that the producers decided to end your character. Any truth in that?

(Laughs out loud) Temper and me? The entire industry knows that Vivian D’Sena never gets angry. ‘Coz everyone knows that I never get angry, no matter what situation anyone puts me through. And if I do get angry, I just go extremely quiet. That’s the maximum I do. I have never shouted at anyone.

As for my tantrums – I heard from a certain section of the media that I used to take too many holidays and the makers had problems shooting sequences due to my non-availability. Let me clarify: My contract says that Vivian D’Sena has to shoot for 25 days and I think in the last six months I have been shooting for almost 26-27 days minimum. Tantrum is when someone works for 10 days and holidays for 20 days in a month. And in those few days he gives the production house only five hours a day. I work for almost 12 hours a day. And if I have to take holidays, I make up for it by working about 15 hours a day before that. That’s about 250 hours.

Didn’t the makers try convincing you to continue being a part of the show?

No, but they also had come to the decision that RK’s character had to end here. And this was with my consent. They agreed that they should not take RK’s character forward and make him play a father to a 25-year-old, when Vivian is just 25 himself.

How come Drashti Dhami is still continuing with the show?

The serial’s name is Madhubala, so she has to continue with it, no?

How did your wife Vahbbiz Dorabjee react?

She was shocked because it all happened very suddenly. I explained to her that it’s the decision of the makers and every actor must respect their decision.

So you have not signed a movie as yet?

Believe me, I am very empty handed right now. I have nothing in the pipeline. Of course, the day people got to know that my stint in Madhubala is over; I got several calls with offers of movies and new daily soaps. I am not denying that. However, it was just verbal, no confirmation of any of it. Unless there is something to tell, I will not spread rumours about it. That’s not the way I function. I do not like seeking attention or taking footage from cheap publicity.

What will you miss most of Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon?

I will miss my crew, my technicians, spots, the lighting team, cameraman, director, my lovely mother Shamaji and Bittuji.

We heard Bittuji was in tears when he heard that you were leaving…

See, Bittuji is very emotional about me ‘coz he is like my brother. I do not have a brother in real life. Actually, my parents decided to never make any mistakes after me. During my wedding, Indresh Malikji was the one who did everything from scratch.

Is there anyone else you cherished in the entire team?

Shamaji , who plays my mother in Madhubala, is a wonderful person. There is only one letter difference in her and my mother’s name. Shamaji is like my mother on the set; the equation we share is very unique. Her husband tells me that in spite of working in the industry for 30-35 years his wife has never been so friendly with anyone. She separately gets special food for me.

Given an opportunity, would you do another show with Nautanki Films?

Why not! We don’t have any bad blood between us. We are mutually going apart and that is only in a show. We are not exactly going away from each other’s life. Abhinav has been my best buddy. He has never been like a producer to me; he has always heard me out and listened to my point of view. Abhinav has been a very fair producer.

Over time has your equation with Drashti Dhami changed, evolved, become better or worse?

We are professionals and that’s our equation with each other.

What’s next on your agenda?

I am going on a roller coaster ride for the next whole month. First to Goa for some work, then I will be with my family for a long holiday. I will be spending time with my best cousin Monty, who actually helped me get into this field. He was the one who convinced my entire family to let me get into this profession. We don’t get to meet that often. I have called my entire family of 12-14 people to Goa.

How have your fans reacted to your decision?

I am feeling bad for them because they’ve been requesting me to come back. They’ve been trending on Twitter and my manager has been keeping a tab on it. I’ve told them that I will be back. I am an entertainer and it’s my passion, so there is a motivation to come back soon.

I had a tough time shooting with Vivian: Saurabh Tewari

Long working hours and working without any breaks - that's the price actors of daily soaps on Indian television pay for their fame. Vivian DSena's ouster from Madhubala...Ek Ishq Ek Junoon for taking too many offs reinforces the industry's working style. The tussle between actors and producers over leaves is an ongoing one, and while a few actors make sure that their contracts have the clause for a weekly off, others don't enjoy the privilege.

No provision for leaves, we are not a corporate "We have 5 days telecast per week, that means 22 episodes a month. That leaves actors with little scope to take weekly offs," says producer Yash Patnaik, who is presently producing shows like Junoon and Veer Ki Ardaas Veera. He adds, "Most shows today are dependent only on the leads and eventually, the main lead is required to work everyday in a month. The audience has become quite clever and doesn't accept tracks without main leads in the frame. So, even though there is a provision of one weekly off for the actors, the leads can't afford to take them because of the busy schedule."
Agreeing that weekly offs being impossible for the leads, producer Manish R Goswami says, "A lead actor in a TV show today is required to work 30 days. It is impossible to work without a lead in the frame. It's been happening for more than a decade now, but of late, actors have started asking for weekly offs. We are not corporate houses that we will give leaves as and when required. Working in a daily soap is a maddening affair. Here storylines change on a daily basis, according to TRPs."

Chutti loge, toh chutti ho jayegi! So, if the demands of the job are clear from the word go, why do actors insist on taking offs? "Actors don't demand weekly offs initially, their only focus is on the serial. But when they become 'stars', and the show is a hit, they start throwing tantrums, without realizing that they are dispensable to the show," says Saurabh Tewari, producer of Madhubala...., explaining why he had to fire Vivian from the job, "I had a tough time shooting with Vivian as he used to go on 6 days' leave in month, and that too at a stretch. A TV actor can't do that. Even the parallel story lines that I created failed!"


Producers agree that newcomers are willing to go the extra mile to make their mark in the industry. "In the beginning, every newcomer wants to work day and night to earn name, fame and money. But as soon as the show becomes a hit, their attitude changes and the tantrums come. It happens with most of the leads these days," avers Yash.

Solution A: Live on the sets But what of contracts that clearly say the actor will get one day off every week? "Whatever is there in the contract doesn't translate into reality," says Sana Sheikh, who is playing the lead in Gustakh Dil, "There are no leaves for the protagonists of a show." Sana adds, "I have done character roles in shows like Pratigya and Sasural Simar Ka, where there was no problem of leaves as I was not required in every storyline. But when I was offered the lead role, I prepared myself to work without leaves. I mean I take naps on the sets, if I am unwell, the doctor is called on the sets, if I am too tired, I am allowed to shoot for lesser scenes and take help of body doubles, but I have to come everyday. And I am okay with that. This is the price I am paying for the name and fame that I get from the serial."

Actors like Sana have created a room for themselves on the sets. "I have a room for myself on the sets, I call my friends and relatives to meet me in between the shots. I sleep in that room whenever I have time. I will continue to do that till I become as famous as Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar, where I only work 15 days a month," she says.

Solution B: Work with a definite story list Apart from the A-listers on TV, like Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar, there are a handful of actors who enjoy the luxury of weekly offs. Like Iqbal Khan from Tumhari Pakhi. "Though our show is a daily soap, it has a definite story with an ending. And we work hard to create a bank of episodes. So, taking leaves is not a problem for any of the actors on the sets, even though there are no parallel tracks in the serial and the leads are required in every screenplay," he explains.

I have never taken excessive leaves: Vivian Dsena
About his alleged tantrums, Vivian D'Sena says, "Some people like me so much that they wanted me to sit at home and not play RK and hence, the rumours of me throwing tantrums. Had that been so, I wouldn't have been shooting 12 hours a day, 26 days a month. Someone snooty will shoot five hours and will give only 10 days to the show. I have never taken excessive leaves as I realise the show revolves around RK and Madhubala. I don't like people being intrusive as one has to respect my personal space. People have gone to the extent of creating my fake IDs on social networking sites and leaking confidential information from the shoot."

Inputs from Neha Maheshwri Bhagat