Small screen's big star

Must say Archana Pooran Singh, who was deprived of stardom on the big screen has made it real big on the small screen. Her's is the most happening career today. Recently, her outrageously funny and satirical programme, Uncensored, on film folks started on Sony. Now Jaane Bhi Do Paro, directed by Archana is scheduled to go on air on DD Metro on July 13 at 9 pm. Produced by Prem Kishen and Sunil Mehta of Cinevista Communications this sitcom stars Archana, Rakesh Bedi, Nina Gupta, Shashi Kiran, Rajesh Puri and Rohini Hattangadi.

Wrong connection

Reportedly, sometime back, pop singer Parvati Khan had called on none other than our PM, Atal Bihari Bajpayee. She told him how she had been yearning to meet him in person all these years. She also told him how she loved to render patriotic numbers. And then requested him to allow her to record one of his poem from his collection, Meri Ekkyavan Kavitaein (My 51 poems). The ‘bachelor boy’ was absolutely scandalised by this over made up, sexy siren who spoke in English-Hindi mix in her sugary voice. Anyway, one doesn’t know whether this dusky beauty with husky voice did get the permission or not, our Hindi-pundit was overheard asking, “This behanji, what number was she talking about?” Obviously it was a wrong number!

Sony's all new avtaar

It seems Sony is all set to revolutionise their programming and marketing strategy to win over the tele-viewers in a real big way. Thrice a week at 2 pm, Shah Rukh Khan-starrers are going to be telecast. Dil Dariya, directed by Lekh Tandon would be premiered on June 30, followed by Dosra Kewal on July 2 and Circus directed jointly by Aziz Mirza and Kundan Shah on July 3. Too tough a competition for the other programmes in that slot on other channels. Must say Sony has pulled the coupe with one single strike.
Talking of coups, Sony has also bagged a dozen superhits for telecast on its channel. These include Hum Aapke Hain Kan (Diwali attraction), Rangeela (Dussera choice) and Judaai, 1942-A Love Story, Beta, Ghayal, Mohra, Betaab, Barsaat, Pakeezah, Mughal-e-Azam and Mother India to roll out August onwards. Incidentally, in the past, Sony had the honour of telecasting biggies like Sholay, Deewar, Trishul, Don, Vidhaata, Maine Pyar Kiya, Parinda, Krantiveer and Gandhi.

Sister of all Kannada heroes shines
Why couldn’t you make it big on the silver screen?
The reason is obvious. I never agreed to exposure. Also I never had a god father. The demand of producers have changed over a period of time. There were very talented actresses in Kannada like Kalpana, Manjula in the past and now exceptionally talented actresses like Shruthi, Sudharani who have proved that you can make it without exposing. However, these are rare cases.

Are you not for glamour roles also?
I like glamour roles but not with pin-up dresses.

Would you like to tell us about your family background?
My father is working for Hindustan Machine Tools. He is a sportsman also. My younger sister Sindhu is studying law. I did my BSc from Seshadripuram college and made my debut as a sister of Raghavendra Rajkumar in the film Barjari Gandu.

Do you feel perturbed since you could not click as a heroine?
That is only a corner of my mind. I was offered a heroine’s in the film Sindhu which was released recently. Now, I am fed up with sister roles.

What roles are you aspiring for...
A meaty role that remains in the minds of audience. I prefer it to be other than sister in small and big screen.

Can you name a few films that wee liked by you?
Blockbuster Om, Bala Nanmaga, Putmalli, geluvina Saradara, Shivaleele and, of course, my role in Sindhu.

What about television serials?
I was introduced by Lingadevaru. Swayamvadhu, jeevana Chakra, nakshatra Meenu, Mahan Mareguligalu, Uyyale, Dwithiya, Gorur Kathaloka are some of my highly appreciated serials. In all I have completed 300 episodes.

Who is your inspiration?
Hindi film actress Sridevi. In Kannada I like films of Jayanthi, Shruthi and Malashree.

Apart from acting what is your next interest?
I have done a diploma in fashion technology. I love designing dresses.

What keeps you going?
Primarily for art’s sake. Money is not that big here. I love the recognition I get from the public. This is what keeps me going.