The lid is slowly coming off the Sagar Arts show Saudagar (NDTV Imagine) which is now supposedly rechristened as Janam Daata. In what could be termed as a pleasant surprise,
Janam Daata will primarily feature experienced actors in pivotal roles. After Ram Kapoor, the producers have roped in seasoned actors Supriya Pilgaonkar and Benjamin Gilani. In addition established names like Vivaan Bhatena and Damini Anand are also part of the show. Mrinal Kulkarni, another seasoned artiste was approached but she couldn’t take up the offer.
Spilling some more beans, a source says, “The producers and the channel are leaving no stone unturned in making this a grand affair. Vivaan Bhatena has been picked to play the role of the Punjabi guy.
Rookie actor Nisha is playing his wife. Supriya Pilgaonkar and Benjamin Gilani play parental roles. Damini Anand is playing the Gujarati bahu.
Adding further, the source says, “This is perhaps for the first time that the support cast has been finalised before the lead. The shoot will commence from the second week of July. The show will probably launch in August after the completion of
Rakhi Ka Swayamvar.”
When contacted, Supriya Pilgaonkar said, “Yes, I have been offered to play a Maharastrian character. Though, I’m keen on doing the show, things haven’t been finalised as yet.”
Meanwhile, Mrinal Kulkarni had this to say, “Yes, I was offered a role but I had to turn it down for want of dates. I’m busy shooting for two dailies (
Raja ki aayegi baraat and
Chhatrapati Shivaji) thus I have no dates left to do another show.
Vivaan Bhatena refused to comment. We sent text messages to Benjamin Gilani and Damini but both didn’t reply.
06-23-2009, 02:37 PM
Benjamin, Supriya, Vivaan in Janam Daata
