Flying International, First Class!

Castle, NCIS, Burn Notice, Criminal Minds, Bones, CSI, Law & Order, How I met your mother, recent additions Terra Nova, Necessary Roughness, Melissa & Joey, and many many more – the list of International shows is long, with a variety and depth that promises to appease one and all. These international shows are currently showing on a television near you. Switch it on, any time of the day or night and you will most assuredly be sinking into your couch, clutching your remote and wallowing in one or more of these shows. I will bet my hard-earned money you will be returning for more, religiously, every single day, for a date with your favorite shows. I am also willing to bet that most of you reading this already have your list of favorites. 

I have too. My journey through International shows, like many of you, began quite early. I have been hooked onto international shows for as long as I can remember. I welcomed the advent of television into my home in the late ‘80s and discovered it through shows like 'The Bold and the Beautiful' and 'Santa Barbara' in the early 90’s. Don’t blame me!  Options were almost non-existent then :-) The Australian show, Neighbours caught my attention too and since then there has been no looking back. 

Who can forget the crackling swordplay of romantic tension between the leads in shows like ‘Moonlighting’ and ‘Remington Steele’ or for that matter, the spooky yet mystifying ‘X Files’? While ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, ‘Home Improvement’, ‘My Family’ and ‘Ally McBeal’ tickled our funny bones and acted as stress busters in our otherwise taxing lives, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, and ‘Angel’ kept us glued to the television sets to experience the world of vampires, demons, and angels.

Reality shows like ‘American Idol’ and ‘So you think you can dance’ introduced me to a culture other than my own and opened up a whole new world right there in my living room. ‘Friends’ enthralled me for ten mesmerizing seasons and even today, it’s re-runs on various channels still holds me captive and that is by no means a small feat!

When I look back, the nostalgia associated with all the shows that have been part of my growing up years is extremely overwhelming. I had connected with each of these shows at different levels; they were instrumental in shaping my outlook towards life. I am still growing up by the way and I still get a lot more than a few laughs, sighs, and some tears from the shows I watch now. 

When the world is fitting in to your computer, it does not come as a surprise that there are those deeply in love and impatient for the next dose of their favourite shows who catch it online. Computer screens become their television and the mouse a remote. There is an exhaustive list of international shows that have been and are still running on our television sets. There is also a world of phenomenal shows that unfortunately have not made it to our Indian screens and we at Rangmunch will endeavour to present them to you so you don’t miss out on Quality television viewing experience.

We need more than one article to reminisce about those gone by and rejoice those we are currently watching. 

I will be here to do just that – to rewind, pause, and play, to create a platform never seen before, a rangmunch, where we can exchange our views, discuss current tracks, drool over a Nathan Fillion or a Gabrielle Anwar to our hearts content, even have a healthy fight as to our likes and dislikes about a show. I’m pretty much throwing open the floor for my fellow international show-enthusiasts. 

Here in Rangmunch, what you want is what you get! 

The content above is solely my view and anyone willing to discuss, analyze, criticize, refute, disagree, or even crucify me over this, are more than welcome to do so by leaving a comment below. Lekin zara pyaar se! :-) After all, if you have taken time out to read this, we ARE on the same side – a side that loves watching shows that transcend invisible borders. Therefore, my dear friends drop in a line and set the ball rolling.....

Your new best friend

Neeraja Unni

Rangmunch.TV

When Marriage becomes your full time ambition: Dia aur Baati Hum

A cruel twist of fate, snatched her parents away from Sandhya and to make matters worse, her brother got her married off to Suraj who is not educated in Dia aur Baati Hum on StarPlus. Sandhya finds herself in a household where everything is not only new  and different, but totally unlike what she had expected. Fortunately for her, the feelers we get from this story, show signs of Suraj perhaps understanding what she wants to do with her life. Sandhya wants to be an IPS(Indian Police Service) officer and her dreams have now been cut short.

She has now landed herself in a scenario where she is at the mercy of a man, and his family that would not allow her to follow her dreams. Sandhya is perhaps lucky that Suraj has only shown signs of understanding and cooperation so far. But is this going to continue forever? Would Suraj who has always dreamt of having a simple sweet married life, be able to accommodate Sandhya's ambitions or even understand them? We know how close Suraj is to his mother who means the world to him. Will she take a decision in Sandhya's favor? From whatever we have already seen, we know she Bhabo, doesnt expect the daughter-in-law of the household to step out of their home. 

Will Sandhya's dream be cut short? Is this the story of many women today, who want to do something with their life, but fail to due to the various odds around them? Told through the POV of a rural set, with a strong message as the backbone, don't women in the city today relate to Sandhya? 

Rangmunch.TV would like to know. Do share your views on the same. We all know Sandhya should tell her husband what she feels, but what is that way, that would keep all parties involved happy.

Niharika Vidya Sagar

Rangmunch.TV

I, Me, Myself! - Harshad Chopra

We are back again this week, with our I, Me, Myself! A segment where your favourite actors look into their psyche and answer some questions that they haven't perhaps asked themselves as well in a while !!! The star we have picked this time is Harshad Chopra, your Mohan Gala from Dharampatni on Imagine TV, who answered the questions spontaneously as he felt that's when he gives in his best ! Over to Harshad... 

1. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: What is that you need to change about yourself?

   
   

   Harshad: I think I am very hard on myself. I follow a very strict discipline 

   when it comes to me and myself. May be if there is one thing that I need to 

   change it could be that.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: Do you crib and complain?

   
   

   Harshad: No, I don’t complain much.

   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you take risks?

   
   
   Harshad: What seems like a risk to others has fortunately not been a risk in

   my case. Risks have always worked in my favour. So I don’t know, if it 

   counts as taking risks since, when you want to do something badly following 

   the path you want and doing it becomes easier.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: Do you thank people enough?

   
   

   Harshad: Yes, I do.
   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: What is the craziest thing you want to do?

   
   

   Harshad: I can’t tell you what is the craziest thing I want to do, but I can 

   tell you what's the craziest thing I have done so far, (continues after a 

   slight pause and says) I stole something and the person is still unaware.
   
   

   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Who has had the greatest impact on your life?

   
   

   Harshad: Somewhere at the back of my mind I always knew I wanted to 

   be an actor. And a lot of people have impacted me, but if I can think of one 

   name it would be Salman Khan. I look upto him as my Mentor.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: Do you procrastinate (postpone things for the future)?

   
   

   Harshad: Well more than often (laughs). Infact there was a time when due 

   to the work timings, my bill payments use to keep getting delayed, be it my 

   mobile bill, the internet bill but thanks to technology and online bill 

   payments which has made life so much more simpler and easy for people 

   like us. 

   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you let other people’s negativity effect you?

   
   

   Harshad: No, instead I have heard most people say, that I end up lifting 

   their moods up and turning them into positive souls (laughs).
   
   

   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you smile more than you frown?

   
   

   Harshad: Well as you can see for yourself, I do smile more than I frown.

   (smiles wide)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you take time out for yourself?

   
   

   Harshad: To be honest I am a workaholic and when I am not shooting I like 

   to stay home. I am not a party animal and hence you will not see me 

   attending too many parties. After my pack up, I go back home and spend the 

   remaining hours with myself. I love working out and I owe that time to 

   myself. 

   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you forgive yourself easily?

   
   
   Harshad: No, I am very hard on myself and self-discipline is most important 

   to me.

   
   
   
   
   Rangmunch.TV: Do you listen to your heart?

   
   

   Harshad: Since more than often I am unable to know the difference between 

   what my heart says and what my head does, I don’t know how to answer 

   this question best.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: Do you read enough?

   
   

   Harshad: (laughs and says) I only read my scripts.

   
   

   
   

   Rangmunch.TV: One thing you are grateful for in life.

   
   

   Harshad: Everything!! I am grateful for everything that life has bestowed 

   upon me.

   
   

   
   

   Do you feel you know Harshad better after this read ? Do let us know what 

   you thought about this particular interview!

   
   

   
   

   Interviewed and Edited by,

   
   

   Niharika Vidya Sagar &

   Swati Ghosh

   Rangmunch.TV

Its Kabaddi Kabaddi time on D3

Channel V's Dil Dosti Dance is a show about dancers , but it tells the story of people from different walks of life studying under one roof. In the latest track, the students of St.Louis college have been challenged by their new mentor Karan Mallik (Karan Singh Grover), to a kabaddi match. He has split the teams into two, much to their dislike with pairings that have not been well accepted. While it would be interesting to see the teams plan out their strategy and try to out do one another, it would be interesting to see how this match changes things for the students.

As we already know, Karan has stepped into the college to mend the ways of the students and has realized there is loads of hidden unrest and hostility between the members. Karan was even seen giving the boys tips to win over the girls and get close to them in the process. On the other hand, Sharon refuses to accept Bharat as a  part of their team stating he is low class and a mechanic.

It is pretty evident why Karan, has picked a game like Kabaddi. He feels this game would help everyone come close and work as a team and perhaps work towards a common goal of winning the match. With loads of thrill, romance and anticipation in store, this match is certainly one to look forward to. 

Will Kria and Rey come closer during the match? Will Sharon be able to accept Bharat in the same team and become a little more understanding towards him? Will Karan sir, succeed in achieving what he plans to to? The man will decide answer many such questions! Like they say, may the best man win !

Niharika Vidya Sagar

Rangmunch.TV

Does opposites attract apply to Arnav and Khushi?

Arnav and Khushi are stranded in a jungle, and Khushi's clothes have been stolen. Khushi's love for food, has brought them both to a dhaba, where people mistake the two for an eloped couple looking at Khushi's bridal attire.

While Khushi's concern for Arnav is palpable when she says she will not let him go, Arnav moves away on realising someone is showing so much care towards him. He breaks into a slight smile before he turns all stern and tells her she should go back , while he goes his way. The precap suggests Khushi would surely pull one of her mad stunts in stopping him and making everyone believe they are indeed man and wife.

Will the solitude, the circumstances and the current situation be instrumental in bringing them together? Why else would Khushi's plan back fire? Why else would ASR allow her to get away with her goofiness and tolerate her? Has destiny begun to play its games?

Needless to say, the two are so diametrically opposite, one would wonder, could love ever be possible between the two. The slight hit and miss moments between them however speak another story. Though the words they utter say a thing, their hearts speak another language. So is this language love? Do opposites really attract?

What do you think future holds for Arnav and Khushi? Do share your thoughts on the same with Rangmunch.TV!!

Niharika Vidya Sagar

Rangmunch.TV

Happy Birthday Saas Bahu aur Saazish!

This was at a time, when the TV buff in me loved everything about shows, the actors and ring tones of shows title tracks, and couldn't get enough of them. I would often look for a place where I could know things about people and shows I love. It was at a time like this, that I got hooked onto a show called Saas Bahu aur Saazish. 

They would bring us snippets and interviews of people working behind the scenes, mostly actors! Since there was not much written about actors back then either online or in regular papers, I would religiously turn to Saas Bahu aur Saazish each afternoon. With every year they never stopped entertaining us with their raw behind the scene stories of actors and other people behind the camera. It was on SBS where I first learnt that Ashwani Yardi heads Colors. When I saw her interview, something in my heart said, I wish I could be like her, think like her! It was SBS that told me when my favorite actors celebrated their birthdays. When my favorite show ended, Saas Bahu Saazish left no stone unturned to make me cry since they reflected every single emotion I was feeling from with in!!

Today we at Rangmunch, also are trying to bring another face of the TV land, but the seed some where was sown by SBS years ago! Thank You SBS for the attempt and succeeding in it. 

As you celebrate your 7th Birthday today, we only wish there are many more in the years to come ! We always thank you for everything you bring to the audience! Hope we get to see many more facets of yours going forward.

Niharika Vidya Sagar

Rangmunch.TV

Indrani as Devyani in Maryada..Lekin Kab Tak!!!

Devyani, A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE, is one of the main reasons people watch and relate to Maryada-Lekin Kab Tak. Indrani Haldar has been  beautifully portraying the role of Devyani and today we talk to her about her character in Maryada.

Rangmunch.TV: Devyani as a character has many layers. She is an ideal wife, an ideal Bahu, an ideal sister and above all an ideal mother. However in trying to protect Gaurav from any kind of  humiliation and embarrassment, she gets him married to Vidya. What is Devyani’s justification in doing so and ruining Vidya’s life?

Indrani: As you rightly mentioned, Devyani is a protective mother who is always concerned about her children’s well-being and will go to any extent to ensure that. That is exactly why she got Gaurav married to Vidya. She thought if a girl were to come into her son’s life, he would eventually get attracted to her and change his ways. She wanted to see Gaurav act and react like any other normal guy. She also helped and mentored Vidya to be a perfect wife. However all her efforts turned futile as Gaurav refused to accept Vidya as his wife.

At the moment, Devyani is definitely feeling guilty and miserable for ruining Vidya’s life and putting her through so much pain and trauma. Devyani  understands what she has done is wrong and wants to rectify her mistakes and promises Vidya that from here on she will not be forced to do anything against her will. Devyani is trying to heal Vidya’s bruised soul.

Rangmunch.TV: In the current track we are witnessing  Uttara slowly making her way between Devyani and Bharmanand. What plays in Devyani’s mind everytime she sees Uttara and her husband, Brahmanand Jhakar together and how would she like to address this issue?

Indrani: Yes , Uttara is turning into a Souten(the other woman) as a result of which Devyani even passes a remark saying “Souten banne ki koshish mat karo, behen ho, behen ban kar raho.”( don't try to become the other woman in my life, you are my sister, stay that way). But at the same time, Devyani loves Uttara immensely and holds a soft corner for her since Uttara has faced a lot of hardships in her marriage with Rishabh whom she eventually killed to save herself from physical assault.

Devyani cannot show the door to Uttara because in that case she would be out of her sight and Brahmanand will have the liberty to fulfill all his desires and fantasies unhindered. So at the moment Devyani is trying to make Uttara realize  what she is doing is wrong . Devyani also knows what  Brahmanand is capable of and how he has been exploiting her sister, but whats more frustrating is that Uttara can’t see through it and is falling prey to his wrong intentions.

In the recent episodes, Devyani is shown playing mind games with both Uttara and Brahmanand. She has no other choice but to hurt Uttara in order to let her know what she is doing is wrong and that she is falling into this dark dingy tunnel which has no light at the end. However, in doing so Devyani is not happy since she is hurting and humiliating Uttara in the process. But she cannot let her husband ruin the life of her dear sister, so Devyani will go to any extent to protect Uttara even if it means painting herself completely black.

Rangmunch.TV: Devyani believes that silence is not a sign of weakness but it is a sign of strength. As Indrani do you believe in the same theory?

Indrani: Well, I do believe that sometimes one should stay silent .Not all the time, but yes there are times when silence becomes the need of the hour. If I’m hurt over something, I would keep silent. My silence more than often indicates pain.

Rangmunch.TV: How much of Devyani, has Indrani absorbed over the days?

Indrani: Not much!! (says smiling). Unlike Devyani, I’m independent, extremely confident and very ambitious too. I have been working since the age of 14 and this is is my 25^th year in acting. I have never taken any help from my parents and the success that I enjoy today is the reward of my sheer hard work. I am also very vocal about the way I feel about things that happen around me and do speak up when there is a dire need to be heard. Also my husband Mr. Bhaskar who works for Air India, is my greatest pillar of strength. He immensely respects me and my work. Without his support and encouragement I could not have continued with my career.

The only similarity that I share with Devyani is the love we share for our family, our urge to be together and to share a closely knitted bond. The way Devyani has amazing tolerance power, same is the case with me. I don’t take decisions in a haste and try to be patient when faced with a problem.

Interviewed by:

Swati Ghosh &

Niharika Vidya Sagar

Edited by:

Navyanka Varma