Congress parliamentarian Sanjay Nirupam’s derogatory remark on actress-activist-politician Smriti Irani calling her a ‘Thumke wali’ a few days ago has triggered off a public uproar. Smriti has undertaken serious legal action against the offensive remark. She spoke to <em>Tellychakkar.com</em> about the lack of respect for women in society and in parliament. <strong>Don’t you think there is a basic lack of respect for women in our society? </strong>

<a href=http://www.tellychakkar.com/news/drama-queen-apara-mehta-be-limelight-again-sajan-re>Apara Mehta</a> is a name that is familiar in every household. The actor has been in the industry since the days when television actors went into a metamorphosis from being simple and sober to glam idols. The face of many shows, her latest project is <em><a href=http://www.tellychakkar.com/snippets/its-one-big-happy-family-hamari-saas-leela>Hamari Saas Leela</a></em> on Colors. In a tete-a-tete with Tellychakkar, Apara spoke about her show, her career and <em>saas bahu</em> camaraderie.

From a successful creative head for shows like Kitani Mohabbat Hai and Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil, Vikas Goopta has now shifted his focus to acting. TellyChakkar caught up Vikas who makes his debut with <a href=http://www.tellychakkar.com/news/fanaa-sees-lots-changes>Ekta Kapoor</a>’s new show on Star One. <strong>Tell us about your early days</strong>

Hritu had her first brush with stardom when she shot the Pepsi ad with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. Though she launched herself as a model she continued to study as she firmly believes that education is a must. With a degree tucked in her belt and probably stored for a rainy day Hritu signed on her first serial, Star Plus’ Chehra. A unique concept, the show is a good launch pad for a newbie. And as she awaits viewer reaction to her debut show Hritu got chatting with Tellychakkar on her journey from a commoner to a star. <strong> How did you bag the role?</strong>

He is undoubtedly the most popular son on Indian television today. Be it the immortal Pratham in Kutumb or the evergreen Karan in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Hiten Tejwani has always been able to win sympathies and accolades from the audience for his performance. Armed with fantastic communication and interpersonal skills, he has given little chance to his friends and foes to complain, both on the personal and professional front.

TV pundits had written his obituary but Amarr Upadhyay, the original Mihir of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, is no mood to rest in peace. “I’m Amarr (immortal) there’s no way that I can perish,” chides the actor. There’s a new found vigour in his voice and the actor is oozing confidence. With a slew of films in his pocket, Amarr has every reason to rejoice. The actor will soon be matching shoulders with the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham and Boman Irani. His admirers will get to see him briefly on television too in Zee TV’s upcoming show Maa.

Gautami Gadgil made one of the most high profile entry in a TV serial. After having to match up to a power packed performance of her predecessor, Smriti Irani, Gautami had a mammoth task ahead of her. She picked up the gauntlet and did deliver. Though she failed to achieve the popularity that Smriti enjoyed what goes in her favour is that Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi still remains the most viewed TV soap of our times. We met with the actress during a crucial shooting of the crossover episode. In between takes Gautami spoke from the heart on all things important.

It was just a few months ago when Manoje Biddvai was unceremoniously replaced in Balaji's Kyunki Saas bhi Kabhi bahu thi by Vikas Sethi. But now the actor is bouncing back. He's currently been seen as the ambitious business baron Nikhil Mittal in Star's Meri Awaaz Ko Mil Gayi Roshni along with a film titled Rivaaz. Here he speaks about his life and career in a casual chat with Prashant Golecha. Excerpts. <strong> First and foremost do you miss being a part of Kyunki?</strong>

Manav Vij is better known as Joydeep in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu thi. A homeopath by profession, an actor chosen by destiny, we find Manav quite a bundle of surprises. Currently his character has been made to look like a nerdish Jassi counterpart. But as the buzz goes, Joydeep might soon go in for a makeover. Kavita Dadhe gets Manav talking about his own character Joydeep, on the way Kyunki is shaping up and above all about his passion for acting. <strong> Is the subdued and nerdish Joydeep going in for a makeover?</strong>

With each passing weekday, the arched browed and acerbic tongued Bhoomi of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi clan is enjoying more and more popularity. And basking in it's glory is TV actor Resshmi Ghosh. Prashant Golecha meets up with this ex-Miss India who made a noteworthy place for herself in this already cluttered industry of talented young blood. "Eight months back Ekta told me, 'there's no character like Bhoomi on TV'" <strong> Of all the tyros in television, you have quite some experience in the craft of acting?</strong>