Star Plus TV Show - Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2 Latest Updates, New Star Cast, New Story

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'The trick lies in telling the same story differently' - Gautam Hegde


Gautam Hegde, the writer of many popular shows in a conversation with TellyBuzz..


Gautam Hegde is a writer has penned shows like Santaan, Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat, Miley Jab Hum Tum and Love Ne Milla Di Jodi. Today he is part of the writing team of Star Plus' #1 show, Saathiya Saath Nibhana.

In an exclusive conversation with TellyBuzz, Gautam talks of his eventful journey as a writer, on the progressive changes in television today, his future plans and much more..

Take us thro' your journey as a writer in the Indian Television industry.
I always desired to work for TV and I planned my post graduation studies that way. After a mass comm. course, I joined ZEE. I was with ZEE for three years. After that, I wanted to do something new. I was not sure of turning a writer but my ex-boss Vivek Bahl knew I had it in me to write. He offered me to write Santaan and that's how my journey began. From Santaan, I moved on to write Raja Ki Ayegi Baarat and then Miley Jab Hum Tum, Love Ne Milla Di Jodi...

Will you agree to the point that your forte seems to be developing youth based shows? Explain.
I disagree since apart from Miley Jab Hum Tum and Love Ne Milla Di Jodi, I have also written Santaan, Raja Ki Alayegi Baraat and Saathiya also. I have a saas and a bahu as much as I have a teenybopper hero and a dreamy heroine in me (Smiles).

What according to you are the pros and cons of being a writer?
It gives you a high that a thought you have penned down actually comes to life on air. The thought of developing a character, seeing it grow, seeing it become popular is a high. It's like when you all go gaga about the characters of say a Miley Jab, a writer feels proud because he has contributed to it. Like a parent cheering his kid on the annual day, 'wo wali feeling aati hai'. I haven't faced any cons so far.

Which is the one show you loved to write? Why?
All shows have helped me grow but I would say Santaan, because of two reasons. It was my first show and it was a show any child and parent could relate to. Kartik, played by Sudeep Sahir was a lot like me and how I am with my parents. I come from a middle class family myself and I've seen my parents struggle to see me happy. So there used to be times when I would get emotional writing a scene.

As a writer will you aim to get recognized for the TRP your show is getting, or will you choose to get critical acclaim?
I aim to do honest and hard work with good teams. The success of a show depends on team work and not an individual.

After writing shows like MJHT and LNMJ, you are presently writing for Saathiya Saath Nibhana which is a typical saas bahu drama. How did you make this transition?
Saathiya is not a typical saas bahu drama. For starters, I think it is gutsy for a channel that had a saas bahu show as its flagship show once to reinvent the formula and again make another hit show. As for my transition, like I said, I started writing with a drama (Santaan) and a fairy tale romance (Raja ki Ayegi) and then I did youth shows for sometime. I was itching to do a drama again and gladly SNS happened.

What were the changes you had to make in your writing style to suit the saas bahu genre?
Like I said, it was about doing a show with a saas and a bahu, but with a difference. What makes it different is that the drama has an element of fun attached, and I and my co-writer Jyoti Tandon keep it alive on the screenplay level. Even the scheming doesn't really involve something you wouldn't be able to relate to. Pressure cooker phatega ki nahi, ghee aur tel ki chori kaise pakdi jayegi- it has drama, but an essence of fun and thrill to it.

Saathiya is raking very high TRPs and also is the #1 show. Did you expect this huge success and popularity?
Honestly, I didn't expect it to be SO big. It's the team effort- the channel, the production house, the creative team and the synchronization within. I think once a show shows potential of being a hit, the team gets positively motivated. With the show, at every stage, it goes one notch up. When I see the telecast myself I am astonished- its like- is it the same scene that we wrote? It's awesome!

Which part of the country do you think gets you the maximum viewership for Saathiya?
That's best answered by the channel as they get detailed reports.

Many in the industry feel there is no novelty in Saathiya, and are today amazed that the show can get so big. How do you silence such people?
Hahaha! You make me sound like I'm a bureaucrat to silence them. See, a show needs to have a novelty factor. If its not there and if it's just the same, then the audience wont lap it up. Take Pavitra Rishta, Geet Hui Sabse Parayi, Baat Hamari Pakki Hai, Uttaran. Somewhere, all are about love stories with elements of drama, but its how differently they are told that makes them the top show on the channel. At the end of the day, the trick lies in telling the same story differently.

There was a time when makers would only want their show to be slotted at the prime time. This trend has changed today, and your show Saathiya is leading the early evening slots. What do you think of this change in trend? What is the reason for this change?
The audience wants entertainment, when they are with the family. With pre-prime time, we want to entertain them during their evening tea time sessions as they are chopping vegetables for dinner time. I think it's a welcome trend. The channel makes numbers, the industry gets employed, and viewer gets entertained. Good for all, isn't it?

You have been associated with Rashmi Sharma's shows from the days of Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat? How is it working with her?
Rashmi and I go a long way back when we worked on Piya ka Ghar when she was a Creative Head and I was in the channel. So, it's been around 5 years now. She is very passionate about her work and has a go-getter attitude. At a recent party thrown for the success of the show, she told me that I shouldn't feel like a guest, but more like a host. That was sweet.

Your next big association is with Shakuntalam Telefilms where you have written shows like Santaan, Love Ne Milla Di Jodi. How is it to work with them?
Shakuntalam is like my home. Aptly I did a show called Santaan. They are such nice people to work with that I don't even ask what the show is about. I know I have to work with them. Shyam ji and Neelima are genuinely nice people and it's not just me, anyone who has worked with them once, wants to work again. With an upcoming show, I would be completing a hat trick with them and it feels great.

What are your future plans? What are you working on?
A show for Star Plus with Shakuntalam Telefilms, and Saathiya is what I have on my platter right now. Miley Jab has just gotten over so I'm in talks for some new shows.
Your journey as writer of MJHT is over. But the fans want more of the show.

What is your take on it? Do you think a Season 3 is a possibility?
Miley Jab has been a very successful milestone for me. It was a well received show with a superb team of cast and crew. All good things come to an end. Now, if there is a season 3, its only up to the channel and producers to take a call.

What is the different kind of genre that you would want to experiment in future?
I would like to write an urban comedy.

Television today is different from what it was few years back. What are the changes you see as a writer?
It keeps evolving and reinventing. What is interesting is that the top shows today are different from each other and are yet successful. There is a Sasural Genda Phool which is just as popular as a Pratigya. For an Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, there is a Ye Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and both become hits. You never know what can click with the audience.

Which is your favorite show on TV today and why?
These days I'm glued to Star World afternoons. How I met your mother, Friends, Modern family back to back. I am looking forward to Jhalak Dikhlaja. I am a big Madhuri Dixit fan.

How is Gautam Hegde as a person?
I feel like it's a slam book now! Hahaha! I am a God loving middle class boy who feels nothing can beat the pav bhaji that his mother makes. I love my friends and I like to entertain and being entertained.

Is there anyone who inspires you to write different? Where do you get your inspiration from?
Observing people. There is so much drama around you. You attend one wedding and you come back home with so many ideas! I like overhearing conversations at public places, social functions, coffee houses. Whoever calls it bad manners can take a long walk! (laughs)

Do you think the TRP system needs a bit of change, now that we have got into the internet age?
Interesting question!. But lets face it, those who can access and surf internet are not a majority of TV viewing junta. We are still a country where people have one TV homes and probably no computer, forget alone internet.

As a writer, have you experienced a rough phase in your career? How did you overcome it?
Nahi hua hai.

What is the message that you would pass on to youngsters who want to make writing as their profession?
Make it a profession, only if it's a passion.

Who is your best friend/friends in the industry?
With every phase, every show, every experience, you meet people. Some colleagues become friends, some friends become best friends. I value my team from my ZEE days the most. Today they are spread out but they still treat me the same and that touches me the most.

We see a lot many writers turning into Producers today. Would you want to take that giant stride ahead?
Arey bhai, there are so many stories to tell. If all writers turn producers, they will need writers na! (Smiles)

Where would you want to see yourself in say, the next five years?
I don't know where I see myself five hours from now. But whatever I make of myself, I hope I live a content and happy life and stay humble to my craft.
Rashi is depressed as her hard work was not appreciated by the family members.

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New entry in Saathiya Saath Nibhana..


Star Plus' Saathiya will see the entry of Dhaval Pandya who will provide for some light moments in the show..


Star Plus' Saathiya Saath Nibhana, the #1 show across all GECs will see a new entry in tonight's episode. Ashish Sharma who was earlier seen in a negative role of Aseem in Karam Apna Apna will enter the show and will play the character of Dhaval Pandya.

As per our source, "Dhaval will enter the Gopi house in today's episode. He is the person who will be brought in by Urmi Mami. He will look to be a honest and extra sweet character, but will turn out to be a very greedy guy who aims to get more money. As he enters the house, he gets fascinated by their richness".

The character of Dhaval will also introduce a light moment in the show. He will bring in the humour quotient and will have a good interaction with all in the family. However he is afraid of the super strict Kokila Ben.

When contacted, Ashish Sharma confirmed his entry in Saathiya. "Yes, I am playing the character of Dhaval Pandya. You should watch to know how the story goes now".

Ashish was recently seen in the Madhur Bhandarkar movie Jail.
Rashi decides to execute Urmila’s plan. As Kokila is distracted with Gopal slipping and falling down, Rashi changes the colour shortlisted by Kokila in the colour book.

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'Imbibe good things, don't get carried away by bad' -Giaa Manek


Giaa Manek aka Gopi Bahu of Star Plus' popular show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya speaks to .


Giaa Manek who essays the lead role of Gopi Bahu in Star Plus' successful show Saathiya simply cannot believe that she is a household name today..

Here is the girl describing her remarkable journey and on how the success has exceeded her expectations, to TellyBuzz..

Saathiya on Star Plus is today a success story. How exactly did you get this role?
Actually I had given an audition earlier for Palkon Ki Chao Mein, but things did not work out there. This is when I was prompted to give an audition for the same production house's new show for Star Plus. I got a call for the tests and after all the tests I finally got selected. But I later got to hear that I was not the first choice to ply Gopi. The production house had in fact shot few episodes with three other girls, but finally it was me who lapped up the role (smiles).

Saathiya is today one of the highest rated shows in television; how do you feel?
I feel on the top of the world right now because initially, when the show started I was really upset with the time slot. I bfelt it was an early slot for a daily soap, but this actually did wonders for all. We had really worked hard and the show is really special for me. Being my first show, I did not want the show to go off-air because of low TRPs. But then the show has been accepted very well and we are proud to have started the trend of the 7 pm slot.

Did you ever expect the show to be this successful?
Never had I expected the show to be this successful, because frankly speaking I always thought that Saathiya would bag only an average TRP. Even today, it puzzles me when I see the extremely good TRPs for the show..

Gopi Bahu is today looked upon as an ideal daughter in law, how do you feel?
I feel really good that I am looked upon like one ideal person and people do come and ask me whether I am really like that. I usually reply that I am similar to Gopi in sensitivity as I can cry at the drop of my head. And also family is a big priority for me even after marriage. On the contrary, I am not at all silent and soft like Gopi and I am a complete brat who talks too much.

How is your rapport with your co-actors?
I have an excellent rapport with everyone on the sets and I gel well with all of them and my best friend is Rupal Patel. Actually I always play pranks on all and sometimes Rucha gets irritated, but at the end of the day she gets fine. And I pull legs of Ahem also as he is like a complete Gopi Bahu off screen. Vishal is also a good friend of mine.

How do your relate yourself with Gopi?
I am a little sensitive like Gopi and also I like the positivity Gopi has. In that way the character makes me a better person. Gopi Bahu knows that whatever that is happening in her life is because of a reason and does not complain at all. I can relate to the character in that way.

What were the preparations that you did for the character?
Since I am a Gujarati myself, I did not have to work much on my language. But then I had to make an effort to reduce the speed of my talk and become a little soft spoken. And to remind myself about the character, I used to narrate about Gopi and her life to everyone around me.

Now that you are back in the house, how will we see the track being developed?
Gopi is back in the house because of Naani and now Ahem also has started talking to Gopi because of her. But at the same time Ahem still loves his ex girlfriend and I will have move out of the house once Naani goes. I do not know whether Ahem will start loving Gopi in future.


How is it working with Rashmi Sharma?
It has been a very good experience with them and the team is really understanding.

You recently had a visit to Macau for the grand event of Star Parivaar Awards, how has the experience been?
The experience had been great even though it was very hectic and I was involved in a lot of stuffs. But I did not get much time to do shopping as we were busy with the work in hand.

Any memorable instances you carry from Macau?
This is my first trip abraod without my parents and hence I had a responsibility to take care of myself, my passport and the other belognigs. But since the entire unit was there with me and since all the members were so sweet the whole trip went well.

How was it to represent the one big star family at the Star Parivaar Awards?
I felt really great and also I got to compere a segment with Ayushman and I need to thank him because he handled it well (laughs). I won an award at the event and also performed an act with Ahem as well.

Can you tell us something about your upbringing?
I was born in Ahmedabad but was brought up in Mumbai. I am a complete Mumbaite and I love non-veg food and am a complete foodie. I did my majors in Advertising and it was during my college days that I started giving auditions. I had done a movie with Om Puri and Neena Gupta called Naa Ghar Ke Naa Ghat Ke. As soon as the film got over I was signed to do the show.

Any memorable moments from the show?
Actually everyday is a memorable day for me as I enjoy every moment on the sets even if others are moody. If they ask me to be there for 24 hours, I will be ready.

What was the most struggling part of your life?
There was indeed a struggling part of my life when I was in my college. Those were the days I used to give auditions. But since I do not have any acting background I used to get nervous and used to fumble. Those were my struggling times.

Any fan interaction that you can share with us?
Recently we shot a cricket scene in a ground near a school and I was really mobbed by the students there. After pack up there were students who just came into my vanity van for my autograph and they were literally pushing my car.

Since you have said that you are different from Gopi, how difficult was it to get into the character?
I would like to put it this way, I am like Gopi but there are certain things in Giaa that is missing in Gopi. And hence, the character was not that really tough to portray.

What is your message for viewers?
I thank all the viewers for making the show what it is now. There is something to learn from each character. For instance there is Rashi who is always there on the phone talking to her mother. This shows that even after marriage the girl is still with the family. Once a fan of mine came and told that she never used to go to the temple, but after watching Gopi bahu and her devotion to Kanha, she started going to the temple every week. I would like to tell viewers to imbibe the good things and do not get carried away by bad ones.

Gopi is hurt to see Aham struggling because of his asthma. Aham is touched when Gopi gives him a homemade cure for his asthma

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Akshay Sethi has decided to opt out of Star Plus's Saathiya, while his character of Deepak will be seen again in Sasural Genda Phool...


Akshay Sethi who plays the guy opposite Aham's sister in Star Plus' Saath Nibhaana Saathiya has decided to opt out of the show, as his character is not gaining that much priority. However, the actor will soon be back in Sasural Genda Phool, where his track as Radha Bua's son was very much appreciated.

Our source tells us, "Akshay who played negative in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya is no more part of the show. His character did not shape up as promised by the creatives, when he signed the contract".

When contacted, Akshay told us, "Yes, I am quitting Saathiya. When I took up this role, I was told that I was the parallel lead, but later my character turned negative. I have informed the channel and they have agreed to end my track soon. However, my character of Deepak in Sasural Genda Phool will be back soon".

If sources are to be believed, Radha Bua (Sadiya Siddique) will long for her son and get him back to the house. There is a possibility of her back story getting revealed to Deepak in due course of time.

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Star Plus' Saathiya Saath Nibhana which is slotted at the 7 PM slot gets to be the #1 serial across all the channels..


Star Plus is now reaping rewards for bravely introducing interesting daily soaps in their early evening band of 7 PM and 7.30 PM. While Ravi Ojha Productions' Sasural Genda Phool climbed up the rating chart few weeks back to reach the #2 slot, Sunrise Production's Saathiya Saath Nibhana which is aired at the 7 PM slot has this week managed to become the Numero Uno show across all channels.

As per today's TVR ratings, Saathiya Saath Nibhana has emerged as the #1 show across all channels with a TVR of 5.3 with Ye Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai taking the second spot with 4.9 TVR. Star Plus' other early evening show, Sasural Genda Phool is also well placed with a TVR of 4.7.

A source from the sets of Saathiya says, "The cast and crew of the show never expected that Saathiya… would reach the number one position because the show was slotted at 7:00 P.M slot which was not at all happening for the channel. The credit goes to the audience for identifying the beauty and simplicity of the concept and sticking to it. Today is a great day for the entire team, as Saathiya has grabbed the number one position with 5.3 rating".

We contacted Vishal Singh (Jigar) the protagonist who said, "We are feeling very proud that today our show had reached the number one position in spite of being at the 7:00 PM slot. All credit goes to the women power on our sets; the writers, directors and audience with special reference made this day happen".

Rashmi Sharma, the Producer of the show says, "The whole team is feeling happy for the recognition that we have got today. Though we were not confident about the show becoming such a big a hit, as the Producer and the Creative Director on the show, I expected the show to do well and today, I can say that all our efforts have been successful".

Hope Saathiya Saath Nibhana maintains its ranking!