Meghna Naidu’s new role inspired by Rekha’s ‘Umrao Jaan’

Mumbai, Aug 4 (IANS) Actress Meghna Naidu, who will next be seen as Hanan in TV show "Ek Maa Jo Laakhon Ke Liye Bani Amma", says her role of the seductress finds its inspiration from veteran actress Rekha in "Umrao Jaan".

"The unusual storyline and my character were the prime reasons I opted for this show as it is very different from the kind of shows one generally sees on television," Meghna said in a statement.

"When I was narrated the role of Hanan, I agreed instantly. The role is something that I haven't explored till date. It's got grey shades. The look and mannerisms of Hanan are inspired by Rekha's 'Umrao Jaan'. I'm really excited to play Hanan, as after a long wait, I've bagged such a powerful role," she added.

Meghna, who will enter the show next week, will be seen as a character who falls in love with Parvez (Shawar Ali) and will pose a threat to leading lady Zeenat's (Urvashi Sharma) relationship with him.

"For the first time, I'm playing a character which is neither a demon nor a historical one, but just a simple and a strong role. Hanan is a sensual and bold lady, who is affable and fun loving. She isn't harmful, but people often get offended with her conduct," Meghna said.

Talking about her preparations for the role, Meghna said: "I'm putting in a lot of effort to get under the skin of the character. I'm working really hard to get the body language, the demeanour and tone right.

"Additionally, to get a better understanding, I've done an extensive research and watched 'Umrao Jaan' a couple of times to understand how the role can be portrayed effortlessly."

"Ek Maa Jo Laakhon Ke Liye Bani Amma" is aired on Zee TV.

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I'm in a happy space: Sudeepa Singh

Sudeepa Singh, who plays Mohini in "Nagarjun - Ek Yoddha", has denied rumours that she is unhappy with the TV show and her track.

The grapevine was abuzz with rumours that Sudeepa and her co-stars Nawab Shah and Nikitin Dheer were unhappy with the production team of the show and the way their characters were being etched.

Clarifying her stance via a statement, Sudeepa said: "Let me just make it clear that I am extremely happy doing 'Nagarjun' and there has been no tiff with me and the production guys regarding anything."

"My Journey with 'Nagarjun' has just begun and I have a long way to go. I really like the character of Mohini and I was informed before I signed the show that I will be playing a mother to Mrunal (Jain). So I don't find sense in rumours about me being upset playing a mother to someone my age," she added.

Sudeepa said that she is in a "happy space".

"I find myself very fortunate to be a part of this show. It's a dream role for me. All the characters I have played so far were positive and sweet, but with 'Nagarjun' I am getting to experiment and play a negative role for the first time.

"This role is very interesting and even the look given to me is ultra-glamorous," said the actress, who has previously appeared in shows like "Ardhangini" and "Baal Veer".

"Nagarjun - Ek Yoddha" is aired on Life OK.

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Gaurav, Shefali's 'lunchbox' diaries

Working together on "Tere Bin" is a joyride for actors Gaurav Khanna and Shefali Sharma, who have developed a friendship by bonding over lunch.

Gaurav, who follows a stringent fitness regime, loves eating home-cooked food but because his cook was away, he was planning to resort to food cooked outside.

But Shefali came to his rescue and shared her lunch with him.

"Shefali has a great cook and she brings some really tasty home-cooked food on sets. As we both are Punjabi, we have similar food tastes and it's an added advantage, I'd say. Nowadays I often tend to eat from her lunchbox," Gaurav said in a statement.