Jassi ready for another makeover

Jassi ready for another makeover
Sunday August 14 2005

MUMBAI: Having changed from a frump to a stylish heroine, television's favourite middle class icon Jasmeet Walia is now ready for another makeover.

She's set to revert to her old natural homely bespectacled middle class self. In a startling though not entirely unexpected move, Sony Entertainment has decided to deglamourise Jassi and take the character back to her roots.

Jassi will go back to being her natural unaffected self. Though nothing as drastic as braces and horn-rimmed spectacles, she'll nevertheless revert to spectacles and a simple salwaar-kameez look.

And there is more - Sony Entertainment plans to end the soap soon so that it doesn't become a "never-ending saga". The serial will end with Jassi leaving Mumbai and heading for a small town to become a schoolteacher.

Apparently the new look has displeased hardcore Jassi fans and sent the TRPs plummeting.

The final straw for disgruntled Jassi fans was the promised Jassi wedding Aug 5 which never happened and which is now being seen as a publicity gimmick meant to deflect attention from the return of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" on the rival Star Plus channel.

Sony's head honcho Tarun Katyal explained: "If we meant it to be a publicity gimmick we'd have shown the wedding and not risked the wrath of Jassi watchers. No, the reason why Jassi cannot marry her Armaan is because he isn't worthy of her.

"She was meant to marry him but stopped herself in time because she's no longer interested in being a walkover. Through her we want to send out a wake-up call to all timid middle class girls caught in oppressive relationships - it could be with a parent or a boyfriend.

"But the message is don't let anyone mess with your dignity. Jassi has learnt the lesson the hard way. Marrying Armaan would've been a mistake. And we don't want her slipping up in her iconic role at this juncture of her life."

Katyal said that in the episode to be aired Monday Jassi explains her viewpoint as a woman in a patriarchal society to her father through a letter she has written. "It's a turning-point in her relationship with the men in her life and with the viewers," he said.

Elaborating on the pitfalls and perils of her glamorous avatar, Katyal said: "The new-look Jassi hasn't really been beneficial either for Jassi or her fans. She seems to have landed herself in a soup.

"Now she'll go back to her roots, walk away from the oppressive men in her life. Yes, we'll conclude the soap soon. We don't want it to end up as yet another never-ending saga."

Courtesy:newindpress.com

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Jassi, Jessica... who cares?

Jassi, Jessica... who cares?
Saturday, August 13, 2005 City

1. Sony team -- you have completely destroyed the show, and are not even interested in salvaging it. Everything is going downhill now. Good luck with the new Jasmeet Walia, who was till sometime back, Jessica Bedi. I just hope Mona Singh is not actually like her screen counterpart. I would lose respect for her too. Hang on, did I say lose respect? But I already did that when she did not put her foot down when her character was altered. Ditto for Apoorva Agnihotri. Why did he agree to this silly twist to his character?
lashforever@yahoo.com

2. Tarun Katyal, you are harbouring a false notion, thinking that we watch your show for Jassi and her so-called greatness. We watched the show for two years to see two people madly in love become united in marriage (Arman and Jassi). But you have ruined that too. How dare you say that Arman was not good enough for Miss Goody Two Shoes. Arman was right in doing what he did. Marriage is a two-way relationship, and Jassi cannot expect everyone to simply fall at her feet all the time. She should have clarified the misunderstanding with Arman. How could she run away from her wedding and leave her parents to bear the brunt of society?
And now she has slipped back into her holier-than-thou avatar with her school teacher act. Please don't take the viewers for granted. We are not fools.
trishya56@yahoo.com

3. Jassi, are you for real? We have always supported you through thick and thin. Why did you sell out now by writing a letter of apology? All you had to do was get married. We understand that you are trying to reach out to the women of India to save them from oppression and abuse, but who is your target audience – all women? The educated woman is aware of oppression, abuse and sexism.
Jassi, we can think for ourselves, and you have become a joke among us. If you wish to make amends, return the old Arman to us. He turned negative overnight, thanks to you.
hamesha_apki@aol.com

4. We cannot accept your apology, Jassi. The show should be re-named Jassi Jaisi Kayar Koi Nahin. All your tall talk about self-respect is a sham. Girls today believe in asserting themselves; they do not run away from sticky situations. Mr Katyal, can you end the show ASAP?
m_vasavada@hotmail.com

5. With Jassi becoming a school teacher, the show is doomed. No viewer has the patience to sit an watch a drama disintegrate. Mona and Apoorva, there is still time. Quit the show.
kasrana@hotmail.com

6. What was the purpose of the show? To show that people shouldn't waste their time falling in love, because they'd have to leave everything they worked so hard for, to go and hide in a village! I have one word for the writers of the show -- if you do not have anything original to say, at least don't butcher a beautiful love story.
shudain@hotmail.com

7. Gosh, what is the world coming to. People, please stop watching serials like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin and the saas bahu sagas. There is so much happening around us. I have a few suggestions: watch the History channel for biographies of interesting people. Those keen on comedy, turn to Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai on Star One. Special Squad and Siddhanth are other shows that provide wholesome infotainment.
goel_latika@yahoo.com

8. You cannot earn the sympathy of the viewers back simply by writing a letter. You guys have messed up in a big way. Another thing, do you really know the meaning of the word "oppressive"? I don't think you do. Please look up a dictionary. I know many people who are in oppressive relationships. Arman is not an oppressor. Women would grab him at the bat of an eyelid. Jassi, you should never have run off the way you did on your wedding day. This is not the '60s or the '70s. No one would have forced marriage on you anyway, You should have justified your stand to everyone. And now, please do not expect sympathy from us. Give us a break.
siya_arora7@yahoo.com

Courtesy: Mumbai Mirror

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Runaway Groom

Apoorva Agnihotri on wanting a makeover, getting married to Jassi and being the sidekick

So are you and Jassi finally getting married?
We’ve already been married some three or four times in our dream sequences. But I’m told it will soon happen for real.

Are you still under an exclusive contract with Sony?
No that was till last year. I’m free to take on other projects.

Is Jassi... going the melodramatic way because of falling TRPs?
It’s difficult to sustain something that’s been consistently different. For two years, we managed to stay ahead and people imitated our work. Also, audiences are easily bored—gimmicks like song and dance sequences keep them interested.

Are you happy with the way Armaan Suri’s character has shaped up?There’s no room for creativity in a daily soap. Unless the plot’s going haywire I try not to interfere. I butted in when my character was becoming too negative. Anyway, ten years down the line, viewers will only vaguely remember who Jassi and Armaan were.

Doesn’t it get lonely these days? Most scenes are romantic moments between you and Jassi?I definitely miss the old office gang and hope they manage to weave them back into the story. Parmeet Sethi’s one of the finest comic actors I’ve seen. And these days Vikas Bhalla and I have really bonded.

Were you ever threatened by Purab’s (Samir Soni) popularity?
No one person can carry a show on their shoulders. Plus, I wasn’t intimidated while shooting with Shah Rukh Khan in Pardes. This was a piece of cake.

Did you ever consider quitting?
I’m under no illusions. The show is called Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin not Armaan Jaisa Koi Nahin. I have no hassles with doing television. I know tracks change and the spotlight can’t be on me all the time.

How would you have wanted Armaan Suri to turn out?
When I took the role, he was a business tycoon who’d go to any length for his company. Today Armaan is someone who’s learnt from his mistakes. Sometimes I feel the character’s achieved its purpose, at other times, no.

What did you think of the Jassi makeover? Would you undergo one?
I loved the new look. On the sets we welcomed the change as we were tired of the glasses and braces. I did try long hair for a while but everyone hated it. Now friends are saying I should give it another shot.

If you had to rewrite Jassi..., what would be different?
I’d definitely have a scene showing Raj crying. I’d also turn Maddy into someone serious who Jassi can confide in.

Courtesy: expressindia.com


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Plain Jane Jassi turns glam bride

Courtesy: TIMES NEWS NETWORK [FRIDAY, AUGUST 05, 2005 10:31:31 AM]

Tonight when the celestial moment arrives at 9.30 pm, every fan of Jassi will beam with happiness as Jassi’s dil ka armaan finally comes true. Jasmeet Walia, aka Jassi, the pretty lass who metamorphosed from a braced, sepia-glassed secretary to an enterprising and petite corporate woman, will finally tie the nuptial knot with Armaan Sir in Sony Entertainment Television’s show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin.

While every viewer would attend Jassi’s wedding as a baraati right from the comfort of their homes, this grandiose event will be bejewelled with many bigwigs who have imparted their touch in dolling up Jassi and Armaan. ‘So, what is our pyari Jassi and dear Armaan wearing on their shaadi?’ is the one question ringing in everyone’s mind. Here’s a lowdown to quench the curiosity surrounding Jassi and Armaan’s shaadi trousseau.

Armaan’s family, the proud Suris, have chosen a pink lehenga choli with an aquamarine and orange dupatta designed by fashion designer Neeta Lulla. Weighing about 5 kgs, this outfit is eye-catching with exquisite work including zardozi, Swarovsky crystals, semi precious stones and sequins, apart from her other wedding outfits.

Jassi’s ensemble is then complemented with white gold and emeralds set in her wedding episode from Neelam Jewels, owned by actor Neelam Kothari. Close by her side is Armaan, flashing his adorable smile, wearing outfits designed by Nisha Bedi Rai and Ritu Deora. Jassi’s family — the Walias too have bought their share of wedding outfits for Armaan from ‘SEASONS’ in Mumbai.

Just as the duo is all set to be the apple of everyone’s eyes on their big day, heart-felt wishes are gushed by Indian Idol Abhijeet Sawant and anchor Mandira Bedi. Amongst many celebrities, Queenie Dhody lets out a compliment saying, “finally our shy Jassi has found her Mr Right. It’s been an absolute pleasure helping Jassi transform into the confident and amazing person she is today and I am very happy for her.”

The cherry on the pie is added with a musical extravaganza by students of Fame Gurukul who are sure to sing to your hearts. So, bless the couple and don’t miss the mahurat


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Maddy talks about leaving Jassi

First noticed for his role as Gautam in Tara, Rajesh Khera enjoyed much popularity as the over-the-top, gay fashion designer Maddy in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin.

While his character has been put on hold, Khera cannot stop fuming at his producers' behaviour though. Vidya Prabhu caught the actor in a candid mood, and grilled him about Jassi, and his forthcoming serials and films.

Your role in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin has apparently come to an end...

I am not permanently out of the serial. It's just that my role has been sidelined for now.

When will you be back?

I am as clueless about it as you are!

What was your reaction when the producers told you about your role being put on hold?

They didn't inform me about it. Which is what annoyed me the most.

Would you come back if they were to call you again?

I can't say anything right now. Let them call me first!

Didn't the role of Maddy propel you to fame?

It did help me get recognition. For the first time, my co-stars called to congratulate me and appreciate my work.

Does that make Maddy your favourite among all roles you have played so far?

It was a different role, a challenge in that I was playing a gay character, as opposed to the negative roles I was playing until then. So it helped me break the mould and display my versatility. But it would be unfair to call it my favourite as I equally loved doing the roles of Gautam in Tara, Ranjit in Swabhimaan and Rastogi in Saaya, not to mention my work in the serial Patang.

How did acting come about?

I always wanted to be an actor. Even as a child, I would participate in skits and dramas. I had no guidance to pursue acting right away though, so I dabbled in marketing, appeared for various competitive exams -- just because my friends were doing the same thing -- and made no headway. When I was 24, I finally decided to pack my bags and come to Mumbai to pursue acting. One year down the line, bingo! I landed the role of Gautam in Tara. That's where it all began.

What is the first thing you look at before you take on a role?

It needs to be a substantial role, and not necessarily a big one. Then, of course, there's the money aspect.

You have never worked on any of the saas-bahu serials...

I've never been offered a role by the makers of these serials.

Almost all of your roles have been negative roles...

Yes, I was slotted in that category. But then I don't exactly have the chocolate-boy looks.

Your ideal role would be...

The one essayed by Al Pacino in the movie Scent Of A Woman. I would also love to play the role of an army man. As a matter of fact, I did play the role of a BSF jawan in the movie Tango Charlie, but I would like to do more such roles.

Any regrets?

I regret doing only five roles in a career spanning 11 years. I wish I could do many more.

What are your forthcoming projects like?

I am doing a movie called Gabbarsingh.com. It is an out and out fun movie, more along the lines of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. It stars Rajpal Yadav and Sanjay Suri among many others. I play the role of an assasin, Rajan Pillai. It's a serious role with negative shades. As for TV, I will soon appear on a serial called Sixers, which will go on air in August. It revolves around cricket, cricketers, matchfixing, the works. I play the role of Dan, a star player's manager.

Do you plan to take up movies full time?

I want to strike a balance between TV and films. But yes, movies get you more recognition, more money. Also, things are much more planned when it comes to shooting for a film. In that sense, movies are a better deal than TV, which lacks on the grounds of both, creativity and planning.

Courtesy: Rediff India
Direct Link : http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2005/aug/04maddy.htm

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First look: Jassi's wedding

Finally, the time has come.

In Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, the Walia and Suri families are bustling with preparation for an extravagant wedding.

Jassi's dream of marrying her longtime love Armaan Suri is finally coming true, and the special wedding episode airs on Friday, August 5, at 9.30 pm on Sony Entertainment Television.
Wedding preparations are on full-swing at the channel, and designer Neeta Lulla is crafting an exquisite trousseau for Jassi. The wedding outfit is a pink lehenga choli with an aqua-orange dupatta. It weighs around 5 kgs, comprising exquisite embroidery and zardozi work, crystals and semi-precious stones.

The celebrity guests are buzzing with excitement. Indian Idol Abhijeet Sawant, who had sung a special love song for the couple, will be in attendance.

Queenie Dhody, who played a major part in designing Jassi's new look, gushes, "Finally, our shy little Jassi has taken a step into the major part of her life. I can't imagine how pretty she will look on the happiest day of her life."

Mandira Bedi is also 'super-excited' about the wedding.

So, prepare yourself. Everyone's invited.

Courtesy: Rediff.com

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Wife swapping in Jassi show

Wife swapping in Jassi show
By: Sandipan Dalal
August 2, 2005


If you are a staunch believer of the adage ‘love finds its way’ and you’re gearing up to catch love-struck Jassi (Mona Singh) and Armaan (Apoorva Agnohotri) taking their saat pheras, you are in for a bitter surprise, if not a showdown.

Tonight’s episode as promised will continue to showcase the extravaganza surrounding their wedding but there’s a terrible sting in the tale awaiting the viewers.

Mallika weds Armaan

Sources close to the actors in the show revealed that Mallika (Rakshanda Khan) is still angling for the affable Armaan and she finds her way out when she replaces innocent Jassi at the wedding venue.

A perfect wife swapping indeed, lifted straight out of the 80s Bolly potboilers.
The plot takes a u-turn when Jassi suddenly goes missing at the mandap. Soon emerges the sly

Mallika all set to woo Armaan from a wedding crisis.

All hype

“Mallika will finally manage to get Armaan back in her life as Jassi simply disappears. Jassi and Armaan will not at all get married.

The channel is all hush hush about this entire episode,” says a source who wished not to be named. A member of the unit admits, “It was all hype that the channel indulged in to keep the audience hooked to the show. We start shooting at Amba Villa in 7 Bungalows today.”

This anticlimax comes in close heels with the city waking up to innumerable hoardings of Jassi and Armaan in their wedding gears last week.

However, creative head Gursheel Walia and actress Rakshanda Khan refused to comment about the development.

The episode showing the anticlimax will air on August 5.

Courtesy: Mid-Day
sandipan.dalal@mid-day.com
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Jassi Dressing up for D-day

This is one wedding that is going to be celebrated in every drawing room. After months of dilly-dally, Jassi is finally ready to exchange vows with the man of her dreams, Armaan Suri. No wonder Sony Entertainment Television has already roped in some of the biggest names in the industry for this grandiose event.

Ace fashion designer Neeta Lulla, known for draping Aishwarya Rai, will be designing the bridal outfit for Jassi. Lulla has rustled up five exclusive wedding outfits for Jassi to choose from. And the lucky one is a pink lehenga-choli with an aquamarine and orange dupatta. It weighs five kg with exquisite work including zardosi, crystals and semi-precious stones.

“I have worked very closely with the Bollywood fraternity and dressed up many actors for the big screen,” said Lulla. “This is the first time a leading character on television will be wearing my creations. This is going to be a special day in Jassi’s life and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that she looks stunning.”

Jassi’s bridal jewellery — necklace and earrings made in white gold set with emeralds — is being provided by Neelam Jewels, owned by actress Neelam Kothari. The cost of the jewellery is around Rs 10-15 lakh. Be part of Jassi’s wedding celebrations, starting Monday, 9.30 pm.


Courtesy: The Telegraph, India
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