Kyunki Saas: Meet Gen Next

[KKAVYAA NANDA]

Kyunki Saas: Meet Gen Next Finally, the much-publicised 20-year leap on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is set to take place tonight at 10:30 pm on Star Plus. Ekta Kapoor?s hit soap will unveil its fourth generation of the Virani family (left), and channel authorities hope the leap will bring in a fresh look to the serial. Apart from the older characters greying, the biggest change is the introduction of seven new characters -- most important being Krishna Tulsi, to be played by Moni Roy. Krishna Tulsi will be Tulsi?s heir apparent, rooted to family values and culture. The other new characters include Krishna (Lakshya), son of Sahil and Ganga; Nakul, adapted son of Damini and Gautam; Bhumi, daughter of Tanya and Karan; Ansh's son Eklavya; Manthan, son of Karan and Tanya; and Joydeep, Sahil's adopted son. At the press meet, Rakshanda Khan and Riva Bubber, dressed like Gujarati housewives, were seen playing pranks on the newbies, insisting on them touching the feet of all seniors on the sets. While Balaji Telefilms guards their best kept secret Moni Roy, dimpil...@yahoogroups.com takes a look at the other characters.

Kyunki Saas: Meet Gen Next Bhumi Who: Karan and Tanya?s daughter Played by: Reshmi Ghosh Reshmi, who was crowned Miss India-Earth in 2002, claims that Bhumi is a headstrong, spoilt brat, the complete opposite of what she is in real life. "I was waiting for the right offer in films to come up all this time," she says, "but nothing exciting did. I realised that TV was a more secure industry though, which is decided to work in this medium." She originally met Ekta for a different role, but was offered this one. "I am happy about this," she says, "and now have a three-year contract with Balaji Telefilms."

Kyunki Saas: Meet Gen Next Manthan Who: Karan and Tanya's son Played by: Amit Tandon Last year's Indian Idol finalist Amit is excited about his role. This is his second Balaji venture after Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai. "I did not think twice about the offer," he says. "Firstly, because the production house is Balaji. Secondly, because I consider myself extremely lucky to have been given a chance in an established show like Kyunki..." He describes Manthan as very shrewd, brooding and manipulative.

Kyunki Saas: Meet Gen Next Nakul Virani Who: Adopted son of Sahil and Ganga Played by: Naman Shah Better knows as Pushkar in Kasamh Se, Naman is very happy about being part of two popular Balaji shows on two different channels. "Post-Kasamh Se, expectations from me have gone up. I hope I will be able to match them," he says. His character Nakul is an unhappy child who has not done much, in terms of his career, over the last two decades.

Kyunki Saas: Meet Gen Next Lakshya Who: Son of Sahil and Ganga Played by: Pulkit Samrat Pulkit, who plays the mischievous, religious and sensitive Lakshya, says, "I play a good guy. True to the traditions of the Virani family, I always try to be honest and upright, standing up to family values. It is a great experience working on this serial." According to the grapevine, Lakshya may also be the love interest of Krishna Tulsi.

	Kyunki Saas: Meet Gen Next Archita Who: Mohini and Yash?s daughter Played by: Gunjan Gunjan, who hails from Kolkata, says, "I have walked the ramp in Kolkata and played a role in Sahara?s Hare Kaanch Ki Churiyan. I also had a cameo in the film Pyare Mohan. I hope this serial gives me a foothold in the industry." She plays Archita, a bubbly, confident and outgoing teenager.

Kyunki Saas: Meet Gen Next Joydeep Who: Sahil's adopted son Played by: Manav Vij Psychiatrist-turned-actor Manav Vij claims, "The role is of an extremely lovable and simple geek who is adopted by the Virani family." But how does a psychiatrist fit into the boob tube? "Acting is my passion. It?s why I am in this profession despite passing out from Ludhiana University with a degree in psychiatry. However, whenever I get a chance, I do provide counselling services," says the actor, who dreams of playing the role of Adolf Hitler some day. Eventually, Joydeep will marry Bhumi in the serial. And, if Joydeep?s looks remind you of Tusshar Kapoor in Gayab, don?t be surprised. That is very intentional!