Siddhanth

After bringing about a variety of shows on television BAG films is all set to start shooting for a new show titled<em> Yeh Vaada Raha</em> for the overseas viewers. The love story will be aired from early next year on ARY DIGITAL channel, Dubai. Yeh Vaada will be revolving around two lovers Sadia (an NGO activist) played by Pakistani actor Maria Vasti and Salman (son of a leading politician) played by Raj Verma who are torn apart by hatred. Also the hatred shared by their fathers has kept the two families separate for many years.

It must have been a tough decision! To say no to a big banner and to do so when one is just one show old! But Pawan '<em>Siddhanth</em>' Shankar is not regretting his decision. Pawan just declined an offer that has Amar Upadhyay excited and Aman elated! Aman Verma will now play the character that was originally offered to Pawan in Ravi Chopra's star studded <em>Viraasat</em> to be aired on Star Plus. "I declined it because it was a negative character and I didn't want to do such a black role at this point in my career. I had told them this about 20-25 days ago," says Pawan.

Hallelujah! It's raining new shows on Star One, all poised to capitalise on the anticipated success of <em>Nach Baliye</em>! After <em>Pyar Ki Kashti Mein, Instant Khichadi</em> and <em>Hotel Kingston</em>, it's time for <em>Special Squad</em> and <em>Siddhanth</em> to make way for newer, snazzier shows on the channel. Rose Audio Visuals' <em>India Calling</em> and K Sera Sera's <em>Darna Mana Hai</em> are all set to hit the tube on 14 November.

Veteran actor, Tom Alter will now be seen in Star One's legal drama, <em>Siddhanth</em> from 13 September. The suave actor will play Pooja Rawal's father, who is also a lawyer.Pooja plays Anamika, an agressive lawyer, who has swept Siddhanth off his feet, both personally and professionally. Her father Senior Arekar, played by Tom, will be heading a law firm and will be quite an admirer of Siddhanth, much to Anamika's disgust. This will lead to a discord between the aggressive Anamika and her calm father.

Crime busting was never easy. Ask tellydom's favourite lawyer --- Siddhanth. The Star One weekly court room drama is now looking towards major innovations to make this idealistic lawyer more human. "Siddhanth has been appreciated a lot and we thought that people would like to know more about his personal life. It will be interesting to know what Siddhanth does out of the courtroom," says the creative director of the show, Shabia.

Birthdays are special…always. But this birthday is doubly special for the sultry Swetta Keswani, who not only celebrates her birthday today but she also gets to spend the whole day with her brothers - tying rakhi and having loads of fun in the process! "I am not doing anything today. I haven't planned anything special and I am not throwing any party. I don't think I am old enough to throw a party. But I might just go to Enigma at Juhu or Sqeeze at Bandra with my friends," says Swetta as we quiz her about her birthday plans.

Star India's youngest baby, born November 2004, is all set to tap the desi market. No longer will it talk to the metrosexual, Star One's going all desi with a vengeance to attract the 'small city audience'!