Special Squad

Raj Banerji better known as Shotgun from <em>Special Squad</em> (Star One) did a disappearing act from the small screen once it was curtain calls for his show. But the actor has treated the most desirable path; he's recently completed a film,<em> Dehek</em>, by Arup Adhikari. The film also includes the likes of Rajit Kapoor, Sharad Kapoor and Milind Gunaji.

Kuljeet Randhawa left a two page suicide note, before she ended her life on Wednesday evening, that mentioned her desperate wish to be happy.

He is completely bald. That's the first thing that you notice about Raj Banerjee, aka 'Shotgun' in Star One's <em>Special Squad</em>. But as he greets you, you cannot but be taken in by his natural charm and affable nature. Raj is all set to make his Bollywood debut (mainstream cinema) with <em>Mirch Masala</em> (working title), which will be released early next year. Raj, who plays a Bihari art graduate in the Aroop Aikari directed thriller, has a couple of shows in his kitty as well.

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.

After a playing Jassi's emotional anchor in <em>Jassi Jaisi</em>…, and a smart-n-slick metro-sexual man in <em>Dil Kya Chahta Hai</em>, Samir Soni now readies to play a man infected with HIV+ who is <em>Special Squad's</em> latest case on Star One. Samir will make an appearance on 12 September on the UTV produced show.

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.

This one was really hard to unearth. But since we promised(SaharaOne has a 'Kohinoor' up its sleeve!) , we decided to take the plunge. We made phone call after phone call, but the female lead of the yet to be launched SaharaOne show, <em>Kohinoor</em>, seemed as elusive as the priceless diamond itself! But, as they say, if there is a will, there is always a way!

<strong>Warning</strong>: Anyone who is remotely connected to the house of Law should avoid watching the Star One weekly on Mondays, <em>Special Squad</em>. This is a show that surely needs to get its house in order. 1.This one's a killer! In one of the episodes, Aryan is asked to show his identity card, and he immediately, brandishes his visiting card!

It is all a little mystery in itself. Star One's <em>Special Squad</em> has a little secret of its own. Shaina aka Kuljeet Randhawa has called it quits and Gauri Pradhan is all set to resume from where she left off on Monday, 28 June. "I had informed them that I will not be available once my feature film is ready for release. There is no animosity here and I left amicably," says Kuljeet, whose film, By Chance is releasing in July.

Gauri Pradhan will soon be seen in a new avatar on Star One's crime show, <em>Special Squad</em>. Gone will be the usual melodrama that was so much a part of <em>Kyunki</em>…, she will play the rough and tough lady who will take on crime. "Yes, I will be a part of <em>Special Squad</em> permanently!", says Gauri, who seems quite excited about her role in the serial because it gives her an opportunity to do something absolutely different.