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Let me begin my blog by paying a tribute to good old Doordarshan. If I do not do this, I would fail all loyal telly lovers whose first love was DD right from its inception.  After AIR, it was a lifeline for people across all spheres of life. I can vouch for one thing that DD lovers would not have missed the daily news or 'Chitrahaar' (new film songs) or the "Rangoli" (old retro numbers) on Sunday mornings. Check this link: http://8ate.blogspot.com/2009/10/famous-old-faces-of-doordarshan.html History DD had an extremely modest beginning with the experimental telecast starting in Delhi on 15 September 1959 with a small transmitter and a makeshift studio. The regular daily transmission started in 1965 as a part of All India Radio. The television service was extended to Bombay (now Mumbai) and Amritsar in 1972. Till 1975, seven Indian cities had television service and Doordarshan remained the only television channel in India. Television services were separated from radio

The Chak De! India babe who headed the Indian hockey team and attained victory for it, both on-screen as well as off-screen, is back on the silver screen, with her next venture Striker, releasing this Friday. Here's an exclusive tête-à-tête with the lady. Read more: https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/post-chak-de-striker-is-a-movie-to-watch-out-for/story-eEelENCBZUEkZMyKKRarvO.html The "Chak De! India" babe who headed the Indian hockey team and attained victory for it, both on-screen as well as off-screen, is back on the silver screen, with her next venture "Striker", releasing this Friday. Vidya Malvade sums up her feelings at the moment: "Every Friday is as jittery for actors like me and this time, it's nothing different as this is after "Chak De!", I have my fingers crossed." Vidya will be sharing screen space with co-actor Siddharth Narayanan, Nicolette and Padmapriya Janakiraman in her next film "Striker". Priya R

All of you will remember Sujal from "Kahiin to Hoga", Captain Rajvir  from "Left, Right, Left" and other small screen game shows.   Priya Rajendran puts the most sought after, dashing actor Rajeev Khandelwal on the hot seat as he talks about his debut at Osian's, maiden film Aamir, his leap to the big silver screen and much more in a candid tête-à-tête... Read the full interview on The Hindustan Times You have set a standard with your first film. Post-Aamir’s success, will you be under pressure to do meaningful and good films? Have you attended the Osians Cinefan Fest earlier? Your experience(s)? This is my first time. Generally, film festivals are boring, but this has been a wonderful experience for me. I was actually surprised that people still love Aamir – one year after its release...loved the feedback and criticism that the audience gave for the film, which is my maiden venture. I have not set any standards in the movie. All credits to Raj Kumar Gup

Director-actor-singer Farhan Akhtar, son of Javed Akhtar, should ideally have a lot of airs about his labels. Yet he unassumingly talks about his adventures, dreams and movies in a candid tête-à-tête with Priya Rajendran . His film "Luck By Chance", which is also his sister Zoya's directorial debut, was screened today at the 11th Osian's Cinefan Festival.  Farhan Akhtar looked like he was ready to talk. Yet one would think he is a reserved guy who only talks through his movies, but here, he surprised people by having a decent discussion and chat about his latest ventures, music, Rock On!! and his sister Zoya. Having donned so many hats, he would come across to people like a totally confused guy - sometimes dabbling with music, his singing, music composer, director and actor. A multi-talented persona, belonging to a rich, cultural family, son of Javed Akhtar, should ideally have a lot of airs about his labels.   Read my article at  https://www.hindustantimes.com/enter

Abhay Deol loves being what he is and is very content with his work. Nearly nine films old, he is all geared to don the hat of a producer. Abhay Deol unravels his quirky self to Priya Rajendran at the ongoing Osian's film festival. (Read the full article at:   https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/deol-who-dares-to-be-different/story-07sL7EibPGELjCu4ZW0KpO.html) Abhay Deol looks his chilled self in a casual cream shirt, all set to meet the press at the Capital's 11th Osians Film Festival. His film "Dev.D" is also being simultaneously screened. He is way too different from his Deol cousins and uncle. Neither does he show off his biceps like Bobby, nor does he growl like Sunny. A unique Deol, he loves being what he is and is very content with his work. Nearly nine films old, he is all geared to don the hat of a producer as he continues being on a 'different mode'.  Considering the kind of person who takes up reckless and impulsive characters...is that wh

With bated breath, both Rakhi Sawant and the entire nation is waiting to see who will be her Mr Right. All the 16 potential grooms are set to woo her live on “Rakhi ka Swayamwar”. A nervous Rakhi Sawant in an exclusive tete' a' tete' with Priya Rajendran . The wait is finally over! Today, NDTV Imagine will play host to bride-to-be Rakhi Sawant and 16 potential grooms on Rakhi Ka Swayamvar , the first of its kind reality show. Known for its splendid palaces and timeless tales of love and valour, Udaipur is the host city for Rakhi’s Swayamvar. Each week, the grooms will showcase their personality, character; physical fitness and talent, all to woo Rakhi. And eventually, Rakhi will tie the knot with one lucky guy in a grand ceremony. Actor Ram Kapoor will host this unique show. A nervous Rakhi Sawant in an exclusive tete' a' tete' with Priya Rajendran. So, who should be Rakhi's ideal man? My list for Mr Ideal is a little big (smiles). I want someone