In the cold and early hours of the morning I head to Filmistan Studios in
the West side of Goregaon in Mumbai, embarking on a journey to meet with one
of today's hottest young stars this side of the millennium. As I enter
through the steel gate and head to the set I feel a magical presence within
the vicinity and am soon basking in the glow of an Angel.
The time is 9:30am sharp, the sets are of a television show called Mini
Superstars, note the time and venue because it's a moment I won't forget,
when I got to meet the one and only heart-of-gold singer/VJ Extraordinaire
Raageshwari.
Raageshwari, for those who are not yet enlightened, is the actress who was
seen in some of the biggest cinematic hits of the 90s such as Aankhen and
Main Khiladi Tu Anadi, took the bold step of seeking creative satisfaction
rather than fame through a medium which was becoming mediocre at best and
ventured into the singing world, launching a pop career which signified a
period in music history. Her debut album Duniya was more a feeling than a
first venture and swiftly found itself embedded into everyone's lives and
hearts, announcing the arrival of a superstar. She followed with two great
albums entitled Pyaar Ke Rang and the acclaimed international success Y2K:Saal Do Hazaar. Her foray into VJing followed a successful modelling
career and the girl who knows nothing but hard work and big smiles became a
household name. To say her happiness is infectious is an understatement.
Raageshwari in no complicated words is simply the most wonderful person I
have had the pleasure of meeting during my journalistic career and that is
why it is always a pleasure to report on what she's up to. Those who may
think my last statement biased have probably not had the pleasure of being
in her presence, as it is an indescribable joy. Those who are intrigued by
why this rosy-cheeked is being praised before I even move onto how our
meeting went, read on. You will not be disappointed.
Dressed in casuals, Raageshwari is wearing such a bright smile you'd think
it was given to her by the morning sun. With a cheerful voice she greets me
and welcomes me onto the sets of her exciting new show which is taking India
by storm. Mini Superstars is Shadow Films Pvt Production, shown on one of
the main channels there DD Metro, and is essentially a talent show for the
children of the Golden Land. It scouts the best and most talented of kids
from across India and gives them a showcase for what they do and eliminating
any sense of deep competition, the show has Raageshwari to add a dash of fun
and liveliness - so whatever happens and whoever walks away with first, second
or third prize no one leaves feeling they've lost anything, but only gained.
The experience is meant to be fun and judging by the smiles on the children's faces and the sparkles in their eyes, I think it's safe to say the show is
accomplishing all it sets out to.
Hair and make-up are done amidst conversation writhed with the magic she
bestows on all her viewers and her eyes twinkle like stars whenever she
mentions the children of the show or mimics what happened the previous day
on the sets. When she's ready, she looks stunning but nothing less than she
is sans make-up as her beauty shines from within, giving cosmetics little
scope for improvement: 'for blessed are those whose single gaze conjures
happiness in the souls of many', a line written for Raageshwari by an
adoring fan once upon a time long ago.
We head to the studios and the set is akin to a child's playground with a
section for the studio audience, mostly consisting of the participants'
families, a panel for the judges and a backdrop of a rainbow, clouds,
sunshine smiles and flying colourful kites, it's as though the sets are a
product of a child's imagination. Add Raageshwari and you have any kid's
wildest dream come true that I can't help but think that the only thing which
would make this set perfection would be chocolate, but with Raageshwari
around even the sweet factor is taken care of!
Towering Technical Director Ken Ghosh makes an appearance and says 'Hi'
before gaining me access to the control room so I can see how the show is
shot and made, but not before the chirpy Munish Anand gives me a friendly
handshake, welcoming me aboard what will be a fun-filled day. The executive
producer is beaming at his sets and anchor, stealing smiles from the
children who he constantly encourages with words of hope, wishing them the
best in today's show.
The Angel Raageshwari descends onto the audience like the sun's rays,
causing faces to light up whoever she touches and children to break into
rapturous applause and shouts of "Didi!" as they affectionately embrace her
as their own, while their parents watch on in awe of the prodigal who looks
eternally young and continues to be as graceful as ever, sprinkling her
magic dust on every entity that chooses to dream.
Once the stage is set and the lights on, the cameras roll. What follows is
among the best talent shows I've yet to witness and Raageshwari has a lot to
do with it. The children feel so comfortable around her and she edges them
on no end, pepper that with the added bonus of a personality judge and a
live band and the result is sensational to say the least. The children are
amazing and I wonder why I didn't have the talent of these youngsters or
even why none of these were in my class, only to realise the performers were
probably there, but they weren't given the encouragement or opportunity to
showcase their talent as these lucky stars have been, thanks to the show.
India is a never-ending reserve of talent and the energy given off by the
children is lapped up by everyone, providing an unstoppable powerhouse
acting as a resource for the many lights illuminating the studio. Be it the
young child Abhishek who mimics Shahrukh Khan (India's biggest superstar),
during a dance sequence to his celebrated Chaiyya Chaiyya or the dancer who
acts as a junior Madhuri, knocking out the Ek-do-teen track with the same
dedication as our peacock screen idol - every kid gives their all to
entertain. Watching from the panel and coming up regularly before and after
each item, Raageshwari's eyes sparkle like rare diamonds reflecting the glow
of every performer, giving them an endless source of inspiration.
Awards are given and a show canned, only to allow a short break before
Raageshwari is called to shoot for another episode of the same show. I
marvel at her energy as before my eyes she works through five shows in one
day working from 9am to 11pm, without losing her dazzling screen presence
and shining halo, not showing any sign of fatigue, except the occasional
yawn which reminds me of how late it's getting.
"The kids give me so much energy, it's not like work at all," she enthuses
in between two shows as I shake my head wondering how someone can work so
hard, giving their all to one show during such a tight and hectic schedule.
She just about manages to grab a bite between the lunch hour, while
constantly talking to her guest stars to make them feel at ease, and forever
smiling for photographs with the children who love her so much, she daren't
let them see how tired she is, pushing herself to go on and become a driving
force of energy for all on the set. I am amazed at how among all this she
constantly has her eye on me, asking if I am being looked after and have
been given food before inviting me to eat with her and her guest stars,
ensuring I'm given the same treatment as her, if not better. Another two
shows are canned and another costume change later she appears in her true
colour, as a white angel, glowing in the now dark night, yet still smiling
and showing no sign of giving up what she loves most. Dressed in traditional
attire, the white churidaar clings to her as though it too has no desire of
escaping her embrace and she walks on stage once more to present the Holi
special of the show which is being adored by viewers everywhere. By now the
vibrant host is as alive as can be, shouting 'Holi Haiiiiiiiii!' not giving
away how long a day it has been for her and she bravely goes through retakes
necessary for her co-performers while smiling throughout, encouragingly.
As a retake is canned I watch the monitor and see the Angel dressed in
traditional wear and my mind is cast onto her career's other ventures and it
seems uncanny how she has unknowingly become a symbol of hope for today's
children, reminding them of a link to their past through the work she does.
Her own show Baar Baar Dekho, which is the number one show on MTV India, has
her taking viewers on a musical theme based journey, highlighting some of
yesteryears greatest melodies as well as stars, all while adding a spray of
youth and fragrance through the unique style and look she brings to the
show. In an age where the youth are heavily influenced by their dosage of
media consumption it is refreshing to see a show such as Baar Baar Dekho
which breaks new ground through reminding the viewers of their own culture
and heritage, through a mass entertainment medium and youth-oriented
channel, while maintaining a universal appeal which invites one and all to
enjoy the show. I have my sincere doubts anyone else could have carried it
off, and with true dedication Raageshwari has accomplished a feat unheard of
as golden oldies gain popularity once again and she is loved by everyone
from ages 6 to 60, lighting up homes on a weekly basis. Think of all the
popular shows being shown here in the UK such as Antakshri, Sa Re Ga Ma and
multiply the fun by 10 and raise to a nostalgic factor of the power of 4 and
you'll gain some insight into how much culture this young belle is infusing
into a swaying generation. The country needs someone like her, I can't help
but think allowing the thought to become a hope.
My mind wanders back to where I am and the shot is finally canned and like a
spring bouncing back Raageshwari jumps up to congratulate the winner of the show and ending the show in true 'holi'-style as viewers will see. The
final show has been shot and the weary workaholic retires to her make up
room only to pack up her things, before waving adieu to the many fans and
admirers she has who have patiently waited to gain a last smile of the day from their
favourite person. As she walks out of her dressing room a ray of light
covers all she talks to including myself and a heavenly glow dances around
us. I feel the warmth for a second before reaching out to speak to the girl
who has worked so hard over the past 14 hours, and indeed the past few days
without a break only to find she is still smiling and full of good cheer.
Her eyes show signs of sleep and yet her face radiates enough warmth to melt
the hardest of hearts, and so I refrain from troubling her further.
A flash later and the Angel has gone, leaving us in heavenly bliss with
memories of her sweet voice and charming nature teasing our hearts until we
are fortunate enough to catch her next. I look up at the stars and send a
silent prayer her way, hoping to see her again soon and wish her every
success as rarely do you find such dedication and passion in anyone where
work is concerned. She had touched my heart and the hearts of millions and
all that was left now was for us to patiently wait until she would reach out
and touch us again.
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