It's on the minds of most soap addicts these days. The Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai wedding special, where the protagonists Kripa and Angad are to tie the knot and make a lot of people very happy. Orchestrating the event is the young lady who orchestrates much of what happens on Indian television today. Ekta Kapoor.
It's her we've come to meet this evening, to discuss the grand wedding and more. Miss Kapoor likes the no-nonsense approach -- that much is clear. And she's in a hurry two minutes after walking in. Reporters are thanked after every question, she makes it clear at the start that questions about her personal life will not be entertained, and no serial apart from Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai is to be discussed.
"I wanted it to be the grandest wedding on the small screen," says Kapoor, "with the best clothes and the best loo . I wanted to push the envelope and take the show to a different environment as far as grandeur goes. It was important, as a turning point in the serial." What did it cost? "Almost as much as a real wedding," she replies. "We have all the ceremonies, a huge guest list and costumes for everyone. It won't be a one-episode thing either, so it will cost over Rs 40 lakh."
Apparently, characters from all Balaji shows have been invited, along with people from all walks of life. "The guest list also includes my brother Tusshar and father Jeetendra," says Ekta. "We are having a proper party and doing everything in our hands to make this a happening wedding."
She calls Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai her favourite serial. "It is sweet, cute, young and peppy. When I went to Delhi recently, I found that it was this serial and Kkavyanjali that was much appreciated."
Ekta adds that she was inspired by real life weddings. "My mom has attended so many of them. Also, December is the wedding season." The special is to air on Sony Television from December 23, and will carry on over at least four episodes. And yes, there will be a twist on the day of the wedding. What is it? "Wait and watch," says the young producer.
"Now the fun will begin," she says. "You thin the story ends, but it won't, and we won't have the saas-bahu angle either. This is a really different take on marriage."
Interestingly, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kasauti Zindagi Kay were the three popular Ks not so long ago. Now, Kkavyanjali appears to have taken the place of Kasauti. Why just soaps, I as . What about reality shows, that seem to be as popular? "It is a long way for reality shows to come near any soaps, except for the final episodes," replies Ekta. "If reality shows were that big, I would have started them too."
She says that even though she has never lived in a joint
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