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Here comes the task master
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Singer-actor Ila Arun will play headmistress in Sony TV's reality show "Fame Gurukul"
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IN A NEW ROLE Ila Arun PHOTO: V. Sudershan
On a rather dramatic note, singer and actor Ila Arun takes the stage. "I order all of you to switch off your mobile phones, stop talking and listen to me. I am the headmistress of Fame Gurukul. Here rules start and end with me," says Ila in that familiar rasping tone of hers, even as the assembled media persons try to figure out what the gimmick is all about. Clad in a colourful salwar kameez, with her long tresses let loose, wearing chunky ethnic neckwear and a long bindi, she looks every bit her new role. Talented Ila no doubt is, so trust her to maintain the tempo to the finish.
"How come you are so late on the first day at gurukul? Instead of loitering around, go and do your riyaz," she orders Mandira Bedi, present on the stage.
Acting prowess
Taking a break from singing, Ila displays her acting prowess to the media to validate her role of headmistress on Sony TV's latest reality rollout, Fame Gurukul made on the lines of a music academy. All set to hit the small screen this June, Fame Gurukul will have 14 contestants vying for a coveted contract with Sony TV worth Rs.1 crore plus a music album from Sony BMG.
It is inspired by the Spanish reality show, Operation Triunfo that travelled to several countries. The 14-week serial to be telecast everyday will be hosted by Mandira Bedi and television actor Manav Gohil.
Says Ila, "When Sony asked me to feature in the show, I at once thought, it would give me an opportunity to do something different." While for the 14 participants, it is an opportunity to prove their worth and get recognition and fame.
So, Ila will soon be seen managing her shisyas in the gurukul rather than training them. The job to train them will be left to four faculty members — Prashant Samadhar, Padma Wadkar, Anjali Chanria and Geeta Kapur. And the jury comprising Javed Akhtar, KK and Shankar Mahadevan will have the final word.
SANGEETA BAROOAH PISHAROTY
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