Nausheen Ali Sardar's entry in <em>Kkusum</em> is still a 'Will she? Wont she?' Finds Vickey Lawani. We all raised eyebrows when she agreed to play mother to Aashka Goradia, despite refusing to do so at first. "Yes, Nausheen Ali Sardar is coming back in <em>Kkusum</em> to play the title role again," said a Balaji official, not so long ago. The latest is that the beautiful Nausheen is still not sure of her future course of action. She was supposed to start shooting today but for Balaji and Sony's <em>Kkusum</em> but it did not materialise!

While <em>Kasauti</em>.. team went to Malaysia for shooting, <em>Kkusum</em> too had similar plans. However, the unit changed its plans from shooting at Malaysia to Australia. But now looks like it will continue shooting at home. A leap was also being planned in the serial. But there is a speculation that the actors won't agree to it. There is no end to what the rumor mills are spinning. It goes off to the extent to say that the show might go off air, as there isn't much substance in it anymore.

It seems that Ekta Kapoor has finally decided to take on Poonam Narula again on Kkusum! "As far as I know, Ekta Kapoor and Tarun Katial had a meeting and decided to call me back this week.My husband (Manish) had no problems. In fact, he pushed me into it. But yes, I have made it clear to them that I would be shooting for just 7-8 days in a month. My scenes can be accumulated and banked. As for my kid, my mom would be looking after him when I go for a shoot," says Narula.

Less than two months ago, Narayani Shastri made a grand re-entry in Sony's <em>Kkusum</em> as Taashu. Today, she has quit the serial on her own accord. Shastri has already stopped shooting for <em>Kkusum</em>. Taashu, incidentally, had returned to the soap after more than a year’s gap. An elated Shastri, excited about her new look, had then said, "There is still that negative streak in her; but Taashu’s look will be extremely distinct from the old Taashu."

Is Maharashtra the flavour of the season after Abhijeet Sawant's crowning as the <em>Indian Idol</em>? The Maharashtrian backdrop of Sony's <em>Kkusum</em> will get an reinforcement in a few days' time with Kshitij and Kumud tying the knot in typical Marathi style.

Some TV celebs are seen only on the telly, inches deep in pancake. Others are spotted on page 3, vigorously working the party circuit. And then, there are those few who spend their spare time working for those that you and me wouldn't spare a second glance to! Anju Mahendroo and Poonam Narula along with animal rights activist Bhavin Gathani formed the Animal Lovers Association Society (ALAS) a year ago to protect and create awareness of animal rights.

<em>Kesar's</em> Abhi will no longer be played by Eijaz Khan but by Hiten Tejwani. Justifying Eijaz's replacement, Balaji's creative head Nivedita Basu offers, "Hiten is a fine actor. I am sure he will fit the bill." But will it be easy to identify with him? After all, Kesar is more than 200 episodes old. "Hiten will easily register. We have had replacements in the past- be it Amar Upadhyay in <em>Kyunki</em>... or Nausheen Ali Sardar in <em>Kkusum</em>. Moreover, we wanted Eijaz to be exclusive for Kkavya's role," she replied.

After Kumud, it's Kali's turn to get a makeover. Rucha Gujarati, who plays Kali in <em>Kkusum</em> has gone in for a complete blonde look, complete with a fringe. Rucha, the bubbly girl, who's been playing vicious half sister to Kumud and a flesh in the thorn to Garv and Kumud, says the makeover is in line with the changes the <em>Kkusum</em> plot is taking, as well as for her own self.

More dope on Zee TV's forthcoming show <em>Sarkaar: Rishton Ki Rajniti</em> (that's again a tentative title). We don't know whether Manish Goswami is coming up with a hit, but one thing is for sure, this one is surely set to make waves. Now, the news is that Mauli Ganguly may or may not continue in Goswami's forthcoming show. Mauli plays Ronit and Rohit Roy's sister in the show.

Is he, isn't he? Ansh is morphing into Trishul. But this Akashdeep Saigal bears no resemblance to Tulsi's villainous son. Gone are the straggly brown tresses, in place is a mane of straight black hair. No more beard, Akashdeep as Trishul in <em>Kkusum</em> sports a clean shaven look. In place of the diamond studs in the earlobes dangle a pair of earrings. And huge red bracelets grace his wrists. Best of all, Trishul is no negative character, he's cool, he's hip, he's all positive energy.