Graveyard Shift

She is India's leading catwalk model with a body to die for, but Nina Manuel is not resting on her laurels. The hottie has hopped on to the television bandwagon-for the second time-with not one but two shows. While After Hours will have Manuel partying and chatting with the Page-Three crowd, Midnight Manual will be a music-based show. "I am getting paid to party," laughs Manuel. But it remains to be seen whether Midnight Manual will give people sleepless nights.

Cross-Border Act

The coy bahu of Kumkum, Juhi Parmar, is now playing an assertive tomboy in a Pakistani serial Rukhe Naina. But this 13-episode series is not Parmar's first neighbourly gesture. She also plays the protagonist in the series, Tere Ishq Mein, soon to go on air in Pakistan. Says the TV actor: "Pakistanis really pamper you because Indian shows and stars are popular there." Parmar confesses that she feels "at home" in Pakistan. Another cross-border affair, we think.

Off-Beat Script

Considering her father essayed one of the most iconic roles of all times, Amjad Khan's daughter Ahlam's decision to stay away from mainstream cinema comes as a surprise. "I'd rather do something off-beat," says the 28-year-old scriptwriter, who has written Highway 203, a film directed by her brother Shadaab. She also did a bit role in short film Reflections. Ahlam, who has received film offers in the past, says she has seen the "ugliness" in the industry and would rather be part of a small set-up. Bahut nainsaafi hai, as Gabbar would say.

Big Picture

She played God in her last play and now the pretty Rouble Nagi has added a new feather to her cap. The 25-year-old model-turned-theatre actor has become a successful muralist. "I have had an affinity for painting since I was a child," says Nagi. Now she can boast of clients like the Taj Group and Hyatt Regency. No wonder she has rejected film offers in favour of her latest venture: "decorating palaces abroad", a hush-hush project. This artist is building walls to the West.

-Compiled by Kimi Dangor

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