Way back in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, among the immensely popular romantic screen-pairs, was that of Jeetendra and Babita in retro-hit-movies like ‘Farz’. Interestingly, history is all set to repeat itself with the gen-next collaboration. In other words, producer telly-tycoon Ekta Kapoor-- daughter of Jeetendra, is now combining her creative business acumen with the acting ability of stunning Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor (daughter of Babita).
The light-eyed exuberant Kapoor (who is “super-excited” with her digital debut in this show ) will stage her comeback in a full-fledged lead role after a hiatus of eight years, in a central riveting character in this upcoming ALT Balaji and ZEE5 web-series ‘Mentalhood’. It is expected to start streaming on 11th March 2020.
Out here in‘Mentalhood’, produced by Pintoo and Rupali Guha, which is a brainchild of telly czarina Ekta Kapoor, Karisma is cast as the determined glam super-mom ‘Meira Sharma’ who is also a former beauty queen. She is paired opposite seasoned actor Sanjay Suri as her husband ‘Anmol’.
Karisma Kapoor (in red outfit) with her 'Mentalhood' co-stars
Enthuses Karisma, “ The initials of the word ‘MOM’ also stands for ‘Master Of Multi-Tasking’ since our show deals with and is tribute to ‘feminism and motherhood’ and the stress that goes with it. Our unique realistic show also handles relatable-relevant social issues includes surrogacy, gender bias, teenage tantrums, bullying and the one-upmanship amongst parents and teachers, examination fever, single male parenthood and yet it is highly entertaining,” insists the articulate ‘Raja Hindustani’ actress.
Meanwhile, the outspoken Ekta jogs into a mental flash-back, as she recalls how as ‘buddy-star-kids’, Karisma and she would chill out with each other at shooting locations., while their respective celeb-actor-parents (Jeetendra and Babita) would be busy facing the camera for a movie. Shares Ekta,” I have always admired how Karisma is a self-made super-actress who started off on a low-key Hindi film debut opposite Southside actor Harish Kumar. Although we are contemporaries, I have always been her fan. It’s an honour for me and our banner ALT Balaji that she is part of our web-series ‘Mentalhood’.”
This engaging family web-show also has seasoned eminent actors like Dino Morea, (as a ‘single parent’), Sandhya Mridul ( as the bossy, perfectionist parent is known as ‘A-Jo’), Shilpa Shukla, Shruti Seth and Tilotma Shome forming part of the ensemble cast.
Jeetendra romancing heroine Babita in retro Hindi movie