Breaking Bonds

Mumbai, a land of dreams, the city that never slept, where people made it big, where things……just happened! Yes, if there was a city where Jay could realize, and live his dream to make it big in the world of media, it was undoubtedly, Mumbai. Jay hailed from the pink city, Jaipur. Jay was 21 years. Jay had left his engineering academies to pursue his dream. Jay had disobeyed his parents wishes……but Jay was still brimming with enthusiasm and hope. He staunchly believed, if he tried hard enough, and if luck favored him, he would accomplish what he’d set out to achieve. He just had to keep his vision clear for any opportunities, and grab them once spotted. Oh yes, he would show them all, he intended to show them, that slowly the struggle would pay off, and they’d find his name amongst other famous celebrities……then they’d all come back with bowed heads!…….All Jay needed was a break…..that’s what he’d come here for……a break that would catapult him to the stars, towards stardom. It would happen, so what it hadn’t yet, but it would any day now, he was sure of it…….

Jay had arranged through some contacts, to share a rented apartment at Versova. No, it was Viva Versova!……a haven for media men, models, artists, be it amateurs or top-shot professionals, they were all concentrated here……Studious, Institutes, agents, Acting-schools, training-classes, dance, music, theatre, modeling, personality development, you name it……it was all here, things clicked here, talent was sought here, genius was appreciated here, hard work was given credit here, dreams became reality here……yes, and soon it would happen to Jay too……Jay had taken the necessary steps, followed the natural procedure, portfolio, gym, theatre club, socializing stunts, interviews……Maybe Jay didn’t fit the requirements at some of the jobs, but Jay was good looking alright, of-course, he was working to improve it, but things looked bright……Heads turned at restaurants and clubs, girls giggled, guys looked envious…….still it could get better…..one day those girls would rush for autographs of his, and he would graciously attend to them too……Jay didn’t want to appear stand-offish to them, he wouldn’t reject anyone……after all, he would be popular coz of the support and love of all those fans and well wishers only, so appease them he would…..soon….someday……

It finally paid off, all that running around on an empty stomach at odd hours to catch the right people, Jay finally was signed on for 3 contracts, two of which were still-shoots, and one small role in a soap-opera. Jay was ecstatic, and eagerly took up his assignments in earnest. It wasn’t easy……mugging lines early into the dawn, jogging a good few miles each morning, health food, and the regular gym, and weekend parlor trips, for the facials and massages of-course!…….Well, the shoots went well, they were for some showbiz magazine, one was to advertise a new brand of premium quality shirts, and the other…….toothpaste!……Though, Jay wouldn’t deny advertising for underwear either, as long as it got him somewhere. The magazine editor was disinterested with Jay, while in contrast, the make-up expert a shade too patronizing. All in all, the photographer was the only sane acting person involved, at-least he didn’t act snobbish, in-fact his smile had been kindly, though his eyes were tired…..probably coz, like Jay, he too hadn’t had a good night’s rest for considerable time…….The acting was more challenging, rehearsals were well under way, and Jay found it a rewarding experience to be able to be a part of those glossy sets, and glamorous TV artists. Of-course, it didn’t add to much, as he was only playing an acquaintance to one of the characters involved in the family saga, and his screen-time didn’t account to more than a few minutes, in about 3 episodes, but still, it was a break…..and the Producer had been encouraging, though the Director was more…distant. But Jay was complimented by his co-stars, now that was a start!…….Eventually, once his part was over, and he’d been promised a recommendation to some other soaps too, Jay was back hunting. Jay followed the weekly serial on the small portable at his shared flat..…..his 3 other room-mates had rejoiced seeing him in that striking get-up, with that practiced dialogue in front of the camera, but for Jay, it was a slight disappointment, considering the editor had relentlessly scraped of many of his lines!……still, his winning smile had brought some newness to that dull melodrama at 8!……Fortunately, the Producer had kept his part of the promise, and luckily, Jay had received 2 more offers…….

Jay struggled the first few months. The modeling offers were precarious, but they paid. The publicity was noticeable, Jay couldn’t continue his weekend dinners at a favorite diner, he was too recognizable!……Jay kept track of all his small-time roles in the dailies that ruled the sitcom. It was undeniable, his acting skill had improved…a bit. And he also looked better, obviously, with all that dieting, and workouts, and beauty treatments. Jay found himself having more friends than before, ironically, he didn’t know half the people who called themselves ‘his friends’! But that was life in media, you had to smile for them all, even if they disgusted you! Jay’s name became known in the media world, and in the neighborhood he lived, and in the scandalous gossips that took up most the local newspapers! But that again was part and parcel of being in show business, people would definitely attempt to discourage you, but it was up to you to get discouraged or not! Jay knew all that, he was well prepared for the character slashing by the critics, he decided to ignore the accusations, not only the ones claiming affairs with ramp-models, but also the headline of him being linked to one of his Director’s wife!……’Small-fry’, Jay thought, it could get a lot worse than this!……..Still, Jay didn’t bother much, the sneers behind his back would die when another sensational gossip stalked the columns, so Jay did what anyone else in his place would do, just keep himself occupied in his work……

Jay eventually got the best offer he’d got till then. He’d been selected to play lead role in an upcoming project!……It was a pleasant surprise to him, he knew he deserved that role, but he’d no idea he’d been the unanimous choice, his prayers had been heard. To concentrate full time on this job, he took a small vacation from the ramp, and also turned down prospective offers from tinsel town. The planning was intricate, Jay had many personal meetings with the scriptwriter, in order to get a full understanding of his this character. It was a very unconventional subject, quite controversial, and it demanded the lime-light, and ensured a rocket ride to stardom for young Jay. It dealt with relationships, not just amongst the opposite sexes, but even, as unusual as it may sound, amongst people of the same sex!…..’Gay relationships’ was a relatively untouched topic for the screen, it was like trekking on thin ice!……Wavering decisions, lingering doubts took up most of the discussions the crew had every night……It just wouldn’t be openly accepted without an uproar, so to get it more acclimatized to the Indian scenario, the story revolved around a young group of office going people, mostly single, independent men and women, and their interweaving lives……passions, desires, fantasies, even obsessions, revelations, and climaxes……Jay happily engrossed himself in the extensive reading required. As Jay was to play the role of 24 year old ‘Piyush’, a clerk at the firm, and a friendly, shy guy, infatuated to one of his ‘male’ colleagues, ‘Rahul’……at the same time, a female receptionist at their office, ‘Sheena’ is madly obsessed with ‘Rahul’!……Somewhere down the line, the twist comes when ‘Piyush’ realizes another female co-worker ‘Trisha’ is secretly in love with him, while ‘Rahul’ likes ‘Trisha’!!……Quite a cocktail it was!……Only time would mould an outcome to this story, and judge the audiences reactions. There would be shock, but mingled with delight and suspense too. The person selected to play ‘Rahul’ was the successful model and TV anchor, Kush Tiwari. Both ‘Sheena’ and ‘Trisha’ were to be played by budding screen names. Shooting would begin in 3 weeks, now everyone in the technical circuit had nothing to do but be speculative. But the actors were a smart, fresh lot, and that cheered up the overwhelming apprehension of the crew, who were involved in this gamble……..

Kush was also anxious about the intricacy that the tale revolved around, and the initial response the conservative society would show towards it. Kush lived alone in his posh bungalow at Bandra, and since all the involved artists had decided to have personal practice sessions with the scripts, Kush’s place had been the voted venue. So began the after dinner rehearsals every night……with just the 2 girls, the 2 boys, the scriptwriter, and occasionally the Producer, while the Director was a regular. Later, when the meetings became impromptu, and timings squeezed in for detailed scene enactment’s, Kush suggested Jay stay over a couple of weeks. Not only would it save the unnecessary trips Jay had to make to and fro each day, but also a chance for the 2 actors to cherish a personal friendship. Jay was humbled by the kind offer, and readily agreed…….In just two nights, Jay and Kush became fast friends…….

If anything else, being involved in the same business, and as of now, the same project certainly advantaged them. That first day Jay stayed over at his colleague’s ultra-modern home, he’d been over excited. After all, he’d never experienced the sheer opulence of a celebrity lifestyle before. After their rehearsals for that night ended, and the crew trickled away towards their own cozy destinations, Kush, playing the perfect host, showed his guest around the house, and to the room allotted for Jay. That first night, they’d watched TV for a while, gradually, after a drink or so, they’d got engaged in exchanging nostalgic memories of their ‘growing up’ years. Jokes were cracked, pranks played during childhood were shared, and laughter brought the two youths closer, on the same wavelength. That first night, Kush had lead Jay to the spacious open terrace, out-lined with unpretentious pots, and a wide variety of fauna. Jay was surprised that gardening was one of Kush’s interests. Kush seemed a most exceptionally interesting young man. And…..he was….handsome…….Jay had to be on guard……

Next morning, Jay was even more bewildered to learn that Kush loved to cook by himself too. Not that Kush couldn’t afford a cook, with a bank balance as his, Kush could well appoint the chef at the Taj to be his personal cook! But no, Kush was deft with the chopping knife, and quite an expert when it came to fixing up a nutritious morning breakfast. Jay marveled Kush’s culinary skills, and said he’d better learn one or two things at the kitchen now that he was living with a master-chef!……Of-course, Kush admitted, sometimes when he’s dead tired, or not in the mood, he ordered packed meals from the caterers, but having a cook at home was very much a burden, too much fuss, and even pay hassles, best to be king of the jungle, and have it your own way, Kush had remarked. Now Jay didn’t know what to expect, he wondered if Kush cleaned the house himself, and did his own laundry!……Obviously, such was not the case……though Kush occasionally ironed his favorite suits himself…….Secretly, Jay’s admiration for his co-star increased every moment. He wondered how it was, that though he was in awe of Kush, yet Jay had never felt intimidated by his friend. Jay guessed it was coz of Kush’s genuine amiability, and modest nature. Slowly, as days passed, and deep conversations livened the nights, Jay and Kush talked…….not only about experiences…..memories…..but also reflections, embarrassing moments…..and dark secrets…..secrets that they felt compelled to share…….

It was during the second week of his stay at Kush’s house, practice was a regular affair, as was the daily jogging rounds the young men followed at dawn……Sometimes though, they’d excuse themselves from the jogs, especially if their chats had continued till the break of dawn, those days they’d complete their exercise routine at home, Kush had a home-workout kit. Jay would watch amazed as Kush would time his push-ups, dumb bells, and speed cycling regimen. It was hard for Jay to hide his stealthy glances……when Kush would flex his biceps……stretch his arms…..wipe the sweat of his drenched smooth flawless skin…….really, with Kush doing his exercises with just his shorts on, he was a major distraction!……Jay barely noticed, when Kush also made furtive stares in his direction, during their workouts……Jay too had a toned, defined body…….and luckily for Kush, Jay too exercised bare chested!……..At the kitchen too, Jay would watch mesmerized as Kush would garnish salads, stew curries, and toss around spices……which brewed up bewitching aromas……but for Jay, Kush in an apron was just as appealing as Kush half naked!……..Little did Jay know, he was quite a hindrance when Kush wanted to concentrate on some complicated recipe…….for unknowingly, Kush too was losing in the battle of attractions……..

Kush was equipped with a computer system in his bedroom. One night, after a delicious yet not too heavy meal, the boys withdrew to the bedroom…..while Jay, seated at the corner sofa, immersed himself in a book out of Kush’s lil library, Kush was busy online, surfing websites, swiftly tabbing the keyboard composing mails, clicking away at the mouse……while faint classical ragas floated in the dim vastness of the room…….Neither of the two realized the slight, silent peeks each was receiving from the other……Jay from behind his novel……Kush from the corner of his eye……..Kush could see Jay, stretched out on the couch, dressed in a loose T-shirt, and checked pajamas, while Kush himself was clad in his boxer shorts, and a vest. After much thought, Kush had reached the conclusion……..Jay was not only playing the character of a ‘gay’ man in the serial……but also…..Jay was ‘gay’ in reality…….and not everyone could have judged that…..only the trained eye…..of a ‘gay’ man could have……..Kush had to be sure before…….He toyed with an idea…….

Jay was startled when Kush called out to him in a coy voice, deliberately, he carefully adjusted the bookmark in place, before placing down the book, and gliding towards Kush. Reaching over, Jay rested his elbows on the back of Kush’s chair and bent down to study what Kush had invited him to see. Smiling mischievously, Kush maximized the window of a site he’d just opened to browse……a gay site!…….Jay was glued to the screen as Kush clicked on icons, and finally entered a porn library…….Kush enlarged the erotic picture of a nude man……he turned back to see the expression on Jay’s face…….he saw……glee mingled with embarrassment, delight mixed with shyness, Jay was a naïve youth, thought Kush, a 21 year old dreamer……who though not innocent, yet could act as innocent as a kitten!…….Kush clicked on a picture of two men love-making….by now both of them were suppressing awkward giggles……eyes bating from the screen to each other…….It was a strained control, Jay felt himself go hard…….he wondered if Kush felt the same……..When Kush abruptly got up and caught Jay’s arm, Jay didn’t know what to feel, or do, or say……watching all those sexy photos had disoriented him. Without a word, Kush dragged him to the bed, and pushed him onto it……..Kush jumped in too…….pinning down Jay’s legs and hands with his own, Kush mashed his lips on Jay’s……after a long, hard smooch, their mouth came apart gasping for breath…….in whispers Kush revealed that he knew now, that Jay was gay, so there was no point avoiding it, and that just as Jay had been attracted to Kush, Kush himself found it hard to fight back temptation…….saying so, Kush’s lips again met Jay’s….frenzied….yet warm……Jay could feel Kush’s body over his own…..rigid……firm……tense…….but then Jay lost all sense of feeling…..all perception…….Jay didn’t realize when their clothes slipped off, nor did he notice how long they’d been at it……..when Jay awoke with a start, he found himself below a naked Kush, asleep, tightly embracing him…….Jay struggled to free himself, picked up the clothes strewn on the floor…….switched off the blinking screen of the computer, and disconnected the system…….retracing his way out of the room, Jay pulled up the sheets over Kush’s stark sprawling figure and turned off the night lamp…….gently closing the door, Jay went over to the guest room where he ought to be. As Jay tumbled on his own bed, and tried to sleep, all he could recall was ……that frenzied love……that hot, erect body over his own…….that feverish pitch of release….and drowning into soft caress…..slumber……deep sleep……before Jay knew it, he was asleep recollecting the strange encounter he’d just had a few hours earlier……..deep down Jay knew it……..he loved Kush…….and Kush loved him back………
Jay’s eyes flickered open, when he felt a warm sensation over his neck……it was Kush, muzzling his nose down Jay’s nape……Jay looked into the strikingly fresh and sharp featured face before him……and smiled back……Kush leant over and kissed Jay softly, and murmured a goodmorning…….This time, Jay aroused Kush, and they made love again…..morning love…….but this time, it was tender and passionate, not awkward and hurried. When Kush rushed into the shower, and to get dressed for the day, Jay lazily got out of bed, contented……almost as if intoxicated……as if the magic….the mystic of last night hadn’t died down yet……As if in a trance, Jay ambled to the attached bathroom…….shuddering with self ecstasy…..wondering if it was all a dream……a dream he didn’t want to get up from……..

What occurred in the next week was like a whirlwind for Jay. The rehearsals in the day at the studio on the sets, in the evenings at Kush’s place, the lunches with staff, the dinners with Kush at lavish restaurants, or at home, the late drives around town, visits to the deserted beach at 2 am, the midnight snacks, the vigorous gymming, again the endless mugging up of dialogues, the secret sensual nights on the same bed, sex, pure sex……and bliss, and on top of everything, managing the ravaging emotions that come to haunt one, during an affair as such. Yes, for it was an affair, short lived……Jay knew that, but Jay didn’t want to lose it……he felt he’d found love….at last……

The actual shooting had been delayed by another week coz of some financial loopholes, but the anxiety was apparent as the sets became more electric, and the crew more serious. Secretly, Jay was glad he’d gotten the role, to play a ‘gay’ man…….Jay longed for the scene that would come several episodes later, when ‘Piyush’ confesses his love for his office executive, ’Rahul’……..Jay felt he didn’t have to act that scene…..it would come naturally…….he did love ‘Rahul’…….he did love Kush, more than anything else now…….but Jay didn’t like the story after that, when ‘Rahul’ is shocked by ‘Piyush’s’ predicament, and shuns him……ignores him…….even humiliates him in front of the office one day……..Kush isn’t like that, Jay thought, Kush would never hurt me……..I love him……moreover, Kush loves me…..he made the advance first……..he approached me……now we’ve stumbled in a relationship, which I pray doesn’t end up in the ditch…….no, Kush loves me……over and over, Jay tried to convince himself……but still his convictions weakened…….when Kush talked less to him with the crew around, when Kush spent hours on the phone at home……when Kush busied himself making meals and told Jay not to interfere in between……and when Kush went out for drives by himself sometimes….saying he wanted to pick up some clothes from the laundry, or get some video from the library…….but still, Kush hadn’t hinted about Jay leaving, nor did the lust and sex that ensued in the dark hours of the night slacken……..Jay mistook those love-making sessions…….for real love…….for Kush, it was just benefiting from opportunity……

Kush was the first to hear the decision, just days prior to shooting commenced, authority had decided to drop the project, fearing criticism and censorship. The producer wanted to personally apologize for the futile efforts by the artists, but proposed to include all of them in the next upcoming project which was another family melodrama!……but ofcourse, the next project had just one main love pair…….one hero, and heroine, surrounded by their families……so the question was……who would be selected to play the role……..Kush……or Jay?……..Nobody came to know of the private meeting between Kush and the Producer that evening…… not even Jay. Jay, under the impression that Kush had gone to visit an old friend, was listlessly viewing the television at Kush’s place……..waiting for Kush to return……..unaware that the whole contract had been terminated, and a new one was being framed now…….a contract that didn’t involve him……..anymore……..

That night at the dinner table, Kush appeared unnecessarily nervy, Jay felt the omen….as if something ill was going to strike at him….or them……Jay couldn’t gauge Kush’s grim expression, and those quick movements of his hands with the fork…….It was during the second helping of the Chinese fried noodles, and vegetable Manchurian, that Kush braced the subject…….with the same cool, composed manner……

‘Jay, you liked the food……didn’t you?’
Jay nodded……his words failing him as he tried to fathom what it is Kush was trying to convey…..
A brief silence….broken by the tinkle of glass……and the clatter of spoons and forks attacking the plate with gusto……
Kush continued…….without hesitation……
‘Jay, I believe the shooting isn’t going to begin soon, the Producer and technical team are still trying to cope up with the drawbacks……It seems, there might be further postponing in the plans, that’s what I heard from the Producer when we packed up today, you’d already left of-course, so he asked me to break the news to you……that there might not be a serial at all, that the entire project maybe dumped…..still, they’re trying….let’s see……’
Jay was trying to comprehend what he was hearing…….he failed to nod……he just stared at the unrevealing face in front of him……Kush went on….
‘Jay, since nothing is finalized as yet, I think it in the best interest that you move back to your apartment…….in Versova…..I mean, no use you staying here anymore, as the night rehearsals which have been conducted here till now have been ruled out…….any ways, better you leave, before someone starts getting suspicious about you……or me…….it was a temporary arrangement after all……best to let sleeping dogs lie isn’t it?……we must be careful, the profession we’re in…….you understand?’…….
Jay managed to nod……..though he felt something snapping within him……and it hurt…..very badly…..
‘So Jay, after dinner, I’ve been called at a friend’s place so I have to go……but I’ll help wind up your stuff……and drop you back…..at your…..home….ok?’……
‘Uhh….oh, no, no…don’t bother……I can catch a taxi…..I’m used to it……thanks any way….’, Jay mumbled.
Another silence…….it seemed like an eternity to Jay……finally he found the courage to muster….
‘Kush……why did you do this to me?…..I thought…….I don’t know…..I thought you liked me…..I know I’m mistaken, but you could have cleared it from the start, instead of playing along and saying ‘I love you’ each night to me……’
His eyes were met with a steely glance from Kush
‘Jay, I do like you….just as a friend, and that hasn’t changed anything, what do you think, just coz I have gay tendencies, that I should be head over heels in love with you now……what do you want me to do, propose to you?!’…….
‘I never said that Kush, but if you just wanted to play, you should have made it clear……first you make it irresistible for me to get attached to you so, and then you back off saying we ought to part ways…..I can handle that, if you’d just been clear about it’…….
‘Hey, Jay, I didn’t do anything, you were just as attracted as I was, and we are humans……things happen, even mistakes…..admit it, it was as much your mistake as mine….you craved for lust just as much as I did, and now you say I should have been clear about it!……so what were you looking for….a fairytale romance?!…..the prince brings the princess to the palace and they live happily ever after huh?!!…..look, your just as confused as I am…..about what we’re looking for….frankly, I’m looking for fun, plain fun with no strings attached, I don’t want anything to affect my career at this stage, not even love, so I’ve had it, as soon as I realized you feel so sacredly about all of this, I’m being point blank rude enough to tell you to get out of my place!!……and next time Jay, be sure of what your looking for, and write it all over your damn face!’……..Kush mouthed……with rising tempo……and indignation……
‘I know what I’m looking for…….I’m not craving for sex like you, you ….you……’, Jay paused, he didn’t want to start a brawl……he controlled himself before continuing, ‘I’m looking for love, decent, genuine, long lasting, and fulfilling……I faltered, I should have known better, I thought I came a step closer in realizing my dream…..but I see I made a wrong choice….the worst choice if I may say, never again….never again……..Good luck to you for everything, hope you achieve what you want in life…..I pray you realize what counts, what is valued……anyway I’m no one to say this, but I think you’re one selfish stuck up fool, otherwise you’re alright!’…….
‘Jay, dammit, what nerve insulting me in my house, just goes to show how principled and proper you are……go get your stuff now, we’re leaving as soon as I clear the table….I cant stand this one more minute……out!!’…..
Kush got to his feet……reached over for Jay……whether it was to hit him, or just gently nudge him, Jay never knew……for at that moment, the phone rang…….and Kush, cursing, rushed out to attend to it…….
By the time Kush returned to the dining table, Jay wasn’t there……in-fact, Jay wasn’t in the house anymore……Kush, relieved that it had gone better than he’d expected, fastened the doors before retreating to clear the table at ease……he didn’t have to visit any ‘friend’ now, that was just a tact to get Jay out…….Kush settled with a huge bowl of fruit cream dessert, in front of the TV……on instinct, he called up the Producer just in case, then retired to switching channels……..while relishing each bite of the cold sweet dish…….though….it wasn’t as cold as his heart…….

Jay had no assignments on hand, the one in which he was actively involved had been cancelled…….Kush had told him that……just to confirm……Jay had called up the Producer, and was told the same thing……the project in the pipeline was down the drain…….But the Producer was courteous enough to apologize before hanging up…….of-course, Jay was not to be told about any new project, that was part of the deal……a deal involving a handshake above the table, and a little glimmer of cash under it…….Jay was to be kept out…….

Jay returned to his Versova flat very late, he had returned after drawing out all his savings from the Bank……all that he had earned in pursuit of fame…….now that zeal had died, he wanted to go away……..even if it was for a while……..but far away……..He knew he would no longer be accepted at home, in Jaipur, even if his mom welcomed him, his dad would throw a fit......he had no other choice, he would go visit his sister’s place, her elder sister who had settled after marriage in Delhi, and from there he would try to go abroad somewhere………Jay even contemplated completing his higher academics abroad……He’d booked the next flight to Delhi. Jay finished packing all his belongings, the fact that his flat mates were out……maybe in some club boozing made it easier for Jay, he’d leave a note with an explanation for so sudden a departure…….Looking over the threshold of the compact apartment one last time, Jay heaved out all his luggage into the corridor…….and closed the door of the dark house……..
Jay didn’t read the gossip columns of the local media magazine a few weeks later……but then, it wouldn’t have altered his course of action……..Jay was off for USA……..

The column cutting…….
“Shah Brothers venture dies, out emerges from the ashes, a new entertainment drama for the family. The Producer, Mr. H. Shah, confessed their earlier script was dumped after plenty of reviews, as it dealt with a controversial topic, which wouldn’t have helped it’s TRP ratings as far as the middle class audience is concerned. Inside sources reveal the earlier project revolved around ‘gay-relationships’ in the Indian working society. It seems all the involved artists were quite enthusiastic in-spite of the risks, but because of profit doubts, and fear of critical backfire, the whole contract was terminated. Fortunately for the artists, who had spent hours on rehearsals with the previous script, all but one have been signed in for the next major release by the Shah’s Production home. Strange facts revolve around the disappearance of model and media-artiste Jay Malhotra from the Mumbai circuit, though his movements have been reported as of late, the aspiring actor’s sudden departure from the media world comes as a mild surprise, as such incidents have occurred before with others. Jay left for Delhi on the 12th inst. and is now reported to be on his way to USA. Though he has avoided publicity his last few days in the country, still we wonder if his this move is to complete his higher education abroad, as his sister revealed, or it’s a planned move to make it big on the international ramp, and ultimately, Hollywood!…..Our best wishes to this talented young gentleman from Jaipur, and also our heartiest wishes to all the artists and crew who are now amidst preparations to launch a new family soap entitled ‘Tootte Bandhan’………One of the most unexpected happenings, is why our charismatic Jay wasn’t offered a role in this serial?, or maybe he was offered one but turned it down?…….The Producer wishes to keep silent on that point, while current lead actor and media darling Kush Tiwari replies mockingly about letting sleeping dogs lie!!…..We wonder if he’s comparing himself to a dog!!……Hasn’t Kush heard that raving party tune…..’Who let the dogs out! Bow-Wow-Bow-Wow!!’……..