Kabul’s biggest private television station has defied a government order to take Indian soap operas off the air, insisting that it was issued at the behest of religious conservatives trying to “re-Talebanise” Afghanistan.

More and more viewers are addicted to the Bombay-made dramas tales of family life with thin storylines, wooden acting and poor production values, but which have captured the Afghan imagination.

The soaps have caused a huge debate. Prime-time viewing is a battleground between liberals and conservatives, with President Hamid Karzai backing the order to take the dramas off the air by yesterday’s deadline after months of dispute. At least one station complied, but last night viewers were able to watch Tulsi – its full title is “Because a Mother-in-Law Was Once a Daughter-in-Law too” which is said to be the most popular programme in Afghanistan, and Kasauti Zindagi Kay (Trials of Life).

Bollywood glamour queen Aishwarya Rai - celebrating her first wedding anniversary with hubby Abhishek Bachchan in Miami Sunday - describes her marriage as a “unique and beautiful experience”. “When I went back on the sets after marriage, there was no change at all. There has been a normal flow before and after marriage. Everyone wants to know how marriage has changed my life. Nothing has changed at all. Life has been one smooth flow,” Aishwarya told in a telephone interview from Miami. And though I didn’t plan such a marriage, I wouldn’t want it any other way. It has been wonderful on both the personal and professional fronts,” she added.The actress, who starred in epic romance “Jodhaa Akbar” and completed Hollywood film “Pink Panther” in the past year, says she did not become choosy after marriage. I’ve been working selectively since ‘Devdas’. I’m glad I’ve been choosing discreetly according to how much time I’ve on hand. That doesn’t change now. “I’ve committed myself to a couple of films now. I really don’t know if I’m going to get more selective, because I never do more than three films a year. Let’s see what the future holds. So many films I’ve let go because of the time factor,” she said. xcerpts from the interview:
Q: Tell me, how has marriage changed you?
A: Marriage is such a unique and beautiful experience in my life. I’ve found a wonderful new family. My maiden family and this family together provide me with more than enough happiness and security. What more could I ask for?
When I went back on the sets after marriage, there was no change at all. There has been a normal flow before and after marriage. Everyone wants to know how marriage has changed my life. Nothing has changed at all. Life has been one smooth flow. And though I didn’t plan such a marriage, I wouldn’t want it any other way. It has been wonderful on both the personal and professional front. I remember when I got engaged and went back on the sets of “Jodhaa Akbar” in Karjat nobody paid any attention. They thought it was just another rumour. When I look back on the hours put in for “Jodhaa Akbar”, I feel it was all worth it.
Q: Your other costume drama “Umrao Jaan” was where love happened between you and Abhishek.
A: (Laughs) Now that you remind me of it, of course. And if you add “Guru” to it, Abhishek and I came together through these.
Q: Where do you go now? Will you be working selectively?
A: When have I not been working selectively? I’ve been working selectively since “Devdas”. I’m glad I’ve been choosing discreetly according to how much time I’ve on hand. That doesn’t change now. I’ve committed myself to a couple of films now. I really don’t know if I’m going to get more selective, because I never do more than three films a year. Let’s see what the future holds. So many films I’ve let go because of the time factor.
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