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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#381

'Bips is watching too much of Bigg Boss!'
By: Vickey Lalwani
December 27, 2006

Gimme a break! Bipasha Basu

There has been talk around town about Bipasha Basu's growing insecurity over her boyfriend John Abraham. However, this is the first time someone is openly accusing the actress of a possessive streak. Starlet Kashmera Shah claims that when she went up to John to say hello at the launch of his clothing line on December 18, Bipasha literally breezed in between their conversation and diverted all of John's attention to herself.

Cold shoulder

According to an eyewitness, Basu appeared by John's side and started whispering in his ear almost as soon as Kash went up to him. John was holding Kashmera's hand while she was talking to him, but when his ladylove appeared he switched his attention from Kash to Bips. A few seconds later, Shah even greeted Bips, but was given an icy stare and no response. "Bipasha looked through Kashmera. She was so cold that Kashmera was flabbergasted and quickly walked away, leaving the couple alone!" reveals the source.

The eye-witness further says that Bipasha cuddled up to John throughout the evening, effectively making sure that no woman came near her man. "Even if she was away from John for a few minutes, which happened when Kashmera walked up to him, Bipasha would sweep in from wherever she was beside John to prevent conversation. But what she did to Kashmera was a bit too much."

Not a man-eater!

I had never met John in my life so I can't understand why Bipasha behaved the way she did. I went up to say hello to John because that's what etiquette is all about. He was the focus of the event, so it was only natural for me to greet him
— Kashmera Shah

When contacted, Kashmera admits, "Yes, this happened but I don't want to think about the incident. Prior to that evening, I had never met John in my life so I can't understand why Bipasha behaved the way she did. I went up to say hello to John because that's what etiquette is all about. He was the focus of the event, so it was only natural for me to greet him. I guess Bipasha has been watching too much of Bigg Boss. I am not a man-eater."
While Bipasha was unavailable for comment, a friend of the actress laughed off Kashmera's theory that Bips was paranoid of John talking to other women. "The paranoia of living in Bigg Boss's house hasn't left Kashmera. If Bipasha was by John's side, it's because he is her boyfriend. It was his special day and she was there to support him. As for her cuddling up to John, that's classic Bips too. She is very demonstrative of her feelings. Bipasha is not a insecure woman."

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/december/149099.htm

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#382

Who is Ragini Shetty?
By: Shaheen Parkar
December 28, 2006

PEHCHAAN KAUN? Abhijatha Umesh is better known as Ragini Shetty on Bigg Boss

Who exactly is Ragini Shetty? When Sony's reality drama unfolded, viewers were given to believe that Ragini was a South Indian actress looking for a break in Bollywood. But here is the shocker — Ragini isn't even her real name — she's especially been rechristened for Bigg Boss — and she's far from being an aspiring starlet.

Perfect script

Endemol, the producers, selected Ragini as an unknown face to add intrigue to the show. "My daughter's name is Abhijatha Umesh. Ragini is the name they gave her on Bigg Boss," admits her mother Thaara Umesh, a model coordinator. "In fact, Abhijatha was auditioning to become a VJ on Channel [V] when Endemol offered her the show."

Abhijatha is 24 years old and has been working as a production assistant for the last three years. "She is into writing scripts and wants to make a film. She has also done modelling (Orbit chewing gum and some Tamil commercials that aired on Chennai Doordarshan). Post Bigg Boss, she has received acting offers too," adds her mother.

Interestingly, Abhijatha worked as an assistant director for serials like Kyun Hota Hai Pyar (Star Plus) and Hotel Kingston (Star One). Kyun Hota... had her Bigg Boss co-contestant Amit Sadh as the actor!

Creative family

Abhijatha attended Vidya Niketan School and studied visual arts at SRM College, Chennai. She has also done a course in fashion designing from Coimbatore. "A few months ago, she began working for an NGO in Bangalore. She is greatly interested in social work. But due to my illness, she had to quit and come back to Chennai," says Thaara.

Though Abhijata's family is originally from Chikmagalur, Karnataka, they moved to Bangalore several years ago before finally settling in Chennai. Her father, K H Umesh, is a filmmaker who specialises in special effects and animation. Presently, he is a consultant for a US-based film company in Chennai. He also makes films for the government of Karnataka.

Says Umesh, "I have been making films for 25 years. I studied filmmaking in Paris and worked there for a few years. After returning to India in the '80s, I was associated with the serial Panchatantra; the first animated show on Doordarshan."

Abhijatha has an elder brother Ajai Umesh, a fashion photographer. And Thaara's model co-ordination company is called Ajay-Abhi Associates (named after her children) with offices in Chennai and Mumbai (Lokhandwala).

"Though Chennai is home, all of us keep on travelling due to our work; we keep the airlines folk very happy," says Thaara. And does she appear as Abhijatha or Ragini on Bigg Boss? "She is Abhijatha, extremely honest. Even though she appears a tad irritated lately, she is doing well for herself," says her mother.

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/december/149165.htm

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#383

And the Mirchi goes to...
By: Pragyan Mohanty
December 29, 2006

Flashback 2006

Murgh Mussalam Makeover:
Sakshi Tanwar

Here's the ultimate case of 'khoda pahaad aur nikli chuhiya'. Balaji Telefilms went berserk announcing Parvati bhabhi's mega makeover. The countdown began with loads of suspense, especially since it was seedhi saadi Parvati who was undergoing a metamorphosis courtesy Manish Malhotra's Midas touch.

Will the new Parvati don Western outfits? Will straight cut blouses give way to sexy cholis? Will chiffons be replaced by Kanjeevarams and Banarasi silks? Innumerable questions plagued our minds, but they quickly fizzled away when we laid eyes on Parvati in her 'nayi pehchaan'. The bun-tied hair was straightened and let loose and she was finally given a dash of lip gloss. Arre baba, ho gaya makeover! What did you expect her to look like? J Lo?

Director Dopyaaza:
J P Dutta

A flattering letter we received from The World Association of Insomniacs is proof of the medical research and value of J P Dutta's extraordinary venture, Umrao Jaan. The thanda script, pheeka romance, thakela acting and sleep-inducing music is the perfect blend to put the restless insomniacs to sleep.

Mind you, putting together this deadly combination is no easy task. Hence, we want to honour Dutta for the compassion he has shown towards this highly neglected section of society.

Kaatil Quote Korma:
Kasmera Shah

The tangy starlet sent shivers in Bigg Boss's house with her oomph factor and her 'mind in overdrive' plotting. Known for being the meethi churi, Kashmera bombarded newspapers with spicy quotes once she was evicted from the house.

Mark her words: "I didn't want to cook/serve people like Rahul Roy and Amit Sadh. I'll cook biryani for Salman Khan instead." Kashmera, take home our special Quatil Quote Korma and while we enjoy your biryani!

Chamatkari Chowmein:
Eijaz Khan

When a fan claimed to have become pregnant by telly pin-up boy Eijaz Khan, we expected the actor to be baffled, flustered or at least agitated by such 'dubious' reports. Instead, Eijaz couldn't help wondering if the woman had been impregnated by looking at his photograph. This is certainly a path-breaking phenomenon! Three cheers to this new age scientist who, with his lethal combination of 'intelligence' and machismo, will steer the world to a whole new direction.

We present him with the Chamatkari Chowmein award replete with medicinal herbs, shrubs and grubs from across the globe that will further aggravate his miraculous powers. All you women hoping for a mini Eijaz can now actually get this deadly combo of 'brain' and brawn!

Chatur Chutney:
Shah Rukh Khan

He isn't called Badshah for nothing; Shah Rukh Khan knows when and how to play his cards. So it won't be wrong to say that King Khan is working overtime to make his way up to Shehenshah Amitabh Bachchan's throne. There's no denying the unspoken rivalry between the stalwarts, and Shah Rukh is busy capturing every fort that has established Big B's regime.

Not too long ago, SRK tried to transform into the Don but the attempt didn't pay off well. Then the actor sent shockwaves through the entertainment circuit when he snatched AB's flagship project Kaun Banega Crorepati right from under his nose. A smart move, indeed! Shah Rukh Khan is now the proud winner of the much-coveted Chatur Chutney award for his much-appreciated cleverness.

Kapda Kofta:
Manisha Koirala

The Nepali beauty had no competition in this category. It's her ever-changing mood that dictates her bizarre sense of fashion. If she wants, she can turn up looking like the prettiest lady in tinseltown, but more often than not she's a recipe for complete disaster.

Her 'I-care-a-damn' attitude towards critics makes her the perfect applicant for this honour! Be it her balloon pants, layers of fabric or even her Spiderman inspired shoes, Manya has mastered the art of tacky dressing. Way to go, lady!

Thakela thandai:
Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan

This couple deserves to be applauded for maintaining the same momentum on screen and off it. Their reel life and real life chemistry is so cold that it would even put Antarctica to shame! Ash plays her 'no comment' tape recorder on repeat mode, while AB's baby feels it's derogatory to discuss the woman in his life in public.

Thanda romance, super thanda statements. That's why the couple deserves a Thakela Thandai! Piyo and learn to jeeyo, bhai!

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/december/149226.htm

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#384

Year's juiciest TV hook-ups!
By: A hitList Correspondent
December 29, 2006

We personally think television stars are far more bindaas about their relationships than the B-Town brigade. While the Bollywood brethren loves to keep things under wraps, the television brigade has no qualms about proclaiming their love on what else, but national television! Here's looking at five of the juiciest television hook-ups this year.

Eijaz Khan and Natassha

These two have got to be the best-looking couple in TV land, especially after their oh-so-hot chemistry in the now defunct show Kavyanjali. While they admitted to the romance in the early stages of their relationship, the affair hit something of an obstacle when it was rumoured that their parents were against the match.

The couple then decided to go off press, but soon enough news filtered in that they had defied their parents' diktats and got engaged in a secret ceremony. Ah, the reckless passion of young love!

Aryan Vaid and Anupama Verma

Undoubtedly, India (or at least devoted viewers of Bigg Boss) was waiting with bated breath for Anupama Verma and Aryan Vaid to proclaim their undying love for each other on national television. But while Aryan shocked viewers when he shed tears over leaving his beloved Punna back in Bigg Boss's house, Anu's thanda response when she finally got evicted was something of a dampener.

We've got this sneaky (okay, not-so-sneaky!) feeling that Punna just isn't feeling the love as strongly as Aryan now that she's a free bird. But we're die-hard optimists, so we're crossing our fingers that this couple will be just as cute out in the real world!

Juhi Parmar and Anuj Saxena

There were rumours of them becoming a couple on the sets of Kumkum in the early days, but they preferred to keep their fondness for each other hidden. Some time later, Narayani Shastri too entered the equation and things weren't all hunky-dory for this couple. In the midst of all this, Anuj went ahead and married a Delhi-based girl (arranged by his parents), only to get divorced in January 2006.

Since then, Juhi has slowly but surely inched her way back into the actor's life and we hear she now wants marriage. The maverick that Anuj is, we think he needs time to recover from one broken marriage before he plunges headlong into another, wot?

Rakhi Sawant and Abhishek Awasthi

We were the first ones to tell you about the main man in the item girl's life. Of course, both of them denied the liaison then, but Rakhi's emotional outburst in Bigg Boss's confession room took everyone else by surprise. Abhishek, a former Cinestars Ki Khoj aspirant and wannabe actor, is the item girl's choreographer, manager and best friend. What's more, Rakhi says he's the man she wants to grow old with.

We'll have to wait and see about that, but in the meantime, we suggest someone quickly grab the opportunity to capitalise on Rakhi's growing stardom and spin off a reality show on the Sawant family, much like The Osbornes on MTV. Should definitely make for some very interesting viewing, with Rakhi's mother bitching poor Abhishek out of her darling daughter's life!

Mona Singh and Karan Oberoi

After months of 'are they-aren't they', Mona Singh finally came clean about her long-standing relationship with Band of Boys singer Karan Oberoi during Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. While they definitely make a very cute couple and share an easy camaraderie, their constant denials were extremely annoying, to say the least!

We think this had something to do with the fact that Karan was in a relationship with another actress at that time. But when the duo met on the sets of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, the rest, as they say, is history!

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/december/149229.htm

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#385

Bigg Boss: Chal Bet Laga!

Ravi Kissen: Ek ka 1.60. Rakhi Sawant: Ek ka 1.85. Ragini Shetty: Ek ka 4.50. Chal bet laga!

The bookie world is in a tizzy. Betting addicts are going for the jugular. Ragini Shetty is the channel moll. They'll never throw her out. So, bet on her, she's the safest bet, tempt the bookies. As the weeks go by and she continues to stay on, the bookies are upping the stakes on her. But amongst the betting community, there can be only two possibilities: Ravi Kissen and Rakhi Sawant.

Welcome to the world of Bigg Boss. A little different from the world we see on our telly sets, but no less exciting. The buzz is that about a 100 crore rupees is hanging on this show. And 99 per cent of it is being generated out side Mumbai. In glittercity, only one crore is making the rounds of wishful pockets.

Bigg Boss controls the lives of 13 celebs locked in a house for three months. They have a five-point rulesheet.
No contact with the outside world.
No television.
No newspaper.
No mobile phones.
No privacy.

Every week participants nominate two fellow inmates to be voted out of the house. Of the two, one is voted out by the audience via SMS voting. The contestant who has the least number of votes against him or her will win the show and get a whopping Rs. 50 lakh reward. The game show now has all the attention of bookies of the Satta-Bazaar.

The market was at an all time high when Rakhi Sawant was in the show and everyone believed that she would win. But after her ouster, the market just closed down. Now that she's back on the show, the mobiles have started ringing again.

A source from satta bazzar said that "Market is open now and 37 per cent betting is on Ravi Kissen, the second strongest candidate is Rakhi Sawant. The market is also confident that the betting amount will increase in the next two weeks. So far maximum amount is from northern parts of India as Ravi Kissen has maximum number of fan following in that part and they are confident about his win".

How does this betting work? The usual betters know who the bookies are. One bookie from Mulund told Indya.com, "The cricket bookies are different from the TV show bookies." So after the bookie is identified, you place your bet. There is a minimum amount. Right now the minimum amount on Bigg Boss is Rs 10,000. You can place your bet on Ravi Kissen. Therefore if he is not out in the next round, then you win to the extent of Rs. 16000/-. But can this betting be manipulated? Yes, if there's a lot of money riding on one person, the bookies are set to lose that amount of money if the person actually wins. Therefore to ensure that he or she doesn't win, a flood of smses are sent for others in the group. This shifts the power balance. Is this likely to happen with Bigg Boss too?

Ravi (name changed) one of the bookies said "I am sure and confident in a very fair deal with Bigg Boss as nobody can manipulate the results. As far as I know one can vote only once through the cell. If it was multiple voting then chances were there of manipulation of results."

Another bookie who specializes in cricket betting denies that any betting is done on films. "I have been in this business for the last 10 years and I have not heard of this. Definitely the cricket bookies don't get into this. If some guy somewhere decides to get into business then it's another thing. We would not want to take on such a huge risk."

Voted out participants of Bigg Boss speak about betting.
Bobby Darling
"This is shocking news for me. I am not interested in betting but amazingly the show has lost its TRP. I don't understand why people are wasting there money"

Anupama Verma
"See whatever fan mail I have received has my fans saying that they have not voted me out. After mine and Aryan's eviction show, the has lost its TRP. So I am not sure about the betting, but I will definitely bet for Rakhi Sawant."

Aryan Vaid
"Seriously I have no idea about this, I can't give any comment."

Deepak Parashar
"I am busy with my shoots, I don't have any information about betting. I am not interested in betting for any one."

http://www.indya.com/news/bigg_boss.html

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#386

GIRLS IN 'BIG 'TROUBLE?

There are volatile mood swings in the Bigg Boss House with tears and tantrums, and back-slapping and bear hugs. One moment they swear to stand by each other and claim to be friends and the next thing you know they are nominating each other to be evicted! This week the girls are in trouble.
Rakhi Sawant seems to be on top of the hit list once again. No prizes for guessing who have voted for her eviction — Carol Gracias and Amit Sadh. Ragini isn't winning any brownie points either. New entrant, Baba Sehgal, wants both Ragini and Rakhi out. Amit who promised to stand by Ragini 'like a brother' has nominated her for eviction and so has her arch rival Rupali.
Rupali herself has 'confidante' Rahul, Ragini and Rakhi voting against her. Carol is amongst the nominations once again, voted in by best friend Ravi who wants to give it back to her. With the girls in a tussle with each other it is a fair ground for the guys.
Amit is the only guy to be nominated. Surprisingly, Rahul and Ravi have nominated him while pretending to be indulgent towards him!
Who will celebrate the New Year at the Bigg Boss house? To find out, tune in tonight to Sony Entertainment Television at 9 pm.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/

Edited by Manoj_Tina fan - 18 years ago

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#387

'It's not a relationship where I'm going to tie the knot'

Anupama Varma says Aryan Vaid's public proposals of marriage are bold, considering that he doesn't even know if she reciprocates

GAYATRI JAYARAMAN Times News Network

Anupama Varma's breaking her silence on her much-speculated romance with Aryan Vaid. "I'm not comfortable with the fact that Aryan Vaid is talking about private matters that are not clarified by me. I really don't appreciate this," she says.
Anupama says "Bigg Boss was a unique lifetime experience. But it was hard to accept the politics. In such an negative environment, I struck a rapport with Aryan because he's very positive, we were like-minded, with a common professional background."
Anupama says she's always known of Aryan's fondness for her. BT asked the girl who once dated tennis player Mahesh Bhupati whether Aryan Vaid is her type. "No," she answers, "If he was, I would have dated him in the six years I knew him. We'd bump into each other at shows, and he's always expressed a fondness for me. But I've always drawn the line. He was someone I avoided for six years." Anupama continues,"He's not just another friend. I'm not palming him off. We share a special bond. I respect that he's vocal about his feelings because I'm sure it takes a great deal to go to the press when you are not even sure if the girl reciprocates. In the house, I was touched by his gestures, and I would tell him 'You're my best friend, and I will always want to know you', and I stand by that." She continues, "Locked in one house, you go beyond physical appearances. Obviously there was a bond because we have seen each other at our worst. He was my support system there. Only those who have lived there will know how emotionally draining it can be." She adds "I know that his consideration for me was genuine."
But all this talk of marriage is disturbing her. "It hit me like a boulder when I stepped out of the house that things had gone to this extent! When Arshad asked me about it, I said 'I definitely like him, but love is a very strong word, and I don't feel that so easily.' I was not being diplomatic about that." Anupama clarifies that a relationship means more to her than love-at-first-sight. "When I stepped out, I needed to first get a grip on my bearings. I've led a very simple and clean life. I've not seen anyone for years. When it comes to relationships, to me it's something that is as big as the institution of marriage. If I commit, I'd better be sure of it. If I'm in a relationship it will be for a real reason. I am not judging him, but his past has been very different from mine. Even to understand it needs a very high degree of understanding from me." But Anupama is back to another reality now she says. "I have immense public pressure to get married. I need my time, space. It's a special friendship, that's it. It's not a relationship where I am going to go and tie the knot. I have not said anything inside the house or out that I don't mean. I feel like I have to say 'yes' or I'll be thought of as a hard-hearted girl who is letting down this nice guy. I am sure even Aryan would not want me to take a decision under pressure."
Was the love story scripted by the channel for TRPs? "Absolutely not," she counters. "If I felt affection I showed it through a hug." She concludes "I don't believe in making a public spectacle out of my life. Whenever I take a decision, I will take it with sincerity which time will prove."

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/

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Tashu

@Millie.

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 18 years ago

#388

Aryan almost died on X-mas
By Subhash K Jha

A fun cruise in Mumbai's inviting sea on Christmas night almost cost Aryan Vaid his life.

Shivering at the memory Aryan recalls, "Anupama and I along with other couple-friends decided to go out into the sea in little boats. It seemed like a fun idea. And it was. With Anupama and my friends for company I had never felt better."

The catastrophy happened when Aryan was changing boats. "We all were supposed to get out of the small boats and into a big one. I had one feet in one boat and the other feet in the other, when the big boat moved. Before I knew it I was in the water sinking downwards."

Didn't Aryan know how to swim? "Of course I can swim! But have you tried swimming in that deep water at 4.am in the morning with your clothes and boots on, and your mobile in your hand? My phone immediately slipped out of my hand and I've lost all my numbers. But at that time it was the least of my worries. All I could think of was how to get out of the water."

After a tense 5-minute wait for Anupama Verma and his friends, Aryan finally swam back to safety. "My friends didn't know what to do. It was the most horrifying experience of our lives. And it wasn't as if I was drunk or anything. I was stone sober, not a drop of alchohol inside me."

Aryan sees this as his rebirth. "Bigg Boss has given a renewed recognition. 2007 is going to hopefelly bring lots of changes in my life. On my career front I've Anil Sharma's Apne where I play the main villain opposite the Deols, Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby.

I learnt kick-boxing from a trainer from Hong Kong to prepare for the role. On the personal front, love is very much in the air. But I need to convince Anupama that she's my true love. Unfortunately my reputation has reached her long before I did."

www.santabanta.com

Edited by mayandrah - 18 years ago

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#389

Reality rocks but soaps retain their lather

2006 clearly belonged to reality TV. Whether it was Nach Baliye 2 or Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, viewers were perfectly in tune with the talent-hunts. But it's Sony's Bigg Boss that is the talk-of-the-town. Touted to be the mother of all soaps Big Boss is the ultimate in vouyerism and the viewers are loving it. The show in fact has opened new, albeit, scary dimensions to a reality show in India. The Indian viewer who had earlier rejected game-shows like Kamzor Kadi Kaun because it was impolite, arrogant and rude, is now uninhibitedly lapping up the bitchiness and nastiness of the Bigg Boss contestants. Though unlike the original version of Big Brother, the channel bosses are drawing the line when it comes to sex, one wouldn't be surprised if a couple of years down the line, the bar gets raised there too.
In a bid to counter reality television, many of the long-winding saas-bahu soaps spruced up their act. From Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kumkum to Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Woh Rehnewali Mehlon Ki, the serials promptly took a leap and got revamped. While Kyunki ... and Kahaani ... underwent a third generation leap, it was the first one for Kumkum and Woh Rehne .... According to the latest TRPs, Kahaani ... is soaring ahead with its new look. Even Woh Rehnewali ... continues to be the channel-driver on Sahara One.
Amidst the plethora of regressive soaps, there was a welcome respite in serials like Saat Phere, Betiyaan Apni Ya Paraya Dhan, Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan and Solhah Shingarr. While Saat ... brought out our obsession with fair skin and discrimation against dark complexion, both the Betiyaan soaps talk about how daughters are a boon and not the bane of a family. Solhah Shingarr deals with the sensitive subject of widow remarriage.
STAR Plus created a sensation when it announced the return of KBC with a new host. Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan was replaced by badshah Shah Rukh Khan. For the superstar, who began his career on the small-screen it is like coming a full circle.
To sum up, while reality TV got a push this year with talent-hunts doing well in the second season and new ones being introduced, family dramas and soaps continue to reign. Reality shows are a means to lure new viewers to the channel who are later served with the regular stable of soaps...

STAR PLUS
For the sixth consecutive year, STAR Plus dominates television viewing across every slot and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii rule the charts. Both the soaps had a generation leap and the latter is doing better in its new avataar. The new look Parvati has been welcomed by the viewers. While their weekend soap Baa Bahoo Aur Baby saw a steady increase in viewership, the channel also launched a grand historical Prithviraj Chauhan and a mythological Sai Baba. Ek Chabi Hai Pados Mein, a throwback to the yesteryear Nukkad was launched towards the year-end. To woo kids, the channel introduced two shows Antariksh, a sci-fi version of Ramayan and Lucky about a conman who is enrolled to save the world from evil. The channel also launched two new prime time shows, Virasat, a lavish serial produced by BR Films, and Balaji replaced Kavyanjali with Karam Apna Apna.

SONY
In the earlier part of the year Indian Idol 2 reached its crescendo as the show was moving towards the finale. The show, however, did not have as high TRPs as season 1. Deal Ya No Deal — the easiest winning game show had South superstar Madhavan returning to TV as the host. Yet, the show failed to excite the viewer and within two months, Maddy quit, citing date problems. Sony's favourite celebrity Mandira Bedi took over and managed to bring viewers with her liveliness and inimitable style. With the cricket season, she got busy with Extra Innings and Sujal aka Rajeev Khandelwal made a dashing debut as an anchor. Though he created a major flutter, the viewers didn't think it was a 'big' deal and the show had to be wound up. The channel relaunched its afternoon band with original programming and introduced two shows Rishton Ki Dor and Kabhi To Nazar Milao. However, the former failed to weave a dor on its target audience - women and is slated to go off the air soon. As for Kabhi ..., it went off the air within a couple of months of its launch. Another primetime show that failed to deliver the TRPs and was taken off air was Aisa Des Hai Mera, the story of a young Indian girl born and brought up in London who comes to India in search of her roots. The other daily soap Thodi Khushi Thode Gham that was launched alongwith Aisa Des Hai Mera, is still on. Shukra Hai Shukravaar Hai had the desi Fear Factor giving the thrills and chills to the viewers. TV celebrities like Narayani Shastri, Sai Deodhar, Shweta Salve, Kushal Punjabi and Vikas Sethi participate in the daring series. Boogie Woogie, the pioneering dance talent-hunt show that had been one of the channel-drivers on Sony for nine years made a comeback with a grander set and prize money. A gossip magazine Kandy Floss on the goings-on in the TV industry was made by none other than the queen of soaps Ekta Kapoor. The show started with a bang but tapered out. Kaajjal - Sabbki Aankhon Mein Basi, a primetime daily soap replaced Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai and Man Mein Hai Vishwaas, the reality-based mythological show anchored by Nitish Krishna Bharadwaj was launched. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the adaptation of the popular Dancing With The Stars had TV, sports and film celebrities who had no formal training in dancing shaking a leg with professional choreographers.

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But the show that has made Sony the talk of the town is Bigg Boss, the Indian adaptation of the popular international format Big Brother. Since the launch, there has been a wild card entry, where Rakhi Sawant, who was evicted, got an opportunity to be back due to popular demand.Anuj Saxena's maiden production Kulvaddhu was the last show launched by the channel this year. ZEE
The channel that surprised many with its turnabout was Zee which climbed to the No 2 position. With a competitive mix of programming and marketing, the channel surged ahead. New launches like Jab Love Hua had a refreshing love story between a city-bred girl and a country bumpkin which was a welcome change from the regular soaps. Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyaan which depicts that daughters are a boon and not the bane of a family, initially had the women's organisations up in arms because of some hoardings. But once the serial went on air, it has been earning kudos and TRPs for its socially-relevant message. Kasamh Se, the saga of three sisters and their loves had a good start and soon the protagonists Bani and Jai Walia became household names. But it was Saat Phere with its unusual and sensitive theme that upped the Zee stocks. Discriminated for her dark complexion, Saat Phere's Saloni had viewers sympathising with her struggle and empathising with her triumph. The channel touched a new high as far as reality television is concerned, with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Ek Main Aur Ek Tu and Li'l Champs, the finale of which was held at an outdoor stadium and telecast live. The other new entrants on the channels this year include Dulhan Banoo Mein Teri, Ravana and Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, (this time round with TV celebrities) Shabaash India and Nerolac Rang Jama De. Two shows that were launched with a lot of hype but didn't live upto itheir expectations were Kam Ya Zyada a gameshow, hosted by Manoj Bajpai and Johnny Ala Re which had comedy king Johnny Lever making his TV debut. Both have gone off the air. STAR ONE
STAR One this year launched many soaps and family dramas starting with Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka. Two other shows Saathi Re and Betiyaan Apni Ya Paraya Dhan were launched simultaneously. The popular sitcom Office Office which was the channel driver for SAB was snapped up by STAR and aired as Naya Office Office with a all-new series. Another comedy launched this year was Kadvee Khattee Meethi which is an extension of Tu Tu Main Main. A licensed celebrity gameshow Heartbeat that had TV stars participating in it went on and off the air within a couple of months. But it was the second season of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Nach Baliye that continued to be the channel-drivers and high TRP-generating shows of the channel. SAHARA ONE
Sahara One this year did not venture into any reality shows but stuck to its regular soaps and serials. While Woh Rehnewali Mehlon Ki which was revamped this year with a new storyline continues to be its channel-driver, among the new launches Solhah Shingarr which is about widow remarriage has got a very good response in a short time. The other shows launched this year include Sati ...Satya Ki Shakti, Kuch Apne Kuch Paraye, Zaara - Pyar Ki Saugat and Ghar Ek Sapna as well as Sunoo ...Har Dill Kuchh Kehtaa Hai which went off the air within a couple of months. The channel tried to recapture the magic of old serials like Buniyaad and Fauji. Unfortunately Buniyaad despite a hyped launch, couldn't lure the gen X to its saga of partition. Trying to cash in on the success of its game show Dial One Aur Jeeto, the channel launched Dial One Ladies First but it couldn't sustain. The other two shows which went on and off air within a short time were NG Takes and Sirf Ek Minute. SAB
Last November SAB was acquired by Sony and the first serial to go on air this year on the revamped SAB was Maahi Ve followed by Twinkle Beauty Parlour. Though launched with a lot of hype both the shows went off air within a couple of months of its launch. The third show Left Right Left is currently the channel-driver. Four new sitcoms F.I.R, Party, Ishq Ki Ghanti and Ji Behenji were launched at primetime under the band Poori Battisi of which two are going off the air. The reality talent hunt Fame Gurukul which was aired on Sony has been packaged differently on SAB as Fame X. Another show that launched this year Mohalla Mohabbat Wallah is similar to STAR Plus' Ek Chabi Hai Pados Mein and is on the lines of Nukkad and Ados Pados aired on Doordarshan aeons ago. DISNEY
The biggest news this year from Disney was it entered into an agreement to acquire Hungama TV, the indigenous children's television channel, and take an equity interest in media company UTV Software Communications Limited, in each case subject to regulatory approval. The channel acquired the rights from Sahara One Motion Pictures to showcase Hanuman in eight episodes. This tie-up marks the first-ever mini-series presentation of this trend-setting local animation feature on any TV channel. Power Rangers continues to be the channel's highest performing property. Reliance Communications ties-up with Disney to offer Disney-branded content on Reliance Mobile which includesDisney video shorts and 3D animations exclusively made for mobile devices featuring Disney characters. The company announced the launch of its non-character fashion wear - 'Disney Jeans' in India. Disney's first major original production in India Vicky Aur Vetaal was launched in October. This is the channel's first original live action series in Hindi. Recently they launched the second original production Dhoom Machaao Dhoom, a daily show for tweens. CARTOON NETWORK AND POGO
Cartoon Network maintains its lead in the kids channel space with 28 per cent channel share, while POGO has a 22 per cent channel share in the C&S 4-14 All India audience. (Jan 1 - 25th Nov 2006, All days, All India, 24 hours, SEC). In September the channel signed the first video on demand (VOD) deal in the country, with VSNL, providing a 360-degree entertainment experience to their viewers. Under the agreement, as many as 40 episodes of Cartoon Network's most popular toon stars like Johnny Bravo, The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Courage -the Cowardly Dog, Camp Lazlo, Code Name Kids Next Door, Samurai Jack are available to Tata Indicom Broadband subscribers. The content is available in both Hindi and English in over 48 cities across India. Galli Galli Sim Sim pre-school educational series premiered nationwide in India, on August 15 (India's Independence Day) on Cartoon Network and to maximize its reach across the country, Turner subsequently launched the series on POGO and the terrestrial channel, Doordarshan. Taking the cause of spreading education and empowering children beyond the realm of television, Turner along with Sesame Workshop undertook on-ground initiatives to reinforce the educational messages of the programmes. As is its want, the channel had ground activities like 'Join The Powerpuff Generation' which concluded in February, saw an enthusiastic participation of 65,000 kids from across the country. POGO Funtakshari which was held in different cities, created huge excitement and was witnessed by not less than 90,000 kids in each city. Similarly, Hojaye Shuru - The Beyblade championship held in Mumbai and Delhi saw a turn out of more than 1,200 kids at each event. Another unique activity conducted by them was the three-city video gaming championship - Toonami: Game On Video Gaming Championship, launched in November. This was the first-ever video gaming championship of its kind in the country. Taking the commitment to nurture home-grown creative talent to a new level, Cartoon Network, India's no 1 kids' entertainment channel recently announced a unique pan-asian initiative titled SNAPTOONS (Short New Asia Pacific Cartoons). An original content development initiative, Snaptoons aims to connect Cartoon Network with new creative talent across its key markets in Asia. Through this initiative, the Network is looking to invest in funding, backing and developing a new, original and groundbreaking idea that lends itself well to animation, is targeted to kids and either has a universal or regional appeal. Once green lit, these shorts will be run across Asia Pacific feeds of Cartoon Network - depending upon their relevance. The channel acquired four localised properties Akbar - Birbal, Legend of Buddha, Son of Alladin and Krishna. NICK
Nick has gone on to become the 'stickiest' channel in the kids category with a weekly time spent of 140 minutes. Speaking of hot-favourites, ratings placed Nick programme Ninja Hattori in the top slot with a path-breaking TVR of 5.12 followed by Spongebob Squarepants with a TVR of 4.92 (TAM Wk 46, 7 -2200 hrs, HSM 1 L +, CS, 4-9 ABC). MTV
Besides its regular series of Roadies, MTV produced a film Ghoom which was a spoof of Dhoom. The film was released in Inox but failed to do well. Semi Girebaal another spoof on The Rendezvous With Simi Garewal was launched with VJ Cyrus Sahukar donning the avataar of Semi Girebaal. He interviewed look-alikes of leading Indian celebrities. The second season of Semi Girebaal Returns came back with new segments loaded with real celebrity chats and confessions by guests like Akshay Kumar, Chunkey Pandey and Mahesh Bhatt. MTV produced a ad campaign 'Porok' for Microsoft Xbox 360 - Xbox approached MTV to help them launch the brand to its audiences by giving it the unique MTV touch. The channel had an image makeover with a new Dharti Ke Laal - The Brotherhood of Paan which is a series of 12 promos featuring these red-stained sons of the soil. CHANNEL [V]
Channel [v] kickstarted its year with the Big [v] Concert, 12-hours of non-stop performances from artistes like Shaggy, Jal, Malkit Singh, Shaan, Euphoria, Himesh Reshammiya and Kailash Kher. The third season of Get Gorgeous had Dino Morea, Mark Robinson and Surily Goel as the jury members. This hunt across the country, discovered Meenal Thakur and Anurita Jha (who got an opportunity to walk the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week) as the fresh new faces. The resident 'Beauty on Duty' VJ Lola Kutty launched her special limited edition of official notebooks that captured her Lolaisms and Lolaway products. This year the channel hunted for new VJs with VJ Freshers. After an intensive crash course in pursuit of the original super stars of Indian television Neil Bhoopalam from Mumbai and Tanveer Gill from New Delhi have been taken on as the new VJs. It bid adieu to 2006 and welcomed the New Year 2007 with the launch of a special limited edition of Dance with [v] Calendar showcasing its five VJs on the beaches of Goa. ZEE MUSIC
The highpoint of Zee Music this year was the launch of a special calendar with John Abraham in their new show B News which gives all the gossip, and behind-the-scenes of Bollywood. HBO
The mantra for 2006 was Big, New, Most. The channel started the year with the box-office smash hit Spiderman 2 as the blockbuster of the month. The other movies that premiered on the channel include Ray, Collateral, Troy, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Hitch. In February, they launched a huge HBO Original Series Rome (the US $100 million epic series), which is one of the biggest productions in television history. The show, with its story of war, betrayal, love has universal appeal and therefore had a connect with the Indian audience and hence it received an extremely encouraging response from the Indian audience. The econd season of Deadwood was premiered in October which is a multiple Emmy Award winning HBO Original Series. Deadwood is the story of a town and how a group of misfits and outlaws survived in the lawless mining camp of Deadwood. This year, HBO also launched the critically acclaimed Emmy Award winning and Golden Globe Award nominated series Huff Season 2. This year, HBO showcased some exciting short features / tidbits of several upcoming movies, which are presented in a very cohesive and entertaining way especially for its viewers, in an HBO inhouse-produced monthly programme called New On The Big Screen.

On December 26, to mark the second anniversary of the Tsunami that hit South Asia in 2004, HBO premiered a new original mini series Tsunami: The Aftermath. Directed by the India born Bharat Nalluri, the show is a fictional account of a group of survivors whose lives are irrevocably transformed by one of history's most cataclysmic natural disasters.

http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=14523

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 18 years ago

#390

Rakhi's Bigg loss
By: Tushar Joshi
December 30, 2006

Hot money! Rakhi Sawant

There won't be any Rakhi Sawant show on New Year's eve. Ragini's elimination from last night's episode ruled out any chances of the item girl making big bucks at any New Year show. Thanks to her re-entry on Bigg Boss, Rakhi has let go of several offers where her asking rate to perform is anywhere between Rs 5 to 7 lakh for the night.

Her manager, Manoj Prabhakar reveals that he has stopped entertaining calls soliciting Sawant's services for the festive week. "I'm only booking her for shows from February 2006 onwards. Even though the number of calls have reduced since people know she's back on the show, there are some who are very persistent!"

Making moolah

Describing how he fixes a deal for Rakhi for a New Year's Eve show, Prabhakar says, "There are three things we look out for: the audience the show is catering to, the infrastructure support and the amount of money the organisers are willing to shell out."

Manoj adds that Rakhi's demand for performing on stage has increased with each passing year. Along with her popularity, her asking price too has made a steady climb. Says Prabhakar, "A couple of years ago, we would charge Rs 75-85,000 for the evening. Then we moved to Rs 1.5-2 lakh when her demand grew. We touched Rs 4 lakh a year back, and now Rakhi can charge anywhere between Rs 5-7 lakh for the night."

Interestingly, Rakhi has been flooded with performance offers from Dubai, London and the US ever since her eviction from Bigg Boss. Says her manager, "I haven't seen her getting so many international offers in a long time. Most of the offers we get are usually from places like Delhi, Patna and Lucknow."

Smart move

But Prabhakar doesn't think Rakhi is losing out by choosing not to perform on New Year's Eve. He says, "When Rakhi was evicted, she came out thinking she would get back to stage shows. But once she came out, she wanted to go back in again. She took the decision to return only after taking every aspect into consideration. I think she's going to be around longer this time around. She's more relaxed than her first stint there and that will definitely help her."

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/december/149285.htm

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