TV’s ‘big’ stars - Article

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Divyanka Tripathi i(TOI Photo)

Today, television is easily the 'big' thing.

With Bollywood galaxy's brightest stars turning 'small' and walking off with hefty pay cheques, we thought it was about time we figured out who television's biggest stars really were. We got a few luminaries from television to nominate the small screen superstars.

Star next-door:
It's a tag that Hussain Kuwajerwala has been wearing effortlessly alongwith his designer shirts for the last seven years. Anchor, actor and television's man with lightening in his feet, the down-to-earth superstar has been doing an afternoon soap for six years! So much so that even rising stars like Saurabh Pandey are full of praise for him: "Hussain sure rocks."

Teenie bopper:
Yes, in television circles, there's no beating Sharad Malhotra's popularity index right now. This 20-something model-turned-actor got a taste of his popularity when he outlived many capable dancers in Yeh Hai Jalwa (9X). Sharad knows how to make the most of his chocolate boy good looks. For now, even "Bollywood" will have to wait, as the star told us once.

Mr Eligible:
It was a comeback that most actors can only dream of. But three years on, Ram Kapoor continues to break hearts in Kasamh Se. Ram has struck gold ever since he chose to align his loyalties with Ekta Kapoor. Says wife Gautami, "Ram is immensely popular even abroad. At an award function in London, I saw people going crazy for him."

Small superstar :
That is a tag that belongs Ronit Bose Roy. Ronit even owns an official fan website which has thousands of fans writing gush, gush letters to him everyday. If Bollywood didn't suit him, Balaji did. From playing grand dad to putting on his dancing shoes for a reality show, Ronit has proved once and for all that size truly doesn't matter.

Dr Love:
At least that's how Karan Singh Grover is hailed on television. After playing negative roles in Ekta Kapoor shows, this hotel management grad oozes attitude on screen with his tattoo, his rippling biceps and his shirtless act.

Queen Bee:
Love her, hate her, you can't ignore India's most loved bahu. She might have had a mixed innings as a producer, but no one can put on a better tear-jerking act than Smriti Iraani. They don't call her Ekta Kapoor's 'saviour' for nothing!

This Bhabhi rules:
Her trademark bindi and warm smile has won Saakshi Tanwar many hearts. Saakshi's got a plum role in the forthcoming Mahabharat and seems content being television's favourite bhabhi for now.

Rising star:
A talent hunt show finalist, Divyanka Tripathi, might have only one show tucked under her trim belt, but industry veterans say she is poised to go places.

Dancing diva:
A role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has made Mouni Roy an overnight celeb, with offers of ribbon cuttings and reality shows!

Headturner: Sara Khan, all of 18, is instrumental in the soaring TRPs of Sapna....Babul Ki Bidaai.