2006 for hottest TV stars

Smriti Irani (Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi)—"This is a year filled with great possibilities for me. It's the year of my debut in Gujarati theatre and the beginning of my association with cinema. I hope it works out. As for television, content will continue to rule whether it's a soap or reality tv."

Rajiv Khandelwal (tv star)—"For me this year looks very exciting. I'm clueless about what awaits me. And the very fact that I'm clueless makes my struggle unpredictable and exciting."

Rajeshwari Sachdev Badola (tv actress)—"I hope for me, my tradition of interesting and exciting work continues. That's the way I like my work to be. May dance and music be the elixir of my life!"

Ekta Kapoor: "I see a continuing fragmentation of viewership. Star Plus will continue to be on top in 2006. But Zee and Star One will inch forward. For me innovation is the key word. As far as soaps go, my biggest challenge this year is Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka on Star One. It takes me into an entirely new territory. My other new soap Kasam Se is a sweet warm story that I hope to use it to lure urban audiences into watching Zee. And Kandy Floss on Sony will be my first non-fictional show. I'll also be launching one of my biggest soaps ever at year-end. Plus, there're other things on the anvil. But these are the main challenges. As far as Indian television is concerned, the sky is no longer the limit."

Manish Goswami (producer of Sarrkar)—"This year looks very encouraging and bright. Apart from my two shows on air Sarrkar and Kittu Sab Janti Hai which are doing very well, I've a few more shows going on air by Feb/March. Finally my first feature film will take off by July 2006. I see a lot of reality tv and progressive serials on primetime. I also see a lot of shows targeted at children between 5 and 14. Of course comedy shows will also rule the roost this year. Who doesn't want a good laugh?"

Iqbal Khan (lead, Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai)—"By God's grace things have been going splendidly for me. My future is in Allah's hands. I'm going to continue to work hard and do my bit on television. Everyone can see, the popularity of the medium is growing like a wild forest. It just doesn't seem to end, Inshan Allah!"

Kavita Barjatya (producer, Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki)—"TV is getting really big. Besides the normal dailies different kind of shows are coming up this year. Reality tv is definitely here to stay. I remember reading a survey which said television contributes 55 percent to India's entertainment industry while films contribute just 26 percent.

Ravi Rai (producer, director of Sailaab, Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai and Kashish)—"This year television would certainly scale higher heights. A tv director has to stand up and deliver as the stakes are getting increasingly high. Fiction tv is a segment of deep concern with news, sports and reality-based shows coming up like gremlins, one needs to look at this mother-genre and revive it by artificial respiration. As for me, I need one good show on television for my own satisfaction and for my company to keep going. Depends on the show I'm given to make. Either I'll fake an orgasm or really have one."

Deepak Segal (Executive Vice President, Content Star) : "I foresee further fragmentation in the tv industry, what with new channels, and technology like DTH and mobile coming up. For us at Star we hope to put on some shows that get into the marathon and some shows that could sustain in the race and keep leading in the marathon."

Rohit Roy (tv star)—"Honestly for the first time I am looking forward to doing some kick-ass work on tv. 2005 was great for me. 2006 looks even better. Sarrkar is giving me a creative high. And Viraasat promises to be the mother of all soaps. My movie appearance in Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina has got me great responses. Now a couple of really good films are happening. So all in all this year will rock for me. I feel tv will continue to be the most powerful medium, and it's growing by the week."

ashi