TOI: Big icons of small screen- Gurmeet-GEET

That television in India is no longer 'small screen' is a fact that's almost accepted. So it comes as no surprise when some soapbox characters assume larger than life proportions and become part of the viewers' lives. In fact, the viewer connects so strongly to the character that the actor playing that role becomes incidental. The boundary lines merge and when the actor stops being himself/herself and becomes the character is sometimes difficult to say. Prime time television shows can boast of some truly memorable characters who have and continue to hold a special place in viewers' hearts. Here's a quick look at the top 10 all time top favourite male characters who've made the viewers smile, made hearts beat faster everytime they've walked into the screen and looked at their audiences.

Shaktimaan (played by Mukesh Khanna) in Shaktimaan: Indian telly's first superhero who inspired an entire generation of kids, often making them take on daredevil acts) and not so young to watch his various capers to save the world from evil. If f he was a poor copy of Superman, then no one noticed really, because he had the audiences hooked in an age when TRPs didn't dictate viewership patterns!

Karamchand (played by Pankaj Kapoor) of Karamchand: A televised copy of Agatha Christie's Hercules Poirot, Pankaj Kapoor was the bumbling, carrot-chewing private eye whose impassive face was deceptive, but his mind razor sharp. Okay, he had no kick ass scenes, but here was the first thriller series with a comic touch that made Kapoor immensely popular, especially with his famous oneliner, Shut up Kitty! It's another matter that when the show was revived with a fresh starcast and an older Kapoor, it had no takers.. Magic can't be recreated.

Mihir Virani (played by Amarr Upadhyay) of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Yes, Mihir was truly the first hero who sent the nation (the televiewing part of it) in a tizzy when he 'died'. Amar Upadhyay became TV's biggest star there after, and after zillions of frantic fanmails later when he returned from the dead, the audiences sent prayers to the divine and Ekta Kapoor. The ideal son, doting husband and charming lover, Mihir was a fave for a year, until his character was played by two other stars. But neither could take it to the highs that Amarr had done.

Sujal Grewal (played by Rajeev Khandelwal) of Kahin To Hoga: Tall, dark handsome and rich. Sujal Grewal was the first Mills & Boonish hero who stole hearts with a hint of a smile.Rajeev Khandelwal became the first telly heartthrob of thousands of nubile hearts. Even though it was aired at a late night band (11 pm), Sujal became a household favourite almost instantly. Or rather Rajeev made him one, because once he quit the show, the replacement actor got reduced to being just a screen name!

Ranveer Sisdodia (played by Karan Wahi) of Remix: High school boys don't usually have an entire show dedicated to them. But Ranveer Sisodia was the first teenage heartthrob to find space on prime time TV for himself and built a fanbase that was enviable. Mint fresh good looks and a cute smile gave Remix great viewership, even on a niche channel like Star One.

Gattu (played by Deven Bhojani) of Baa Bahu Aur Baby: Well, he wasn't really heartthrob material, but Deven Bhojani as the affable, chubby, childlike Gattu made a firm place for himself in people's hearts. He made people smile through their tears and for a little while even a comedy series had audiences! Pity the second season of the show couldn't whip up enough TRPs despite Gattu's charm.

Armaan Mallik (played by Karan Singh Grover) of Dill Mill Gayye: The dimpled dil ka doctor was an instant hit when he flaunted his basketball playing skills in a medical show. Karan's countless shower scenes, a knowing twinkle in his eyes, fab abs, the ability to hold his co-stars in his arms, and a smile to die for made him a huge teenage icon in 2007 and kept the show on top on the channel it aired on. Even one and half year after the show's off air, there are demands for a second season with Karan Singh Grover in lead of course!

Prem Joneja (played by Harshad Chopra) of Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil: Harshad Chopra as the tycoon with a heart was just what made Prem Joneja, the perfect husband, son and brother material on screen.

Maan Singh Khurana (played by Gurmeet Chaudhry) of Geet Hui Sabse Parayi:After playing Lord Ram, Gurmeet hit the jackpot when he signed in as Maan Singh Khurana, the unsmiling biz tycoon who finds love in the arms of a bubbly teenager. The fiery on screen rapport that Gurmeet shared with his co-star Dhrasti Dhami made him telly's favourite hottie and his kick-boxing scenes and the ability to catch the falling heroine in his arms made him very popular.

Arnav Singh Raizada (played by Barun Sobti) of Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?: He's prime time TV's first anti-hero who's got everything that makes him the ultimate hero. The perpetually angry, Bluetooth bearing Harvard returned tycoon who doesn't have a heart is completely smitten with a spunky beauty from Lucknow. Barun might not have been first choice for the role, but he has taken the role and the show to new TRP highs and has ensured that he's inching closer to the TV numero uno tag. As for Arnav, he's the kind of guy, whose totally droorl worthy even when he's sporting a dirty ganji and lies helpless in the baddies' den!