Himani 2 host Antakshari on Star One

Year 2006 was a year of emotional ups and downs in the melodramatic lives of television soaps highlighted on aspects like Bani's love–hate relationship with Jai Walia, Saloni's trials and tribulations, Tulsi still sobbing and facing her enemies, dead Ananya coming alive, with generation leaps, plastic surgeries in abundance all around. There were different shows like Left Right Left and non fiction biggies Jhalak Dikhla Ja, Nach Baliye grabbing eyeballs as well; and of course the biggest reality show, Bigg Boss.

There are many more shows to look forward to next year as well. A major attraction will be Kaun Banega Crorepati hosted by the King Khan, Shah Rukh. It is the most awaited show in 2007. Fighting for the maximum eye balls, the two fiercely competing shows would be Antakshari on Zee and Star Plus. Mainly because Gajendra Singh, the man behind the ace Zee musical shows, has left the channel to start Antakshari on Star Plus.

In retaliation, Zee has roped in popular comedian Sunil Pal, a laughter champion on Star One and Himani, a former contestant of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa as hosts. It would be interesting to see whether Zee can maintain the quality of Antakshari as good as before. Chances are it will go on air in January. On the other hand, popular television actor and anchor Anu Kapoor will be the face of Antakshari on Star Plus. It is also learnt that Zee plans to bring back Sa Re Ga Ma Pa again. When we asked its former host Shaan, whether he would host the show for Zee (as he is considered close to Gajendra Singh), he replied that he would choose the best offer given to him.

Ekta Kapoor is coming up with her own version of the grand epic Mahabharat. Now whether she puts more of mythological elements or rather saas bahu stuff into it remains to be seen. There is also a daily family drama coming up on Zee, Mayka which is produced by ex Balaji writer Anjana Sood. This is said to be a remake of their decade old popular show Amanant.

After producing a lot of shows for Zee, Ajai Sinha has shifted his loyalties to Sahara as his brand new show Ghar Ek Sapna hits the marquee this coming year. The show revolves around the strange ritual of 'forced marriage' which is prevalent in Bihar and neighbouring states. As of now these seem to be the most looked forward to shows in 2007. (Sampurn)

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