Vande Mataram!

“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new…India discovers herself again”.
- Jawaharlal Nehru

These are the words of our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on Indian Independence Day, 1947. Now after 61 years we are celebrating the joy of our Freedom, with the same zest and enthusiasm!

But what exactly does Independence mean to us?? After 61 years of free-life, where do we stand?? The onus and responsibility lies on us to protect the motherland for which many have laid their lives…Let’s thank all those who have given their blood and soul for the motherland and Salute all the Martyrs and Leaders who had the dream to live in Independent India!

15th August signifies hope of an India where unity and peace will continue to prevail .On this, Television Stars shared their views...

Alok Nath:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I feel that people like Abhinav Bindra make me proud to be an Indian.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: The pathetic politicians are a threat to India and its unity.

Your favorite leader in today’s era: Well what leaders? Who are they? I don’t see any leaders. I feel true leaders are people like Narayan Murthy, Ambani brothers and many others who have taken the nation a step ahead.

Message on Independence Day: I feel that Independence is sacred. In jungles animals have all the independence but it is very unfortunate that people are bound with laws and restrictions. In these restrictions one has to find independence. Let’s make this world a better place to be in.

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Sudha Shivpuri:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I feel that from the time we got independence till now, every field has progressed a lot. The conditions of women have seen a drastic change and I am happy about this.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: The endless personal fights that happen on issues regarding caste and creed is very bad. Everyone has a position to hold in life and people who are in a higher position in society should take their job more seriously.

Your favorite leader in today’s era: I don’t think I can name one, sabi hi mere favorite hai i.e. all are my favorite. I like Sonia Gandhi . I really like her because she is one female who has got Congress to the forefront.

Message on Independence Day: I feel that we need to understand and value the sacrifice of our leaders for the nation. We should always be united and never get into personal fights.

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Rahul Vaidya:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I feel the love that people have towards each other and the sprit with which all the festivals are celebrated in this country is incredible.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: The ones who always try to divide people on the basis of caste and creed..

Your favorite leader in today’s era: My favorite leader is Rahul Gandhi without any doubt.

Message on Independence Day: I feel that each individual should do something that makes India proud. Like in sports Abhinav Bindra has made India proud; in the same way I feel that in each field some one should do something so that India is proud of that individual.

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Aamir Ali:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I think that there are lots of things that make me feel proud and can’t state one. Things like the way we adapt to various culture and the way we are growing as a nation makes me feel proud. I feel that every country has certain bad points and India is no exception. But leaving that aside, I would say that I am a hard core Indian!!

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: I think it is dirty politics that screw up a lot of things. Just to get a vote bank, some people divide people on the basis of cast or creed which is very dangerous..

Your favorite leader in today’s era: I like Umar Abdullah for his honesty and Laloo Prasad Yadav for his smartness. Before I used to find Laloo ji funny and then I found him amazing and in couple of years I realized that he is a smart person who can turn losses into profits.

Message on Independence Day: Never think of dividing this country on the basis of caste, creed and culture. Just enjoy your freedom and live a happy life.

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Jayati Bhatia:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I think I am born in this country and I am brought up the way I was. I feel that today my country is on a threshold where I see some of the younger generation having cigarettes and on the other hand, I also see some going to places of worship. I am seeing an amalgamation of both modern and traditional.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: Population and lack of education are the biggest threats to India's unity.

Your favorite leader in today’s era: I am totally and absolutely excited about Rahul Gandhi and Sachin Pilot.

Message on Independence Day: I think Independence for me is something where I want to express my views on Getting rid of pretence and show-off is what people should do! I feel most of us speak only in our houses, now its the time to go out and talk about your views.

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Dimple Jhangiani:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I feel that India is very rich in culture. People live with unity and are always together.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: Westernization which might change Indian culture is the biggest threat..

Your favorite leader in today’s era: I can’t name any as I don't like any one. Everything is now full of corruption.

Message on Independence Day: Happy Independence Day!! Let’s stop corruption and be loyal to our nation!!

TIMES NOW announces the launch of 'No Full Stops'

Have you ever felt the need to relax your mind but didn’t know how? Have you ever looked for ways to stay fit but didn’t know where to start? Hold on! ‘No Full Stops’, a new wellness show by TIMES NOW is the answer to all your questions. In the fast paced world of today, every person is under pressure to perform better. At this juncture, we require simpler ways to access happiness and satisfaction in life. ‘No Full Stops!’ is the right medium which gives us solutions on how to cope with everyday stress. It helps one live life in a better way by enjoying good health through different forms like dance, games, yoga, martial arts and others.

With an energetic and refreshingly charming anchor, Teejay Sidhu doing the honours, the show couldn’t be better. The anchor, who is a graduate from the University of British Columbia doesn’t drink or smoke and gets her relaxation from meditation and praying. The show adds a new dimension to the life of an urbane viewer. This show is also for people, who want to live a positive lifestyle, by adopting health tips and insights to experience a feel good factor in them. Many feel intimidated, to go to a spa or a gym or they don’t have the time to go, this show is the right place for them.

The show ‘No Full Stops!’ Is a 13 - part series, one- stop show on wellness for the young, busy and the bored. The show is meant for everyone, who wishes to break away from the monotony of life and indulge in pampering oneself through ‘accessible wellness, something which everyone can incorporate in the daily humdrum of existence. People would halt, sit back and feel this is a show finally, which would cater to their interest level and urge them to feel better about themselves. Arnab Goswami, Editor – in chief, TIMES NOW says,’Wellness is not just a state of mind today, but contemporary India wants to know more about it. ‘No Full Stops’ is just a step towards that. The show will arm the people with tips to achieve wellness amongst the not so good situation in todays life’ The show emphasizes and takes one through ways of de-stressing oneself, balancing ones physical, mental and spiritual needs and areas that are integral to looking after oneself. The viewer here have their choice, can identify a wellbeing issue and find a range of solutions given to it.

Every episode of the show, ‘No Full Stops!’ delves into something diverse and fresh. Episode 1 takes one through the world of dance which could do wonders to unwind and relax the mind and body. It also gives tips on how a little bit of fun could go a long way in adding spunk to ones mundane routine. The show promises to be youthful and full of energy.

The show thus gives a holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Every episode aims to bring a difference in people’s life. So tune into TIMES NOW, to give your life a new twist and get a weekly dose of health tips and insights to make a real difference in your life. The show will be shown on Saturdays at 7.30 PM and on Sunday at 12.30 and 6.30 PM..

A Recap of 2007 Television

Even a decade ago, no one could have thought of writing an annual sum-up article on the television industry, which was limited to a Doordarshan and the odd Zee TV and Star World. Not only was acting in television industry considered to be the last resort of a wannabe star, but also like an old-age home for ageing, almost-retired stars.

Today not only are reams of newsprint used to let everyone know about the goings-on in the industry, you even have television production companies listed on the bourses. The year 2007 only contributed to making the position of the television industry stronger in India. New channels were launched, senior executives were poached from competitor channels and innumerable makeovers and transformations happened.

Here's a recap of what happened in the big world of the small screen.

The Return of Reality Shows:

If there was one phenomenon that marked the television world in India in 2007, it was the return of the reality shows with a bang. 2006 saw a steady decline in the interest in reality shows, main reason being the winners getting lost in the crowds. Though the Big Boss drama did manage to generate some interest, it was not enough to overtake the serials.

That is what Sa Re Ga Ma Pa managed to do in 2007. So much was the interest generated in this reality show that the audience preferred watching it over Kyun Ki…a serial that has been on top of the TRP charts for the last six years! But what was different in this year's shows that helped it overcome 'epics' like Kyun Ki? Nothing - except the fact that there was an overdose of them. If Zee had Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Star came up with Voice of India, not to forget Indian Idol from Sony, which meant, even if you wanted to watch something else, you had little option but to lend your attention to these shows. Plus, there is also no denying the fact that the quality of singing improved amongst the contestants, thereby leading to more interest.

Last, but definitely not the least, the cell phone companies and other sponsors also let loose their purse strings to ensure enough publicity and media hype over the contestants. With the Chhote Ustaads also in play now, very soon you will see parents wanting their kids to become singers akin to the craze of becoming cricketers today!

The unnatural death of serials:

Not every year sees so many mega serials being launched on television. The first half of 2007 saw a plethora of serials being launched, only to be taken off air within a few months. In an age when any serial worth its salt completes 1000 episodes, a run for a few months is nothing short of a mega-flop.

Take Kulvadhu for instance. Launched amidst a lot of hype and hoopla and armed with biggies like Milind Gunanji, Kitu Gidwani, Kulvadhu was Anuj Saxena's (Maverik Productions) first television venture. But it died an unnatural death due to low TRPs. Same was the story for Rishton Ki Dor, Kabhi To Nazar Milao, Durgesh Nandini, Aisa Desh Hain Mera, Resham Dankh, Twinkle Beauty Parlour, Jeete Hain Jiske Liye – all of them launched with an army of promotional salvos, but failed when it came to standing the test of time. A weak script was the culprit in most of the cases. The Indian television audience, it seems, is tired of the run-of-the-mill family dramas and want something different.

Guess it's time television producers, like their Bollywood counterparts, need to get more creative and think out better storylines. They need to look at a Naya Office Office or Baa, Bahoo Aur Baby to hit the bulls eye.

New channels on the block:

If you thought, the traffic jam on air was limited to metropolitan airports, think again! The satellite situation is no better. And a large part of the blame can be attributed to the geometric progression at which television channels are growing.

The year 2007 saw channels like 9x, Bindaas, Zee Next and NDTV Imagine as the big ticket launches. While the general entertainment channel 9X (promoted by ex-STAR head honcho Peter Mukherjea's wife Indrani Mukherjea) is the latest kid to hit the block, all the others are specialized channels with a niche market. With so many channels aiming at various niche markets, one wonders whether the consolidation movement going on in the other industries (airlines, pharma etc) will start raising its head here as well. The year also saw many head honchos of television channels changing sides for greener prospects. Balaji creative whizkid Sandeep Sickand left Ekta Kapoor to join Sony, only to quit after few months. Sameer Nair, COO of Star TV India put in his papers to move on to greener pastures. Ditto for Peter Mukherjea, the man responsible for the stupendous success of Star channels in the subcontinent.

Mega Makevers:

What was unimaginable for the last six years happened in 2007 – the iconic Tulsi (played by Smriti Irani) changed! After a thorough search, and equally rampant rumours, Gautami Gadgil (better known as Ram Kapoor's wife till recently) replaced Smriti, who (officially!) went on a break only to form her own production house and act in newer serials. While, Kyunki's popularity did not nose-dive, it did come down from the numero uno position it was retaining for more than half a decade.

If this was not enough, Balaji also replaced Cezanne Khan (as Anurag Basu) in its prime time serial Kasauti Zindagi Ki with Balaji loyal and Kyun Ki star Hiten Tejwani. With Hiten's popularity as Karan skyrocketing every day, acceptance in his new role was much smoother than Gautami Gadgil's. Kasauti also saw another replacement in the form of Vikas Sethi, replacing Manoj Bohra, who shot to fame with his role of Prem in the same serial.

But why suddenly so many changes in the cast? And why are people like Smriti Irani and Manoj Bohra who were comfortable in their roles and have cemented their positions opt to move ahead? Reasons vary from fights with producers to the quest for making it bigger. While Irani quit Kyunki due to a combination of both factors, Bohra quit purely because of a tiff with the producer. Ditto for Cezzanne Khan, who had infamous on and off set fights with Shweta Tiwari (Prerna).

Shows which are doing well in recent times are Chhoona Hai Aasmaan, Dill Mil Gayye, Mere Apne and ofcourse the reality shows. So what are we looking forward to in the year to come? More competition to Balaji, definitely, now that Smriti Irani's production house is providing serials to the newly-launched 9X. Also, with NDTV's foray into the entertainment world, Star and Times would be facing more competition. But whatever happens, the winner in all cases is the viewer!

The weepy bahu

Kirti Guckwad is happy to be back. The actress. who took a sabbatical after Saat Phere (where she played the lead actor's evil wife) is now in Sahara One's Solah Singarn Gaekwad would like to experiment with various genres."I've done episodies like Siddhanth and Hotel Kingston. They were fun. But in a longdrawn soap, I guess I have to be the weepy bahu," she says.

OSO or Saawariya? TV stars take their pick

As Om Shanti Om and Saawariya release this Diwali, we asked TV stars which one they would prefer to watch.

Divyanka Tripathi (Vidya from Dulhann)

“I’m looking forward to watch OSO as the promos are quite exciting compared to Saawariya. It looks like a complete masala entertainer - a total paisa vasool film. The chemistry between Deepika and SRK is looking great. I and my friends have already started looking for tickets for the film. I hope OSO does better than Saawariya.

Reshmii Ghosh (Bhoomi from Kyunki)

“Definitely OSO. I would love to see how SRK romances Deepika. I have heard a lot of things about her. I am also eager to watch how Farah has managed to blend drama, emotions, comedy and all in this flick and also the song with 31 stars. I am willing to buy a ticket in black if I don’t get it. Bhansali is also a good director and his films are grand with a very good concept but I will watch Saawariya later.”

Tasneem Sheikh (Mohini from Kyunki)

“I want to watch Saawariya because both the debutants are very cute. Also, the sets of the film are marvellous just like Black. When I watched Black I was moved to tears. I am hoping that the story of this film will also be very touching. About OSO, I like its songs but I will wait for feedback from my friends and then decide. I know how SRK acts but Deepika might be a surprise package.”

Sharad Kelkar (Nahar from Saat Phere)

“I want to watch both. Whichever movie ticket I get I will watch that. Kirti is behind me to buy tickets for any of the two films.”

Mouni Roy (KT from Kyunki)

“I will first attend the Diwali pooja and then go for OSO because it is an SRK film!!!”

Judging Games

I t's raining shows on Zoom. The channel which was lying low all of last year, has revvied up with a whole lot of Bollywood content.

Zoom is also toying with the idea of a new show in collaboration with Ford Icon. Says a source close to the channel, "The format is unique. Participants will have to shoot a film using their mobile phone camera. They are trying to rope in filmmaker Farhan Akhtar as a judge."

Confirms Sunil Sahjwani, Program ming Head, Zoom, "Yes, we are trying to get Farhan in, but nothing has been finalised yet.

We have other shows in the pipeline that are very Bollywoodcentric."

That apart the channel is also planning to launch a Latin-American dance hunt show, Aaja Jhoom Le, which is to be co-produced by Zoom and Hide and Seek. The source adds, "Sandeep Soparkar has been roped in as the judge. And Hrithik Roshan will be making a special appearance as he is the brand ambassador for Hide and Seek."