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!

‘Say Shaava Shaava’ with Karan Johar

This January, let your imagination run wild as your favorite TV stars come together for a show that promises to Entertain and Delight. NDTV Imagine presents “Say Shaava Shaava”, a fresh and exciting new musical entertainer. Sit back and watch your favourite bahu’s, beti’s, bhai’s, pati’s and khalnayak’s don a new avatar… watch out for Aman Verma, Apurva Agnihotri, Divyanka Tripathi, Juhi Parmar, Mouni Roy, Narayani Shastri, Pulkit Samrat and Sumeet Raghvan come together for a unique showcase of their untapped talent – SINGING!

Joining them on this fun-filled show is ace director and TV host, Karan Johar, making his debut as the judge of this exciting new musical celebration. The show will be hosted by popular television actor Ali Asgar.

Each participant of ‘Say Shaava Shaava’ has undergone extensive rehearsals to train their vocal chords for the competition! In every episode, the participants will sing their favorite songs and Karan along with viewers from across the country will select the best singer amongst these top soap stars. The participant with the least scores and votes will be eliminated.

Announcing the launch of this unique show, Sameer Nair, CEO, NDTV Imagine said, “We promised you freshness and innovation and we’re delivering on that promise. ‘Say Shaava Shaava’ is an outright entertainer. The contestants are established stars, who will use all their talent to impress Karan and the audiences. We’re thrilled to have Karan on the show and I’m certain that he will bring his own brand of entertainment to his role as judge.”

Taking on his new role as a judge for ‘Say Shaava Shaava’, Karan Johar said, “It’s great to be back on television, albeit in a new avatar. It’s something I haven’t done before and I’m really looking forward to it. A word of advice to the 8 contestants – I’m looking to be entertained and delighted with every performance, so give me all that you’ve got!”

NDTV Imagine has partnered with the country’s leading production houses to offer the very best in Hindi entertainment. ‘Say Shaava Shaava’ will be produced by Contiloe Films Pvt. Ltd.

With an engrossing line-up of fresh and distinctive programming, the channel, will hit TV screens in January 2008. NDTV Imagine will offer programming across genres, ranging from light-hearted family soaps to period dramas and from high voltage music and dance entertainers to the most glamorous events in the entertainment business.

Karan Johar will be the judge In 'Say Shaava Shaava'

Let your imagination run wild with the new show that promises to entertain and delight. NDTV Imagine and Contiloe present a new musical entertainer, ‘Say Shaava Shaava’ in January. Karan Johar will be the judge. Ali Asgar will host the show.

At the launch of the show, CEO, NDTV Imagine, Sameer Nair said, “We promised you freshness and innovation and we’re delivering that promise. ‘Say Shaava Shaava’ is an outright entertainer. The contestants are established stars, who will use all their talent to impress Karan and the audiences. We’re thrilled to have Karan on the show and I’m certain that he will bring his own brand of entertainment to his role as judge.”

Talking on his new role as a judge, Karan Johar said, “It’s great to be back on television, albeit in a new avatar. It’s something I haven’t done before and I’m really looking forward to it. A word of advice to the 8 contestants – I’m looking to be entertained and delighted with every performance, so give me all that you’ve got!”

The participants include Aman Verma, Apurva Agnihotri, Divyanka Tripathi, Juhi Parmar, Mouni Roy, Narayani Shastri, Pulkit Samrat and Sumeet Raghvan.

“This is something different from our daily routine and it keeps me fresh. I’m here to learn something not to win. The hectic shooting schedules do not allow me to rehearse but I’m trying my level best,” says Divyanka.

Sumeet who was last seen in Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai is also very excited with his new venture on Imagine. “There are two reasons for taking up the shows. Firstly it’s related to music and secondly all the telly stars are going to share space. I’ll be singing after seventeen years so it’s very exciting and at the same time I’ll be able to meet different actors,” he explains.

“I liked the concept of the show. The way Imagine has launched the show and the overall presentation looks fresh and exhilarating. I use to sing here and there but this is going to be the first time that I will sing on such a big platform. There is nervousness but I’m thrilled. I feel I’m in a creative process,” quips the Bengal beauty Mouni Roy.

As audiences get ready to watch yet another ‘different’ reality show we do hope this is the biggest boss of them all.