Kal Aaj Aur Kal...- A Special Report...

The countdown has ended, and we have finally entered the New Year - 2009!!! As we look forward to a prosperous and happy life ahead, Telly Buzz  brings you a Special Report on the year gone by and expectations for the New Year, as we get into a conversation with our favorite telly stars...

Sara Khan:

Last year for you and your expectations for the New Year: Last year was phenomenal for me, as I won seven awards. I expect the next year to be as good as this.

Memorable incident/achievement that stood out for you last year: The year was  memorable for me, because Ali came into my life.

The show that has been a revelation in 2008: Bidaai, because I think this is the first serial to show so much love between two sisters, and that too in such a magnitude.

The show you think will rule this year: No doubt, Bidaai again and I wish and pray that it should rule the industry for many years to come.

The actor to look forward to in the New Year: All the cast members of Bidaai are famous, but I wish Ali also gets the same name and fame in the industry.



Hiten Tejwani:

Last year for you and your expectations for the New Year: 2008 was very good for me, and for 2009, I hope that things get much better and turns out to be rocking!!

Memorable incident/achievement that stood out for you last year: Well, there was nothing as such that I can remember.

The show that has been a revelation in 2008: I don’t watch any serials, so really can’t comment on it.

The show you think will rule this year: No clue..

The actor to look forward to in the New Year: It is surely gonna be Hiten Tejwani (smiles).




Shubhangi Atre:

Last year for you and your expectations for the New Year: Last year was rocking for me, as I won two awards. I saw a growth in me as an actor over the year. And I aim to do some great shows, great roles and also dream to be part of off-beat cinema.

Memorable incident/achievement that stood out for you last year: It has to be the moment when I won the Best Promising Actor award. I was so happy to know that people have accepted me in the industry. I am here only since one and half years, but have got so much love and affection that I will cherish forever.

The show that has been a revelation in 2008: Balika Vadhu’s initial few months were indeed superb, and I think this was something different from the saas-bahu sagas.

The show you think will rule this year: I think Balika Vadhu has so much to offer. And I like the concept of Uttaran too.

The actor to look forward to in the New Year: Well, I can’t name any actor here, but remember Surekha Sikri’s words in an award function, where she said that every actor has a capability to perform, but it is upon the director of the show and the dialogues given to the actor that will bring the best out of him/her.



Sharad Malhotra:

Last year for you and your expectations for the New Year: 2008 has been a mixed bag of emotions. I have seen many unpleasant things happening, at the same time I have had some wonderful memories too. Having said that I am thankful to God as the year could have been worse for me. However, I am ending the year on a high note, as I am flying to Kolkata and will spend the New Year with my family. Hopefully, 2009 should be bigger and better. And if all goes well, I might hit at the big screen too, let’s see!!

The show that has been a revelation in 2008: COLORS has done well for itself. Shows like Balika Vadhu and Khatron Ke Khiladi have been different.

The show you think will rule this year: I hope all the shows do well in the coming year. Personally, I want Dulhann to get back to the top ratings. The recent track has not been much appreciated by viewers, but the creative team is working hard to restore lost ground.

The actor to look forward to in the New Year: In television, all are nice. But when it comes to Bollywood, I was surprised at the acting caliber of Aamir Khan in Ghajini. The movie is a masterpiece, and Aamir has excelled as an actor.


Smriti Irani:

Last year for you and your expectations for the New Year: 2008 has been a mixed bag. On the personal and political front, the year was fantastic. I got to know more people, and understood India in various forms. I also had the privilege of revisiting some old associations. But the most disappointing aspect of the year was the manner in which Waaris was handled. In the coming year, I want the writer in me to take the front seat, than the actor. I want to keep myself connected with both writing and acting.

The show that has been a revelation in 2008: Let me tell you, it is very wrong to judge a show on a short term basis. A show has to stand the test of time, before it is classified as success or failure. The channel always pumps in more money into a new show, and all looks good for a period of time. However, one show that has pulled off the strings and has full entertainment value is Taarak Mehta’s Ooltah Chashma. Bidaai is another serial which has shown consistency over a period of time. Comedy Circus is one more popular show; if you don’t watch it on Sony, you watch it on every other news channel (smiles).

The show you think will rule this year: I don’t think there are any shows like that as of now. It is the right time for the industry as a whole to think creatively, and give the audience some realistic subjects. I feel DD gave us shows in the 80’s that will make any critic proud.

The actor to look forward to in the New Year: Are there any good actors today in TV? If you want to see good actors, then go to your nearby theater (smiles)




Neha Bamb:

Last year for you and your expectations for the New Year: 2008 was not that great when compared to 2007. Though my professional life has been steady, my personal life has been rough. I have not got to spend quality time with my family and loved ones. I have juggled a lot to balance my professional and personal life, but could not do justice because of the hectic working hours. In the coming year, I hope to devote more time to family, and less time to work.

Memorable incident/achievement that stood out for you in 2008: As I said, 2008 was not happening at all for me.

The show that has been a revelation in 2008: COLORS has emerged to be successful in a short span of time. On the other hand, the other channels have not been able to stand their ground. Serials like Balika Vadhu and Jaane Kya Baat Hui are very appealing. Jaane Kya… points to the fact that everyone in this world is a bundle of confusions..

The show you think will rule this year: Can’t say now.

The actor to look forward to in the New Year: The kids are the face of television right now, and are doing a fabulous job. Personally I like Shweta Tiwari; give her any kind of role and she has the fighting spirit to carry it well.


 

Karan Patel:

Last year for you and your expectations for the New Year: 2008 was very nice for me, as I have signed a film, and that has to be a big achievement in itself.

Memorable incident/achievement that stood out for you in 2008: As I said, signing the film has to be one nice moment. And I was nominated for four categories in the Star Parivaar Awards, and that was something good.

The show that has been a revelation in 2008: Fear Factor has really turned the face of reality shows. Personally, all the non-fiction shows that came this year have been good.

The show you think will rule this year: I think Kasamh Se has all the potential to top the TRP charts.

The actor to look forward to in the New Year: I can’t even judge myself as an actor, so I am not the right person to comment on this.



We wish all our readers at India-Forums' Telly Buzz a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year!!! Stay tuned for our final bash as we bid good bye to 2008 and welcome 2009 with a smile!!


Concept: Srividya Rajesh
Reporter: Srividya Rajesh, Ranjini Nair, Rachana Trivedi
Author: Srividya Rajesh
Banner and Picture Credit: Shagun