MUMBAI: The triumphant and popular Nach Baliye jodis, Hussain-Tina and Aamir-Sanjeeda, entertain viewers as they clash against each other with unmatched drama and in a fun-filled competitive spirit on a new platform. All this and more in the upcoming Nach Baliye Special of Reliance Mobile ‘Kaho Na Yaar Hai’, Friday, March 14, 8 pm on Star Plus.
Seen doing what their best known for, the jodis along with their friends begin the episode performing on foot tapping numbers. Shakti Anand joins Hussain and Tina’s team while Nisha Sareen accompanies Aamir and Sanjeeda. The first round brings forth some very interesting, little known facts about the participants. Adding spice to the episode, Hussain sings in glee while Aamir imitates disco king “Mithun Da’s” dance steps.

The gags played on Hussain and Aamir has everyone in splits. Hussain is shocked when he is asked to pay the shipment charges for an unusual fitness equipment sent to him by one of his friends in America and disappears into the house leaving the delivery boy waiting for him at the doorstep. On the other hand, Aamir is stunned to hear that his entry on the show will be as Tarzan. Watch Hussain and Aamir hide their faces in embarrassment as these gags are revealed in front of their friends.

Stay tuned to watch the Nach Baliye winners battle it out in Reliance Mobile ‘Kaho Na Yaar Hai’, March 14, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. only on Star Plus.

“Ugly Betty” is learning to speak Chinese.

A Chinese TV station says it plans to make a Chinese version of the Colombian series about a plain woman trying to fit in at a fashion company.

Hunan Satellite TV said in a statement that a woman with no prior acting experience had been cast as the female lead, while the lead male had not been decided.

The station said it was planning 400 episodes of the show over five seasons, with shooting to start in April at a new studio in the central city Changsha, where the broadcaster is based.

The air date of the show, called “Invincible Ugly Woman” in Chinese, has not been decided.

The Colombian telenovela “Betty la fea” or “Ugly Betty,” about an ordinary woman who tries to fit in at a fashion design company, has been dubbed into several languages and has spawned numerous adaptations, including a U.S. version.

Hunan TV is best known for the success of its “Super Girls” talent show _ the Chinese version of “American Idol.”

After rolling out Zee Talkies to address the Marathi market, Zee Entertainment and Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) is planning to launch a Bengali movie channel.

“We are thinking of launching a Bengali movie channel. This will help us create a wider bouquet in that local market,” says a senior executive in Zeel.

In the regional space outside the southern belt, Marathi and Bengali are two large markets.

Zee’s strategy is to pack the main regional language markets with a GEC (general entertainment channel), a news and a movie channel. “We have created such a combination in the Marathi market. We are planning to repeat this in the Bengali market,” says the executive.

Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Network has adopted such a strategy in the southern states, adding GEC, movie, news and music to the list. But Zee is not thinking of language music channels. “We don’t see music channels being viable in these markets,” the executive adds.

English entertaiment channel Star World is adding five new shows to its programming lineup.

The five new shows include cartoon series King of the Hill and the new seasons of shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs, Less than Perfect, Last Comic Standing and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Scrubs will return for a fourth season at 9.30 pm every Thursday from 6 March.

Star World will also telecast the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2007 on 7 March at 11 pm. The show features models including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum, Miranda Kerr, Selita Ebanks, Izabel Goulart, Karolina Kurkova and Marisa Miller.

The one-hour special will also take viewers behind the scenes to reveal what goes into making the fashion show.

The Golden Globe-winning series Grey’s Anatomy will see its third season every Sunday at 9 pm from 9 March.

The controversial cartoon series King of the Hill by Mike Judge is scheduled to start on 10 March.

Less Than Perfect will hit screens on Monday 24 March at 9.30 pm. While the second season of comedy reality series, Last Comic Standing will premiere on 31 March at 10 pm.

‘I cannot believe I have won Rs. 1 lakh by only watching movies! It truly could have not got easier than this’ said an elated Mithalal Verma from Mumbai post winning Rs. 1 lakh cash through Star Gold’s pioneering initiative ‘Twenty 20‘. A movie based contest where anyone could participate during breaks of the movie by sending SMS’s and the maximum correct answers could give you a chance to win whopping cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh everyday. And that’s exactly what Mr. Mithalal Verma from Mumbai did. “I plan to buy some consumer durables for my family but would really like to thank Star Gold for this unique opportunity provided by them”.

Receiving numerous responses not only from key cities but also from remote areas, Twenty 20 has become a must watch on Star Gold. So don’t miss your chance, catch the remaining Dulhe Raja, Bajrang, Hulchul, Idea IIFA Yorkshire 2007, Guru, Taxi No 9211, Lakshya, Ishq, Gadar- Ek Prem Katha, Krrish, Jalwa 2007, Sabsey Favourite Kaun 2008, movies across 16 days and during breaks send sms’s with correct answers to run your scores high to win the cash prize. That’s not all; Star Gold will also award a bonanza prize of a Ford Ikon car which will be won by the viewer with maximum correct answers for the entire festival!

Mr Mithalal has won it, you could be the next! Hook up to your television sets and tune in to Star Gold weeknights for blockbuster movies from Monday-Friday at 8:30 pm only on Star Gold.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has issued a consultation paper on a new regulatory framework for the cable TV services, seeking primarily to address the changes in distribution technologies like DTH (direct-to-home), HITS (Headend-In-The-Sky) and IPTV.

The paper, “Restructuring Cable TV“, seeks opinion from stakeholders on various issues in the wake of convergence and technological advancement.

Trai has clearly put the question: ‘Is there a need to modify the Cable Act or Cable Rules?‘

Trai stresses that the technological advancements, convergence, and increasing popularity of value added services and applications “require more vibrant and effective regulation for cable TV industry.”

Trai is known to have received many quality of service complaints, especially in the Cas areas, where the mode has moved from analogue to digital.

Trai says that present eligibility criteria do not clearly define a ‘person‘ as was defined in the original Cable Act, 1995

“It also does not take into account financial strength, technical strength and experience of the applicant to provide cable TV services, says Trai and asks: do you feel that present regulatory framework requires change.

One other critical issue raised in the paper is whether stakeholders believe that more than one operator should be allowed in one area, so as to foster competition, and hence create the base for better subscriber service.

The paper holds that the present cable TV industry is subjected to minimum supervisory guidance and control.

“Do you feel that there is a need to streamline registration process, data collection and monitoring to ensure better cable TV services to customers? Is there a need to have a centralized/ decentralised authority where all the information relating to cable TV sector and also monitoring is managed?” Trai has asked.

Stakeholders who agree with this are required to suggest the structure and scope of work of such an agency.

“Present cable TV registration, the Cable Act and the Cable Rules do not cast any specific responsibility for effective customer grievance redressal. What changes do you suggest to bring in effective consumer grievance redressal mechanism?” is another important issue raised in the paper.

In particular, the regulator has asked for suggestions on a proper regulatory framework on the following issues, among others:

* Correct determination of subscriber base

* Laying a good quality network

* Permission and monitoring of ground-based channels offered by MSOs and LCOs.

On the issue of MSOs, Trai says that they are as of now treated in regulation as cable service sector and has asked whether they should come under a distinct and separate regulation.

On this issue the paper says: “The suggestions may specifically cover, among others, the issues relating to registration of multi-city MSOs, monitoring mechanism, number of MSOs in a city/state etc.”

Trai has also sought suggestions on QoS (quality of service) parameters for non-Cas (conditional access system) areas to address concerns of the customers keeping in view the present status of networks.

In view of technological advancement, convergence, and increasing competition upgradation of cable TV operators network will be desirable; however it may require significant investments, says Trai and asks for suggestions on how cable TV operators can be encouraged to upgrade their network, both in their business interest and in interest of customers to provide better services.

The regulator has asked for comments on whether it is feasible to standardise encryption and subscriber management software.

Akash Sharma has been at the forefront of acquiring, developing and launching high-quality prime-time hit shows in India since 2005.

An economics graduate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, Sharma spearheaded Bulldog Media & Entertainment’s efforts to be awarded the Indian licence to the international format of 2007 “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” from Mark Burnett Productions. He is currently serving as an executive producer to the Indian version of “5th Grader” on Star Plus hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. Interestingly, Sharma shares his birthday (2 November) with SRK and likes to refer to this as a coincidence indicative of their similar destiny.

In an interview with Jaahnavi P Paal, Bulldog Media & Entertainment MD Sharma reveals all about “Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?,” the company’s future plans and lots more.

Excerpts:

Who are the stakeholders in Bulldog Entertainment? What are the core areas that the company is concentrating into?
We are a new-age company which is just a year old. We have Ramit Bharti Mittal (from the promoter family of Bharti Enterprises Ltd) as a shareholder. We understand the business and the management side of it as well. Right now, we are into providing television content. We look across the globe for mature television content that would work for Indian audiences. For us as content providers, it is boom time as with the onslaught of new channels it has opened up a new client base. We just delivered our first big show - Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?

‘Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader’ is a format owned by Mark Burnett. How did you acquire the format of the show?
The Mittals are very active in the media space. Both Mittal and I went to USA and told them our story. We told them how content is saturated in India and how we were looking at innovative content. We wanted to shake up the apple cart, too, as the saas bahu shows were going on and on. We told them we would be able to drop the hammer on the Indian market and that too with a bang. We did not leave Los Angeles and kept talking to all top broadcasters. It was in 2007 when we were invited to the Natpe conference. We were the only Indian company who got to see the presentation of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader by Mark Burnett. We saw the show and played it without knowing what it really was. But what’s interesting is that at the presentation they played the game with us and Ramit who volunteered to be part of it got his question wrong (”Which is the longest river in Asia?”)

Do you think the format is suitable for the Indian market?
India has become so global. Whether it is domestic or international content, right now the focus is to get quality content. If there is a show and it’s successful, then it’s a proven formula and a less calculated risk. Getting licenced content is a safer bet. Viewers need quality programmes and this is our focus. In Paanchvi Pass, we will broadcast it in a handful of territories outside India.

The show is being produced by Synergy and Bulldog. Out of the 50+ territories in the world, we knew that it was most relevant in India because we focus on education more than anywhere else. Right from the start, we knew that it was an SRK, Star plus show, and hence we did not go anywhere else.

In India, it will go on air when kids go on vacation. And will go on at least for a year. But what’s interesting to share is the fact that Paanchvi Paas will be telecast in the UK and USA for the NRI audience. We are in talks with representatives from New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia and Australia so that Indians across the globe can watch it.

We are also launching a licencing and merchandising division with Star Plus where we will promote toys, games and apparel during Paanchvi Paas.

How would ‘Paanchvi Pass’ be different from KBC?
KBC has been around since 2000. It’s been completely put out to the public. First Big B was the host; then came SRK. It’s not the host but the format that has run its course. There were gaps which happened over eight years. KBC is a general knowledge, trivia game show. Paanchvi Pass is a different quizzing concept than KBC. You have kids as life lines, grade school-level questions and all demographics coming to watch the show. The show has in-built drama, comedy and education. I think Star was looking at something fresh to redefine their programming. With our vision and their platform, we have a great partnership.

How does the deal that you have recently inked with CBS Paramount for the show ‘America’s Next Top Model’ look like?
It’s a little early for us to talk about this. In January, we launched the show in China. It was one of the few shows to be licenced there. Its all about glamour but outside the usual singing-dancing reality shows we have been seeing. It allows an average, normal person who is interested in modelling to be part of the show. We have recently acquired India rights for America’s Next Top Model. We had been after CBS since the past one and half years. Hosted by Tyra Banks, the show is in its tenth season in the US. It’s the No 1 show on Foxtel in Australia. It is in its fourth season in the UK. We are in initial talks with broadcasters in India. We are only looking at top general entertainment channels (GEC) as this is a big-ticket show. America’s Next Top Model is a brand and there should be a fit between the channel and the brand. This one is a franchise and each territory globally will be renewed season after season, and so we’re looking at a channel which will be a good fit.

We are also looking at casting A-list model-cum-actors to host the show.

How is the format of the ‘America’s Next Top Model’ different from so many other shows currently running in almost all Hindi GECs?
In order for a format to be successful, it has to have the local masala. We do look to bring the framework and then localise it a little. We will Indianise the show after talking to broadcasters. Bulldog will give the framework and the production house will then add the masala. But we will protect the brand. We have shortlisted production houses who can effectively produce it. This decision will be jointly taken by us and the broadcaster. The show will have your next-door neighbour girl who aspires to be a model. The hunt for her will be on a national level. The show will begin with about 35 wannabe models out of which 15-17 girls will be shortlisted and put in a house. They will then be trained on all aspects of modelling. After which one of them will be eliminated every week. The viewer gets to see the transition of the girls to super models. The viewers will be able to relate to the struggles and challenges that the models brave. There will be a panel celeb judges representing all walks of life.

‘In the long run, we do want to get our hands dirty in production. We’re seeing fragmentation in TV channels’

How big would be the prize money for the show?
In the US, it has a complete package of a cash component, one year’s contract with a top modelling agency, a car, a film contract and a few additional perks. In India, too, we may offer something similar. The girls also get to travel for international shoots for a fortnight during the show.

What are the other shows that are in the pipeline?
We have just acquired a fiction show, Nuevo Rico Nuevo Pobre (”New Rich, New Poor”) from Canal Caracol TV who is the top broadcaster in Colombia. This is a very exciting deal for us as it marks our foray into the fiction space. It will set a precedent in the licencing of fiction content.

This concept has been sold to Fox in USA and now we have the rights in India. It will be a heavily promoted show for them, and is scheduled to be launched this fall on prime time.

What are the future plans for your company?
In the long run, we do want to get our hands dirty in production. We’re seeing fragmentation in TV channels. This is a boon for us as this helps channels cut through the clutter. It opens up new opportunities for us so that we can change their programming. Viewers want quality now because of the clutter. And this will be our main focus.

Star Majha, the 24-hour national news channel in Marathi, is all set to premiere two new shows beginning 2 March for its afternoon time band. Of these, Happy Homes will be on housing and real estate, and Paisa Zala Motha on investments.

Happy Homes, which will hit the screens every Sunday at 1 pm, will see a repeat telecast at 11 am every Saturday. Paisa Zala Motha will air at 4:30 pm every Sunday and have a same day repeat telecast at 11.30 pm.

Happy Home will give information on the real estate sector, along with advice on various housing-related aspects like Vastu, home improvement, interior decoration, etc. Suhas Paranjpe, accompanied by industry experts, will host the show.

Paisa Zala Motha will discuss IPOs and all kinds of investments and planning. Anchor Nilesh Khare, along with industry experts, will shed light on different kinds of asset managements - equity, mutual funds and fixed deposits. Weekly report and review on forthcoming IPOs, MFs, loans, tax-saving measures, etc. will be discussed on the show.

Start Majha is working hard on its programming front and claims to cater to everyone in a family. Apart from Batmya (news), it has a series for school-goers Abhyaas Majha (My studies); a series for well-being Yoga Majha; a cookery series Khamang, etc.

Speaking about the new programmes, a company spokesperson said, “The new shows Happy Homes, and Paisa Zala Motha have been launched after a thorough research on what the viewers wish to view in the afternoon time-slot, and will be fun and informative.”

The latest news from the television industry is that Begum Para has turned down a meaty role in an Ekta Kapoor soap opera. After she made a comeback in Bollywood with Sanjay Bhansali’s Saawariya as Sonam’s grandmother, Ekta approached the yesteryear actress with a role. But Begum Para wasn‘t impressed.

Says a well-placed source from the Balaji camp, “Ekta Kapoor approached Begum Para with a role in one of her upcoming soaps. She thought Begumji would be perfect for that particular role.

But the legendary actress turned it down. Ekta had actually approached Begumji first, even before the show got a title and the script and the rest of the cast was finalised.”

When contacted, Begum Para said, “Yes, Balaji had offered me a role in their serial but I didn’t not take up the offer. I can’t see myself playing a character moving around in a wheel chair.” Begum Para was known to portray bold characters in her youth.

She adds, “I can’t possibly do a sedate role like that, so I had to say ‘no’. Moreover, my son said television schedules are very hectic nowadays and will be too tiring for me. There have been a lot of others too, who have offered me roles but I haven’t found anything worthwhile so far.”

Gajendrra Singh’s mega song and dance show Chak De Bachche on 9X will be hosted by svelte actress Roshni Chopra and superstar of Bhojpuri films Manoj Tiwari. The actor will be making his television debut as a host with Chak De Bachche. The show will air on weekends which will put the spotlight on the best talent among the 8 to 14 age group.

Indrani Mukerjea, CEO INX Media Pvt. Ltd., says, “I am very pleased to announce that superstar Manoj Tiwari will be hosting the show along with Roshni Chopra. The show will showcase exciting young talent from across the country.”

Roshni Chopra who has earlier hosted a show on Zee Music is quite upbeat about co-hosting the show. She says, “I am very excited about doing the show. It’s a great opportunity to be on the other side of the fence after having participated in a reality show. Also, I love kids and it is going to be wonderful working with talented kids.”

The versatile actress adds, “Hosting is an arena I am comfortable in and enjoy doing. Though having hosted shows earlier I am not taking this show lightly. Every new show and new concept is a challenge which can’t be taken for granted.”

Talking about the unlikely pairing of the hosts Roshni informs, “It is an unlikely pairing but with a reason. It is going to be the USP of the show. The show is formulated in a certain way and the pairing is best suited to that.” “Manoj comes from a completely different world and it is going to be a learning opportunity for me,” adds the actress.

Gajendrra Singh, Producer Saibaba Telefilms says, “Both Manoj and Roshni were the perfect choice to host the show. They will connect well not only with the audience but also with the kids participating in the show. They will make the show a great success.”

“I decided on Manoj Tiwari as this is a small town concept. He is a fantastic person and will be the unique factor of the show. He is going to be our surprise package as a host,” adds Gajendrra.

Commenting on his new avatar, the Bhojpuri actor says, “I am absolutely delighted to be associated with 9X and its new show Chak De Bachche. It is the first time that I will host a TV show. I am thrilled by the concept which is full of fun and excitement.”