TV stars on what 2006 holds in store ...

By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

/>Mumbai, (IANS) Television is going places and so it seems are its many stars, producers

and directors who look forward to a New Year full of more challenges and "kick ass

work".

Here are some popular TV personalities talking about their goals and aspirations:

Ekta Kapoor: I see a continuing fragmentation of viewership. STAR Plus will continue to

be on top in 2006. But Zee and STAR One will inch forward. For me innovation is the key

word. As far as soaps go, my biggest challenge this year is "Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka" on STAR One.

It takes me into an entirely new territory. My other new soap "Kasam Se" is a sweet warm

story that I hope to use it to lure urban audiences into watching Zee. And "Kandy Floss" on

Sony will be my first non-fictional show.

I'll also be launching one of my biggest soaps ever at year-end. Plus, there're other

things on the anvil. But these are the main challenges. As far as Indian television is

concerned, the sky is no longer the limit.

Smriti Irani ("Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi"): This is a year filled with great

possibilities for me. It's the year of my debut in Gujarati theatre and the beginning of my

association with cinema. I hope it works out. As for television, content will continue to

rule whether it's a soap or reality TV.

Manish Goswami (producer of "Sarrkar"): This year looks very encouraging and bright.

Apart from my two shows on air "Sarrkar" and "Kittu Sab Janti Hai", which are doing very

well, I've a few more shows going on air by February-March.

Finally, my first feature film will take off by July 2006. I see a lot of reality TV and

progressive serials on primetime. I also see a lot of shows targeted at children between 5

and 14. Of course, comedy shows will also rule the roost this year. Who doesn't want a good

laugh?

Iqbal Khan ("Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai"): By god's grace things have been going splendidly for

me. My future is in Allah's hands. I'm going to continue to work hard and do my bit on

television. Everyone can see the popularity of the medium is growing like a wild forest. It

just doesn't seem to end, Inshanallah!

Kavita Barjatya (producer, "Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki"): "TV is getting really big.

Besides the normal dailies, different kinds of shows are coming up this year. Reality TV is

definitely here to stay. I remember reading a survey, which said television contributes 55

percent to India's entertainment industry while films contribute just 26 percent.

Ravi Rai (producer, director of "Sailaab", "Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai" and

"Kashish"): This year television will certainly scale higher heights. A TV director has to

stand up and deliver, as the stakes are getting increasingly high. Fiction TV is a segment

of deep concern. With news, sports and reality-based shows coming up like gremlins, one

needs to look at this mother-genre and revive it by artificial respiration.

As for me, I need one good show on television for my own satisfaction and for my company

to keep going. Depends on the show I'm given to make.

Deepak Segal (executive vice president, content, STAR): I foresee further fragmentation

in the TV industry, what with new channels and technology like DTH and mobile coming up. For

us at STAR we hope to put on some shows that get into the marathon and some shows that could

sustain in the race and keep leading in the marathon.

Rohit Roy ("Sarrkar"): Honestly for the first time I am looking forward to doing some

kick-ass work on TV. 2005 was great for me. 2006 looks even better. "Sarrkar" is giving me a

creative high. And "Viraasat" promises to be the mother of all soaps. My movie appearance in

"Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina" has got me great responses. Now a couple of really good films are

happening. So, all in all, this year will rock for me. I feel TV will continue to be the

most powerful medium, and it's growing by the week.

Rajiv Khandelwal ("Kahin Ho To Hoga"): For me this year looks very exciting. I'm clueless

about what awaits me. And the very fact that I'm clueless makes my struggle unpredictable

and exciting.

Rajeshwari Sachdev Badola ("Rihaee"): I hope for me, my tradition of interesting and

exciting work continues. That's the way I like my work to be. May dance and music be the

elixir of my life.