Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan (R) and his wife and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai attend the funeral of Teji Bachchan, grandmother of Abhishek, at a crematorium in Mumbai .
Saturday, December 22, 2007
STAR VOICE OF INDIA "CHHOTE USTAAD"
Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan (R) and his wife and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai attend the funeral of Teji Bachchan, grandmother of Abhishek, at a crematorium in Mumbai .
Friday, December 21, 2007
After Hrs - Meet ‘Chhote Ustaad’
The 'Voice of India' contestant, Abhas Joshi, will anchor the talent-hunt show for children . Abhas Joshi had embarked on ‘Voice Of India’ (the recently concluded talent show on Star Plus) to establish himself as a singer. However, the youngest contestant failed to reach the finals and will now be seen switching his role from a singer to an anchor. Abhas will be hosting ‘Chhote Ustaad’ (Star Plus) — the kids’ version of ‘Voice of India’. The show premieres tonight. Quiz him on why he took over this task and the practical Abhas states, “Anchoring has boosted the careers of several singers including Sonu Nigam and Shaan. It will give me an opportunity to connect with the audiences. This is a superb prospect for growth.”So is he comfortable playing an anchor at such a short notice? “I am a little nervous. But it’s challenge that makes life fun,” he says. “I will try my best to do justice to my job and not let Shaan bhaiyya (‘Voice of India’ host) be missed. I cannot take his place but I will try to take the show to its zenith,” he adds. Talking about his exit from ‘Voice Of India’, Abhas admits he was disappointed but shares that hosting ‘Chhote Ustaad’ has converted his sadness into happiness. He shares, “Despite getting a wild card entry, I had to bow out of the show. But I was determined to give my best.” He continues, “‘Voice…’ taught me to persevere. I have faced some tough times on the show—but the lessons that I have learnt inspire me to continue my journey.” ‘Chhote Ustaad’ is produced by Gajendra Singh’s Saibaba Telefilms.
An Emotional moment for Pritam
Pritam is always known to have serious looks, yet a calm personality. But he was seen breaking into tears for the first time when Jayant Singh (Contestant No. 11) performed during the shoot in this Friday’s episode of Amul Voice of India – Chhote Ustaad in Star Plus. What made him cry like a baby? Was it the contestant performance or any other reason? Well, it all happened when to everyone’s emotional shock, Producer-Director Gajjendra Singh played an AV disclosing Jayant’s losing eyesight. The AV shook everyone on the sets since Jayant never let it disclosed to other participants or judges that he had this health issue. Kunal and Shreya, the other two judges of the show were equally disturbed to hear this, but they all went up to him and admired his courage and strength in always behaving like any other normal healthy child.To everyone’s surprise, this all did not affect Jayant’s performance. He came to the limelight once again when he stumped everyone with his vocal skills by singing “Main Jahaan Rahoon” in his melodious voice.Pritam was seen choking up even during his performance, but immediately after listening to him, Pritam was seen sobbing uncontrollably. “Did I make a fool of myself,” was Pritam's first reaction after the episode was canned.Pritam also showed his gesture on the sets by announcing that he would make all the 12 participants sing a song in his upcoming animation film, “Kutty Chetan”.With these reality shows coming on air, the viewers get an opportunity to admire the young little stars, who also become an inspiration to many aspiring young kids.
BOLLYWOOD NEWS / PHOTOS
Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan (R) and Priyanka Chopra display new range of Tag Heuer watches during a function in Mumbai.
Bollywood star couple Abhishek Bachchan (R) and Aishwarya Rai arrive for the "London and Mumbai- a creative celebration" function in Mumbai .
BOLLYWOOD PHOTOS
Bollywood actors Sanjay Dutt (R) and Amrita Arora walk the ramp during a fashion show by American fashion house 'Ed Hardy' in Mumbai .
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai poses during a promotional event for a watch company in the eastern Indian city of KolkataMonday, December 17, 2007
TV gets real ..STAR VOICE OF INDIA "CHHOTE USTAAD"
When they win, you discuss it with family and friends; when they don’t, you blame the channel, the voters and the world at large!Reality shows and their one-hour package of the highs, lows and drama have really caught the fancy of Gen i. They were introduced to Indian TV viewers in 1993 with Zee TV’s show Antakshari. Now, more than a decade later, DT explores what makes reality television such a draw...
‘It’s all about the minute’
Reality TV is the spice that has been added to the Indian audience’s platter. Opines Prem Kamath, VP, marketing and communication, Star India Pvt Ltd, “It is easier for the viewers to identify with the participants of reality shows than fiction shows. The viewers sit on the edge of their seats when, week after week, the participants perform and are eliminated the very next day. That’s their high.”
Kunal Ganjawala, one of the judges on Star TV’s latest offering, Star Voice of India Chhote Ustaad, avers, “Such shows suit the busy, work-filled lives that youngsters are leading these days. It is all about the minute.”
‘Every performance is make or break’
For the participants of these reality shows, it is the no-retakes rule that gives them a real high. “No scripts, no manipulations, only real talent for the performing arts or daredevil stunts – that’s the reason why participants are hailed by the viewers. It is all about instant gratification,” says director Karan Johar, who will be judging celeb participants on Say Shava Shava.
‘It’s the prizes too’
Kaun Banega Crorepari’s contest Har Seat Hot Seat made every viewer vie for the prize money of Rs 2 lakh. No wonder, another reason for the viewers to watch the show is also to win big prizes and meet stars like Big B and SRK. “From all-expenses-paid trips and cell phones to cash prizes, these shows make the viewers participate as well,” says Gyan Sahay, director of one such show.
'The Judges can save the best talent from going out' - Pritam
Star Voice of India Chote Ustaad has gained appreciation for its voting format, as this is the one reality show that gives emphasis to both the judge’s decision as well as public voting. Studded with talented kids and 3 'Gems' from the Music Industry as Judges, the reality show is sure to make a mark as it surges ahead...We talk to one of the Judges, Pritam, the Music Director who has given many hit scores for the films like Gangster, Dhoom2, Life in Metro and the recent hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Having got an early training from his father who runs a music school for children, Pritam joined few Bangla bands adding few cassettes to his credit. He has also taken formal course in Sound Recording and engineering from the Film and Television institute from Pune.How is it to judge Voice of India Chote Ustaad?
It is very good, the kids are really great. All the 12 kids are really talented and bright, and I can very well foresee atleast 2-3 kids getting into playback singing in the near future.
Why did you choose to judge this very reality show?
I had got many offers from other top channels, but VOI Chote Ustaad appealed to me the most, because the voting pattern in this show gives no room for the judges to feel insecure.
Tell us more about this Voting pattern?
The biggest scoring point of this reality show is that, the judges here have the capacity to hold back a talent from a near to probable elimination. If the judges see a talented kid in the 'Scaryland' which is the Danger Zone, then they can bring the kid back into contention, into the 'Fairyland'. So for a change, it is nice to know that the judges will not come across as dumb people without any voice, and that the ultimate result will surely tilt towards the deserving candidate.
What is your take on public votes given prominence in other shows?
Yes, it is often seen that public voting does not bring the best talent to the forefront; regional voting always gains prominence over talent. This usually leaves the contestants frustrated, and this is does not give a nice feeling.
How is Aabhas as an anchor?
He has started off well, he has the right energy needed to host a show, he spreads positive vibes all around, and I am sure he will grow from strength to strength.
What are the aspects that you will be looking for, in the performances of the kids?
Basically, I will look for the singing ability in them. Since this is a kids' show, I will not give importance to the X-factor and voice modulations, as the voice tends to change as the kids grow. We will be on a lookout for a probable star in the making, and this platform will give the kids an opportunity to polish their skills.
Do you think that with such reality shows, the kids are thrown into a competitive environment way too early in age, that they find it tough to handle success and failure?
Since this a kids' show, winning and losing should not be the main criteria. This is where the parents play a big role. They should motivate their kids to have fun, work hard and give it their best shot. Even if they do not see success, the parents should give the kids the confidence to face defeat and move ahead, so that they will get a feel of success too later on. I personally feel that the talent hunt shows for kids is a good thought because it is always easier to mould the skills of kids rather than elders.
How is it to share the Hot Seat with Shreya and Kunal?
It is very good; we all have lot of fun. Shreya and Kunal actually sing in the same wavelength as I do, so we have a good understanding as far as results are concerned. Touchwood, we do not have ego issues, so we actually make for a perfect combination. While Kunal is a very stern human being, Shreya is very caring. We help out each other and all is enjoyable as of now.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Reality TV shows, an emerging film promotional platform
More than a decade ago the television industry's first reality show "Antakshari" spun the web of its magic on viewers, and channels soon realised that they have got their hands on a pot of gold. Today they are proving the biggest promotional platform for films.
With every passing day, the dose of "reality" is getting bigger and better on the small screen. This year itself, over a dozen reality shows marked their presence on the idiot box.Keen to cash in on the popularity of reality shows, the cast of Bollywood biggies like "Om Shanti Om", "Saawariya", "Aaja Nachle" and Aamir Khan's forthcoming film "Taare Zameen Par" to name some, waltzed and sang on the sets of reality shows to promote their films."Reality shows are great promotional platforms, as TV is a very strong medium and reaches a wider audience," Madhuri Dixit told IANS during her recent visit to New Delhi.Kunal Kapoor, Madhuri's co-star in the not-so-well-doing "Aaja Nachle", agreed, saying, "When a programme has wide and diverse audience, there is nothing wrong in promoting your film through these shows. You can connect with people better."Today, stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Pandit Jasraj, Jagjit Singh, Lata Mangeshkar, A.R. Rahman, to list a few, do not feel shy in appearing on these shows.
"Star presence contributes to the popularity of the serial and celebrities who appear on the shows get repeatedly registered in the minds of audiences that increases their fame," reasoned Kunal Ganjawala, a jury member of music talent hunt "Chhote Ustad" in STAR Plus."It works both ways. Actors and producers make their case in front of a large audience before and soon after their movie hits theatres because they are aware of the reach of television," Hussain Kuwajerwala, the host of dance reality show "Nach Baliye", told IANS. "While the presence of stars like SRK or Madhuri provide full-on entertainment to viewers that helps it (reality shows) become a hit," he maintained. It seems the trend is here to stay and would get bigger in the coming years."Till the time audiences get their dose of entertainment they are not bothered whether film promotion through shows is a marketing strategy or not. If it is boring, channels won't do it. I will say it is healthy and refreshing at one go," added Hussain. "These days, reality shows is the buzzword in the small screen industry and I am upbeat about their future," said Kunal. Sriti Mishra, a call centre employee and regular follower of reality TV shows, said: "These shows give us double benefit - we get a breather from the boring, cliché family dramas and get to know about upcoming films from the actors' themselves.""Stars like Shah Rukh, Madhuri, Aamir Khan talk about their films, ask audience to watch their films. It's no doubt a marketing strategy to pull crowds to theatres but not to forget the entertainment these stars provide through reality TV shows," she said. "From their favourite songs to even director Farah Khan's status on her pregnancy was revealed to viewers through these shows only. I think they are proving a great platform for movie promotion along with an extra dose of entertainment," said Sabitri Mohapatra, a housewife. Santosh Shende, project manager of talent hunt show "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa", gave another side of the picture. "With a lot of reality shows hitting TV channels, there is tough competition and the challenge is to retain audience loyalty by doing something new." "Film promotion by its cast is a new trend which helps the channel as well as the film in a big way," Shende reiterated.
With every passing day, the dose of "reality" is getting bigger and better on the small screen. This year itself, over a dozen reality shows marked their presence on the idiot box.Keen to cash in on the popularity of reality shows, the cast of Bollywood biggies like "Om Shanti Om", "Saawariya", "Aaja Nachle" and Aamir Khan's forthcoming film "Taare Zameen Par" to name some, waltzed and sang on the sets of reality shows to promote their films."Reality shows are great promotional platforms, as TV is a very strong medium and reaches a wider audience," Madhuri Dixit told IANS during her recent visit to New Delhi.Kunal Kapoor, Madhuri's co-star in the not-so-well-doing "Aaja Nachle", agreed, saying, "When a programme has wide and diverse audience, there is nothing wrong in promoting your film through these shows. You can connect with people better."Today, stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Pandit Jasraj, Jagjit Singh, Lata Mangeshkar, A.R. Rahman, to list a few, do not feel shy in appearing on these shows.
"Star presence contributes to the popularity of the serial and celebrities who appear on the shows get repeatedly registered in the minds of audiences that increases their fame," reasoned Kunal Ganjawala, a jury member of music talent hunt "Chhote Ustad" in STAR Plus."It works both ways. Actors and producers make their case in front of a large audience before and soon after their movie hits theatres because they are aware of the reach of television," Hussain Kuwajerwala, the host of dance reality show "Nach Baliye", told IANS. "While the presence of stars like SRK or Madhuri provide full-on entertainment to viewers that helps it (reality shows) become a hit," he maintained. It seems the trend is here to stay and would get bigger in the coming years."Till the time audiences get their dose of entertainment they are not bothered whether film promotion through shows is a marketing strategy or not. If it is boring, channels won't do it. I will say it is healthy and refreshing at one go," added Hussain. "These days, reality shows is the buzzword in the small screen industry and I am upbeat about their future," said Kunal. Sriti Mishra, a call centre employee and regular follower of reality TV shows, said: "These shows give us double benefit - we get a breather from the boring, cliché family dramas and get to know about upcoming films from the actors' themselves.""Stars like Shah Rukh, Madhuri, Aamir Khan talk about their films, ask audience to watch their films. It's no doubt a marketing strategy to pull crowds to theatres but not to forget the entertainment these stars provide through reality TV shows," she said. "From their favourite songs to even director Farah Khan's status on her pregnancy was revealed to viewers through these shows only. I think they are proving a great platform for movie promotion along with an extra dose of entertainment," said Sabitri Mohapatra, a housewife. Santosh Shende, project manager of talent hunt show "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa", gave another side of the picture. "With a lot of reality shows hitting TV channels, there is tough competition and the challenge is to retain audience loyalty by doing something new." "Film promotion by its cast is a new trend which helps the channel as well as the film in a big way," Shende reiterated.
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