Sunday, October 1, 2000		Television

STAR PLUS is on a winning spree. After the mega-success of Kaun Banega Crorepati, the channel has launched a sizzling sitcom which promises yet another evening of entertainment.

Kabhi-Kabhie Mere Ghar Mein Bhuchal Aata Hai, Tuesdays 8 p.m., deals with the near-catastrophies — real and imagined — faced by a 10-member Punjabi family settled in Mumbai.

The family comprises a sportsman, a budding author, a stock market dabbler, an astrologer, an accomplished cook and a cricket coach. Each a dreamer and each trying to turn his of her dream into reality.

Bound together by a deep sense of belonging, each person is willing to help the other when the need arises. The endearing family ties coupled with whacky humour makes this a mirth-charged sitcom.

Produced by Sanjay Khanna and directed by Rajiv Agarwal (Dekh Bhai Dekh), the serial promises an engaging half hour of situational comedy.

Rarely does one see a serial with depth in its storyline and matching performances. Choodiyaan on Sony Entertainment Television, Mondays, 8.00 p.m. is one such rare serial.

It focuses on little incidents in life which can have a devastating effect on one’s personality. The central character in this serial undergoes one such experience which scars her life forever.

It opens with Rushali as a bubbly eight-year-old girl whose father Aditya Agarwal is an established stockbroker. Once when her parents are going out for a party Rushali picks up her mother’s bangles and runs out. She stumbles and breaks all the bangles. The parents are very upset and leave in a huff.

On the way the car meets with an accident. Aditya survives but Rushali’s mother dies. People tell Rushali that had she not upset her parents the mishap wouldn’t have happened. She goes into an instants shock and loses her balance of mind.

Time freezes and Rushali’s mind stops growing. Though she is now a beautiful woman of 23 on the threshold of womanhood, she is still a child in her mind. She only knows that if she collects enough bangles her mother will come back.

Where will fate take a person like Rushali? Will she ever be able to come out of her never-ending grief and be normal and happy? Find out in Choodiyaan.

A family serial coming from a youth-oriented channel like B4U, should have been more in sync with modern life.

But Bahuraniyaan Mondays 8 p.m. falls in the trap of traditionalism and antiquated themes which have been going on for years on the national network.

The serial is about the Tayal household with four daughters-in-law, all from different backgrounds. Devi is the eldest. Rukmani comes from a very rich family, Seema is a doctor and Roma a Catholic.

The story revolves around their inter-personal relationships, sacrifices, love and insecurities and how all of them adapt to their new home.

Nothing stirring about that. In fact, even a good cast comprising Parikshit Sahani, Vidya Sinha, Bhagyashree, Arun Govil and Sudha Chandran can’t save the limp storyline from sinking.

Surprises never cease. Here’s something different from Zee. A serial with a twist, or that’s what the channel would have us believe.

Tum Pukaar Lo, Thursdays, 10.30 p.m. is an attempt to prove that life has to be lived between error and redemption. And nothing is absolutely right or wrong.

The serial probes the darkest corners of the human mind to unearth emotions and dilemmas which make it difficult to distinguish between right and wrong or to strike a balance between materialism and idealism.

The serial tells story taking the example of Samir and Pia whose unconditional bounding soon degenerates into expectation and dissent and insensitivity creeps into their relationship creating an insecure and claustrophobic environment.

However, good triumphs over everything else in the end with the underlying message that love can conquer all and can instantly reconfirm a person ‘s faith in human relationship. Absorbing in parts, judge the serial on its merit as it goes along.

Tired of soap operas, complicated plots and murder mysteries? Now kids can lighten your days with Sony Entertainment Television. The channel, in collaboration with Buena Vista Television has launched Disney on Sony.

Most of Disney’s favourite characters Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck Goofy and Pluto are on air from 8.30 to 9.30 a.m. with a repeat from 6 to 7 p.m.

Apart from Disney characters, the channel is also bringing more programmes for kids. Several brandnew animated characters like Timon and Pumba, Mouseworks, 101 Dalmatians, Winnie the Pooh and Hercules — which have never been shown on Indian TV before — are all set to appear on the small screen. So watch out kids! It’s fun time on Sony.

— NF