Sunday, January 28, 2001		Television

EVER watched Dharma and Greg on Star Plus? Imagine what would happen to the series if you yanked the humour out of it? Difficult to comprehend? Just switch to Channel Gold on DD Metro.

Kavita every Wednesday, 9 p.m. is the story of a young hotel manager who marries Rishi Grover, son of a rich businessman. But she soon realises that Rishi has married her against the wishes of his family.

The strongest opposition comes from Rishi’s mother, a high-flying socialite who finds her daughter-in-law’s catering job utterly humiliating and below her social ‘class’. To keep peace in the house Kavita quits and becomes a full-time housewife.

But when she witnesses the rape of a woman at Rishi’s sister’s house she decides to fight for justice even at the cost of losing her family. Will she win this battle where the odds are loaded against her? Find out in this not-so-inspiring serial.

There’s something about Sanjeev Kapoor that many in his profession both envy and idolise. He’s the man who has given a face to the dish. Almost single-handedly he has elevated the status of the chef to that of a celebrity.

Much of the popularity of Khana Khazana has rubbed off on other cookery shows as well. Ask Tarla Dalal, Jiggs Kalra, Aly Khan and other cuisine series hosts and they will tell you they have a lot to thank Kapoor for their popularity.

The latest in his list of admirers must be Rakesh Sethi, anchor of Mirch Masala on Star Plus Thursdays, 4 p.m. Here’s a man and a show with ideas. Slim and simple ideas at that.

"TV cooking is not about 5-star recipes. It’s imaginative cookery," says Sethi, executive sous chef at Delhi’s Hotel Oberoi who has even taught viewers how to boil potatoes correctly.

Sethi lets you into the simple secrets of meals you can rustle up in a jiffy. He even suggests alternatives to ingredients not easily available. Which all goes to make Mirch Masala a viewer-friendly show which should keep people glued to their sets.

It’s television history in the making or so the team of Raman Kumar and Vinta Nanda would have us believe. It’s the first time ever that an afternoon serial has also started airing simultaneously on prime time.

Papa beamed at 2.30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays on B4U can now also be seen at 9.30 p.m. the same day. The show has two more telecasts at 12 midnight and a repeat the next day at 10 a.m.

Starring Kiran Kumar and Farha, Papa is the story of 12-year-old Saloni born out of wedlock — the result of Vishal Mehra’s extramarital fling.

Mehra is now the respected head of joint family which includes his brothers and their wives and kids who all lovingly call him Papa... Till the time the hidden skeleton comes tumbling out of his cupboard setting the stage for an absorbing sitcom.

Of all the serials on B4U Papa seems to be notching up some decent TRPs. And the channel should not be faulted for grabbing the opportunity to repeat its success story not once or twice but four times a day!

If only wishes were horses every yesteryear super star would re-emerge as an icon the way Amitabh has done at 58. But since that’s not the case, the options before ex-Bollywood luminaries is either to walk into their golden sunsets or turn to TV.

Rajesh Khanna has done the latter. After an endless and futile wait for film offers he has fallen for the overtures of the small screen. In Apne Paraaye, B4U Saturdays 12 noon, he plays a tycoon in search of an old friend who helped him in his humble times.

"In the past 35 years if there was one true character I played, it was my role in Anand," says Rajesh Khanna. "After that this is the first time I am enjoying playing a meaningful character. I really thank the scriptwriters for this role."

Considering that he hardly had any worthwhile offers after Anand it is not surprising that Khanna is pleased as a punch to be back in the arclights. And he has a lot more people to thank for giving him another fling at lost glory.

This is a highly imaginative half-hour series of fast-paced action and a glimpse into the future worlds. Ninja Robots on Cartoon Network, Thursdays and Fridays 10 a.m. is set in a bleak future world that only a hero of dazzling proportions can save.

Joe Maya is one such brave warrior from Earth, who swears to protect all that is pure and good in the universe. He alone possesses the power of the Ninjas and is able to control robots who help him in his war against planetary villains.

He relies on his wit, courage and his faithful band of warriors — Lenny, Damian and his brother Mike. Then, there’s the mysterious Flying Shadow, who comes to his rescue in sticky situations.

Tune in to this gripping series which has it all — action of video games, romance of the future worlds and adventure, that will keep you on the edge.

For those who thought zebras were just white and black stripes, here’s some food to chew on.

Painted Horses, January 31, 9 p.m. on the National Geographic Channel reveals the little-known world of the zebra. Right from its nomadic lifestyle to the many dangers it faces from birth, the programme profiles the shy creature.

There is a strict social order with the herd. Violent fights can erupt when a bachelor interloper and the herd stallion battle for their female conquest.

But by and large Zebras are peace-loving though peace is an illusive commodity in their lives. Relentlessly stalked by predators like lions, hyenas, crocodiles and droughts, they have to be on a constant vigil all through their existence.

Painted Horses introduces you to this closest cousin of the horse which for eons has come to be identified with the letter ‘Z’.

— Mukesh Khosla