Sunday, September 14, 2003		Television

Another woman of substance

Rakshanda Khan in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi: Sony’s new offering

THERE couldn’t be a better time than this to switch off those tear-jerking kitchen politics family dramas and turn your attention to Jassi, the new girl around town.

Appropriately titled Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, Monday to Thursday 9.30 pm on Sony Entertainment Television, the new offering comes from the makers of popular serials like Banegi Apni Baat and Just Mohabbat.

Jassi is light-hearted story of a simple middle class girl blessed with extraordinary intelligence and a spontaneous sense of humour who sets out to make a mark for herself in the glamour world of fashion despite her less than ordinary looks.

An Indianised version of the popular Mexican soap Yo Soy Betty La Fea aired across 25 countries, the story begins with Jassi joining a fashion house headed by the debonair Armaan Suri and over a period of time changing from a plain Jane to a head-turner.

Says a Sony spokesperson, "The idea here is to show a professional lady who dreams big and finds ways to turn those dreams into reality. The serial has all the ingredients to make it connect to viewers — contemporary settings and fashionable socialites. Jassi is a woman of substance." Hope Barbara Bradford doesn’t fly off her handle again!

Fun times seem to be rolling out for the talented Divya Dutta and her years of hard work are finally paying off.

Though two of her films Train to Pakistan and Shaheed-e-Mohabbat fared reasonably well at the box office but they did nothing to lift her fortunes as a leading lady. "I thought things work on merit in films. But after seven years I know the rules better," says Divya, who started her journey with a film-based show Ranga Rang on Doordarshan.

Times certainly have changed. After seven years, Divya has not one or two but seven films lined up. Joggers Park, Baghban, Dubai Return, Agni Pankh and three untitled projects, including one by Shyam Benegal.

But she’s taking no chances. "This time I am keeping my television options open," says a wiser Divya who’s doing Kadam on Sahara Manoranjan and anchoring Musafir Hoon Yaaron on Star Plus. And why not? Acting is a fickle profession!

For over a year, Krishna and Arjun have been gunning down goons and shooting each other verbally. But the desi version of the slick detective series Remington Steele is fast loosing its punch.

In a desperate attempt to keep it going, the makers have been trying out everything in the book. First they changed not just the name but also the concept of the show. So we had Krisshna Arjun instead of Krishna Sharma C.A. Later, they glamorised the characters so you had the tomboyish Krisshna instead of the plain salwar kurta clad girl-next-door.

With the TRPs still plummeting, the two lead characters seem to be seeking pastures new. Krisshna (Shraddha Nigam) is now teaming up with Arjun (Hussain) as co-anchor of Kuch Kar Dikhana Hai.

Though they are continuing with Krisshna Arjun, but time seems to be running out for the series that started on a confident note but lost fizz midstream.

For those who thought the CNBC was just about financial markets, equity and shares it’s time to take stock. Along with business shows there’s plenty more on offer, including topics like health and fitness, digital revolution, new trends and lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Take for example The Goodlife Show anchored by former Miss India, Mini Menon. Here she familiarises viewers with the high-pressure lifestyle of the corporate executives and discusses current health issues with experts who provide tips on exercising and diets.

Then there is Trendmill, a half-hour magazine show which peeps into the world of films, television, sports, cars and lifestyles. It tells you all about the business of the entertainment industry and brings viewers the latest buzz from Bollywood as also the trends in the world of fashion and lifestyle.

Storyboard is all about the Indian ad world — a professional community that’s made selling a sophisticated art and for whom creating lifestyle aspirations is all in a day’s work. It’s about the latest campaigns, mega deals, events and the people who make it all happen.

So even if stocks and shares are not your forte, you could tune into CNBC for trendy shows that would keep you glued from start to finish.

News today is not just a global affair but also a mega business. Post 9/11, the viewership of news channels has gone up to 6.5 per cent from a mere 1.9 per cent. Thus, it is not surprising that there’s a fierce war out there for the viewership pie.

Apart from the TV screens, most leading Indian channels have been dispensing news through SMS. Now even overseas channels have jumped into the fray and are all set to give their Indian counterparts competition here as well.

CNN has entered into an alliance with a wireless marketing solutions provider to offer viewers an opportunity to participate in the rolling four-hour news wheel, Your World Today contest through SMS and win big prizes.

Viewers across India can participate in the contest by simply text messaging CNN at 8558. They will then have to answer a question with multiple-choice options. Says a spokesperson, "Through this initiative, we hope to create more interactivity with our viewers and educate them about news in a fun way."

With more and more players eyeing the slot, that too with viewer-friendly services, it’s good news for viewers and stiff competition for the channels.

Can’t keep your eyes off those provocative curves, that delicate masonary and the way the natural light penetrates?

Dreamspaces, the stylish new series on BBC World, Thursdays at 7 pm, is all about modern architecture and contemporary design. This 12-part series is glamorous, aspirational and international in outlook.

Presented by Justine Frischman and architects David Adjaye and Charlie Luxton, each edition features topical issues concerning structural design and architecture and takes a reflective look at some of the greatest modern buildings.

The three presenters travel to New York, Helsinki, Puerto Rico, Chicago, Romania, Brazil, Israel and many more international destinations looking at various aspects of design and architecture and their relationship with contemporary living.

There’s more to the programmes than just bricks and mortar. The series is about the romance of buildings and great architecture.

— Mukesh Khosla