TELEVISION
Winning ways

AT long last we have a male protagonist challenging the monopoly of the fair sex on Star Plus. Jeet, Fridays at 9.30 p.m, is a much-needed break viewers have been seeking.

Young Vikram Mall turns his back to a successful career and takes up a job as an economics lecturer in his alma mater where he hopes to make a qualitative difference.

His effervescent zeal brings a ray of hope to the otherwise crumbling institution. His presence is welcomed by all except the vice-principal Dr Rekhari who will stoop to any level to see the back of Vikram.

In the backdrop of this rivalry Vikram meets English lecturer Janaki Sehgal who warms up to him after discovering that he has left a high-paying job to bring sanity and order back to the institution.

Starring Pawan Malhotra, Arun Govil, Mrinal Kulkarni and Krutika Desai, the serial is not just different from the usual run-of-the-mill dramas but would keep you hooked to the grooves of this academia.

It’s probably a follow-me syndrome. With the BBC World airing Wheels every Saturday at 10 p.m., many other channels are now hot in the chase, apparently without much research on whether auto shows have sustainable viewership.

Apart from Wheels, there is Top Drive on Star World, Auto Evolution on CNBC, Parikrama on NDTV and many others. Most shows follow a similar format discussing the performance of new cars and bikes that are launched in the Indian market.

The new series on BBC World apart from previewing and reviewing cars and bikes also gives information on maintenance tips in the infotainment section as also interesting feature stories relating to autos from all over the country.

As a one-off this was an engaging show for auto buffs. But now with most of other channels airing similar shows, it could be time to apply the brakes!

One of cricket’s most respected names, Sir Geoffery Boycott has been up against the toughest opponent he has ever faced — throat cancer. Now after a year’s break from the small screen fighting the dreaded disease, he is all set to bounce back.

Meet the master commentator as he co-hosts ESPN’s Cricket Show Fridays at 9.30 p.m. Among other things, Sir Geoffery discusses issues related to the game with a special focus on India and the forthcoming series against the Kiwis and Australia.

"I am all charged up to be back on television. The Cricket Show is a good way to come into rhythm. I think by the time India tours Australia, I would be completely fit for the job," says the indomitable cricketing legend.

It’s been a gruelling year and only his spirit has kept him going. "It was a big mental fight. It doesn’t really matter how strong you were on the field. Your nerves of steel are of no use. It’s the ultimate test of your inner strength," says the man who, in his day, could take on the entire opposition single-handedly with his power-packed strokes.

Many of us who are not a part of a metro city and its very unique culture often think about the fast, hip and trendy life in these pulsating cities. But are mega cities really the happening places they are conjured up to be?

Find the answer to that question in Six Degrees Saturdays, 10 p.m. on Discovery. Know more about the culture and ethos of the vibrant cities like Mumbai, New York, Sydney, Havana and more through the eyes of the locals who live there and are familiar with the social scenes as also the sights and sounds of a big city.

Presenter Asha Gill travels through Mumbai and finds out what keeps the city ticking. She goes on a tour of Bollywood and fulfils her dream of being in a movie as she dances with some popular film stars. She is dazzled by the bright lights of the city’s clubs and learns how to best savour the flavour of Mumbai’s food.

If you are a couch potato traveller, there are many more exciting journeys lined up for you. Take your seat and discover the big cities of the world.

Here’s one more shot at comedy. Jhoot Bole Kauva Kaate at 10 a.m. every Sunday on Zee TV, promises to tickle your funny bone.

The pivot of the story is 7-year-old Shreya who brings happiness to the lives of all the people she comes in contact with but she also has a child-like penchant to put adults in an embarrassing position with her innocence.

Shreya lives with her parents and her doting Nani also has a house in the neighbourhood. Even though she is full of childhood pranks no one dares to say anything to Shreya for fear of her nani.

But one person who is not scared of nani is Shreya’s aunt. Both Shreya and her aunt’s son Pintu take full advantage of this constant bickering between the two women. Adding to the confusion is Shreya’s unemployed mama who gets into trouble every time he opens his mouth.

Though funny in parts, the end result is similar to the movie with the same name. It draws an occasional smile but it can by no stretch of imagination be called rib-tickler.

It’s festival bonanza for kids on Cartoon Network as the channel unleashes its artillery of crackling new series. After The Adventures of Tenali Raman, it’s now time for the witty Chhota Birbal to take kids on a laughter riot every Saturday at 5.30 pm.

The witty new series is a fictional take-off on Emperor Akbar and Birbal when they were kids. Even then Birbal had the future emperor in raptures with his ready wit, knowledge and wisdom.

Kids who don’t like mixing mythology with cartoons could tune into the adventures of Men In Black who are on a mission to save planet Earth. Other fun offerings include Mucha Lucha, Teletubbies, The Mummy and Pokemon.

And that’s not all. Adding to the fun is the contest Who Am I, where kids need to identify the character from a series and win cool goodie bags. So get set for the fireworks. The toons are in town.

— Mukesh Khosla

HOME