TELEVISION
Watch out for Shamalia

DRESSED in shimmering jewellery and a black dress she may pass off as one of the stunning new girls on the music video circuit. But wait. Shamalia Khan is no model-turned-TV-star. In fact she’s not even Indian. This girl from Lahore is all set to rock the music world with her debut album Oi.

" I have high expectations from this album and hope it does as well in India as it has done in the UK," says Shamalia, whose promotion package, beginning with Watch out J-LO, sends a warning signal to pop diva Jennifer Lopez.

Oi is a collection of eight tracks that are a blend of soulful numbers as also a combination of bhangra, ragge and rap that give the album a complete look. Releasing the album in India first was a planned move by this business and marketing studies’ graduate from the Thames Valley in England.

"After it became a success in the U.K. I decided to launch it in India as the TV exposure is really big here." Considering that most Indian channels have a huge clandestine viewership in Pakistan, it’s a double whammy for Shamalia.

DOES anyone know the whereabouts of the debonair Jackie Shroff? Ever since Boom sank at the box office, Bollywood movers and shakers seem to have distanced themselves from the star.

So where does Jaggu Dada go from here? The small screen, of course. The resourceful Jackie is now a brand ambassador for a tele-shopping channel TVC Online.

Viewers will see Jackie marketing a variety of products, ranging from electronic items to cosmetics.

"I am no stranger to either advertising or television. In the past I have done several commercials, so I am quite
comfortable with my new role," says Jackie, who some time back had said he didn’t mind doing a full-length
serial.

Does he still want to do that? "Maybe. It all depends on the kind of offer I get. Television is a great medium."

Sure it is, Jackie. Especially when the chips are down. NF

ARE TV stars better of as abhinetas than netas? At least those in the recent poll fray have realised that the small screen dust doesn’t necessarily translate into votes.

So the drubbing that stars like Smriti Irani received has prompted them to retreat to the studios hastily. Not just Smriti, others like Sudha Chandran, Poonam Dhillion and Apara Mehta too are trying to forget the days spent in the heat and dust of elections 2004.

Tulsi and Apara can be seen again in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Sudha Chandran is making up for lost time and doing double shifts for Kahin Kisi Roz and Zameen Se Aasmaan Tak. Poonam Dhillon has rejoined her Kittie Party.

"I never said I’d stop acting after joining politics," says Irani, putting up a brave face after her defeat in Delhi. Adds Sudha Chandran," The elections are over and it’s time to concentrate on my profession now."

Scriptwriters are a happy lot. At least they won’t have to resort to deviations in the storylines to cover up for the missing ladies. But politics sure is an addiction. Says Irani, " Next time around, I’ll be back as I have to fulfil the expectations of my party." Hope Kapil Sibal is listening.

HOME