PUNJABI ANTENNA
Firmly anchored
Randeep Wadehra

AFTER trekking the drug trail in its earlier episodes, Parat Dar Parat delved into the mysteries of Kulu, the Valley of Death. A haven for drug addicts, the valley’s been a favourite haunt of foreigners for quite a few years now. Several cases have been reported about missing or murdered foreign tourists here. The PDP team discovered that there indeed have been mysterious deaths of foreigners here, and that drugs are easily available. But some happy instances too have come to light. Like aliens marrying local lasses and settling down to a contented conjugality. When asked whether she encountered social reproof on marrying a westerner, a Kulu girl replied quite confidently that she had every right to choose her life-mate.

Talking of confidence, the Mubarakan anchor Kamaldeep has certainly evolved into a person with enhanced self-belief as reflected in her interaction with the viewers who phone in their opinions. Experience is a great teacher indeed. Another young woman who’s made her mark on the small screen is Jasmine Bhatti, whose Saada Campus is a hit with the region’s youth. She interacts with students of polytechnics and educational institutions in an informal manner at suitable locales like college canteens and university lawns. And the topics could range from cricket to campus life to gender inequality.

One can say the same about Divya and Dixit on Kakka Nikki Time too. The two kid anchors connect with celebrity guests – whether they are children or adults – with an aplomb that comes naturally to children. Consequently, the guests open up and give insights into their personal and professional lives. Alas! these two, like the previous anchors, are going to grow up soon and the show’s producers will have to hunt for suitable replacements all over again.

EYE-CATCHER

Darshan Aulakh WRITER, actor and sometimes location-cum-production manager Darshan Aulakh has an impressive track record. He’s done several character roles in movies like Vairi, Mirza Jatt and Mera Punjab; was the chief antagonist in Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Buta Singh and Nalayak; and side hero in Sukha. He has also acted in Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh and Veer Zara. In theatre his performance was noticed in several productions such as Dulla Bhatti, Sahiban, Chandni Chowk Ton Sirhind Tak etc. He debuted in the ATN’s Punjabi television programme Mubarakan and went on to perform in Dhol Time, Addi Tappa and DD’s Goongi Twarikh. As a writer he has to his credit Punjabi movies such as Heer Syal, Putt Pardesi and Kutiyan Wale Sardar. He’s also managed location-cum-production work for Yash Chopra and others.