Punjabi Antenna
Talented anchors
Randeep Wadehra

Like a true professional, Navjot Kaur Sidhu refrains from monopolising the conversation

She started her career with The Tribune in 1996 and went on to work for The Hindustan Times before switching over to the electronic media in India and abroad. After working as a journalist for Asia News International (ANI), an electronics media news agency, Navjot Kaur Sidhu joined Aaj Tak as bureau head. She has several important news stories to her credit—hijacking of Indian Airlines plane IC 814 from Amritsar airport for ANI, talks between Kashmiri militants and the Central Government for Aaj Tak, exclusive interview with dreaded terrorist Gajjinder Singh, chief of Dal Khalsa (now reported to be in Pakistan) and Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the Golden Temple for The Hindustan Times.

Similarly, during her stint abroad she had impressed with such stories as deportation of the Indian Sikh Lhembar Singh, plight of illegal immigrants and condition of women who had migrated to Canada on marriage basis.

A TV personality in her own right, Sidhu has been wowing the regional audience for quite some time now. On Face to Face (PTC News) she has been impressive as anchor/interviewer. She is well informed, asks relevant questions, holds intelligent conversation and has a telegenic presence.

Although she has interviewed several Punjabi intellectuals and artistes for the show, the one with Harsimrat Kaur Badal was outstanding, both for its content and conversation style. Sidhu was able to draw Badal on the issue of female foeticide without letting the talk stray or ramble. Like a true professional she refrains from monopolising conversation.

Talking of telegenic anchors, the talented Jassi used to appear with Babla Kochchar on Good Morning Punjab till some time back. Although a greenhorn, she has a striking screen presence and is a perfect foil to the seasoned Babla. She has reportedly gone over to some other channel and has been replaced with Preet, who anchors a music show as well and is very good at it—vivacious on Music News and incisive on Good Morning Punjab.

Rhythm Arora impresses with her chirpy compering— both on the sets of First Look as well as Miss PTC Punjabi. However, her attempt at impressing viewers with couplet recitation is really old hat—others like Satinder Satti have done that. Rhythm should explore new ideas to fashion a distinct style of her own. Nevertheless, her flamboyance is going to stand her in good stead in the profession.

Puneet on Chal Mere Naal uses evocative expressions from Hindi, Punjabi and English while describing various architectural and cultural aspects of a tourist spot. She has a commanding screen presence.

Another female anchor who is a remarkable mix of talent and experience is Jasmine Bhatti. She stands out among the current TV personalities. She was seen recently on the sets of Dreams with astrologer Prem Kumar Sharma. Although she seemed quite comfortable, one wonders whether she should be there as a mere prop. Jasmine can be more useful as solo anchor in a show more suitable to her persona and talent (already she is a judge for Miss PTC Punjabi).

In this respect Satinder Satti has fared better. Besides hosting a new phone-in show, she has bagged two other shows, including PTC Punjabi’s forthcoming Masters that features prominent singers from the region. Looks like women and television are made for each other.