TELEVISION
Rocky road to Bollywood

THE more the viewers hate her the more she loves it. A smile brightens up her face and she promises to pack in more effort so that people can dislike her more. But right now a certain anxiety marks the visage of India’s most popular vamp, Sweta Keswani.

The scheming Avantika in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and devious Anu of Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chaand is eagerly awaiting the release of her first film Love In Nepal. "I am nervous about my debut. I hope people accept me the way they have on television."

But her entry in films has baffled fans. While she’s a top draw with two of the most powerful negative roles on TV, she plays second fiddle in the film—-the quintessential hero's sister. Sweta says it isn't a false entry. "It's an interesting tomboyish role and I am under no pressure of doing the central character."

From being a model of leading brands like Kwality Walls and Pantene to being a VJ and then a charismatic vamp, Sweta has had a rollercoaster ride to stardom. But now she seems to have hit the rocks and only a quick turnaround could save her from the choppy waters.

Now this is an original one from Jiten Lalwani, among the most visible faces on serials across all channels. "If Amitabh Bachchan can do six films at a time then why can't I do six serials simultaneously?"

The young man's poser is not in jest. Considering the number of serials being offered, many are already calling him the Big B of the small screen.

Currently he's riding the airwaves with shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi on Star Plus, Kise Apna Kehen on Sahara Manoranjan, Jooth Bole Kauwa Kaate on Zee TV, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Rishton Ki Dori on DD and his much talked about role of superhero in SSSHHH... Koi Hai.

"I was tired of doing regular roles so the idea of playing a jungle man sounded great. I haven't done anything like that before this thoda action, thoda comic character is very popular among kids, " Says Lalwani about his role SSSHH...Koi Hai.

But serials are not his only calling. Lalwani, theatre buff and is currently doing six plays Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala, Bluff Master, Yatri, Bhoot and Baat Baat Mein, Bigdi Haalat.

"Theatre is the cradle of all good actors. That's why I love doing plays," says Lalwani. Quiz him about his Bollywood dreams and pat comes the reply, "Yeah, there are plenty of offers coming up but I'd like to a few art films." Six serials, six plays and now, perhaps six art films as well! Not a bad sixer!

After Bollywood it's the turn of serial makers to regale viewers with exotic overseas locales. While people were just informed that 'Armaan Sir" was going to Singapore in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, the cemera actually followed Krisshna Arjun on Star Plus, Mondays 8 p.m., to Singapore where the duo went hunting for missing diamond.

There was a wild chase in the Jurong Bird Park, a home for 8000 birds of over 600 species, the luxuriously landscaped gardens of the historic Fort Siloso and they had encounters with sea creatures in the Underwater World, Asia's largest oceanarium.

But it was not all grilling work, chilled out at the Sentosa Island and went on a shopping spree at Suntee City Mall, the biggest in Asia. And there's something for the viewers as well — a contest where participants have a chance to win all-paid trip to Singapore.

And that's not all. Bitten by the travel bug the investigative pair, a la Remington Steele plan to take viewers places — quite literally. Says a spokesperson, "Episodes in overseas settings will be fast paced, stylised and exciting." Only time tell whether viewers get excited or not. As of now, it is the crew that's sounding all enthused by the foreign jaunts!

Meet the swamp tigers of the Indian Sunderbans stretching between India and Bangladesh along the Bay of Bengal. Though elusive and feared, innovative filming techniques catch them on film in National Geographic Channel's Swamp Tigers, Thursday June 18 at 8 p.m.

Elusive and feared the swamp tigers numbers in the hundreds and are known as maneaters, devouring locals every year. Why they do this is an eternal mystery as most tigers are not maneaters unless they sense poachers stalking their cubs or food.

But Sunderbans' tigers are different and wantonly eat human flesh. In fact, they hunt humans like any other prey. Many theories have been put forward the most accepted one being a possible linkage between high salinity levels, due to the absence of freshwater, and human-killing. But wildlife experts can't explain conclusively.

Despite their reputation and seeming abundance, the tigers in flesh remain virtually invisible. Skilful camera techniques allow for a rare and intimate glimpse of this secretive tiger, possibly the last true lord of the jungle.

It's good news for kids. Turner International is heralding the New Year with a new television channel primarily for kids from January 1, 2004.

Called Pogo, the channel's programming, though largely for kids would also target the whole family with dramas, comedies, toon movies and special documentaries.

"Ever since we launched Cartoon Network in India we have been closely monitoring the kids entertainment genre. With Pogo we have moved beyond animation-only to a live action channel for kids," says Anshuman Mishra, managing director of Turner India.

So all you kids get ready to meet new friends like Barney, Boohbah, Teletubbies and Tweenies. And your family can live it up with Brum, Hi-5 and Beakman's World.

Here's a bite of nostalgia for old-timers. At long last, the History Channel has made an entry on Indian television and promises to re-live the great moments of the past.

The channel with the motto — Where The Past Comes Alive is all about great moments of history. It brings to life the legends from the past and gives an in depth account of life stories of the all-time greats of history.

Tune in to a captivating biography of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on Friday, December 19 at 10 p.m. The author of Sherlock Holmes died in 1930 but his greatest creation lives on.

This Englishman from another age is immortal. His weakness only make him human. Holmes was the ultimate reasoning machine, the hope of lost causes, the champion of justice.

The most famous cases that the film examines closely are The Hound Of The Baskervilles in which Holmes unravels the mystery of a spectral hound tormenting the Baskerville family and The Final Problem, in which Holmes and his enemy, Professor Moriarty, fight to death at the Reichenback Falls

Don't miss this fascinating date with Sherlock Holmes.

—Mukesh Khosla

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