A new initiative
NDTV has launched a nationwide environment campaign- Open Up Tomorrow, Today, in partnership with Toyota. It is aimed at putting the spotlight on environmental concerns that threaten the future of the earth and encourages the public to make important lifestyle changes to move towards a greener tomorrow. The campaign, which commences May 2008, will involve year-long programming dedicated to promote environmental awareness and road safety. The highlight of the campaign will be a 24-hour Telethon, which will be aired across all NDTV channels. This is the first time that two industry leaders have come together on one platform to express a national concern through a common voice. Lending support to the campaign is Dr. RK Pachauri, India’s leading environmental scientist. Open up Tomorrow, Today, sets out to garner public support and voice. Keeping this aim in mind, NDTV has developed interactive programmes wherein viewers can participate by voting, contributing financially and giving ideas to improve the environment.

Crazy Kiya Re
Every week a reality show is launched. Nothing new about that. But it would be interesting to make a list of just the musical talent-hunts aired on the channels. The last one was Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar on Star Plus. Before that was Chak De Bacche, Chhotey Ustad, K For Kishore, Bol Baby Bol, Star Voice Of India, Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma...phew! The list is endless... and crazy. So, now we have SAB TV adding to it with Crazy Kiya Re, a singing contest produced by Optimystix. Perizaad Zorabian and Sachin Pilgaonkar have been roped in as judges. It will be hosted by a South actress Madhurima, not to be mistaken for Sonu Niigaam’s wife!

Kab tak chup rahungi?
From growing up with the kalank of being a manhoos, to marrying a man who doesn’t love her, Anupama, the lead actress of Sahara One’s Doli Saja Ke, has silently suffered all the hardships that life has offered her. Starting April 28, there will be a dramatic change in Anupama as she transforms into a strong woman who stands up and fights for her rights. Narayani becomes Anupama’s confidant. Watch her transforming from a meek submissive girl into a powerful woman.

Getting sporty
Recently, Dill Mill Gayee had an episode where the doctors played basketball. The match played between boys and girls was for Dr. Armaan who loves the sport. The winner of the match can make the other team’s captain their servant for a whole week. The scenes were shot in scorching heat and Shilpa Anand aka Riddhima was on the verge of fainting. Nevertheless, she continued shooting! Being a doctor,even a reel one, she should know better.

Only songs, no contest
Sony is planning to bring a new show in place of K For Kishore this Saturday onwards. Called Yeh Shaam Mastani, the show is a refreshing change from the talent hunt. Seven singers including Sukhwinder Singh, Shaan, Shanker Mahadevan, Kailash Kher, and Sunidhi Chauhan will be performing. Each episode will be dedicated to one artiste and in certain cases more than one. The show spanning over nine episodes will be aired every Friday-Saturday at 9 pm. Should make for interesting viewing ,or rather listening...

Star parivaar gets going
After the spate of television awards by various organisations, here comes Star Plus’ own Parivaar Awards. Established in 2002, the Star Parivaar Awards has been doling out trophies to be best bahus, pitas, betas, bhais, bhabhis et al. This years’ awards promises to be grander with innovative performances as the old parivaar faces make way for the new characters. Viewers will get to see performances by actors/characters from Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Bidaai, Grahasti, Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil, Sachin-Supriya; Hussain-Tina; Aamir-Sanjeeda and the three winning Nach Baliye Jodis etc.

Simple Kaul in Ash’s shoes
Simple Kaul aka Pam of Shararat is playing Aishwarya Rai of Dhoom :2, in UTV’s show Sun Yaar Chill Mar. The pretty lass is not just enacting the doe-eyed beauty’s mannerism but even interestingly shares the same screen name Sunheri as that of Ash in the movie. Says Simple, “I play Sunheri who is a rich girl and she does things in her own wa. Basically she is street-smart and full of spunk. She even uses the word “like” that Ash mouthed in every sentence in the movie. At one moment she behaves like a very submissive girl and the very next minute she winks at guys, showing a naughty side of hers,” adds Simple.