Indian Television

Two young singing sensations - Amit Paul from Shillong and Prashant Tamang from Darjeeling - of the much watched reality television contest "India Idol" has left the whole of India's eastern region hysterical.

TRP ratings could take a beating as two celebrity shows are set to air back-to-back on the same day on separate TV channels. Star Network has already announced its third season of "Nach Baliye" from Friday. On Thursday, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) announced season two of "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" - also from Friday.

From government offices to the durbars of tribal kings, the chief minister's secretariat to the Raj Bhawan, and schools and colleges - the only topic of discussion in the northeastern state of Meghalaya is the much-watched reality television contest "Indian Idol".

Ever since TV actress Shweta Tiwari's personal life came under a cloud, she has been unable to focus on her soap "Kasautii Zindagii Kay". And the sufferer is none other than Balaji Telefilms whose schedules are going awry.

TV actor Rohit Roy doesn't know whether to laugh or cry about allegations that he tried to pinch actress Diya Mirza's derriere in a swimming pool. "I don't want to paint myself as a saint. But I do pride myself with a more suave temperament. I've never in my life resorted to such cheap gimmicks. I didn't pinch anyone when I was in college. Why would I do it now when I'm happily married and with a daughter," Rohit told IANS.

Remember the fireworks between Mona Singh and Shveta Salve during Sony TV's last year's dance competition "Jhalak Dikhla Jaa"? The battle hots up again as Shveta is ousted by Mona as the anchor of the second season of the show. What happened? Shveta doesn't have a clue. But she isn't sulking either. "These things happen. Yes, I was looking forward to it. But never mind," Shveta told IANS.

Television actress Shweta Tiwari's 'bitter-half' Raja Choudhary recently swooped down on the Balaji premises with a gun in his hand, threatening to kill himself. "But it turned out to be a toy gun," said a source.

First, parties in Nepal became the happy hunting ground of DJs from India. Then, the Himalayan kingdom gave Bollywood starlets more avenues for income by signing them on for New Year and other celebrations. Now, despite misgivings about elections and the imminent threat of a Maoist agitation next week, the country is set to rock with six "Indian Idol" contestants.

Mona Singh, who has been out of circulation for sometime, returns to small screen Sep 15 as movie jockey for SET MAX's "Extra Shots".

India's first 3D television serial "Mayavi" will be dubbed in Mandarin and Korean languages to be telecast in China and South Korea. Produced by G.V. Films Ltd, "Mayavi" got the Jury's Special Award at the Seoul Global TV Drama Awards in South Korea last month. The serial is also the first Indian entry to win the award.

Suniel Shetty hosted the grand finale of reality show "Biggest Loser Jeetega" despite dislocating his shoulder. Putting aside the sling on his arm, Suniel went on stage with Malaika Arora Saturday night against medical advice. "But it was worth it. Although I ended up with a frozen shoulder, I think it was imperative for me to show my solidarity on stage with my kids," Suniel told IANS.

From politicians to actors, people from all streams of life in the northeast are rooting for Shillong singing sensation Amit Paul to make him the next "Indian Idol" in a much-watched reality television contest. The 24-year-old singer is now in the top five of the highly-rated "Indian Idol" musical show on Sony TV where one contestant is eliminated based on the least number of votes received on SMS or through phone calls.