Antakshri - Star One, Zee competes

Monday, January 01, 2007

UNI: 'Antakshri-The Challenge is a continuance of shows like Nach Baliye and its second season, both of them original concepts which have won a lot of appreciation not only in India but also abroad where a number of producers have evinced interest in making shows modelled on these programmes,''Nair said. However, while the Star One's show would come in February, Zee plans to go on air in the first week of January with its new edition of the 'Antakshri'. Analysts, however, wonder whether in the absence of Gajendra Singh, who was at the helm of the original 'Antakshri' in 1994 and had a big role to play in the show acquiring legendary status, the new Antakshri with Raju Pal as host would be as much of a success as the original.

In this context, they point out that the latest edition of 'Cinestars' on Zee had not turned out to be as much of a success as the original, which was launched by Gajendra Singh two years ago.

On the other hand, Star is confident that with Gajendra Singh at the helm as the popular Anu Kapoor as show host, 'Antakshri-The Challenge' would prove to be as much of a success as the original 'Antakshri'.

''Gajendrra Siingh as we all know is the mastermind behind popularising music based talent competitions. As such, we are very excited to host his home production's debut venture - Antakshari-The Great Challenge on Star One,''Nair said.

Adds Gajendra, who is producing the under his home production venture, Sai Baba Productions, said, ''I have always looked at opportunities to connect with viewers. We have added new elements to the show which I am sure will be appreciated by the viewers. Given the enthusiasm and cooperation shown by Samir Nair and the entire Star group, I am hopeful we will together be able to recreate the same magic as created by 'Antakshri.'' Anu Kapoor, whose name has, over the years, become almost synonymous with 'Antakshri', is excited at the prospect of hosting another show based on the concept. ''The Antakshri' unit is like a family to me. I am extremely delighted that Gajendrra asked me to host 'Antakshri-The Challenge'. I can't wait to get back on the floors and hear Gaj say 'Action'!'' For Star, the launch of 'Antakshri-The Challenge', following close on heels of the third edition of the KBC with Shahrukh Khan as the show host, is clearly part of series of initiatives to maintain its number one spot that it has come to acquire over the years after the launch of Kaun Banega Crorepati with Superstar Amitabh Bachchan as show host.

At the same time, Zee TV is hoping to recreate the magic that was cast over the TV audience by the original Antakshri would help it maintain the number two spot that it has come to occupy following the success of its shows 'Saat Phere', 'Saloni Ka Safar' and 'Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyan'.