Low-key New Year bash on channels

The New Year bash on the idiot box would be a low key affair this time compared to the earlier years when channels fought with each other to bring movie stars to the channel and organised high voltage countdown shows.

This year, the only possible exception would be Sony Entertainment Television, which has lined up a show called "Non stop hungama" with movie stars Fardeen Khan, Salman Khan, Yana Gupta and Govinda.

In the case of Star Plus, one of the most popular entertainment channels, there is no special year end programme this time.

The channel plans to go ahead with all its evening sops, with the only exception being the characters from its comedy "Khichdi" losing their way and landing up in all the regular shows scheduled on that day and come up with some interesting situations.

"Since December 31 happens to be Wednesday, we did not want to cancel any of our regular programming, hence, this idea and this will be across all shows from 8pm to midnight," said a channel spokesperson.

The Subhash Chandra-promoted Zee TV is also not hosting any major stars from Bollywood this year. It is celebrating the New Year with stars from its own programmes.

The channel has planned a programme called 'Jalwaa Unlimited', which starts on December 31, 2003, with a numerology show with Sanjay B Jumani.

On January 1, 2004, Zee TV would welcome the New Year with an Antakshari special with stars of Zee TV such as Varun Badola, Varsha Usgaonkar, Faisal Khan, Nigar Khan, Gulrez, Vikas Bhalla, Narayani Shastri, Vishal Puri, Pankaj Beri and Prachi Shah and hosted by Annu Kapoor and Pallavi Joshi.

"We have always believed in presenting unique programming to the viewers of Zee TV. With the Zee boasting unparallel talent of stars, Jalwaa Unlimited encompasses variety of programmes, which offers 9 hours of entertainment giving our audience an opportunity to welcome the new year in a special way," a senior company executive said.

Zee English would present events back to back from 1300 IST to 0100 IST on December 31. On Zee English, the afternoon starts at 1300 IST with the SAG 9th annual awards from the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles.

Followed by Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, Miss Universe 2003, 55th Annual Emmy Awards and also catch the original telecast of The World Music Awards 2003.

Star Movies is bringing in the new year with the premiere of George Lucas' epic saga Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones premieres on Wednesday, December 31, at 2100 IST. Besides, Star Gold will have the Hindi comedy movie Hera Pheri at 2000 IST.