Women TV professionals impress

Navjot Sidhu

PUNJABI ANTENNA
By 
Randeep Wadehra

She started her career with The Tribune in 1996 and went on to work for The Hindustan Times before switching over to electronics media in India and abroad. After working as journalist for Asia News International (ANI), an electronics media news agency, Navjot Kaur Sidhu joined Aaj Tak as bureau head. She has several important news stories to her credit viz., hijacking of Indian Airlines plane IC 814 from Amritsar airport for ANI, talks between Kashmiri militants and the central government for Aaj Tak, exclusive interview with dreaded terrorist Gajjinder Singh, chief of Dal Khalsa (now reported to be in Pakistan) & Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the Golden Temple for The Hindustan Times etc. Similarly, during her stint abroad she had impressed with such stories as deportation of the Indian Sikh Lhembar Singh, plight of illegal immigrants, and condition of women who had migrated to Canada on marriage basis etc.

A TV personality in her own right, Sidhu has been wowing the regional audience for quite some time now. On Face to Face (PTC News) she has been impressive as anchor/interviewer – well informed questions, intelligent conversation and telegenic presence. Although she has interviewed Punjabi intellectuals and artistes for the show the one with Harsimrat Kaur Badal was outstanding both for its content and conversation style. Sidhu was able to draw Badal on the issue of female feticide without letting the talk stray or ramble. Like a true professional she refrains from monopolizing conversation.

Talking of telegenic anchors, the talented, pretty and young Jassi used to appear with Babla Kochchar on Good Morning Punjab till some time back. Although a greenhorn she has striking screen presence and a perfect foil for the seasoned Babla. She has reportedly gone over to some other channel and has been replaced with Preet, who anchors a music show as well and is very good at it – vivacious on Music News and incisive on Good Morning Punjab.

Rhythm Arora impresses with her chirpy compering – both on the sets of First Look as well as Miss PTC Punjabi. However her attempt at wowing viewers with couplet recitation is really old hat – others like Satinder Satti have done that. Rhythm should explore new ideas to fashion a distinct style of her own. Nevertheless, her flamboyance is going to stand her in good stead in the profession. Beautiful Puneet on Chal Mere Naal uses evocative expressions from Hindi, Punjabi and English while describing various architectural and cultural aspects of a tourist spot.

Another female anchor who is a remarkable mix of talent and experience is Jasmine Bhatti. Arguably the most glamorous among current TV personalities she was seen recently on the sets of Dreams with astrologer Prem Kumar Sharma. Although she seemed quite comfortable one wonders whether she should be there as mere prop. Jasmine can be more useful as solo anchor in a show more suitable to her persona and talent (already she is a judge for Miss PTC Punjabi). In this respect Satinder Satti has fared better. Besides hosting a new phone-in show she has bagged two other shows including PTC Punjabi’s forthcoming Masters that features prominent singers from the region. Looks like women and television are made for each other.

THE TRIBUNE