Reigning stars of small screen

It''s not easy being a telly star. After all, how different can an actor hope to be when he/she has to meet the demands of daily deadlines and the usual kind of saasbahu dramas on virtually every channel! Yet there are a chosen few who dare to strike the different note in the otherwise cluttered telly world of sindoor splashing women and weepy wimpy men.
Chandigarh Times profiles some of television’s most promising actors strictly in context of their commitment to rise among the rest.
Hiten Tejwani – After cameos in Ghar Ek Mandir, Kaahin Kissi Roz and Kabhi Sauten Kabhi Saheli, Hiten’s big moment came in Balaji’s Kutumb. Reportedly, Ektaa Kapoor’s latest blue-eyed boy, Hiten is playing the character of Karan with great élan in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. His hype is so huge that Zee TV got him to replace Vikas Bhalla in Miit to make up for the serial’s dwindling ratings. We reckon Bollywood will be beckoning soon.
Sangeeta Ghosh – Daraar and Mehndi Tere Naam Ki showed that Sangeeta had all that it takes to take tellydom by storm. Aruna Irani’s favourite, Sangeeta is currently busy with Des Mein Nikkla Hoga Chand and Sambhav Asambhav. In the former, she is Pammi- a woman in love who finds real life can be quite nightmarish, while in the latter; she is torn between rebirth and reincarnation.
Sangeeta’s screen presence is her biggest strength. Varun Badola – When he is done playing Neeraj in Koshish- Ek Aasha, he becomes Dev of Des Mein Nikkla Hoga Chand. These days, he is known as Abhimanyu of Astitva-Ek Prem Kahani who dares to fall in love with a woman 10 years his senior. As Abhimanyu, Varun brings to screen a potent mix of mature acting and lazy sensuality. Undoubtedly, television’s Mr. Romantic.
Niki Aneja – As Dr. Simran in Astitva- Ek Prem Kahani, Niki is doing a wonderful job. Her mannerisms and body language are restrained as per the demands of her character. Just watch her enacting the role of a heavily pregnant woman and you’ll know how good an actress she is.
Hussain – Chirag of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Arjun of Krishna Arjun and Sumit Wadhwa of Kumkum, Hussain is in top form. He is also the first choice of anchor for music-based shows. A blend of sensitivity and mischievousness go far in making Hussain one of telly’s best known faces. harneet_singh@indiatimes.com