Tube to Stardom

Guests included film-maker Mahesh Bhatt, India TV chairman and editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma, political reporter Yousuf Ansari, film critic Pankaj Shukla, Pakistani producer Sohail Khan, Bollywood director Mohit Suri and actor Emraan Hashmi.

Irfan Izhar, MD, Visions Corporation, said before the awards ceremony, 'This year we are instituting two awards, the Take One Visions Excellence Media Icon Award and Take One Visions Excellence Showman of the Year Award. The Media Icon Award will be presented to Rajat Sharma and Showman of the Year award to Mahesh Bhatt.'

The participants, most of whom were students, were quite candid in their appreciation of the past fortnight and the benefits they derived from the workshop. Anisha, 17, says, 'We learned a lot — from technical details to voice modulation, and how to gain confidence in speaking. Top Indian media personalities shared their experiences which were very valuable to us.'

Aanya, 14, believes one gets limited exposure in Dubai and so this type of workshop was very illuminating. 'We were taught to speak on the air and taken to studios for RJ practice and news anchoring,' she says.

Nirvika, 14, thinks it was a very good thing because many people who suffered from shyness had the opportunity to overcome their fears and gain self-confidence.

Sahar, 12, and Aditi, 18, said, 'The focus on TV newsreading and camera exercises was a great help in boosting confidence while talking to an audience.'

Mital, 18, who is studying for a degree in fashion, said, 'Being friends with the mike and camera was the gist of the course. We learned to interact with a wide range of people. Media and fashion do have a strong connection, that's why I decided to take up this course.'

Shraddha, 12, the youngest participant, says she was scared of the camera but overcame it through this workshop, and made many new friends.

Guest speak

Rajat Sharma infused some poetry into his speech, which delighted the audience. 'TV has become a tool of power. You are students who want to pursue media careers; you should use the medium of TV for the good of society.' He also thanked his colleagues and those behind the scenes at India TV in his speech.

Mahesh Bhatt, eloquent as ever, said, 'The world is changing and very fast. TV is a medium that reaches you instantly. I'd like to thank Rajat for the times he has invited me to anchor shows. Bollywood is no longer the only destination for kids, the communication revolution has opened up many avenues for those seeking careers in the media industry. Pakistani producer Sohail Khan and I dreamed that we would simultaneously release a movie in India and Pakistan and then 'Awaarapan' happened. As Walt Disney rightly put it, 'If you can dream it, you can do it. ' The youth should work towards a united South Asia. Shape a great world!'

Emraan Hashmi, more charming in real life than in his screen persona, joked about not getting an award. He said, 'You kids are lucky to have the opportunity of this workshop. All the best — you have a very bright future.'

The show was compered by the pretty and articulate Karuna, one of the participants in the workshop. Emraan Hashmi and Mohit Suri gave away the certificates to the participants, many of whom made their own speeches, some with a welcome element of humour. The atmosphere was informal and chatty, with the kids having the best time of all. Emraan Hashmi smilingly signed autographs and posed for photos with excited fans.