You may just get hooked

You know the best thing about these reality shows? They beg you to be judgmental. They go out of their way to grab your attention, have an opinion, however harsh, about them. Even if briefly, it puts the viewer in a powerful spot.The ones out to seek attention aren't doing it for charity either. They make their own money, an attractive amount too.And so whether you enjoy it, feel apathetic or plain disgusted, reality TV, for the time being is here to stay. Welcome to yet another show and its star-anchor. This time it is Shilpa Shetty [Images]. After what Big Brother did for her career, she has every reason to promote the cause, as the glamorous hostess of the second season of Big Boss.

The series, which kick-started Sunday on Colors, had a perky Ms Shetty in a flashy red sari, announcing its 14 participants to the viewers. Sorry guys, no Sherlyn Chopra [Images] or Mithun Chakravarthy on board. Coming back to Shilpa, she isn't half bad. Despite a hideous sari, her confidence remains intact as she excitedly takes you inside the spacious yet strictly functional albeit claustrophobic Big Boss house or playfully introduces the anxious contestants.

Often that constant smirk on her face appears to be mocking the unsuspecting participants with a 'Been there, done that. Your turn now!' If only, she wouldn't keep repeating, 'I am luvin' it'. It might make McDonalds happy but it gets annoyingly tiresome after a while.The idea is simple. Fourteen folks, thrown in together, forced to co-exist and perform assigned tasks for 84 days with the camera, 32 of them, documenting each and every move. If you enjoyed Ravi Kisshen's gyaan and Rakhi Sawant's drama queen act in the first season, chances are you may get hooked on second time as well.

Rihanna Topples Katy Perry On Hot 100

Rihanna's "Disturbia" puts an end to the seven-week run at No. 1 by Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" on the Billboard Hot 100, rising 3-1 after selling 148,000 downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It's Rihanna's fourth chart-topper here, tying her with Beyonce and Mariah Carey for the most by a female artist this decade.

Chris Brown's "Forever" holds at No. 2, while "I Kissed a Girl" slides to No. 3. Another Rihanna song, "Take a Bow," remains at No. 4, followed by M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes," which jumps from No. 16 to a career-best No. 5 as the chart's top digital gainer. The track, which sold more than 136,000 downloads, appears in the trailer for the new comedy "Pineapple Express."

Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" slips 5-6, Kardinal Offishall's "Dangerous" featuring Akon holds at No. 7 and Lil Wayne's "A Milli" falls 6-8. Rounding out the top 10, the Jonas Brothers' 'Burnin' Up" rises 11-9, and Ne-Yo's "Closer" stays at No. 10.

The chart's top debut comes from another Jonas Brothers song with the title track to their new album, "A Little Bit Longer." The track starts at No. 11 with 131,000 downloads; the album of the same name is a lock to debut next week at No. 1 on The Billboard 200. Also new is rapper the Game's "My Life" featuring Lil Wayne at No. 21.

On Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, "A Milli" dethrones Keyshia Cole's long-running No. 1, "Heaven Sent." Ludacris' "What Them Girls Like" featuring Chris Brown and Sean Garrett is the top debut at No. 73.

Katz and Akshay get talking

The age difference between them is, well, considerable. But there’s no denying Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif are Bollywood’s Jodi No. 1.

On screen and in the three films — well four, with Singh is Kinng — they’ve done together, Akki and Kat are simply magic. In person, talking exclusively together for the first time and to TOI over soup and salad at Thai Pavilion, the two make a rollicking couple. And they give the impression of being great buddies who are oblivious that the lights and camra have been switched off, the action has stopped, and pack-up has been ordered. The vibe between them is electric, but if there is sexual chemistry as well, it was missing at that moment. The conversation was as saucy and spicy as the food...

Shilpa Shetty, winner of last season's reality series, Big Brother UK, has been roped in to host the Indian version of the show -- Big Boss season 2.

Rajul Hegde caught up with her to know more. Excerpts:

What made you decide to host this show?

The reason I agreed to do Big Boss 2 is because I was familiar with the format. It makes it easier for me to empathise with the housemates. I will be the only connection between them and the outside world. I am sure it is not going to be easy for them and I wish them good luck. I am looking forward to be part of this show.

Do you feel that before entering this show, the contestants should take up some sort of relaxation course to keep their mind fresh and calm?

Firstly, those who actually take part in this show will not have anything to hide. Secondly, they are confident of themselves and want to be famous overnight.

When I joined Big Brother I went with the mindset that I have nothing to fear as this was not my first time before the camera. Despite that, I thought I would be out in the first week. Being in Big Brother teaches you a lot. There are lot of highs and lows. And it's a learning curve and viewers will really know everything about you in this show. That is why reality shows really work on television. It's a great form of entertainment at other people cost.(laughs)