Rajashri Thakur, Kanchi Kaul, Priyanka Bassi and Benaf. 2005 saw a number of fresh female faces make their debut on television. 2006 promises no less.

Sanjeeda - Balaji's new baby

Balaji Telefilms has just unveiled its big ticket for the year - Nimmo. The lead of Star One's Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka is a fresh faced Sanjeeda, a light eyed dusky beauty scouted by Ekta Kapoor's discerning eye at a party. On air promos show Sanjeeda pouting, prancing, prattling....much a mixture of Miilee and Anjali of Kavyanjali.

Sony, after bringing in youth icons Jassi and Ananya, now wants to bring in another new face. Shaheen, who's so far only done a few Pepsi commercials and a feature film, but is as yet unknown in the TV world, debuts in its next big ticket prime time show Aisa Desh Hai Mera. The Manish Goswami produced show, to be directed by veteran director Lekh Tandon, has already commenced shooting in Chandigarh from 8 March, and the channel intends to keep its enticing lead sufficiently wrapped up and away from media glare till it's good and ready.

Of course, the much awaited girl on TV this year will be the yet to be finalised Tulsi Krishna, granddaughter to Kyunki's favourite bahu, Tulsi. A nation wide hunt has launched a few months ago for the new Tulsi, but apparently Ekta has yet to make her selection.

As for the Rajshris' new show on Star Plus, Pyar Ke Do Naam - Ek Radha Ek

Barkha Bisht- the new Rajshri face

Shyam, the Barjatyas have zeroed in on who they want to promote as their new face. Barkha Bisht may have already been selected by Ekta for MTV's Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi two years ago, but Barkha will be the lead in PKDN, and with a fresh new look, that we just had a sneak look at.

Anupam Kalidhar, who's making Ek Chaabi Pados Mein with Varun Badola in the lead, is also casting two relatively new faces as the female leads. Suhasi Goradia, who made a small appearance in Zee Smile's Home Sweet Home, is the lead - she's also making her big time appearance in the forthcoming Antariksh on Star Plus, it is learnt.

The other new girl on the show will be Alka Verma, who has been an anchor on TV shows, but has no acting experience to her credit.

These are just a few of the bright sparks that will illuminate the TV screen in the coming months. Some may sparkle and live on, others may just have a brief starburst of glory before passing on.

Let's meet up same time next year to cheer the survivors!