"2008 belonged to the young filmmakers who have been shaping the kind of films we are making.Several new, young names have emerged, with extremely well-made and intelligent films, forexample Dibakar Banerjee."
—Shyam Benegal, Film director
"In TV serials, Surekha Sikri in Balika Vadhu for restoring the primacy of acting. In news TV, Arnab Goswamifor his constant hectoring, calculated nationalism."
—Sevanti Ninan, TV critic
"Manish Arora, for successfully pushing ahead in the international arena while retaining his unique creative voice."
—David Abraham, Fashion designer
"While Anand and Bindra dominated in specific events, as a personality, I’d go with Dhoni who has
combined decisiveness and flair, and an ability to get the best out of others."
—Harsha Bhogle, Sports commentator
"No single person in the field of entertainment or music. For me personally, though, it’s BarackObama."
—Anoushka Shankar, Musician
"No single person or personality has really claimed the space thisyear in the cultural field."
—Pavan K. Verma, D-G, ICCR
"New Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, for winning elections for the third time, on a development agenda. For trying to instil a sense of faith in the poor."
—Shantha Sinha, Magsaysay awardee
"Sachin Tendulkar, for his grace, intelligence and competence. The older you get, the tougher it is to
discipline yourself, and do it gracefully, without talking about it."
—Shiv Visvanathan, Social scientist
