The year gone by achieved a significant benchmark in the television media space. Whether one talks about the burst of different genres of television channels or the new programmes on the block this last year.

If 2004 was rocking, one has yet to fathom what 2005 is going to look like for this space. As they did last year, the men who claim to have the number on everyone and everything are at it again. Eminent numerologist duo Bansilal M Jumaani and son Sanjay B Jumaani have made their predictions for this new year 2005.

So, read on if you believe it's all about the numbers and how 2005 and the number you bear can actually play a number on you.

Says the man himself, "First of all we should know that numerologically the year 2005 adds up to the number 7 (2+0+0+5=7), hence this year is ruled by the planet Neptune. The planet Neptune shares a very special relation with the Moon (Number 2). The Moon as we all know governs the mind, and hence would make an eventful year for the Arts and Crafts industry, not only this but all connected trades such as painting, writing, acting and so on, also off-track or ‘different’ careers would have an eventful year."

Getting to specifics and delving in detail into the snazzy world of television, read on for the numbers game according to Messrs Jumaani:

Sony's Tarun Katial is one to watch out for in 2005

One man who is expected to rule the telly world is none other that Tarun Katial. The newly appointed business head of Sony Entertainment network's flagship channel SET has been cast as the dark horse who is likely to spring a surprise in the new year. An interesting point of note is that the Jumaani duo had the very same prediction for Katial for 2004 as well.

Ekta Kapoor to reign supreme yet again!

Ditto for soap queen Ekta Kapoor. "As long as she gets her programme titles numerically altered and works as hard as she does, there is no looking back for her," says Jumaani.

"Wait and Watch!" Rupert Murdoch seems to be saying

One "surprising" prediction is Jumaani's take on global media baron and News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch's going to witness a year full of acquisitions and will emerge as a media baron is what Jumaani's numbers foretell. Stating the obvious one would think, numbers or no numbers.

Pradeep Guha, the latest entrant in the television arena as CEO of Zee Telefilms, needs to make some alteration in his name and then he will be a lot more successful says the numbers guru.

Tony and Diya... Jassi ko change kiya??

Tony & Diya Singh both number 2 people, are expected to deliver another Jassi… in 2005!

"Trim my name this much?" Prannoy Roy

Dr. Prannoy Roy, says Jumaani, needs to trim his name instead of his beard and then there is nothing stopping him to reach for the stars.

Subhash Chandra's key to success - Patience

Now, coming to the man who's not had much to cheer about these past few years on the television front --- Subhash Chandra. The number gods say he needs to be patient and when he embarks on his 57th year, his stars are going to change. Chandra is currently in his 55th year. So hanging in there, is Jumaani's prescription.

The message for Rajat Sharma is: don't expect anything exciting this year.

Moving on to Hindi general entertainment channels Jumaani believes that Sony this year will be a dark horse and will give Star a run for its money. Zee TV will have just another average year. The turning point for Zee will come in 2007. Another channel that is expected to go places in 2005 is StarOne.

On the news front, Aaj Tak will be a gamble next year. It could swing any side. Either very successful or a complete downslide. NDTV will do well, but NDTV needs to ensure that they stick only to 'NDTV' as a name and not another word extending to the brand. Star News will have a better year than the one just gone by.

The movie channels will have Zee Cinema - " Lambi race ka ghoda" seeing a decent year. Set Max seeing a slight dip and Star Gold recording an average performance.

The shows that will rock 2005 are:

Sony's Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin.. with its grand finale and Ye Meri Life Hai which will be revived next year. Zee's Astitva ..Ek Prem Kahaani is expected to have a downswing while Kareena Kareena promised to be around for a bit. Zee's Tumhari Disha is expected to have a dream run. Sony's big-ticket show Indian Idol is also expected to rule next year where as the long running CID is expected to slide. Sony's yet to debut Rihayee is expected to have a decent run although Jumaani says it could do even better with title alterations.

Among the television celebrities, 2005 seems to favour Ronit Bose Roy and Aman Yatan Varma.

"Although 2005 does hold some hidden warnings all is not gloomy, as this is an excellent time to start making plans for the future, such plans are likely to succeed," says Jumaani.

All in all, 2005 offers more upsides than downsides as far as Jumaani is concerned.