Top Newsmakers of 2011 - Part 1

Mamata Banerjee: After ruling the roost in West Bengal for 34-long-years, the Reds were finally routed, replaced by the colour green. Mamata Banerjee led the Trinamool Congress to a stupendous victory in the assembly elections in May, 2011, thus bringing the curtains down on the Left's marathon stint at the Writers' Buildings. The win was historic alright, but what made it more eventful was the manner in which Didi, as Ms Banerjee is popularly known, annihilated the Left Front.

AR Rahman: It was more heartache than cheer for A R Rahman and his fans that kept him in the news in 2011. It all started with the Golden Globes in the early part of the year, as the "Mozart of Madras" lost out in the Original Score category for 127 Hours to the music in The Social Network. More disappointment was to follow as Oscar glory too eluded him for the same film in the Original Score and Original Song category.
But the genius bounced back in the latter half of the year, making music with rock n roll legend Mick Jagger's supergroup SuperHeavy, alongside the Rolling Stones' frontman Joss Stone, Eurythmics founder Dave Stewart and Bob Marley's son Damian Marley. That wasn't all. The shy composer, true to his style, let his music do the talking as he garnered applause for his soul-stirring score in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar to wrap up the year in style

Steve Jobs: Who said technology was the sole preserve of a select few? Steve Jobs changed all that as the visionary Apple co-founder made products such as the iMac, iPod, iPad and the iPhone. But as Apple continued to make giant strides, the iconic technology leader was slowly taking a backseat due to his failing health. Jobs finally lost his protracted, public battle with pancreatic cancer on October 5, just a day after the latest upgrade of the iPhone was released. A legend was gone leaving behind a legacy of innovation and invention.

Pippa Middleton: It was her sister's royal wedding that was the talk of the town alright but the maid-of-honour walked away with much more than just holding the bride's train. Pippa, then the lesser-known younger sibling of Kate Middleton, shot to overnight stardom as her figure-hugging white dress accentuating her curvaceous, svelte bod and the now-famous derriere created a buzz across cyberspace. What's more, she was pitted as the new style rival to her very-fashionable elder sister.

Rajinikanth: Millions of die-hard followers prayed after news of their demi-god being hospitalised in May spread. Nothing mattered more then than Rajini Sir's recovery as the matinee idol was down with a bout of respiratory infection. Not surprising then that a daily update on his health was equally important - sometimes more - as any other news in the country. So, while the actor was recuperating at a Singapore hospital later, fans back home were worrying themselves sick. Not one to disappoint his fans ever, the superstar returned fit and is going strong as ever at 62.

Kolaveri Di: They say, music knows no language and it was the most unlikeliest of artists who proved the old adage right yet again. More famous as Rajinikanth's son-in-law, Tamil star Dhanush made an entire nation sing along as he crooned Why This Kolaveri Di. The peppy number, with distinctly Dravidian beats and Tamil words, went viral on YouTube with over 20 million hits so far and still counting. The popularity of the song can be gauged from the fact that it immediately inspired several spin-offs and was lauded by celebrities including Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Sachin Tendulkar: India heaved and India sighed. There was one man who kept an entire nation waiting and news buzzing in a frenzied state as he reached some milestones and stopped tantalisingly short of a few others. So, Sachin Tendulkar became the first ever to cross the 15,000-run mark in Tests, a feat that came against the West Indies. His dream of winning the World Cup was also fulfilled as the Men in Blue were crowned the champions on April 4. But it was the swell of expectations over his 100th international ton that vaulted him to the headlines with every single match. But, despite coming close, 94 was the best he could get.

Team Anna: It was the team of the year to watch out for, pun unintended. Led by veteran anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, the group of civil society activists campaigning for the Jan Lokpal Bill – better known as Team Anna – brought on a revolution of the kinds that hasn't been witnessed in recent times. Middle-class India rallied around Anna and Co. in his fight against corruption, an unprecedented movement that made the government sit up and realise people power.

Sanjiv Bhatt: Hailed by many as a whistleblower, Gujarat top cop Sanjiv Bhatt hogged national headlines after he took on Chief Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the latter of complicity in the 2002 post-Godhra riots. The Indian Police Service (IPS) officer claimed to be present at a meeting on February 27, 2002 where Mr Modi allegedly advised senior cops to go slow on the rioters. A suspension, arrest and subsequent bail later, Bhatt remains unfazed and firm in his fight against the Modi government.

Kate's wedding dress: Nothing matched the suspense, anticipation and excitement that Kate Middleton's wedding trousseau generated in 2011. From leading designers to fashion observers to the common person on the street - everyone who was someone had a take on the royal bride's dress. The ubiquitous comparisons also followed as commentators across the world minutely reviewed how the young Princess of Wales fared on fashion vis-à-vis her iconic mother-in-law, the late Princess Diana on their respective D-day.