MUMBAI: Most actors are known to rue the kind of work they are being offered. Mundane, unexciting and lack of challenge in roles compels them to shortchange themselves. Some like Om Puri and Naseerudin Shah refuse most of the work and prefer to live on the periphery. Some lead robotic existences moving on from one similar role to another.

Shahrukh Khan goes on record to say that in all the years that he has been in the industry a Chak De is by far the best film he did in years. For the hugely talented Tabu who is rarely seen on the big screen, a Namesake comes her way after her last good work in Chandni Bar. In between she did some inane stuff which probably was accepted to keep the home fires burning.

So was it with talent like Aamir (who is seen in just once a year), Kareena who has been quite lucky, Vidya Balan has only a Parineeta to boast about, the supremely talented Sushant Singh who has been forced into oblivion.

Saif did superlative work in Omkaara and played a different role of a car racer in Tara rum pum. And not to forget Being Cyrus. But do any of his forthcoming films offer him similar challenges?

All the 2007 debutantes, Ranbir, Sonam and Deepika had interesting roles which were appreciated. But what‘s in store for them in the coming months?

In an otherwise mediocre industry let‘s see what the coming months will offer our starved-for-good-work actors. Here are some of the good roles offered and whom to watch out for in 2008.

Just around the corner is Aamir Khan‘s directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par. The story which revolves around an autistic child will be keenly awaited for both Aamir‘s role as well as the child‘s performance.

Yet another January 2008 release is Ashutosh Gowariker‘s magnum opus Jodha Akbar. The exigent roles of the lead couple Aishwarya and Hrithik may offer film lovers a great fare. With an impressive repertoire like Raincoat, Mistress of Spices and Chokher Bali, Aishwarya has been fortunate so far. In Jodha Akbar she essays the role of Jodha Bai. In this 16th century love story Hrithik has learnt to ride elephants and worked on his character in great detail.

In Ben Kingsley‘s Taj Mahal, Bipasha Basu plays Aishwarya‘s daughter. Ash plays Mumtaz Mahal and Bipasha will be seen as Jahan Ara. Unfortunately both will not be sharing screen space together as Bipasha comes in after Ash dies in the film. But to see the otherwise sexy Bipasha as a historical character may be worth a dekko.

Amitabh Bachchan in his most recent film, The Last Lear will go down in history for his performance just as for Black but his debacles in films like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, RGV‘s Aag make critics debate on the logic of such choices. But the one 2008 release to wait for would be Mira Nair‘s Shantaram with Hollywood co-star Johnny Depp. If the film is as engaging as the book, AB has a winner in his hands.

The coming year brings atleast two good films for Preity Zinta. Mera Bharat Mahaan which is directed by Samir Karnik is an adventure film and is slated for a January 2008 release. Though she will be seen in a rather small role, it is a very unusual one and the actress says that it is the power of the punch not the size of the fist that matters. After a powerful performance with Amitabh Bachchan in Rituparno Ghosh‘s The Last Lear, she has now finalized a film with Jhanu Barua. Her role therein too will be one to watch out for.

Even the otherwise lack luster Celina Jaitley‘s career may get a boost with her challenging role in ‘The Quest of Sheherzade‘ in which she plays a mystical warrior princess. In this Hollywood film she has been trained for the role by Nancy Barks who has trained many a Hollywood actor. Celina is required to speak in a German accent and the actress has been doing a lot of homework for this role.

And for all Irfan Khan‘s fans Rakesh Roshan‘s Krazy 4 will be a must watch. The talented Irfan plays a mentally imbalanced character in the film. What with films like Maqbool and Namesake coming his way he has been one lucky actor.

His role in Nishikant Kamath‘s Yeh Hain Mumbai Meri Jaan where he plays a coffee vendor on a railway station has the actor very gung-ho. It required him to do a lot of research on the role as well as work on his physical appearance.

Just as Priyanka Chopra who is very excited about her role as a superwoman in the untitled animation film by Virgin Comics. She has worked very carefully on her look in the film and so has Abhishek Bachchan for his forthcoming film Drona. A Goldie Behl venture this will be keenly awaited as Abhishek is likely to create waves as a superhero in the film. Considering his track record, AB junior is in desperate need of a good role. Priyanka‘s role in the film will be one to watch out for as she plays Abhishek‘s bodyguard. For this challenging role she has trained in the ancient arts of Gatka (a Sikh form of martial art).

Saif Ali Khan‘s voice over of a dog in Roadside Romeo directed by Jugal Hansraj is sure going to be some film to wait for.

Looks like y2k 2008 is going to be an exciting one for not only the actors but for film lovers as well. Let‘s wait and watch who brings home the Oscar!