Introduction

In the fast paced and highly competitive world of television entertainment, broadcasting channels and media houses are engrossed in an intense duel for ‘TRP supremacy’ (Television Rating Points). Each one of them is competing to maximize its viewership, and is pumping in numerous ideas into their shows, sometimes novel, sometimes weird. This need to capture the majority of audience is highly important, as it’s directly proportional to funds flowing into the channels through advertising, telecast rights etc. A new channel crops up on the TV every next day. And with a channel count going well beyond the three digit figure, each one of them needs to adopt an aggressive yet effective strategy to raise its viewership. And these very reasons have led to the mushrooming of numerous ‘Reality Shows’ on TV.

Why Reality Shows?

Anything that strikes the emotional chord is an instant hit in our country. The reason for this is that we Indians are high on the emotional quotient and every Indian (even the most practical one) has an emotional soul hidden somewhere. The success of reality shows in India can be attributed to a great extent to this weakness of ours. You ask for it and they are ready with everything in the form of reality shows based on singers or dancers or comedy. There are shows showcasing the talent of children, to shows based on celebrities. It’s not just great performances but one also gets to enjoy the difference of opinion between the judges and contestants.

But what makes these shows so special is that, reality shows pick up people from every walk of life and catapult them into a world of glitz and glamour. Shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, based on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Indian Idol, Sony TV’s version of American Idol and Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa have been iconic shows in reality TV. These shows are not based on script but on a set format, which determines the course of the show and ultimately the winner. But in a way, reality television is a win-win situation for everyone, be it contestants, channels or the viewers.

The high TRPs that these shows command explains the advantage they have for television channels. Apart from this, the relief that these shows provide from the saas-bahu soaps, which currently dominate television, is another reason for their immense popularity.

But the biggest gainers, however, are the contestants who are provided with the right platform to showcase their talent. There is a lot of untapped talent in our country and these shows by extending their reach to small cities provide an opportunity to bring out this hidden talent. A chef from Chamba managed to reach the final round in Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. In Star One’s Lakme Fashion House, 16 aspiring fashion designers strived to

create a design to win an assignment with Donatella Versace, at the house of Versace - a lifetime opportunity for any beginner. These shows give an instant recognition to the contestants. A chance to showcase their talent on such a big platform and in front of such esteemed judges is something which any struggler can die for. The rest, of course, depends on their talent. Singers like Kunal Ganjawala, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghosal are some of the successful finds of reality television. It was only for these shows that a teashop owner, Sunil Pal, became a laughter champion and Prashant Tamang, a sepoy from Darjeeling, became the third Indian Idol.

Celebrity reality shows are another aspect of reality television that has become extremely popular with the audience. Apart from the overwhelming TRPs that these shows command, they also have to their credit revamping images of some celebrities and bringing back to limelight some of the lost stars. Item queen Rakhi Sawant witnessed a change in image after appearing on the reality show, Big Boss. Lost names like Rahul Roy, Anupama Verma and Baba Sehgal rose to limelight again because of shows like these.

However, there is no way to guarantee success. Just because these shows are popular with people it doesn’t mean that anything and everything that will be served to the audience in the name of reality shows will be relished. Sony TV’s Kahin Na Kahin Koi Hai, for which they roped in cinestar Madhuri Dixit, failed to strike a chord with the viewers. Similarly Kamzor Kadi Kaun, the remake of The Weakest Link, which was aired on Star failed and Jeeto Chappar Phad Ke , Sony TV’s take on KBC failed to create magic.

Is there another side to this story?

These shows are called reality shows because these are based on the decisions of the masses and the final call is based on these decisions. But how real are these shows? Are they actually based on the decisions of the masses? There have been questions surrounding the authenticity of these shows. They have come under a lot of criticism. Questions have been raised over the authenticity of the voting system on the basis of which the contestants are voted out. Prominent names like Lata Mangeshkar have raised fingers over the very method of selection that is used on such shows. Throwing contestants out on the basis of the votes cast by people sitting at home with hardly any knowledge about the technicalities involved in a contest like singing or dancing has been questioned. The channels make it a point to show the clippings of the contestants fight throughout the day. Many tabloids refer to these acts as scripted and mere publicity stunts.

Initially, the reality shows were meant for the masses. Now, a new dimension has been added to these shows i.e. celebrity reality shows, in which the celebrities are the contestant. These shows are hot topics of discussion in school and colleges. The celebrity tag attached to any show is bound to take off. India is a star struck nation. They always want to know about the happenings in the personal life of these stars, so these shows are an instant hit with the masses. These shows are called reality shows because these are based on the decisions of the masses

and the final call is based on these decisions. But how real are these shows? Are they actually based on the decisions of the masses? There have been questions surrounding the authenticity of these shows. Many people believe that the final results are manipulated and the shows are more about TRPs. Many good singers do not win due to the voting system as people vote on the basis of regions. The viewers prefer that a contestant of their state should win. In this case, talent takes a back seat

Another dark side to these reality shows is the sharp comments and criticism received from the judges. Many contestants lose their confidence when they are subjected to harsh comments. In one of the past incidents, Shinjini Sengupta of Kolkata lost her ability to speak and move after she was shown the door in the elimination round of a reality show.

Apart from that, we are watching every day that right from the age of seven or eight years to their mother, father, even grandma join these competitions. The tragedy is not with the parents, but with their children. Sometimes the parents’ expectation is too much from their children in any competition, may be in school class or any other extra-curricular activities. They do not consider the mental and physical ability of their children if they can bear the tenacity and shock of their failure to be a topper. There are a very few parents who try to feel, understand and perceive their children’s inner voice.