Reality TV shows

Are reality games shows the future of Indian Television? (530 words)

In the recent times, Indian television has taken a commendable leap to attract audiences of all genres. Reality game shows are actually a mirror image of the society’s progressing views or one can also look at it as a stage given to common people and struggling serial artists. “It’s an easy golden ticket to fame through the game”, says a contestant of Indian Idol. Reality TV has always struck a chord with the audience in Indian television even when traced back to Tabassum’s chat show in the early 80s, the evergreen Antakshari during 90s to the acing TRP reality game show in the year 2000, Kaun Banega Crorepati hosted by Big B.

To capture audiences of all genres, these reality game shows have their own target audience. The audience wants drama and the TV channels have succumbed to yet another demand of theirs. For instance, game/quiz shows are quite famous amongst the families as it gives them the opportunity to guess answers and interact with the show on a primary level. The dance and singing reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Boogie Woogie, Lil Masters, Indian Idol and so many more have given a platform to the talent of India to perform on a show and reach out to the audience. The public has its own favourites and immediately connect to the show. The dramatization has clearly increased to get either sympathy or attention from its audience. It’s not only about singing or dancing but striking a chord with the family sitting on the sofa after a long day looking out to distract themselves from their daily chores.

Last but not the least the most famous genre of reality shows are the ones with the celebrities or more like wannabe TV stars. Just like TV news channels they have all the beats, the angry man who keeps lashing at every small thing and throws things around to give a dramatic effect for instance Raja Chaudhari of Big Boss 2, at least one couple to create a love story and the sexy and bold girl like Rakhi Sawant or Kashmira Shah to give the show the oomph factor. Even shows like Emotional Aatyachar, Dare to Date almost run on these same factors but concentrating more on the problems faced by the youth. Today’s generation just wants a lot of masala on TV like in their Maggi Noodles. Certain aspects shown on TV like a girl abusing or smoking, a guy making tea or gossiping more than the women connect to the youth of today since it’s the reality. Hence, reality shows are trend makers and mirror society without censoring or being gender biased.
If one looks at it from a psychological angle it’s a way to escape one’s problems and enter the world of reality through TV and live their experiences for a while. The producers play with the mind of their audiences trying to show a reflection of their life and problems and most often trying to give them a solution. Reality drama has caught the attention of the audiences and is most definitely the future of Indian television.