Reality Behind Reality Shows on Television

Indian television is witnessing a lot of reality shows these days. It’s been almost a decade when these reality shows took over saas-bahu sagas. Reality shows like Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma have given a lot of talented singers to the film industry. However, there are few reality show winners who have just vanished with time. But are these reality shows actually real or is it just another way to grab the attention of viewers. It has been a topic of debate since the time these shows have started.

Over the time these shows have changed their formats. Everyone from 90’s would remember those days of Sa Re Ga Ma when Sonu Nigam used to be the host. At that time it was a simple singling reality show with a bunch of talented singers. But now over the time, the glamour factor has somehow taken over the talent. Undoubtedly these shows provide a platform to aspirants to showcase their talent, but with each passing year, it has started caring more about TRPs as compared to showing reality.

REALITY SHOWS CONTESTANTS

Recently one of the participants of one of the famous singing reality show has come up front and shared his experience. According to him, not everything shown on television is the reality, various segments of these reality shows are scripted. On the day of auditions, participants reach the venue in the morning to find a long line of the participants. And as shown on television judges never reach on time and participants are forced to wait for long. The irony is that they can’t even go to washrooms as they fear that their place will be taken and then they again have to stand in a long queue.

According to him, some of the chosen participants are chosen and handed over the script. The crowd is also trained to shout in unison when cameras face them. There are no proper arrangements for washrooms and food stalls at the venue leaving participants drained.

Each one of us must have enjoyed the silly and funny performances of these reality shows. These performances are not prompt and such participants are sent to the judges to increase the TRP of the shows.

And then comes the voting drama, have you ever voted for any of the contestants? I have asked so many people and have never found any who have voted especially in recent times, I really wonder from where these lakhs of votes for participants come from.

Shantnav Arora: