Kerala   

Reality shows: perils and positives abound

Photo: H. Vibhu

In limelight: Reality shows provide contestants a platform to showcase talent. But, the pressure to win is enormous.

The so-called reality shows have greatly influenced our people. But, they should be viewed in the proper perspective. Profit motive of multinational companies runs the show. In the forefront are mobile operators, raking in huge money via the text messages sent by viewers. Reality shows do not necessarily unearth new talents. The winner remains a “star” only for a year. Then a new “star” will twinkle. Most importantly, the show robs students of prime time for study.

Rashid

Mampattumoola

Reality shows are no doubt an outlet for young and aspiring artistes. It gives them an opportunity to test their mettle. But, sadly, at times such shows are ‘hijacked’ by the influential few who decide its final outcome. In a recent episode, all norms of propriety were thrown overboard by a leading musician to influence the panel of judges. The musician used all means to help her close relative win the contest. In yet another instance, the judges were found mouthing comments which they themselves could not comprehend. Jargons pertaining to Carnatic music were aired to discourage and belittle the contestants. Some left the stage weeping. Such incidents will only lead to unhealthy competition, given the prize money offered. So, it would be wise if the rules of the shows are altered, fixing a common limit on the prize money, say, at Rs.10,000. And let experts judge these contests. Let there be no SMS judges!

Sujith V.V.

Kannur

Has anyone thought of the reality behind these shows? The participants are pressurised to excel by their parents, friends and relatives. Failure means doom, end of the world. The case of Shijini Sen Gupta, who collapsed after being humiliated by judges in a Bengali TV show, is not isolated. Such instances must be avoided at all costs.

Mohanan P.T.

Paroppady

For many viewers, reality shows are a relief from tearjerker serials, which have been ruling the telly for long. For the contestants these shows offer an opportunity to improve their talents with the help of well-informed comments and advice given by judges. But there are certain negative aspects also. The exorbitant sums offered as prizes will change the mood of the contest. The singers also get carried away by the limelight and do not try to refine their skills. The sensationalism associated with the ‘elimination round’ should be discouraged. Though it appeals to sentiments of the viewers it will adversely affect singers and their parents.

C.R. Sajeev

Thana

In the case of such shows, disadvantages outnumber advantages. The initial selection round itself is baseless. There will be large numbers of contestants. They will be asked to sing one or two lines, on the basis of which a few will be selected. Is this the right way to judge one’s calibre? Once you enter the contest, you have to put up with judges’ nasty comments.

Money too plays a lead role here. There are various rounds in such shows. To attract judges and audience, large amount is spent on improving one’s appearance. Only rich can afford it. Students are not even worried about being absent from school for months. This will affect their studies. Money and fame are not bad, but must be aspired for within limits.

One cannot ignore another component – the text messages. If people are supposed to pick winners, what are the judges doing there? Of course, tears have to follow once a contestant is shown the door. If viewers do not support this ‘not-so-real’ shows, they will soon be out of the small screen.

Purnima Krishnan

Wayanad

Most of the reality shows now on TV channels seem to have just one aim, that is, making money. The judges in the shows, some of whom have acting experience in a few insipid serials, vie with one another in harassing the innocent contestants who are lured by fantastic prizes, by using high sounding technical words. They grow loquacious in boosting their ego and the poor thing on the stage is asked to repeat random lines. The anchor persons are more often than not, dressed atrociously and speak with an affected accent. A celebrity judge acts as the court jester. The channel bosses should do an introspection and take measures to lift such shows to a higher level for the viewers to enjoy them.

M. Ramankutty

Thripunithura

An industrial group promises Rs 2 crore as prize money but one should analyse this: generally, there are three shows per week, each show taking up an hour or so. The majority of the time is used for displaying advertisements which fetch enormous revenue to the channel. Hence, this is a money-making affair for all concerned. At the same time, the contest does provide a venue for bringing out the dormant talents in youngsters. The winners are also noticed nationally and even internationally. The benefits of reality shows are many. The organisers make good money, the contestants win attractive prizes and the viewers too enjoy the shows.

P.M.G. Pilla

Mannar

These so-called reality shows have become redundant and counter-productive. These are simply gimmicks to mint money by the channels and mobile phone companies. They have found that this is the best way to hoodwink the gullible public. They are cashing in on the tears of the participants who lose in the elimination rounds. The most condemnable aspect of the shows is that certain anchors are vulgarly dressed and the beautiful Malayalam language is mutilated by them. It is astonishing the judges and anchors switch over to English even though the shows are in Malayalam. They think that this is the opportunity to express their proficiency in English, which is nauseating.

No useful purpose is served by these reality shows except help the channels and mobile phone companies to extract money from the gullible. Therefore, it is high time these shows are wound up. However, the viewers are at liberty to switch off the television or skip to some other channel for entertainment.

K.K. Joseph

Punnapra

The reality behind the reality shows is that there is no reality in it. The are unscripted shows and feature ordinary people instead of professional actors. The first reality show of Indian television, Meri Awaz Suno, was a standard programme and everybody loved it. Reality shows on Malayalam television channels, however, are crossing all limits. While those with real talents are ousted, SMS messages boost the rating of the worst among them. This type of reality shows only destroy the talents of our younger generations.

They become a revenue-generating business for the channels. In some reality shows, the judges and participants look as if they had come for some fashion show. Many anchors speak in the worst form of Malayalam ever heard. As for the contestants, some are very good and talented youngsters who can give the current playback singers a run for their money. But they lose out mid-way through the shows. And sometimes they decide it is the end of the road for them. It is better to stop such artificial programmes which kill talents.

Sreeni K.R

Meloor, Chalakudy

In the olden days, the only way to present one’s talents were cultural programmes at the school Yuvajanotsavam. But when TV serials came to the limelight, the chances for youngster to showcase their talents brightened. We should appreciate the organisers of the reality shows for bringing hundreds of youngsters into the limelight through these marvellous programmes. At the same time, in rare cases, some judges victimise participants. Some cinema actors, who have no knowledge of the subject, are brought in as judges of the events. Their words may affect the judgment of other judges and may diminish the participants’ chance for the next contest. The organisers should choose the best judges for these events. Anyway, reality shows are to be commended for giving many children exposure. This will help them in overcoming stage-fright.

Thripunithura S.N. Panicker

Poonithura

Reality shows often turn out to be items of commercialisation. Commercials find them a great means to sail through, as the shows themselves command a huge following. If reality shows do aspire to find the “best of the best”, they shouldn’t make the losers feel rejected.

The spirit of participation should be the highlight.

Let it be a stage to showcase talent. People inherit talent. Reality shows, when they cross the limits, might adversely affect this

divine gift.

It would be greatly appreciated if Malayalam television channels organise education-oriented programmes for a similar duration, which would expand the intellectual horizon of the viewers.

Aiswarya Chandran

Changanasserry

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Coconut tree climbing made easier
Next issue
Reality shows: perils and positives abound
Evolve a code of conduct for all concerned in reality shows
The league’s stand
Coastal hartal observed in Kasaragod
Stir against textbook
Rs.65-lakh project to promote strawberry cultivation in Munnar
Two Keralites die in accident near Belfast
A different job
Indian doctor included in attack victims’ list
PDP expresses solidarity with Chengara stir
Special package for farmers sought
Stone laid for Capex building
Over the fairness of the fare hike
Tribal healers seek access to forests
Department targets higher tax collection
One killed in blast
Duty free outlet to expand shopping area

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu