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A break from soaps: Super Star Global,

Says R. Sreekandan Nair, vice president, programmes, of Asianet: “Reality shows break the monotony of watching soaps that have been ruling the mini-screen this past decade or so. Not only are reality shows a means to discover latent talents, the fact that viewers help make or break a dream makes the show tick. Besides, here we see live emotions – tears, laughter, anger, spite, brickbats… all on camera sans any script. I guess we all have a voyeur in us.”

A pioneer, Asianet’s ‘Idea Star Singer’ was the one to break the chain of serials ruling prime time television. “We launched the show to test waters. It was a new concept in the regional television industry. We noticed that there were many viewers tuning into such reality shows that were aired on Sony, Star and Zee, so we thought why not try it out here,” explains Sreekandan.

But the show that started on a tentative note soon became a hit and had other channels following suit. So much so that at one point four leading channels – Asianet, Amrita, Kairali and Surya – were screening reality shows at almost the same time slots.

Ragaratnam Junior,

However, it was Amrita TV’s ‘Super Star’ that redefined the concept of reality shows. With its plush sets, celebrity judges and mega prizes, the show was compared to the likes of reality shows such as ‘Sa, re, ga, ma, pa’ and ‘Indian Idol.’ “The audience, we felt, would welcome such shows and we cashed in on that belief. Besides, ours was the first to introduce the concept of public voting and to slot the show prime time on weekdays,” says Shyam Prasad, president, programme, Amrita TV.

Kairali TV in order to hop on the reality band wagon revamped its show ‘Gandharva Sangeetham,’ which had begun in 2000 as a talent hunt show, into a reality show this year.

Idea Star Singer,

However, Surya TV’s ‘Super Singer’ had to be taken off the air on account of cost factor. Rumour has it that they plan to re-launch the programme shortly though and in a bigger way.

With the shows becoming money-spinners, the channels decided to broaden their horizon with other reality-based shows.

“It’s the age of people wanting more and so you have to keep up with their demands. As people tire of things easily, you have to keep innovating and giving them something new. Channels also want to be one up against the other,” says Shibu Chakravarthy, associate director, programmes, Kairali Channel. And so came reality shows on dance, acting and even culinary skills.

Jhanak Jhanak,

While Amrita has ‘Super Dancer Junior,’ ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Ragaratnam Junior’ (a talent hunt for Carnatic singers) in their kitty, Asianet has ‘Thakademi’ (an audition for dancers), ‘Smile Please’ (search for a comedian/comedienne) and ‘Jhanak Jhanak’ (search for a dancing team) in theirs’.

Surya has ‘Rasikaraja No. 1,’ which is a search for the best comedy skit.

Pachaka Rani,

Keeping up with the other channels is Kairali with their line-up of programmes. Giving inter-college competitions a face lift is ‘Star Wars.’ A test of culinary skills, ‘Pachaka Rani’ is also a part of the line-up.

Coming soon is ‘Jodi No. 1’ that is a hunt for the ideal couple. It will be screened on Kairali’s sister channel, We, by the end of November.

Star Wars.

But why were all the reality shows that were initially introduced by the channels music-based?

“Well I guess Malayalis enjoy music. The fact that the music reality shows are the ones with the highest TRP ratings is proof. Besides, we have a treasure house of good singers who need a launch pad into the music industry,” says Sreekandan as Shyam adds, “It is the easiest to copy. You have a bank of songs to chose from, talented singers… The judges have an important role in the show. For those not tuned to music, the show is a learning process. They learn about ragas, swaras, talams and sruthis. It is the same with dance shows. You learn about rhythm, timing, choreography tips….”

But whatever the reason, reality shows seem to be the new-age entertainment recipe with an ever growing TRP rating and it looks like they are here to stay.

Sangeeth was the darling of the masses with his ready smile and dynamic voice. It was no wonder that he walked off with the Super Star crown. With the songs of ‘Chota Mumbai’ and ‘Goal’ in his kitty, he is looking out for more offers, “My contract with Amrita comes to an end this month in which case I will be more or less on my own. I will have to hunt for offers if I want to stay in the industry,” he says. Regarding reality shows, Sangeeth says:“My friends and family say that I was lucky to have been in the first batch of reality show contestants. Now as there are several reality shows, viewership has split thus affecting the voting polls.”

Kavitha was the first woman to win a Malayalam reality show. However, although she won the title, she says it did not serve as a launching pad. “I did get an offer but it did not work out. It could be because the show, Idea Star Singer started off on a small scale. But the show has definitely gone bigger this year and the participants will definitely be noticed,” says the winner who is currently working as a software engineer in Samsung, Bangalore.

His was a story of perseverance. He started of by participating with Gandharava Sangeetham Junior in 2003. Not making it there, he went on to participate in the senior level in 2005.

“It was a dream come true when I won the title,” says Krishnan Unni who has lent his voice in two songs by Ilayaraja in ‘Pazhasi Raja.’ According to Krishnan, who is currently pursuing a degree in engineering, reality shows are a good way to discover new talents but admits that though the programme did make him a household name, perseverance is what counts to make it to the music industry.

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