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Tulsi, Kkusum... And then came Jassi
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Even as one-`upwomanship' of TV's `saas-bahu' continued, the year saw a new trend in serialised sagas. The upshot, says SANGEETA BAROOAH PISHAROTY, was some fresh air on TV.
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AN OVERBLOWN balloon bursts. So, shall the overstretched small screen `saas-bahu' yarns meet such a finale in 2004? One look at the rollouts of the year gone by, and one can't set aside completely this prospect. But indeed, the TRP card still indicates it is too early to pen an elegy on these overdramatic rouged faces conniving with or against their in-laws (and with outlaws too!) Mass interest in Tulsi and Parvati's lives, and about Pammi, Anu, Komolika, Prerna, Kumkum, Kusum and the brigade is still intact. But also, Dr. Juhi, Dr. Simran, Sanjana and a collection of new names this year are rising up for the slot. And of course, the one and only Jassi is leading from the front.
So then, has the time arrived to turn a new leaf? Those in the thick of it concur that there is indeed a shift of focus, albeit a little.
"Yes, the writing on the wall is very clear. People want change," reasons Bhooshan Patel, director of "Jeet", a tale primarily romantic, on Star Plus. "To point it out, most of these serials have loyal viewership," adds Gajendra Singh, producer of "Awaaz... Dil Se Dil Tak", another digression from the melodramatic sagas on Zee TV.
Though the clock is still ticking for these big banner tearjerkers, 2003 nevertheless witnessed employment of many a clever tactic to keep their viewers to their seats, an indicator thus of the fading glory. "Kyunki... ", "Kahaani... " and "Shagun" on Star Plus and "Kkusum" on Sony TV leapfrogged by many years into the future some time ago to usher in new angles to keep their viewer percentage intact and also to attract younger generation. Again to command viewership, the crew of "Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand" entered the frame of "Kasautii Zindagi Kay" through the method of marriage between the families. Both are at present doing quite well, but still there is no harm in making hay when the sun is shining. This of course, is an addition to another much-used instrument - change of faces, of those, who do not have a `mass appeal'. And here, offering an instance is a hard task as most serials have used it to the extent possible.
For the time being, there is success. But, looking at this year's add-ons, it does not seem so in the New Year.
Says Sanjay Lulla, Vice President, Content, Sony TV, "Jassi is winning people's hearts because it is close to reality while these glitzy soaps are not". But, Deepak Segal, Contents Head of Star Plus counters: "What different is "Jassi... " doing? It is also a fairy tale. It is not a reality show. `Saas-bahu' soaps or not, we are still on the escapist mode and we will remain so till the viewers' choice changes".
And perhaps, here lies the crux of the story. You get what you ask for!
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