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And now, showing comedy

A slew of comedy shows is sweeping across channels

COMIC NOTHINGS A scene from "Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai"

Even as the saas-bahu duo have not cleared the pitch completely, the reality show masters have made their way into Indian television to claim their slice of the pie. And indeed, they have been able to turn quite a few eyeballs their way with appealing programming. Of late, comedy shows have come to occupy a prominent position on many channels. Take for instance, Star One. Though launched to attract the urbane, younger crowd, the shows which are fetching it TRPs are mainly comedy shows. Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai is a big grosser for the channel. Even The Great Indian Comedy Show, Instant Khichri, Bluffmaster and the prince of all, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge have contributed substantially to the kitty. Look at SABe TV. Though never promoted openly as a comedy channel, most of its shows belong to this genre. Sensing the gap, Zee network too has squeezed in Zee Smile recently on the cable network with a hyped-up promotional drive. Even Star Plus, specialising in saas-bahu sagas otherwise, has tried out shows like LOC. Sony TV's Fame Gurukul too attracts quite a few viewers due to its contestant Kazi's antics, and it would be a misnomer to think that the channel hasn't been noticing this, particularly when there is better singing talent than him. So, does that mean comedy is going to be the next big thing on Indian television? Too early to say, but it would be too early to rule that out either.

SANGEETA BAROOAH
PISHAROTY

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