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When reality rules

Prem and Pooja dance their way to win "Jodi No: 1"

"Jodi No: 1" on Vijay TV is being dubbed the programme of the year (2006) on Tamil television. The dance show saw some reel and real couples from the small screen put on their dancing shoes.

The judges included actor Prashanth, choreographer Kala Master and actress Ramya Krishnan, with a celebrity guest for every episode. Dhanush was present at the grand finale, which was telecast on December 30.

The three finalist couples were Vijay Adhiraj and Rashna, Raghav and Preetha and Prem and Pooja.

The public could vote for their favourite couple through the Internet and SMS.

Prem and Pooja were chosen as the hot favourite and crowned `Jodi No:1'.

They take home a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh.

Says Prashanth: "Initially, this pair was eliminated but made a strong comeback through a wild card entry, as they had the public rooting for them."

According to Ravinath Menon, STAR Vijay: "The show has created history on Tamil television by garnering an average TRP of between 12 and 15. Even repeat telecasts got decent TRPs."

What made the 26-episode `Jodi No: 1' click with viewers?

Says Ramya Krishnan, "The show touched an emotional chord in the viewers. The anxiety on the faces of the contestants, and the tense moments before they learnt whether they were qualifying or not were so real and the viewers also got involved."

Analysts feel reality shows such as "Jodi No: 1", which is on similar lines of STAR "Nach Baliye," clicked because of the emotional aspect of the show.

The channel plans to extend the show by eight more episodes and it will be called "Jodi No: 1 Challenge".

Here, the eliminated couples will come back with new partners. Other plans include "Super Singers-Junior" later this year, which will replace "Jodi No: 1."

SREEDHAR PILLAI

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