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The appeal of reality

Reality re-loaded Reality shows are the rage and show no signs of losing their hold

Rakhi Sawant’s coy expressions on Rakhi Ka Swayamwar might have been hard to digest for an audience used to her outspokenness and blunt quips. But she managed to pull it off. At the end of the series, she even picked a groom. But, the honeymoon didn’t last long. Hardly had the series ended that rumours abounded that the engagement was on the rocks. “There hardly seems anything real in these reality shows,” says Shireen, a third year college student. “It seems like everything is planned and rigged, and once the show is over the truth comes out.” Nevertheless, the couple took part in another controversial reality show Pati, Patni Aur Woh.

Controversy looms over many reality shows, but rather than deterring the audience, the drama seems to increase viewership. Youngsters especially are hooked to reality shows. Reality shows are the new soap operas. “The cat fights and drama makes the show more appealing, it’s like an accident you cannot help but watch,” says Pranav Mehta. “And you have to tune in the next week to see what more could happen.”

Some of the fights on reality shows are truly cringe worthy. Pallavi S, a first year college student, says, “In an episode of Splitsvilla 2 a couple of girls got into a fight, they were using the most obscene language and pulling each other’s hair and throwing punches, it was unbelievable. I cannot imagine behaving like that with the whole nation watching,” However, she is quick to add that, “It was entertaining.”

That said there are also various shows that have a more positive basis. “The entertainment provided by Li’L Champs and Laughter Challenge is pure fun. They do not make a mockery of anything,” says Nivedita N, a professional, she also adds that “Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 was very good, they actually made the ladies perform stunts and avoided the unnecessary drama which was a pleasant surprise.”

No one can deny that reality shows have given rise to a lot of new talent. It has given people from small towns and rural areas an opportunity to showcase their talent. “India’s Got Talent churned out a lot of real talent,” says Nivedita, adding that, “The grand finale was won by a dance group who performed a dance inspired by the Mahabharata.”

For now reality shows seem to be here to stay. Ritika Bhalla’s simple reason for watching reality shows is that: “Reality shows are such a pleasant change from the usual dramatic serials.” Enough people probably feel that way, which would explain why every day a new one pops up. From MTV’s Making the Cut to Channel V’s Exhausted, they are being churned out at unimaginable speeds.

Bhavesh Reddy, a final year engineering student, puts across succinctly the reason reality shows are a hit, “I think in the back of our minds we all know that reality shows are appalling, but maybe that’s what make them so interesting,” He adds that, “Only in recent years have you seen such freedom of expression in the way people act and react. That’s what makes it fun.”

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