The reality show judge
V. N. MUKUNDARAJAN
The music and dance based reality shows, besides providing a platform for aspirants to showcase their talent, have thrown up a part time professional career, that of a reality show judge. Those who adorn the judges’ seats exude the confidence born out of experience and success. Many of them belong to well-known families of artistes. Music and dance are areas of activity where the family background plays a major role in shaping the success of the performer. The partic
ipants are mostly amateurs hoping to earn name and fame through reality shows. They go through gruelling preliminary tests before being selected to perform in the shows. The pressure of performing before an august panel of judges is an added pressure on participants. The judges are professionals, whereas the contestants are amateurs with latent talent and potential.
By and large, the judges have conducted themselves with dignity and poise, offering healthy criticism and professional advice. However, the conduct of some of the judges leaves much to be desired. Their overbearing and condescending demeanour frightens the first-time performers. Some of their comments are offensive and even vicious . The poor contestants are forced to swallow their pride and dignity in the face of such arrogant behaviour.
This is not to say that judges should not criticise. True, the participants should be told where they went wrong. But the point is, comments from the judges should be objective and should solely aim at correcting the mistakes of contestants.
They should desist from ridiculing the poor participants. A careless word or gesture can have a deeply demoralising effect on the performer. Cracking personal jokes at his/her expense is a distinctive feature in some of the shows.
Like the honourable judges of a court, the reality show judges should be impartial, humane, dignified and fearless in applying their knowledge and expertise before delivering their verdict.
TV channels ask for viewer feedback on performers through SMS. Why don’t they try to find out what the audience feels about the performance of the judges?
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