It’s not just the first two initials of name, Rakhi and Rahul share many other similar traits especially when it comes to creating controversies on Television.
It was apparent that Swayamvar part 2 will definitely be aired, but how can we so dumb not to guess the celebrity this time? And when RDLJ (that’s Rahul Dulhaniya le Jaeinge) was announced everything seemed to be logical. 
A second Swayamvar with same celebrity would have raised so many questions pertaining to the authenticity of show (which anyways are raised). However, I don’t want to blame TV Channels here as they are just doing what they are best at!
I bet, if “Sach Ka Saamna” had not been banned, Star TV would definitely have grabbed the opportunity to call Rakhi and made her accept the falsehood behind her marriage with Elesh. Wow, that could’ve been amazing because in that case NDTV might have proved the sachhai behind “Sach Ka Saamna”!
The fact is that all these reality shows are actually unrealistic and that’s why they invoke such extreme reactions which results in unprecedented word-of-mouth marketing.
When I look at the trend, I find that it all started with talent based reality shows- “Laughter”, “Dance”, “Music” etc. But suddenly it was flooded with too many formats of the same concept- “Jhalak Dikhlaja”, “Dance India Dance” to name a few.
Then came Colors and it launched “Khatron Ke Khiladi” and “Big Boss-2” which also made other channels to take some risks and experiment with different formats. Also looking at celebrity females eating and playing with worms (something which was always believed to be difficult with Indians), gave immense confidence to other Broadcasters to experiment with more western concepts.
The result- shows like “Is Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao”, “Sach Ka Saamna” where celebrities expose their skins and personal life just to get some publicity! NDTV’s concept of “Rakhi Ka Swayamvar” is a novel concept, but the premise is same- falsehood, masala and exposure!
If this trend is to believed what should we expect in near future? Marriage is something which is hot these days- “Lux Perfect Bride” and other shows are already on air.
Other important thing in an individual’s life is his/her career! Yes, you guessed it right; we may soon have shows similar in concept to “The Apprentice”, “Top Chef”, “The Hydra Executives” and other career based reality shows. And this would make sense too as I think it’s too much of non-sense stuff over TV.
Such career building shows would create a balance between freaky entertainment and no nonsense programs. But whether they wow Broadcasters or not (in their original format), is something to be seen!
What is your take on these (not so) reality shows aired at primetime?
[This Media Monday digest has been written by Rabi Gupta, a start up enthusiast and co-founder of iDubba (Intelligent Box).]
Comments
It all started with shows like Antakshri and Boogie Woogie a long ago. Although we didnt call them reality shows back then.
Channels keep trying different formats and the one that clicks is quickly adopted(imitated) by others. Dane, Laughter and Music are proven crowd pullers. The new trend is voyeurism (Big Boss, Jungle), adventure (Roadies, Kahtron ke Khiladi) and matrimony. The concept of matrimony was tested long ago in some show featuring Madhuri Dixit but the show flopped big time. Even some other shows with novel concept have flopped in past. Two I can remember are Business Bazigar on Zee – a The Apprentice like show and Biggest Loser Jeetega on Sahara One. Although the premise was novel the shows flopped because Indians are celeb crazy audiences. Common people on a show dont attract people. Either the host or the contents have to be celebrities. In the west contestants on Big Brother are all commoners, but we need celebrities. Similar shows featuring commoners have flopped big time in India for example Sarkar ki Duniya. Big Boss is hit because it features celebrities.
So for ideas like The Apprentice, Top Chef, The Hydra Executives need to have celebrity contestants for them to click in India.
very interesting and deep point of views indeed, Yash. Yes you are right that people like to watch celebrities in India, and its better when they are controversial. That’s why Rakhi and Rahul both are hot TV properties these days :)