What earlier had been unimaginable is now very much shown on the television. Here, we are not talking about anything eerie, but the popular TV reality shows in India. Yes, the reality shows that are screening celebrities in their off-stage persona. Then whether it is their make-up, dresses, accessories or lifestyle, you get a brief idea about the person, who has been your favorite for years. Apart from the celebrities, sometimes people from the countryside capture the attention of everyone with their immense talent.
Reality shows in India, date back to the time when Channel V first started a talent-hunt throughout the country to make a musical band. Reality TV soon got hold of the markets since people found the concept new and interesting, and moreover television soaps became irksome to most of them. MTV Bakra became the pioneer in prank-reality show, where Cyrus Broacha never spared anyone of his humorous tricks and prank. In the same series, Chhupa Rustam made its mark with its hidden camera capturing the amusing reaction of ordinary people in real-life situations.
From the discussion, it seems that Reality television succeeded because it bombarded the ennui and brought entirely different ideas, which gradually made them noticeable from the middling shows. Still there are people who love to watch Ekta Kapoor’s serials at prime time, yet reality shows are getting glare of publicity. Kaun Banega Crorepati (Indian version of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’) anchored by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, hogged the entire television industry in India. The eloquent speaker grabbed the attention of everyone with his style.
That’s how Reality shows started in India and still doing well in the entertainment industry. Talent hunts, game shows, celebrity shows, documentary-style shows, and makeover shows, are some of the reality shows currently aired on the Indian television. Whatever different concepts these shows present, inherently all of them are working in the same direction as they place celebrities and ordinary people in real-life situations and permit others to take pleasure in the excitement of watching them.
These shows allow the viewers to be a part of them, apart from presenting the thrill of real un-edited action. Reality shows such as Nach Baliye, Jhalak Dikhlaja, Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and many others, have included audience through voting system. Though the reliability of these systems is always argued, the participatory factor positively brings show loads of following. These days, reality shows are in great trend on television but anything which is popular ought to stand the burden of perpetual criticism and analysis. And it is exactly what happens with popular reality shows. Be it about judges’ prejudice or voting lines, controversies usually crop up.
Types of Reality Shows
Celeb-Reality: Reality shows with celebrities are a rage with the audience.
Examples: Nach Baliye, Jhalak Dikhlaja and Big Boss
Prank-Reality: Reality shows that involve pranks played on ordinary people and capturing their unexpected reaction.
Examples: Chhupa Rustam, MTV Bakra
Game Shows: Reality shows that are based on games and offer a handsome sum of money to the winner.
Examples: Kaun Banega Crorepati
Talent Hunts: Reality shows that are looking for talented people be it singers, dancers or even actors.
Example: Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Channel V’s Pop Stars, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Fame Gurukul, Boogie Woogie
Adventure / Fear based shows: TV shows that challenge the participants with difficult and weird tasks.
Example: Fear Factor, Fun on the Run, MTV Roadies
