Reckless Reality shows

“Cheap publicity” has always been used as a tool, by many, for gaining popularity – to market their ‘otherwise not so attractive’ products. John Buchnan’s recent book is another example of that trend. Make one or two observations about Indian Players, and selectively leak them, and the book will sell hot - this is the formula followed by many others too.

TV is another section of this spectrum, which uses such methods to the optimum. Most of the so called Mega serials – which are habituated to showing extramarital affairs, violence of all kinds, murders, conspiracies, rape, abduction, suicides and details of last rites on a dead body – do not have a proper story line, and bank heavily on cheap publicity tactics to prop up their ratings.

‘Reality show’ is one such nuisance, which do not care a bit about the traditions, customs, social values, family relationships, responsibilities and, most important of all, the future of the children watching the show. They never think about consequential damages, and want to fill their coffers by fooling the people.

There are many such shows. Some shows deserve a mention here.

Rakhi Sawant’s swayamwar (NDTV Imagine) – tops the list. The concept is to select a suitable groom for Rakhi- all by herself. Rakhi, a side actress, who shot to fame portraying her “assets” in several “item numbers” – (Tamil equivalent- Record dance), which are tailor made for such exhibition, irritates as much as possible. The show drags on, better to leave the scenes of the show unsaid.

Another one is “Sach Ka Saamna” (Star plus) – In simple words, it is a lie detector test. But more often than not, words are deliberately put or thrust in to the mouth of the participant. There was some debate in parliament (which didn’t bring any result) and another PIL against it, but the court has declined to intervene, saying they have more important job at hand than all this petty issues, which is acceptable.

One show, earlier known as ‘’candid camera’ {Aaditya Tamil Channel}- in the name of comedy – invades in the privacy of unassuming children and other people at some public places. They don’t even spare aged people from their stupid acts. It may take a serious injury or even death, to stop this nonsense show.

It is high time for I&B ministry to take note of such shows, and stop this menace. They should soon appoint some kind of regulatory authority, to take care if such issues. The sooner the better.