This is the time of reality shows. From song to cookery and dance, items vary on TV channels.
Whether America or India, only the name and style changes between the reality shows. In Kerala, channels are competing each other to surpass viewership by offering big prizes. Flats, Cars, and many other prizes awaiting the potential winners… attractive ads proclaim.
Parents are enthusiastic about the glamour and publicity that children may win from TV shows. Not many people spoke against reality shows till the news of a Kolkata girl broke out. She was hospitalized in a coma state as the result of the shock she had from a dance reality show. She was insulted by a judge live on the TV. Since then she has fallen ill and declined mentally, now she is not in a condition even to speak or move. One can imagine the mental agony she might have endured during the show to be struck down so badly.
Indian TV’s reality show history goes back to when Channel V started a talent hunt throughout the country to make a musical band. Khon Banega Khrorpathy, Indian Idol, SARIGAMAPA etc. became very popular.
In Malayalam TV Channels, there are many reality shows. They mainly stand for young artists. People watch the reality shows mainly because many love music and songs. Viewers get the thrill of real unedited action in reality shows whether it is a game, talent hunt, music, dance or cookery. But some channels are exposing this chance by using the shows as a “big business”. Many people send SMS and participate as voters to select their favorite singer. The transparency or the intention of this SMS system has not yet been proved. But SMS is the major business aspect of the shows, mainly sponsored by private mobile companies or real estate groups.
But the vulgar comments and abuses of the judges can’t be endured. Teenagers and children have been pressurized, even harassed mentally in these shows. Viewers can watch the sentiment dramas and group cries. Some times the judges also shed crocodile’s tears for the lost participants. Audience is ordained to watch all these bustles of reality shows. Some judges in the reality show are behaving like “music gods.” Really, the original or the talented ones take their art as a divine one and practice well.
They can grow themselves without the support of the ‘show judges’. Recently a famous Malayalam singer, Kanhangad Ramachandran commented that “Reality shows ruin the “real music.” But some shows become shoddy when the judges are using abusive languages and comments against participants. Reality shows have been a source of good advertisement for TV channels. But viewers do not get justice among the rough house of judge’s show.
The judge was assigned to examine the skill of music of the contestants, not his or her physique or beauty. They have the role of providing marks according to the performance of the contestants. There are few good judges who are exceptional. They do point out the good and bad of the performance and inspire the young artists and lead them to the real path. One can realize the sharpness of correct judgment of the music genius Asha Bhosle on SARIGAMAPA of Zee TV. Famous singer Shankar Mahadevan also proved to be a good judge. “Finish your word first and take breath.” he said to a young contestant during recent episode of SARIGAMAPA.
That is the positive criticism and correct judgment that most of the Malayalam reality shows lack.
After the Kolkatta incident, many human rights activists and organizations came forward, against the kind of ‘shows’ by judges’. TV Channels have a great role to maintain a guideline to the kind of reality shows. They must at least control the judges, who violate human rights. There may have been sensitive minds but they were not to be let down.
Reality shows can hunt the real talented youngsters if presented with the real spirit and standard judgment. But that should not be a violation of personal rights of the contestants, asking them unnecessary questions. Parents also should be bothered about these things. If their kids are really talented, they need not be bothered about the judgment of “show judges” or reality magic. Parents should not put extraordinary stress upon their kids to make them “star” in reality shows or cash queens such as Madonna.
