Reality TV, Hindu Style

[Guest guest]

In answer to the popular Western trend of television "reality shows"

(in which casts of "real people" are put in various situations

designed to create physical, emotional and/or sexual stress and

conflict), Indian TV has announced a program designed to create

arranged marriages. The news series will be hosted by lovely-and-

talented former Bollywood bombshell, Madhuri Dixit. From the BBC in

London:

 

INDIAN TV SHOW ARRANGES MARRIAGES

 

By Suniti Singh, Friday, 19 July, 2002, 12:19 GMT 13:19 UK

 

Indian television is launching a reality show which will arrange

marriages for potential brides.

 

"Kahin Naa Kahin Koi Hai" takes viewers through the entire journey as

the bride meets prospective grooms and their families, gets to know

them and selects a spouse.

 

"We will be able to deliver a winner show because we have a unique

concept," said Sony Entertainment Television's chief executive Kunal

Dasgupta.

 

Beginning 29 July, the show will be hosted by veteran film actress

Madhuri Dixit. Dixit's recent transformation from a glamorous film

star to a devoted wife has made her a role model for many young

Indian women.

 

She said what attracted her to the show is that it is not a soap

opera or a game show.

 

"It is a show about real people and their dreams" she said.

 

MATCH-MAKING

 

The programme will have no pre-written dialogue.

 

The potential bride's family will be asked to give a wish-list which

will be matched with a huge data bank of prospective grooms, built up

over two years.

 

The bride will then meet her suitors on the show and eliminate them

one by one.

 

Each match will take about four episodes, and will end with the young

woman announcing her choice.

 

Though the actual wedding will not take place on television, the

couple will exchange rings and garlands in the studio.

 

Sony has already filmed 11 brides choosing their grooms. It is

prepared to film more if the programmes prove popular.

 

"We will wait to see public reaction," Mr Dasgupta said.

 

REALITY SHOWS

 

Indian television has often followed in the footsteps of the West.

 

After big-money game shows like "Kaun Banega Crorepati?" - the Indian

version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" - many wondered what

would be next. Some believe reality shows will captivate Indian

audiences.

 

"Reality is voyeurism, and it thrives on going into very private

aspects of a personal life. The West thrived on such themes,"

Dasgupta said.

 

Others believe that the Indian audience are fundamentally different

and the concept will fail.

 

"Indians are basically very shy," says Indu Mirani the associate

editor of film magazine, Box Office. "They do not appreciate

intrusion in their personal lives."

 

While the debate continues, it is ultimately the viewers who will

decide whether or not the marriage show succeeds.

 

Source: HPI

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2138485.stm