Gone are the days when TV actresses were not just beautiful but could act as well. It’s hard to find a combination like that these days.
Showing posts with label TV Serials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV Serials. Show all posts
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
Wednesday, 14 December 2016
9 Most Nostalgic TV Shows of Doordarshan
Memories of childhood are always long cherished. All the years of life on one side and the school days, which added colours to the life are on one side! A heart with the storage of childhood memories is like a treasure box. In this techno-era, where we click hundreds of photographs with a mobile camera, an album with black and white photos still manages to exhilarate us. Especially 80s and 90s kids know how vivid their childhood was! Those were the days without cell phones or the internet. Life was as simple as playing with friends after the completion of homework. Nobody needed social media as people had time to come face to face and write letters. There was no YouTube or live TV apps, so people waited to watch television shows on their beloved Doordarshan.
Monday, 25 July 2016
Lack of ‘REALISM’ in Reality Shows
What do you think is the truth behind reality shows? Are they scripted well in advance? Is the competition between contestants fake?
I believe that when reality shows first came on screen, they were popular and believable. But now, since there are so many, no wait... “TOO MANY” reality shows on-air, there is no realism anymore.
Some of the first reality shows to come to India were Bournvita Quiz Contest in 1992, followed by Antakshari in 1993, Boogie Woogie in 1994, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 1995 and so on.
These were original concepts, not copied from the west. They had the required REALISM and hence got immense love from the audience.
But with the changing times, there's been a huge lack of transparency especially in the talent based reality shows that require public voting for the progress of the contestants, these include Bigg Boss, Dance India Dance, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye, etc.
The drama quotient surely has toned down compared to earlier but still the essence of reality shows is not intact thanks to ‘pre-planning’ & ‘scripting’ being done.
And since we’ve come to this point, the most popular reality show that comes to my mind when I associate the word ‘scripted’ with it is Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
Over the years this show has proven that it is indeed rigged. They make it a point to make a non-dancer win every season no matter how well of a performer the other finalist is. Or if not that, there is always a person closely associated with the channel who wins the show. I remember reading an interview of Juhi Chawla (who has judged a season of JDJ) admitting that the show is indeed scripted.
Then there’s this show called Roadies, which again is said to be highly scripted. The winner here is decided on the basis of popularity. Why else would a guy who has been voted out will make a come back to win the show unless they want him to? All those fights and drama is only to grab some eyeballs. Interviews are real but they choose only those who can provide “content”.
It's unfortunate that the Producers/Channels think that the audience is foolish enough to not understand or pick on the fact that reality is truly missing from these so called reality shows. Creatives of any show have to realise it's not the spice that makes up a show, but the simplicity...
However, shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, where public voting is not required, seem to have relatively less scope for being scripted. There are times when even the host of KBC, Mr. Bachchan, tries to subtly guide a contestant, but I think it is a part of the format of the show.
There is an absolute scarcity of creativity in our reality shows. The makers just want to play safe and follow what has already worked in the West and have no concern what so ever with reality.
P.S- How I wish we had taken inspiration from shows like Oprah Winfrey and The Ellen DeGeneres Show instead. Just imagine how awesome would that be.
I believe that when reality shows first came on screen, they were popular and believable. But now, since there are so many, no wait... “TOO MANY” reality shows on-air, there is no realism anymore.
Some of the first reality shows to come to India were Bournvita Quiz Contest in 1992, followed by Antakshari in 1993, Boogie Woogie in 1994, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 1995 and so on.
These were original concepts, not copied from the west. They had the required REALISM and hence got immense love from the audience.
But with the changing times, there's been a huge lack of transparency especially in the talent based reality shows that require public voting for the progress of the contestants, these include Bigg Boss, Dance India Dance, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye, etc.
And since we’ve come to this point, the most popular reality show that comes to my mind when I associate the word ‘scripted’ with it is Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
Over the years this show has proven that it is indeed rigged. They make it a point to make a non-dancer win every season no matter how well of a performer the other finalist is. Or if not that, there is always a person closely associated with the channel who wins the show. I remember reading an interview of Juhi Chawla (who has judged a season of JDJ) admitting that the show is indeed scripted.
Then there’s this show called Roadies, which again is said to be highly scripted. The winner here is decided on the basis of popularity. Why else would a guy who has been voted out will make a come back to win the show unless they want him to? All those fights and drama is only to grab some eyeballs. Interviews are real but they choose only those who can provide “content”.
It's unfortunate that the Producers/Channels think that the audience is foolish enough to not understand or pick on the fact that reality is truly missing from these so called reality shows. Creatives of any show have to realise it's not the spice that makes up a show, but the simplicity...
However, shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, where public voting is not required, seem to have relatively less scope for being scripted. There are times when even the host of KBC, Mr. Bachchan, tries to subtly guide a contestant, but I think it is a part of the format of the show.
There is an absolute scarcity of creativity in our reality shows. The makers just want to play safe and follow what has already worked in the West and have no concern what so ever with reality.
P.S- How I wish we had taken inspiration from shows like Oprah Winfrey and The Ellen DeGeneres Show instead. Just imagine how awesome would that be.
Written by Vipra Chadha
I don't know where I'm going but that's never stopped me before.
Friday, 8 July 2016
TV ACTORS who should get a Ticket to Bollywood
Television celebrities these days have the fan following no less than Bollywood stars. They enjoy extreme adulation and have their own share of crazy fandoms.
But...
Don’t you think watching your favourite TV celeb on the BIG SCREEN would be all the more awesome? The experience would be something else.
Here’s a list of 5 of the most charming men who can actually ACT, and would be a treat to watch on the ‘big screen’
Just look at him smiling *swoons*
He is one tall, talented, Punjabi munda who has girls going crazy over him since his very first show.
The last fiction show he did was ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ on Star Plus and after that, he took a turn towards hosting. He totally rocked as a solo host of ‘The Voice India’ which aired last year on &TV.
As a follower myself I have only seen his fan following grow over the years. Not to forget he can dance as well, he was one of the finalists of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 7.
I reckon he has it in him to make it big in Bollywood.
Before I say anything else, please have a look at those precious ‘dimples’ on his face.
We all know him because of his outstanding portrayal of Lord Shiva on Life OK’s show “Devon Ke Dev..Mahadev”. He won a lot of accolades for it.
He is currently the male lead of Chakravartin Ashok Samrat on Colors TV and is nothing but impressive in that show too.
Being able to act well and have the looks to die for is a combination that is appropriate for Bollywood.
Tall, Dark & Handsome!
What is it to not like in this guy? Rithvik Dhanjani is effortless as an actor as well as a host, has a superb sense of humour (I’ve seen his interviews) and is a phenomenal dancer.
He became TV ka ‘laadla’ with Zee TV’s show Pavitra Rishta and there has been no looking back for him since then.
He’s a total package and can do anything a Bollywood actor is expected to do.
He would even do it better than a few already existing Bollywood heroes.
Man, that beard suits him!!
Karan Wahi is doing television since a very long time now. He started with a popular youth based show ‘Remix’ on Star One, then received too much love from the audience for playing a Doctor in Dill Mill Gaye.
Karan too has taken a turn towards hosting and is rocking that genre like a boss. We also saw him in a small/ insufficient appearance in ‘Daawat e Ishq’ with Parineeti Chopra in 2014 but sadly that film didn’t do well.
He came back to hosting and recently showed his comic skills on Comedy Nights Bachao.
The guy has a pretty loyal fan base on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and deserves a proper CHANCE in Bollywood in my opinion.
Harshad used to be the face of Star Plus at one point of time. He achieved immense popularity and success with the show ‘Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil’. He along with his female co-star of the show, Aditi Gupta had CRAZY fan following wherein the fans couldn’t tolerate seeing either of the two with anyone else.
In fact, all his shows have had people loving him with his female co-stars. But leaving aside all this, Harshad has also proven himself to be a terrific actor. His screen presence has improved with every show that he has done and that is a sign of a hard-working actor.
There is news that he is shooting for a Bollywood film these days but an actor like him deserved a BIGGER & BETTER break.
But...
Don’t you think watching your favourite TV celeb on the BIG SCREEN would be all the more awesome? The experience would be something else.
KARAN TACKER
He is one tall, talented, Punjabi munda who has girls going crazy over him since his very first show.
The last fiction show he did was ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ on Star Plus and after that, he took a turn towards hosting. He totally rocked as a solo host of ‘The Voice India’ which aired last year on &TV.
As a follower myself I have only seen his fan following grow over the years. Not to forget he can dance as well, he was one of the finalists of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 7.
I reckon he has it in him to make it big in Bollywood.
MOHIT RAINA
Before I say anything else, please have a look at those precious ‘dimples’ on his face.We all know him because of his outstanding portrayal of Lord Shiva on Life OK’s show “Devon Ke Dev..Mahadev”. He won a lot of accolades for it.
He is currently the male lead of Chakravartin Ashok Samrat on Colors TV and is nothing but impressive in that show too.
Being able to act well and have the looks to die for is a combination that is appropriate for Bollywood.
RITHVIK DHANJANI
What is it to not like in this guy? Rithvik Dhanjani is effortless as an actor as well as a host, has a superb sense of humour (I’ve seen his interviews) and is a phenomenal dancer.
He became TV ka ‘laadla’ with Zee TV’s show Pavitra Rishta and there has been no looking back for him since then.
He’s a total package and can do anything a Bollywood actor is expected to do.
He would even do it better than a few already existing Bollywood heroes.
KARAN WAHI
Karan Wahi is doing television since a very long time now. He started with a popular youth based show ‘Remix’ on Star One, then received too much love from the audience for playing a Doctor in Dill Mill Gaye.
Karan too has taken a turn towards hosting and is rocking that genre like a boss. We also saw him in a small/ insufficient appearance in ‘Daawat e Ishq’ with Parineeti Chopra in 2014 but sadly that film didn’t do well.
He came back to hosting and recently showed his comic skills on Comedy Nights Bachao.
The guy has a pretty loyal fan base on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and deserves a proper CHANCE in Bollywood in my opinion.
HARSHAD CHOPRA
In fact, all his shows have had people loving him with his female co-stars. But leaving aside all this, Harshad has also proven himself to be a terrific actor. His screen presence has improved with every show that he has done and that is a sign of a hard-working actor.
There is news that he is shooting for a Bollywood film these days but an actor like him deserved a BIGGER & BETTER break.
Written by Vipra Chadha
I don't know where I'm going but that's never stopped me before.
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Are Indian TV serials ruining our society?
Everything, small or big, contributes to the making of a society. Since each house has, at least, one idiot box, it suffices to say that the role played by it is a major one. The concepts which are portrayed in various shows are either inspired by the society or they are influencing it one way or the other.
Television is closely associated with the film industry. Film stars work on small screen to get closer to the audience. With their weekly shows, these big screen celebrities become a more common face just like small screen stars who becomes part and parcel of every household. Similarly, many television artists are lucky enough to get a chance on the silver screen. Shahrukh Khan started his career with shows like Fauji and Circus. His talent was recognised by the filmmakers and they launched him in movies. The rest is history. He is the king of Bollywood and also world’s highest paid actor, according to the Forbes magazines. Sushant Singh Rajput and many other stars are following his footsteps with the hope earning the same fame as him.
Along with that, the promotion of movies is not possible without appearing on these daily soaps. So, why are we accusing these serials? Why some of us think that they’re ruining the society? Clearly, they’re working as a boon for the wanna be actors and Bollywood stars too.
The answer is pretty simple. Whenever I pick up the remote and switch to a channel with a hope of watching some good shows, all I stumble upon is a melodramatic show with similar storylines. Mother-in-law hating her son’s wife and trying everything in her power to make her life miserable. Either that or a love-hate relationship followed by a forced marriage where the couple will re-discover romance. If by any chance, producers decide to twist the stereotypical storyline, they would begin with a new story sans the relationship trouble but, in the end, they are bound to go the same old way because they want to drag this show for, at least, ten years.
Running time of a show is not a problem if they’re showing sensible things and not rubbish, different yet acutely similar storyline. 'Friends' was on-air for roughly ten years and 'Grey’s Anatomy' has been on television for more than eleven years. The difference lies in the manner. Dividing a show into various seasons keep the viewers interested and invested. While Indian television shows go on for years, no one bothers to divide them into seasons. It is troublesome to keep a track of episodes and storylines.
The other thing which makes it unbearable is the cowardliness of the creative heads. No one wants to go beyond the household issues. They are more than happy to exploit relationships. When can we expect them to produce something which goes beyond the kitchen dynamics?
It is definitely ruining the society. With an exception of a few serials, all of them consist of powerless female leads who have two important objectives: dress up as if life is a never ending party and be weak and garner the sympathy of the viewers with teary eyes and doe-like face. It displeases me to end when I see these characters. They do not go beyond the house chores. Hardly any of them is working and having a successful career. Is this the message they are trying to give? This is certainly not the present scenario. A lot of women are earning and living off on their salaries. They have a life beyond the four walls of the house.
If they’re present the society, they are definitely living in the past. But their restricted mindset is working as a hurdle and viewers minds might narrow down by this. We need some forward thinking characters with a new mindset.
Other than that, there is no visual treat for the audience neither are they introduced to the new concepts. Viewers’ desires to watch something different like Game of Thrones or intriguing like Sherlock will have to wait for another decade or so.
Earlier, we have sitcoms like Office-Office and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai to keep us entertained without employing any serious characters. Pity, those days are gone.
Now, we have shows like Sasural Simar Ka and Yeh Rishta and they can never live up to the expectations of the youths. This is why youngsters are turning to American TV series and prefer them over Indian serials.
Written by Priyanka Chauhan
A bibliophile and an aspiring writer who lives with a dream to travel the world.
Television is closely associated with the film industry. Film stars work on small screen to get closer to the audience. With their weekly shows, these big screen celebrities become a more common face just like small screen stars who becomes part and parcel of every household. Similarly, many television artists are lucky enough to get a chance on the silver screen. Shahrukh Khan started his career with shows like Fauji and Circus. His talent was recognised by the filmmakers and they launched him in movies. The rest is history. He is the king of Bollywood and also world’s highest paid actor, according to the Forbes magazines. Sushant Singh Rajput and many other stars are following his footsteps with the hope earning the same fame as him.
The answer is pretty simple. Whenever I pick up the remote and switch to a channel with a hope of watching some good shows, all I stumble upon is a melodramatic show with similar storylines. Mother-in-law hating her son’s wife and trying everything in her power to make her life miserable. Either that or a love-hate relationship followed by a forced marriage where the couple will re-discover romance. If by any chance, producers decide to twist the stereotypical storyline, they would begin with a new story sans the relationship trouble but, in the end, they are bound to go the same old way because they want to drag this show for, at least, ten years.
Running time of a show is not a problem if they’re showing sensible things and not rubbish, different yet acutely similar storyline. 'Friends' was on-air for roughly ten years and 'Grey’s Anatomy' has been on television for more than eleven years. The difference lies in the manner. Dividing a show into various seasons keep the viewers interested and invested. While Indian television shows go on for years, no one bothers to divide them into seasons. It is troublesome to keep a track of episodes and storylines.
The other thing which makes it unbearable is the cowardliness of the creative heads. No one wants to go beyond the household issues. They are more than happy to exploit relationships. When can we expect them to produce something which goes beyond the kitchen dynamics?
It is definitely ruining the society. With an exception of a few serials, all of them consist of powerless female leads who have two important objectives: dress up as if life is a never ending party and be weak and garner the sympathy of the viewers with teary eyes and doe-like face. It displeases me to end when I see these characters. They do not go beyond the house chores. Hardly any of them is working and having a successful career. Is this the message they are trying to give? This is certainly not the present scenario. A lot of women are earning and living off on their salaries. They have a life beyond the four walls of the house.
If they’re present the society, they are definitely living in the past. But their restricted mindset is working as a hurdle and viewers minds might narrow down by this. We need some forward thinking characters with a new mindset.
Other than that, there is no visual treat for the audience neither are they introduced to the new concepts. Viewers’ desires to watch something different like Game of Thrones or intriguing like Sherlock will have to wait for another decade or so.
Now, we have shows like Sasural Simar Ka and Yeh Rishta and they can never live up to the expectations of the youths. This is why youngsters are turning to American TV series and prefer them over Indian serials.
Written by Priyanka Chauhan
A bibliophile and an aspiring writer who lives with a dream to travel the world.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)