As someone who has spent countless hours engrossed in the captivating world of reality TV, I wholeheartedly agree with the insights shared by these industry veterans. Having witnessed the transformation of Indian television from humble beginnings to the powerhouse it is today, it’s fascinating to see how we have managed to adapt international formats to resonate with our unique cultural sensibilities.
On Indian TV, reality shows have become quite popular, attracting viewers with a blend of shows borrowed from other countries and those uniquely Indian in concept.
Well-known formats encompass shows like “Bigg Boss,” the Hindi adaptation of the worldwide “Big Brother” concept, “Indian Idol,” which is based on “Pop Idol,” “Khatron Ke Khiladi,” the Indian spinoff of “Fear Factor,” “India’s Got Talent,” a localized version of the “Got Talent” series, and homegrown adaptations of shows such as “Shark Tank” and “MasterChef.
Experts in the field shared their thoughts on why these programs continue to captivate audiences and the possibility of Indian-origin shows gaining international recognition.
According to Sameer Nair, managing director of Applause Entertainment, formats like reality shows, games, and talent competitions have always been well-received in India, even dating back to the ’80s and ’90s. Nair is the trailblazer who brought “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” to India under the title “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC) on Star TV, with Amitabh Bachchan as host in 2000. He notes that it was KBC that firmly established the concept of celebrity-led, officially licensed unscripted television in India.
Nair underscores that the triumph of global formats in India frequently results from a blend of the initial idea and customized Indian elements. “Clearly, it’s the format itself,” he says, “but in every situation, the addition of distinctly Indian flavor has been instrumental in making these shows appealing to Indian viewers. For instance, ‘KBC’ (Kaun Banega Crorepati) captivated audiences with Amitabh Bachchan’s dramatic Hindi-English baritone, his sharing of knowledge and wealth through song and dance. In the realm of dance and music, it’s a mix of fresh talent and reminiscence of popular past and current Indian film music that resonates. Similarly, Salman Khan’s unique charm and quirkiness holds together the intriguing spectacle of ‘Bigg Boss,’ the Indian adaptation of ‘Big Brother.’ In each case, an undeniably Indian touch enhances the allure of the original format.
Nikhil Madhok, who leads the original content at streaming service Prime Video India, shares this viewpoint, emphasizing the impact of streaming on the unscripted content sector. In essence, he explains that streaming platforms have broadened the horizons for viewers by showcasing the various options available within the non-fiction or unscripted genre. Madhok points out that Prime Video has expanded its catalog to encompass a variety of formats such as true crime, reality shows, and documentaries, frequently presenting these through a distinctly Indian lens.
At Prime Video, our guiding light is always the customer, and we make all our programming choices with their tastes and preferences in mind, according to Madhok. Early on, we recognized that Indian viewers have a wide range of interests. So, from day one, unscripted content has been a significant part of our programming mix, and we’ve taken the lead in innovation within this genre.
Aradhana Bhola, the managing director at content producer Fremantle India, believes that the appeal of reality show formats lies in their emotional heart. She suggests that it could be the sense of awe we feel when witnessing someone’s talent, the joy we experience rooting for an underdog story, or the thrill of seeing someone realize their dreams which gives us hope as well. In essence, the inspiring and aspirational elements of reality shows are key to their enduring popularity.
Bhola points out the lasting charm of programs such as “Indian Idol” and “India’s Got Talent.” “During the production of our most recent season, I observed our judges (Shreya Ghoshal, Badshah, and Vishal Dadlani) becoming quite enthusiastic when a housewife sang a blend of North Indian folk songs. The shared aspect – everyday individuals with dreams in their hearts who brave the stage, disregarding life’s circumstances. The impact of that fleeting moment is tangible, genuine, and indisputable.
Mrinalini Jain, the head of development at content creators Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India, emphasizes the significance of tailoring international formats to suit local preferences. “At Banijy Asia, we focus on developing local adaptations of global shows that resonate with the cultural intricacies and emotional experiences of Indian viewers,” Jain explains. She uses “Bigg Boss” as an illustration, pointing out how it manages to maintain its central dramatic elements while infusing Indian sensibilities into the program.
Jain discusses why certain TV show genres are so well-liked: “Shows with competitive formats, like ‘Bigg Boss’ and ‘Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi’, remain extremely popular as they offer a mix of intense drama and a survival-of-the-fittest storyline that caters to both city and rural viewers. We were surprised by the positive reception given to a daring and provocative format like ‘Temptation Island’.
Danish Khan, who leads SonyLIV’s business division and Studio Next, emphasizes the importance of reality TV series in reflecting national dreams. He explains that these non-scripted shows resonate with audiences because they authentically portray the nation’s aspirations and concerns. Khan anticipates that programs focusing on ambitions and lifestyle, such as “Shark Tank” and “Million Dollar Listing,” will grow in popularity within India.
Khan likewise underscores the significance of tailoring content: “For instance, ‘Shark Tank India,’ it was crucial to adapt the content to reflect the show. In India, entrepreneurship is typically not promoted as a profession, and ‘business’ is generally seen as a specialty within business families. Consequently, it was essential to tackle this issue by highlighting first-generation entrepreneurs from various socio-economic backgrounds – from our selection of Sharks to our messaging, we acknowledged the struggles and successes of these first-generation entrepreneurs to appeal to a wider audience and genuinely make ‘Shark Tank’ relatable in India.
Alok Jain, head of general entertainment at Viacom18 (the company behind JioCinema), highlights the distinctive allure of reality TV. According to him, it’s the potent blend of familiarity and surprise that makes reality TV stand out. He emphasizes that the interactive aspects of these shows, where viewers can vote or impact results, foster a more robust connection between viewers and the content they watch.
Jain also emphasizes the achievement of “Bigg Boss” on JioCinema: “The debut of ‘Bigg Boss OTT’ on JioCinema has established its unique presence by incorporating elements such as live feeds available around the clock, multiple camera angles, and more active audience involvement. These advancements offer an engaging experience that primarily appeals to younger audiences seeking a more intimate connection with the content, thereby keeping the show contemporary in today’s swiftly evolving digital world.
In the rapidly changing landscape of the industry, many top executives anticipate Indian content could gain popularity worldwide. Nair advises, “To make our ideas global, Indian creators should focus on developing universal concepts that can be adapted, expanded, and rebranded; these will help carry our ideas across borders.” Bhola from Fremantle India is hopeful, saying, “The time for this to happen is fast approaching!
Jain from Banijay Asia expresses his confidence, stating, “India’s skill in storytelling is widely recognized, and our reality show formats have the capability to connect with people worldwide.” Similarly, Jain from Viacom18 agrees: “Our discussions about our original intellectual properties suggest that there’s a growing opportunity for homegrown Indian reality formats to be adapted globally. As international interest in Indian culture, food, and diverse lifestyles grows, unique Indian shows can strike a chord with global audiences.
Madhok, representing Prime Video, emphasizes that regardless of the format – true-crime, reality, or documentary – the narrative must captivate the audience, maintaining their interest from one episode to another. Just as scripted shows do, unscripted and non-fiction productions should create a powerful bond between viewers and characters, in this case, real individuals or subjects, inviting them on an engaging journey together.
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2024-10-19 08:47