Theory of Relativity and Reality shows

When Einstein propounded the theory of relativity, even in his wildest imagination he would not have imagined its application in Indian television. Liberally borrowing from the theory are numerous reality shows running across channels in india. The pioneer among these is a channel that claims to be a music channel for the youth, the music though is now confined to the background score of the “REALITY” shows it is running. Now how does relativity and Einstein come into picture? Let me explain: These shows are “relatively” real when compared to the daily SOPS of another famous (???) production house. As everything is relative, from earth’s motion to the marks you scored in class 10th, these shows are a perfect example of theory of relativity. How happy Einstein would have been to make such a remarkable contribution to a multicrore industry. (Pun intended !!)


Feeding on youngsters who are disillusioned by the world of glamour, reality shows have increasingly become so abusive and rude that they have surpassed even the daily SOPS in their dose of drama. The standard modus operandi of these shows is to inbuild the conflict into the rules of the game they are portraying, which is of course required for any reality show. The twist in the tale though is that the means to resolve this conflict are not talent or hard work but one’s looks and capabilities to abuse and backstab others. As most people may be incapable of such harakiri in ways that are dramatic, plots are created and characters fit into them. As the show progresses it becomes devoid of content and originality and participants plasticity becomes evident. To hide this, even more dramatic elements, typical of daily SOPS, are used, driving out any tinge of reality.


So why do we find people scampering for these so called reality shows? It’s the same old reason :quick fame and money. Its apalling to note that the amount of s***t participants are willing to take to get selected. It was particularly shocking to see the amount of abuse and rudeness in auditions for a popular show which uses “Road” in its name. The interviewers on this show somehow believe that they have every right to abuse the auditioners. But one can understand their desperation in the light of the fact that they do not have anything creative or exciting to offer to its audience so use the tried and tested technique of creating controversy.


The only hope is that we realize these gimmicks and do not fall prey to them. There are a lot of better things to indulge yourself rather than judging your worth on the basis of how well you do in these useless shows.