Backpacker Ahoy

The lonely traveller has to perform a number of whacky tasks along the way. He/she has to beg for food,rides – almost anything to get to their destination. And the crew does not make things any easier-prior to the journey,the contestants are offered a backpack containing limited number of items and they can choose only three more items from the following-bottle of water,packet of biscuits,a tube of Odomos,torch,sleeping bag and sunglasses. The choice of items can make or break the contestant’s experience.

Who’s in it? The show will invite non-celeb contestants in the future,but for the first journey – Mumbai to Goa – it had in-house anchor Aaliya Khan playing the role of the backpacker. The chirpy Khan is the perfect introduction to the show as she keeps up a non-stop commentary about what’s happening. She has a penchant for talking to people and much of the humour in the show comes from instances where she’s wheedling people into giving her free rides or meals. Of course,it’s not easy going,as we learn. While one rickshaw driver willing gives her a lift,another one refuses to take her unless she coughs up Rs 15 – a princely sum for someone with only hundred bucks.

What’s hot? For once,an Indian travel show goes off the beaten track and the viewers don’t just see the tour guide sights. For instance,for most people,there’s nothing more to a Mumbai-Goa trip than the destination and the trip is made in a nippy plane ride. This show,however,is all about road trips – a great way of seeing the Unseen India and discovering hidden gems.

What’s not?The show largely depends on the charm and willingness of the traveller to try new things. While Khan works wonderfully in this format,someone else may not. But hopefully that has come to the notice of show producers and they’ll take that into account when casting for the next traveller.

Should you be watching it? This show is part of a new kind of television where formula is being thrown out the window. It’s fun,refreshing and experimental – three very good reasons to definitely catch this show.