Hard Times

It’s the new formula for success on TV; reality shows have succeeded saas-bahu sagas in drawing eyeballs. As UTV Bindass gets into its second season of Dadagiri,the contest is set to get tougher and meaner. Ironically,the battle unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Manali,a quaint hill town generally associated with R&R. So,12 contestants — with six from Delhi— are gearing up to survive scorpions crawling over their bodies,getting thrown into a trench from a mountain and dodging barrels being thrown froma height.

A two hour drive from Kullu and Manali airport in Bhuntar leads you to an adventure camp set up alongside the green terraced fields,splendid apple orchids and flowing Beas. Dadagiri claims to take the best from every reality show in order to become India’s meanest show. It was in the news last year when a contestant slapped one of the show’s dadas (camp commander). “We never predicted it but the publicity ended up helping us. It was called the slap of the year. We let things happen on their own,” said Zareena Mehta,CEO,UTV Bindass,as a group of 100 crew members set up the equipment at the camp.

Last season was shot in studios but this time,the show goes into the heart of the Himalayas where the 12 contestants have been deported to a boot camp to complete difficult tasks. “We considered many locations before zeroing on this one. It is beautiful and frightening at the same time,” said Vishal Malhotra,one of the dadas,and a Mumbai-based actor who will also be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey alongside Shahid Kapoor.

While reality shows like MTV Roadies and Fear Factor have been a hit,Mehta insists that the show has juxtaposed the beauty of Manali with love stories of the participants and their anxieties as they carry out the tasks assigned. “It is difficult but I am happy to have my share of fame,” says Delhi-based advertising professional Shaila Grover. Hope it lasts more than 15 minutes.