Switching Places

The production details are still under wraps although Mehta does reveal that the show will begin production once the monsoons have abated. “The casting is going on right now and so far we’ve confirmed two participants.” Others will be handpicked from across India. While the underprivileged participants will win prizes for the completion of tasks,the richer ones won’t. “They’re not in this for themselves. For them,this will be about experiencing a different kind of life. So the profile for these participants will extend from middle-class to super rich. Also,they won’t all be spoilt brats. We have to have a wider range,since there has to be some drama on the show,” says Mehta.

Like all reality shows in India,Switch will have its share of celebrities. “We do plan to have celebrities come on the show and talk to the participants. We’ve spoken to a number of them. John Abraham has confirmed.” However,this time,the audience won’t have much say in who stays on the show and who goes. “The elimination will be decided by the contestants themselves,” says Mehta.