TALKING POINT with Ashutosh Rana

Quite simply,its because in terms of location,content and logistics,it is the biggest reality show to hit Indian television...

The actor explains why his new reality show is a microcosm of the real world

Why is Sarkaar ki Duniya,your show with Real,being touted as the biggest reality show in India?
Quite simply,its because in terms of location,content and logistics,it is the biggest reality show to hit Indian television. It is set on an island and involves the participation of 18 contestantsall of them ordinary people,but extraordinary in their chosen fields. The show is going to be a test of their survival skills. Theyll be given only the very basic necessitiesfood,clothing and shelter,and some token,to use as money. Other amenities,like electricity and spices,will not be available. They have to complete certain tasks and collect enough tokens. The one with the least number of tokens will be eliminated at the end of the week.

Are you playing the dictator of the island?
Im playing Sarkaar. I have the last word in all matters on the island and my word is law. Ill set the tasks and Ill also punish and reward as I see fit. But I wont be the villain here; Im just going to be a tough taskmaster. I will direct them,not correct them.

Is this yet another one in the long list of reality shows? What will set it apart from the crowd?
This show is actually a pocket edition of the real world. For instance,in the outside world,life is easy for us with all our gadgets and appliances and we lose our temper if they stop working. The island teaches people to live with only the basics and it makes them stronger. Basically,the contestants will become personalities,instead of remaining persons.

Is there any viewer participation?
Of course,there is. The viewers are watching and that in itself is the biggest kind of participation. And really,the viewers will feel involved because as I said,it is a reflection of the real world. There are lessons to learn from this show. A financial honcho might learn a few lessons on asset management from these contestants who have to scrape by on meager resources every week.

What is next for you,after working on Sarkaar ki Duniya?
Ive been in the industry for 10-12 years. During this period I have been very choosy and as a result Ive done very little work. Its also a matter of luck sometimes I like a project,but it still slips out of my hands. And whether its television or film,it really doesnt matter to me,as long as its quality work. So in the future,Ill continue with what interests me.

Pooja Pillai

Pooja Pillai is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, working with the National Editorial and Opinion section. Her work frequently explores the intersection of society, culture and technology. Editorial Focus & Expertise Pooja’s writing spans several key domains, often blending analytical commentary with cultural critique. Art & Culture: She writes extensively on cinema, books, and the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment. Technology & Society: Her work examines the human impact of the gig economy, the rise of AI in creative fields, and the cultural shifts driven by digital platforms. Food & Lifestyle: She often uses food as a lens to explore history and politics, covering everything from the origins of pantry essentials to the impact of nutrition policy. Politics: She closely tracks political developments in South and West India and provides commentary on international political transitions, including the shifting landscape of American politics. Multimedia & Podcasting Pooja is a prominent voice in the Indian Express’s digital ecosystem. She is the host of 'DeshKaal with Yogendra Yadav', weekly video podcast where she facilitates deep-dive conversations on Indian democracy, social movements, and current political affairs. Notable Recent Works Cinema & Identity: “SRK@60: Why Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's last, and only, superstar” – an analysis of stardom and the changing face of Indian identity Global Politics: Commentary on the Trump administration’s misguided “war on woke culture” via typography and analysis of the visual semiotics of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attire during successive visits to the White House. Art & AI: “An unequal music: AI is lowering barriers at the cost of music itself” – a critique of how technology is redefining artistic value. Professional Presence Pooja is active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her latest columns and editorial insights. Her full archive and latest updates can be found on her Indian Express Author Profile. ... Read More

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TALKING POINT with Ashutosh Rana

Quite simply,its because in terms of location,content and logistics,it is the biggest reality show to hit Indian television...

Quite simply,its because in terms of location,content and logistics,it is the biggest reality show to hit Indian television...