Journalism of Courage
Many channels line up shows giving a sneak peek into our favourite actors lives. But no one is complaining
For most Indian households the much-speculated affair between Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha,or the public spat between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan is common knowledge. The reason: Indians have an insatiable appetite when it comes to Bollywood gossips. Hence,any programme showcasing their favourite and not-so-favourite stars lives invariably draws eyeballs.
Film stars manifest all aspects of cinema. And there is plenty of curiosity about their struggle and their journey to stardom. One can relate to it, says Kawaatra. The actress-turned-host feels interview formats only provide momentary entertainment and at the most deal with the films and shows they are doing at that given point in time. But with biographical shows,you get to hear the views of people closely associated with the stars. A case in point is Living With A Superstar. This gives more access to the life of Shah Rukh Khan than his interview with best buddy Karan Johar. Maybe because Koffee With Karan,which claims to spill the beans,actually elicits diplomatic and politically correct answers from the guests.
One might think that with so much already written about these actors,these shows may not offer any fresh insight. But Kawaatra begs to differ. There are so many facets to an actors life, says the host. Vishesh Sharma,a viewer,seconds her. Each time we see an actors life being dissected on television,you are sure to find something new and interesting. And of course,there are bitchy and chatty shows like Deadly Dus.
The enthusiasm to know our stars better is not restricted to Bollywood alone. With FOX History and Entertainment a channel usually known for shows based on history,has introduced Biography which places Hollywood stars under the scanner. The series takes the viewers through the extraordinary lives of stars from Angelina Jolie to Julia Roberts,George Clooney and Tom Cruise. When we talk of history and entertainment,these Hollywood stars certainly fall in that category. While they entertain us with their films,they lead extraordinary lives which will eventually become history, says Sudha Sadanand,Vice-President,Programming,FOX History and Entertainment.
Although cinema has the biggest market in India,innovation is mandatory. This is what Channel V has done with their new show [V R Family. The show with its zany takes on the various film clans,does not just target the usual suspects. It goes a step further to correlate the family with several other actors. When we are talking about the Bachchan family,it is not just about Amitabh and his kin. We talk of Amitabh and Rekhas on and off screen chemistry,and also Vivek Oberoi and Aishwarya Rais alleged romance. This is what keeps the viewer hooked, says Sheetal Sudhir,creative director,Channel V. The show also introduces interesting trivia about an actors life,like,Rishi Kapoor fainting on his wedding day or Harsh Kapoor convincing his father Anil Kapoor to take up Slumdog Millionaire. Bollywood has been embedded in our psyche from the time we are children. So we instantly feel the connection when we see our stars on TV, says Sudhir.
