Borrowed Reality

I never expected the ratings to skyrocket with the launch of 24. But there is always a first for everything,and this show is a start towards the introduction of finite series,of adaptations from popular western programmes and original themes on Indian television. For many years our audiences have been served dal-chawal day in day out,and we’ve given the sushi out of the blue.

It’s a shock to their system,perhaps too radical a change,but they will come around,especially now that we’ve paved the path for more such shows to come in,such as Anurag Kashyap’s Boss and Endemol India’s adaptations of the popular Grey’s Anatomy for Indian television.

Whether such programming is here to stay or not is debatable,but one thing is for sure — it will extract good writing for that is the backbone of any show and is gravely missing in our country. Irrespective whether the show is an adaptation of a series or an original series,it’s the writing that will make the difference and hold the show together. We managed that with 24.

Moreover 24 is the start of a change and I personally have a problem with the whole machinery of television ratings. They are never reflective of the right audience,if they were,people wouldn’t be downloading shows from the internet. The show is being watched by the desired audience and the minute we go completely digital,the real viewership status will be reflected. In the meantime,I strongly feel India is ready for edgy,racy,pacey,thrilling stories and shows.

Arati Singh

Channel Head,NDTV Goodtimes

There is no doubt about the fact that India is ready to embrace change. If it can do with its cinema,then why not television? Colors took a bold step by airing 24,and it’s a great show,but having said that,one cannot discount the fact that this is India. It hosts a very unique audience with its own cultural sensibilities,and one has to tweak their programming accordingly. Kaun Banega Crorepati,made on the lines of Who Wants to be a Millionaire,is one of the finest examples of picking a popular western concept and Indianising it. The show has been successful in making the common man aspire for the Hot Seat.

India is about the dreams and aspirations of the common man. One has to gauge the psyche of the common man while adapting a foreign show. The ratings for 24 suffered because the show has been launched more for perception than ratings. Also,an act of terrorism is something Indians witness on a daily basis. It is unfortunately not as big an issue as it is for the Americans. Indians already want to escape it,and hence the audience prefer something larger than life,something phantasmal,mythological or dramatic like saas bahu soaps. Take for instance the reality show Survivor. It was a huge hit internationally,but the idea of celebrities on an island in Survivor India did not sell.

The TRPs and TVTs are very important to the success and acceptance of the show in our country. Now how they work is a separate debate altogether. I believe any show will work — adapted or original provided it captures the Indian sensibilities,the psyche and our pulse.

— Debate conducted by Jaskiran Kapoor