All that jazz and more

New shows are taking on the old. Zee introduces a new series not every day but certainly every week. It has reached a stage where it is difficult to know what is standing aside (in a gentlemanly manner), to let something else in. Enter Tere Mere Sapne, X-Zone, Aashirwad, Jaan, Gud Gudee, to name just a few. Simultaneously, there is a clutch of programmes which refuse to budge even if you knock them over: Andaz, Amar Prem, Hasratein, Parampara, Banegi Apni Baat. They’re growing old with us. Obviously the plan is to keep viewers loyal with old favourites and offer new ones to keep them so. Such strageties work. Witness the success of Amanat. As it moves into the category of an old favourite, something like Aashirwad is offering an alternative.

Also. Note that changes in programmes often herald a change in thematic content; that if one kind of programme is successful, you can bet your sweet dessert (what other kind is there?), there’ll be Duplicates. Amanat has spawned serials predicated on the Indian concept of the traditional family. Aashirwad and Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka (newish on Sony) are its offshoots. Similarly but different, Jay Leno gave birth to Shekhar Suman (Shakers and Movers) who has fathered Archana Puran Singh (Uncensored) – in a manner of speaking!

Now Archana Puran Singh, is the symptom of another virus which is spreading through the TV industry. She represents a new strain: this is the variety which leaves nothing untouched. So she is acting, mono-acting, co-anchoring, directing and producing. All that’s left is for her to compose and sing the title songs (glassware, beware). She’s what is called an all-rounder.

Sony, as compared to Zee and DD (who’s that?) is the innovator. You might disapprove of the innovations, but in the realm of entertainment, it makes the same different. It has been responsible for shows such as Boogie Woogie, Star Yaar Kalakaar, and now Adaab Arz Hai in the realm of film-based shows; it put out a programme such as Bhanwar a docu-drama on crime, the only one of its kind (with due apologies to Zee’s India’s Most Wanted); it has given Shekhar and Archana the opportunity to talk without thinking (Movers and Shakers, Uncensored); it has now gambled on the daily, nightly soap (?), Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka. It could have a chart climber here. Not because it is a quality serial; that would disqualify it instantaneously. But because it seems to have the right storyline at the opportune moment: a joint family living and laughing and suffering together. Pure, delightful atavism.

Doordarshan has developed a crush on comedies: Jaane Bhi Do Paro, the comedy in which Archana is having such a whale of a good time, at everyone’s expense, Mungeri ka Bhai Naurangi, Didi ka Dulha, Captain House, a recast Khatta Meetha and a rerun of Idhar Udhar, are trying so hard, it makes you want to laugh (what else?). DD has also opened up the afternoon sector which it had shut down. Now you can see Aap ki Shanti which is not a soap but a talk show, featuring Mandira bindi Bedi; there’s the serial, Saudagaar which looks like many others soaps except that is during Sunday siesta. Time is long over since someone should do something radical about DD which is as unchanging as Lata Mangeshkar’s voice.

Off screen there’s only the Big M (not Mac, silly). The Big Merger. Zee and STAR. Positively disturbing is the silent reaction to this proposed marriage. You’d think such an event would be studied, analysed for its impact on the media and the medium. You’d think there would be some concern expressed by officials, ministers and other TV channel owners. Instead, Dead Sea Silence.