EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The project displays how reality shows are ruling Indian television.Where the late nineties saw the emergence of ‘Mom in Law’ and ‘Daughter in LAW’ soaps for the desperate housewives working from home; the new millennium added the younger generation to its list of audiences by getting their attention to a host of reality shows on television.The west of course was our source of inspiration and Indian producers hit gold when they realized that these shows should be redesigned for the Indian audience, would change the hand that held the T.V remote control. So instead of the homemakers now, it was now the youth who sat glued to their TV sets watching their favorite shows without batting an eyelid.

The Indian Reality Shows successfullygot ahead itself in various fields such as singing, dancing, comedy, quiz, modeling, hard core stunts and many other talents. The exciting amount of prize which has hardly been assumed by the common people made a marked difference in the popularity of the Indian Reality shows. The presence of popular celebrities has also contributed in raising interest of the common mass.The rising popularity of the reality shows on television channels has added a new dimension to the production of TV programs. These shows give opportunities to the geniuses residing in the interiors of the country to showcase their talent.These shows have not only changed the destinies of many television channels but also of many ordinary people.Celebrity reality shows are another aspect of reality television that has become extremely popular with the audience.

People from various parts of the world come to a common podium and experience the thrill of attention and feel touched by the feeling of being a celebrity from all around. It helps spread love among countries, people and of course installs a sense of appreciation in the contestants and a sense of applauding among the viewers but at the same time reality showsat times gets vulgar and shoddy. By creating wannabe celebrities it contributes to the humiliation of popular test. Often professionalism gets at stake. Something we all fear…Insult. Reality tv is often cruel, exposing youngsters to gross humiliation for our amusement.Efforts have to be initiated to remove such kind of occurrences. One cannot deny that standards and rules have to be enforced towards a better reality tv world. Racism, Regionalism should not be promoted. Reality tv should not be degrading and quality must not be compromised on.

Reality shows are the trump cards of the producers of the television Industry. Common audience have become bored watching the never ending melodramatic daily soaps. From the urge for something new the idea of reality shows sprang up. Simultaneously they generate good revenues for Television Industry and create a very good platform for thousands who want to achieve great things in their field of interests. The project provides an insight into thewhat’s and how’s of reality television and a look into the genuine appearance of these shows.The project also covers the impact of reality shows in the presentsociety with respect to children, family values

and teenage transitions along with its growing popularity.

OBJECTIVE OF STUDY

It is very important to answer the question like “what is purpose of this study” and “what are the objectives of the research?” if these are not answered zproperly the study is likely to be pointed in the wrong direction and to follow unfocusedand imprecise goals. The final result will be that the collected data will not be effective and trustworthy as desired.

Objective of the study

• To give the clear portrait of the concept of reality show. • To understand the various aspects of reality television in India. • To viewthe changes taken place in television shows as compared to earlier days. • To view the question of genuineness raised on reality shows. • To recognise the overall impact of reality shows on youngsters and to get their responses

on reality TV.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

• Reality shows seem to be the new age entertainment recipe. They might be sellingcontroversies or cashing upon peoples emotion; but at the end of the day, they are the most popular shows with the highest TRPs.Since it involves ‘real’ people and ‘real’ emotions of people there are many controversiessurrounding it.

• Reality show is well understood as a television programme that features real people

doing real things. Some can be hilarious, some can even make the audiences cry and

some can make the audience go wild. Reality shows are very well accepted in viewers..

Thousands of reality shows have already been in a place called the heart of the audiences.

• Reality TV shows are now a day’s widely accepted by viewers as a different source of

entertainment, widening its presence, covering more and more viewers.

• Reality TV shows given a new direction to Indian TV market, giving a new direction to

the entertainment in home screen.

• Study analyze various aspects of reality TV shows by collecting data from different

respondents regarding their views on reality TV shows, it also collects data from various

secondary sources.

• Report studies the impact of reality TV shows on the youngsters, so it also analyzes the

perception of youngsters regarding reality TV shows.

INTRODUCTION TO REALITY SHOWS

The word reality is defined as "the quality or state of being actual or true, or a real thing or fact." TV (television) is self-evident. Combine the two and you get a definition somethinglike, "actual, true, or real things on the television." Reality shows are a popular genre of television viewing which shows participants in situations that test their nerves, intelligence, emotions and sometimes even integrity. Theseresponses are all caught on camera and are therefore totally natural.Reality television is a genre of television programming, which presents supposedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events and mostly featuresordinary people. Participants are often put in exotic or abnormal situations, coached incertain ways by off screen handlers. Events that are presented on screen are manipulatedthrough editing and other postproduction techniques. These programs not only promise big money but also overnight stardom.Reality shows stand apart from other television shows because the responses aresupposedly unscripted and unplanned. Their higher than average TRPs could be because Reality Shows thrive on naked human emotions, and play to an audience thatthrives on questioning and high-living. In many ways, Reality Shows demonstrate the uglyreality of what people actually want to do in their spare time.

We live in an age of mass culture. Newspapers, TV, Movies, and Internet are all manoeuvrings over the minds of masses. They have kept the common man in touch with the ever growing world around. Reality Tv shows seem to play their role-bit in this mission.India is a liberal country in all terms. Democracy has paved the way for immense freedom and opinions of one and all are being taken into account. Reality is one such tool of expression of popular and democratic taste. Nobody is compelled to appear in reality TV programs, or indeed to watch them.

The most effective advantages of reality TVs for example“the sa re ga ma” on zee tv, dance shows on Colors is that the run for talent search gets easier. It deserves a “first-mention” that doors have opened for newbies with an aura of special talent to a platform of fame and money. Competition has grown along with it and special skills are thereby being tested, groomed and developed.As a system should have, reality tv has its own disadvantages.

HISTORY OF REALITY SHOWS- WESTERN INFLUENCE

Without a doubt, USA is the mother of this concept though European countries have given

sizeable contributions as well.

The genre came on to its own in the very between the latter parts of the 20th century and the

early 21st century, it existed from late 1940s in America. Allen Funt’s “Candid Camera” is often

described as the granddaddy of reality television. Shows like “Beat the Clock”, “Truth or

Consequences”, Ted Mack’s “Original Amateur Hour”, Arthur Godfrey’s “Talent Scouts”, “You

Asked For It” showed contests, practical jokes, stunts, amateur competition, audience voting and

selections dictating the shows’ trajectory .

Beauty pageants gained light after the “Miss America” beauty pageant attained heady success

since its broadcast in 1954. The winners often got instant celebrity status. This laid the ground

for international beauty pageants like the “Miss Universe” and the “Miss World”,, both of which

began very successful journeys in the 1950s and continue till date with record participation and

audience viewership from across the globe.

Modern reality television featuring participants who were more than raring to let go off their

confidentiality and decorum to attain their very precious yet fleeting five minutes of fame began

in the 70s. “Chuck Barris: The Dating Game”, “The Newlywed Game” and “The Gong show”

brought out the early version of the brazenness that we see today in reality shows

across the world. “Cops”, which began airing in 1989, brought out the camcorder filming style to

reality television. The concept of heavy soundtracks being used to confessional room videos

were pioneered by the series “Nummer 28” which was a Dutch production. “Survivor”

had its basis on the Swedish show “Expedition Robinson”, created by TV producer Charlie

Parsons, and began airing in 1997.

The 21st century brought with it multiple reality shows which hit the bull’s eye with precision.

“American Idol” is one such show which has been reproduced in possibly every part of the

globe. Other shows like “Survivor”, “

Top Model”, “Dancing With The Stars”, “The Apprentice”, “Fear Factor” and “Big Brother”

have all also had a global impact, having each been successfully syndicated in dozens of

countries.

“Project Runway”, “America’s Next Top Model” and “The Simple Life” have all racked

audience appreciation. So much is the effect of such shows that in April 2008, the Academy of

Television Arts and Sciences announced it will give its very first Primetime Emmy Award for

‘Outstanding Host for a Reality Show or Reality Competition’.

Another type of reality show involves celebrities. Very often, these show a star going about their

everyday life: examples include “The Anna Nicole Show”, “The Osbournes”, “Newlyweds: Nick

and Jessica”, “Hey Paula!” and “Hogan Knows Best”. VH1 has created an entire chunk of shows

devoted to celebrity reality, known as “Celebreality”.

HISTORY OF REALITY SHOWS- INDIAN SCENARIO

In India, reality television came with the advent of “Sa Re Ga Ma”. Consequently, the flood

gates opened and reality television has swamped our television screens and lives alike. Though

these shows make for interesting viewing, they become monotonous and unrealistic. It is obvious

that the show has been scripted, even if loosely.

If one channel boasts of “JhalakDiklaja”, a take on the American dance reality show “Dancing

with the Stars”, then another one has “NachBaliye” to offset its audience value. Both the shows

boast of television heavyweights, but at times, the soup served by these shows becomes a

concoction of soap operas, bad production values and precarious mudslinging. Unlike its foreign

contemporary where contestants’ master classic dance styles like the jive, rumba-samba,

ballroom etc, these shows make the contestants dance on ordinary Hindi songs which makes the

show quite mundane.

Then there are the glitzy talent shows, mostly singing or dancing, which make us all feel that any

other talent is worthless unless it can be taken to the stage. The worst seems to be the addition of

children to these shows. Apart from the very obvious labour of shooting these shows, the most

disturbing issue is the unearthiness of dance, crude choices of songs and impolite costumes for

children aged between 5 and 10.

These shows (apart from becoming platforms for movies to be publicized) also produce talent

which very soon goes into anonymity.

There are other brands of reality shows – quizzes. “The Bournvita Quiz Contest” remained and

will always remain, for me without doubt, the epitome of dignified, knowledgeable and a

polished format of fun and delight for children and adults alike. Derek O’ Brien will forever

remain the consummate host who set trends for future knowledge based game shows.

The only contemporary who stands shoulder to shoulder with him is the ageless Siddhartha

Basu, whose “Mastermind India” produced geniuses par excellence from amongst us. In recent

times, Amitabh Bachchan brought himself out from oblivion along with respect for the medium

of television, in the incomparable show “KaunBanegaCrorepati”, a reproduction of the hit “Who

wants to be a Millionare”. Shah Rukh Khan hosted the same show with enviable enthusiasm and

also brought out the desi version of “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader”, though without

much success.

In this regard, we must mention, we must mention Neena Gupta’s brilliant yet sarcastic take on

“The Weakest Link”, which did not go down well with the audience due to the stinging scorns by

the hostess. The latest entrant into this segment is Salman Khan with his new show “Duska

Dum”.

MTV brought out two reality shows cantered around today’s youth. “Roadies”, especially

“Roadies 5.0” along with “Splitsvilla” served as new versions of reality which got the youth

hooked on to their idiot boxes, me being no exception.

These shows depicted the mindset of the youth and their expressions which were well received

(though it was very tasteless at times).

The apparent rudeness in these shows seems to be depicted as if it is an acceptable norm in the

society (which it is clearly not). In a competitive scenario as is in our colleges, there is only one

top spot; and yet I have never seen any kind of offensiveness. I completely agree that incentives

vary.

We cannot and should not compare academic excellence with trivial shows and the money it

generates but what is appalling is that we mock our own value and educational system through

our behaviour in such scenarios.

Reality television should stay and it must, as entertainment is required, but I believe that it must

be regulated. It is high time we see what young children are watching and doing on television.

Types of Reality Shows

Examples: kaunbanegacrorepati, duskadum, panchvipaas se tezeetc Talent Hunts Reality shows that are looking for talented people be it singers, dancers or even actors. Example: India’s got talent, Dance India dance, sa re ga ma pa ,indian idol, The x factor

Celeb-reality Reality shows with celebrities are a rage with the audience. Examples: Big boss, jhalakdikhlajajaa Prank-reality Reality shows that involve pranks played on ordinary people and capturing their candid reaction. Example:MTV Bakra Game Shows Reality shows that are based on games.

Job-hunts Shows that are synonymous with live on air interviews are listed under this category. Example: Master chef Makeovers Reality shows with make over stories. Be it a personal makeover or a home make over, these shows are very popular with the audience. Example: teen diva ,bandbaaja bride etc Dating-Shows Reality shows that gave a platform for dating men and women on air. Example: dare to date, date trap etc Social Experiments A relatively new genre of reality television that involves interaction of distinct social groups. Example: The Beauty and the Geek, rakhikaswayamvar, patipatniaurwhoh, sachkasaamnaetc Adventure / Fear-based shows A genre of TV shows that challenges the participants with difficult and weird tasks. Example: Fear Factor, khatronkekhiladi Some reality shows provide artists a good platform to get noticed, some shows help people win money and fame but almost all of them keep the audience hooked on to the action and craving for more! TOP TEN REALITY SHOWS OF 2011-12

1. KaunBanegaCrorepati

KaunBanegaCrorepati popularly known as KBC is one o the reality game show in which team gives money or a cheque to the winner who gives right answers to the computerized questions. This show is based on UK game show “who wants to be a millionaire”. This show is hosted by film actor Amitabh Bacchhan and in one of the season another actor Shahrukh Khan also hosted this show. Initially this game was started to give just one crore but in later years this was converted to two crore and later on five crore. Six seasons has been telecasted now this year it will be started from september month.

2. Indian Idol

Indian Idol is again one of the famous singing competition which was started in the year 2004 and consecutively every year it comes with a new season highlighting new talents and giving them opportunities to embrace their voice. The judges of this show are again the one which have

gained popularity in the film industry such as Anu Malik, SunidhiChauhan and Salim Merchant. This show give first 10 contestants a chance to do playback singing and become singer. This year new season is on a run and reached final stage.

3. Saregamapa

This reality show is one of the oldest and famous singing show which is telecasted on channel Zee TV. This show give opportunities to the singing stars to express their hidden talent and come in the limelight. There are various such hidden talents which due to financial conditions are unable to showcase their talent so such shows motivate people to express their talent. Contestants are selected according to their voice and knowledge about music. Judges also of this show are selected ones which have gained heights in film industry such as Ismail Darbar, Sonu Nigam, Sajid-wajid.

4. MTV Roadies

It is the most popular youth based reality show originally Indian version telecasted on the channel MTV India in 2003. Reality shows doesn’t mean to be real only they have pre-planned scripts which give indications to contestants about what is to be done just to increase their TRP’s they ask contestants to create such atmosphere so that people should view their show with curiosity. In this show contestants are given Karizma bikes and they have to go through various tasks beating their companions and in the end they are being voted by contestants only.

5.Big Boss

This reality show is considered to be one of the most controversial show as it includes only celebrities. There is a special line for this show that any celebrity which want to gain popularity enter this big boss house. In this show, contestants are given the house in which they have to live for 3 months separated from their family and outside world. They have to follow their strict rules and regulations which led to the controversies between each other. This show is not at all clean and real it is all scripted.

6. Dance India Dance

As the name throws light on the concept of the show, this is one of the most famous Indian Dance Competition show which was aired in 2009 on the channel Zee TV. This show has been inspired from Kannada film”Dance Raja Dance”. This show is famous for its versatility of classical and international dance forms such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary etc. Even contestants are also selected in this way that they should be able to do various dance forms. The selection or we can call them judges is done by best choreographer ie Terence Lewis, Remo D’Souza and GeetaKapoor. This show is famous for winning various Television Awards and popularity of judges.

7. Master chef India

Master Chef India is a Indian cooking show which was sponsored by Amul and started in 2010. This reality show doesn’t include any fake things as contestants are judged on the basis of the dish they have prepared in the alotted time. This show has seasoned only two sessions but still have gained popularity due to its presentation and variety of dishes which they showcase in the term of competition. Hosts as well as judges Ajay Chopra and KunalKapoor are great masters in cooking field on the other hand experts VikasKhanna and Akshay Kumar also become part of this show.

8. Comedy Circus

This is one of the most popular reality sitcom where professional comedians try their best to create such a humor so that they could make people laugh and gain popularity through this act. In this show comedians are not alone they are accompanied by celebrities also on a highly competitive and challenging stage. This show all kind of humor from simple to dirty but this is one show where a family can sit together and laugh.

9. Jhalakdikhlajaa.

Colors Television brings JhalakDikhhlaJaa with new celebrities and well-known faces to perform with professional dance partners on a highly competitive stage. The show is produced by BBC World wide Productions in India.

10.Emotionalatyachaar.

Emotional Atyachar is a TV show that airs on BindassCurrently the show is hosted by Praveen rana The Indian version is based on cheaters which is the US based show and has the same format

REALITY SHOWS: REASONS FOR POPULARITY

All television channels have one basic aim that of capturing as much of the consumer market as it can. The kind of sitcoms and soaps, the content of shows, is all factored byconsumer preferences. Creative and marketing heads of a channel usually work alongsideensuring that the viewer gets what he wants and the channel gets to maximize its profits.The small screen is gripped with the reality fever. Reality shows are running with full passion on and catching the imagination of the Indian nation. Indian reality shows likeSaregama and Indian Idol are now the hot topics at the dinner table, in canteen and inlunch hours.Reality shows are breaking the traditional monopoly of the scripted drama shows.Watching and enjoying reality shows has become India's favorite recreational activity. Reality shows are essentially a publicity device that cashes in on its celebrity andwannabe-celebrity participants. These reality shows are based on real-life situations wherethe universal aspects of human nature are shown in a very expedient manner.So what makes Reality Shows so popular? Here are some basic reasons:

• Reality shows are shown at prime time, between 7-9 pm, which is when themaximum people turn on their television sets.

• Reality television often has aspirants from the interiors of the country. The very sight of a

person from an obscure place, who has little else other than his talent to bank upon, isenough to fuel the emotions and imaginations of the people. For instance Indian Idol5 contestant Swaroop Khan from the interiors of Rajasthan knocked the hearts of millions.

• Reality shows give the audience a breather from the ordinary kind of soaps.

• Reality Shows invariably offer an enormous amount of prize money. The prizesometimes even entails a contract with a music label or a film production company.

• Another reason for the popularity of these shows would be the anchor or the host. Thehost of these shows would invariably be a popular film actor or singer, anybody with astar power and popularity base that cut across rural and urban India. By roping inAmitabh Bacchan and Shah Rukh Khan, Star TV had a winner in their hands even beforethey got started with their show.Another reason for the popularity of these shows would be the anchor or the host. Thehost of these shows would invariably be a popular film actor or singer, anybody with astar power and popularity base that cut across rural and urban India. By roping inAmitabh Bacchan and Shah Rukh Khan, Star TV had a winner in their hands even beforethey got started with their show.

• Putting a star as a host, Producers have a winner even before the show starts.

• They provide a public stage for aspirants to show case their talents. As successful persons

from the field of beauty and entertainment often say when they come to theseshows, this kind of a platform was unavailable till some time back.

• Reality shows pose a win-win situation for everyone involved; the contestants, the production houses and the television channel that airs these shows.

TARGET RATING POINT OF REALITY SHOWS VS FICTION SHOWS

• TRP is an important tool channels use to rate their shows. Giving an example of two very famous Indian shows, Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘ KaunBanegaCrorepati (KBC)’ aired on’ Sony Entertainment Television’ and Salman Khan’s big ticket show ‘Big Boss 4’ on Colors.

• KBC is aired during the time band of 9pm-10 30pm. The one and half hour first episode of the season kick started with an average TRP of 5%. It is the highest average rating recorded in the time band of 9pm-10 30pm Monday.

• On the other hand Salman’s Big Boss recorded an average rating of 3.4%. The opening episode of Big Boss 4 on Oct 3rd clashed with the Common Wealth Games opening and had still managed to grab eyeballs.

• Other channels like Star Plus, Zee TV and Imagine TV that telecast fiction shows during the time band too failed to match KBC with an average rating of 3.2, 2.9, and 1.1 percent respectively.

• It is observed today that fiction shows have a much lesser TRP rating amongst youngsters. The youth today prefers Reality Shows. Big Boss and KBC are a change to the audience from the daily soap’s and help in bringing the family together to enjoy a show during dinner time. Though KBC and Big Boss are two different genres of shows it’s not possible to compare them as one helps in building general knowledge and the later is a family masala show with a lot of drama and entertainment.

• A lot of talent shows today like Boogie Woogie, Indian Idol, Sare Gama and Dance India dance are also helping the common people to show their talent. This is a stage used by many aspirants to get into the limelight and create a place in the industry.

• Producers are also now investing in dance shows like NachBaliye and JhalakDikhhlaja by introducing celebrity couples and pairing them with aspiring choreographers which is helping to increase the TRP’s of the show and also giving recognition to those working behind scenes.

• These reality shows bring about drama and some real world factor and the combination of the two helps in attracting audience.

• Fiction Shows are losing its charm due to the same stereotype and predicted storylines. It

is now failing to attract audience and retain them. On the other hand reality shows are attracting a huge mass of the youth as well as the other mass audience. For example shows like KBC and Big Boss attract a mass of the audience on the other hand Roadies and Splitsvilla aired on MTV attracts a lot of the youth today.

• Reality shows have also helped give a break to the Bollywood Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar to enter the television world and make an impact on television.

• We see a lot of film stars today hosting reality shows as this gives the producers a probability of higher TRP rating than introducing a new Television Star.

• It sure seems like the Indian television is undergoing a revolution and shifting from the regular Soaps to a marathon of Reality Shows.

• Reality shows are important as they create awareness for the channel through

QUESTIONNAIRE

Name of viewers------------------------------------

(Please tick at the place that matches your opinion)

Q1) You belong to which gender?

• Male

• Female

Q2) You belong to which age group?

• 14-20

• 21-25

• 25-30

Q3) You belong to which occupation?

• Service class

• Students

• Others

Q4) Are you aware about Reality TV shows?

• Yes

• No

Q 5) Are you regular viewer of reality shows?

• Yes

• No

• Can’t say

Q 6) Which channel televises best reality show?

• Colors

• Star plus

• Zee TV

• Sony

• Others

Q 7) Does reality shows act as a platform for new talents?

• Yes

• No

Q 8) Do you think that reality TV shows provide good entertainment?

• Yes

• No

Q 9) Do you think that reality TV shows are a means of money making?

• Yes

• No

Q 10) Are reality TV shows far from reality?

• Yes

• No

Q11) Is SMS voting system fair in reality shows?

• Yes

• No

• Can’t say

Q 12) Do you think that few reality shows are creating vulgarity?

• Yes

• No

• Can’t say

(Thank you for the co-operation)