Unreal drama unfolds on TV
We know that those reality shows we’re so addicted to are somewhat scripted.
So when a Kashmera Shah makes a ruckus in the Bigg Boss house, and later admits it was to “play her role as the in-house bit**” we aren’t too surprised. But the latest twist in the telly tale is scripted shows presented in a reality format. Whether it’s Colors’ Zindagi Ki Haqeeqat Se Aamna Saamna, which presents aggrieved parties seeking justice before a janta ki adalat (enacted by professional actors) or Zee TV’s recently launched Fear Files, which claims to present real life testimonials — but promotions for which had popular actors talking about their paranormal “experiences” — channels are serving up a scripted “reality”.
Anupama Mandloi, content head for Freemantle Media (the production house which creates Aamna Saamna) says the genre is popular abroad. “It is called ‘scripted reality’ and is creating waves internationally. While a reality format requires real people to share the private aspects of their life, thereby limiting what they may wish to share, scripted reality allows you to explore certain issues in greater depth,” she says.
The format is not without its controversies. When Aamna Saamna first aired, actress Khusboo Kamal (who enacted a woman troubled by her in-laws) alleged that she was unaware that the show would be presented as reality, and that it had embarrassed her family. Anupama says that all contestants now sign contracts stating that they are aware of how the content will be presented.
The subject matter of Fear Files presented its own challenges in terms of realistic representation. Says Sukesh Motwani, head of fiction programming for Zee TV, “Horror has always been connected to the slasher genre here. Our intent was to create a new format.”
Post new comment