Teary hosts in the limelight

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Actors Aamir Khan in TV show Satyamev Jayte

Amitabh Bachchan recently said that it does not suit a host to shed tears in a show. But we see many hosts unable to check their tears when participants share their sensitive stories. We ask some anchors if a host should stay unmoved by the emotional content of the show or let the tears flow.

“A host should stay composed on a show. As a host, I can sympathise with the participants’ plight, but I cannot let the emotions take over and break down completely,” says Abhijeet Sawant, who co-hosted Indian Idol Season 5.
Abhijeet insists that an anchor should be professional, not emotional. However, Aamir Khan, who was on Time magazine cover recently, got emotional on almost every episode of Satyamev Jayate.
On other shows as well cameras often zoom in on anchors as their eyes well during touching conversations with participants. Shaan, who anchored Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs, Star Voice of India Season 1 and 2, confesses to have cried on shows. And he says it’s all right to shed tears as long as it’s not done deliberately to gain TRPs.
“I have been briefed by show directors to bring in emotions by asking personal questions. Though I could never fake tears, I am very sentimental and have cried a few times.” he adds.
Mini Mathur, who recently anchored Indian Idol 6, agrees with Shaan. “Especially in a reality show there are some very emotional moments that can move any person. Tears or no tears, emotions should come straight from the heart,” she says.