Reality Shows Flash in the pan or a resounding Success?

Last five years have seen mushrooming growth of a number of reality shows on Indian Television. All, GEC's (General Entertainment Channel) have reality shows dedicated to singing, dancing or showcasing a plethora of talent.

Zee TV's 'Lux Dance India Dance', which recently celebrated its 100th episode and is currently in its third season. It has catapulted many young dancers from various parts of the country into stardom – Bagging the coveted role in Remo Dsouza's musical film 'ABCD –Anybody can dance'. For all these dancers, Lux Dance India Dance was only a platform to break from the clutter and showcase their talent.

Jay Bhanushali , anchor of 'Lux Dance India Dance ' on Zee TV says important factor is to be able to sustain after winning the show – " Winning the reality show gets you fame and helps you capture space in people's mind. What matter is how you maintain your graph post winning . You need luck and right kind of break"

Reality shows are not restricted to only bringing to fore the talent of a common man, but has also resurrected the careers of many celebrities. Shweta Tiwari and Juhi Parmar Shroff , winners of colors Reality Show 'Bigg Boss 4' and 'Big Boss Season 5' respectively have successfully refurbished their careers and are prepared for a long haul.

Rakhi Sawant , who has been omnipresent in most of Indian Reality Shows feels that Reality shows should be only viewed for entertainment – " I don't think it propels anybody's career. People walk their different paths once the show is over. We have short lived memories, so once it is over no one asks"

Reality shows, like two sides of a coin, have not been sustained catalyst for everyone's success. Many winners have just been a flash in the pan story and have now faded into the oblivion. A rag to riches story has managed to catch the attention of the viewers for duration but has then dwindled away.

So, what propels a reality show is the talent of the contestants. But then, the question that is racing through everyone's mind is – Do reality shows guarantee a sustained stardom?

Reporter and Author: Medha Devendramita