Article: Prime time gets real

There was a time when only movie actors boasted of the right to being called 'stars'. Along came satellite television and changed the whole

Reality Star : Divyanka Tripathi

picture. It propelled small-time TV actors to stardom.

But that too did not last long. Now, there is a new breed of stars that are quickly making place for themselves in the hearts of viewers. Reality television opens up new avenues for contestants beyond the show. Talent be damned. Right now, most reality television stars are busy showcasing their acting skills on primetime TV.

Be it singing or simply indulging in catfights and bitching, reality TV contestants are busy paving their path to achieve a bigger goal. With singing off-key, shedding tears, fighting and showing fake love, they have managed the all-important goal — grabbing attention from the right people. How else can one explain the influx of such contestants in TV serials these days?

Actor Sarwar Ahuja first came to the limelight when he won the first edition of Cinestars Ki Khoj. After working in three films like Hum Phirr Mileinge, Khanna and Iyer and Meri Padosan, the actor is now doing the daily show Jyoti. Speaking on his journey from reality TV to films to TV again, Hyderabad's Sarwar says, "It's been one helluva ride. I didn't want to sit home and wait for my films to release. So I decided to take up whatever I had in hand." Though some would consider it a demotion, Sarwar is perfectly fine with doing TV shows after films. "What's the harm?" asks Sarwar. "I got noticed through TV. Right now it's my priority to showcase my acting skills. And trust me, playing a blind guy is no mean feat," quips Sarwar , who also plans to take up anchoring sometime soon. Like Sarwar, Divyanka Tripathi who played the lead in Banoo Mein Teri ... Dulhhan and is now doing Ssshhh...Phir Koi Hai, too was also part of Cinestars Ki Khoj.

Apart from actors, talent hunt singers too find their niche under the arclights. Singer-turned-actor Amit Tandon is happy with his stint on the small screen. "Indian Idol brought me into limelight. Offers kept pouring in to act in shows. I did resist it earlier but then, succumbed. That, however, does not mean that I take up everything that comes my way. Only quality shows," says Amit clearing the air.

Meanwhile the audience conveniently forgot that Twinkle Bajpai was originally a singer who took part in the talent hunt, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Twinkle is mostly popular for her roles in shows like Ghar Ki Lakshmi ... Betiyaan and a small stint in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Singers apart, reality show contestants with no 'real talent' to boast off, are also making the right noises. Mohit Malhotra, who was one of the finalists of Splitsvilla 2 has landed a plum offer to play the lead in the new primetime show, Mitwa ... Phool Kamal Ke. Meanwhile, Vishal Karwal, the winner of Splitsvilla 1 is busy with his maiden acting venture, Sabki Jodi Wohi Banata ... Bhagya Vidhata. Roadies contestant Ayushman Khurana bagged a VJing stint on a music channel and is also anchoring India's Got Talent besides doing a Bollywood flick. Meanwhile, Roadies 6 contestant Palak, has films in her kitty. Another Roadies 6 contestant, Sufi Malhotra is also geared up for an acting stint. "After doing Roadies, I hope my journey will become a lot easier," Sufi says. These contestants however, admit unabashedly that they take part in such shows for the right exposure. "If you take part in a reality show, it helps you get famous and bag the right roles," says Bhav Aman, a contestant of Splitsvilla 2.
Reality TV has proved to be a great opportunity for a shot at showbiz. From Average Joes to professionals, the race to achieve their goals is just an elimination away.