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With television audience wanting more than just the 'saas-bahu' dramas, the latest craze for 'reality shows' has seen a spurt in the number of Bollywood personalities gracing the shows like 'Indian Idol', 'Fame Gurukul' and 'Deal Ya No Deal'.

Miditech Productions president Niret Alva, the creator and producer of some reality shows, in a release issued here said, ''Having celebrities on our shows boosts the morale of the contestants.

Their comments not only build confidence in them (contestants) but play an integral role in influencing the audience poll, which could be negative or positive.''

Incidentally, Bollywood actors like Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor were recently invited as guest judges on the 'Indian Idol' show which has a host of other judges from film fraternity, including music director Anu Malik, choreographer and director Farah Khan and noted singer Sonu Nigam.

Not to be left behind, the 'Fame Gurukul' show also had judges like lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, music director Shankar Mahadevan and singer Ila Arun on its expert panel.

-santabanta.com