Low notes of success-Reality Shows

Budding singers never had it so good before. Flip through a horde of TV channels and chances to spot youngsters crooning are invariably high. Yes, times are changing and the buzzword today is music-based reality shows. Not surprisingly, more than the Indo-US nuclear deal, Indian viewers are engrossed in Prashant Tamang and Aneek Dhar's victory. But the big question is: do the razzmatazz-laden shows ensure melodious career for ambitious and star-struck artistes? "These competitions are aimed at a shallow form of music. It is an out-and-out money making enterprise where emotions are used to mint money. Thus, it is obvious that the winner of such a competition will not reach anywhere," says singer-music composer Rabbi Shergill.

THE STARTERS

Turn back the clock. The real craze for reality television hit India as Channel [V] introduced Viva, a band of five young girls. As the channel opened gates for new world, young dreamers gathered in hordes to give their luck a try. They cried and celebrated with their failure and triumph. And the audiences, on its part, lapped up this overdose of emotions. No wonder then, it was a big success and an inspiration for both the shrewd business minds and youngsters waiting for their share of fame. "But all of them can't be successful. Ultimately their hardwork, their planning and how well they handle their career matters. These shows can certainly give them an initial boost, but nothing more than that," says Vishal Dadlani of Vishal-Shekhar duo.

Post-Viva's arrival, there has been no looking back for musical television shows. As the real-life Bunty and Bablis rush to test their vocal chords, the burgeoning entertainment industry h as spawned a number of shows like Indian Idol, Fame Gurukul, Voice Of India, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Fame X. Today, every channel has an Abhijeet Sawant or Aneek Dhar to boast of. "There is no doubt that singing-based talent shows are a definite hit in our country. This is a new phenomenon that needs to be encouraged. However, I am totally against the voting system as the judgement should entirely depend on judges," says Khayyam.

NO TALENT

Reality shows has not only changed the destinies of TV channels, but also of several common people. But barring names such as Kunal Ganjawala, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghosal and Anushka Manchanda, a majority are scrounging for their share of fame and money. So, it doesn't come as a surprise if names like Vinit Singh, Ujjaini, Aishwarya, Sharib, Amit Sana, Bonjyotsana, Qazi Tauqeer and Sandeep Acharya fail to ring a bell. "It is impossible to make a singer in three or six months. And this is the main reasons behind talent hunt winners not doing well in Bollywood or any music industry. Parents must send their children to good music schools before heading for such shows," says singer Shubha Mudgal.

And if industry insiders are to be believed, music composers are not very keen to take risk with new voices. In the last three years, not more than four to five reality show winners have been given an opportunity to croon for movies. "They suffer because they don't get backing from Bollywood. Composers should have the courage to experiment with these talented bunch of singers," says Bappi Lahiri, who has already roped in Sumedha, Raja Hasan and Mouli Dave for his films.

Experts believe that an aspiring singer should have the ability to adapt quickly. "As composers have their own style of composing songs, one must be versatile in his approach if he really wants to be successful in Bollywood," affirms music composer Rajesh Roshan.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Reality shows are in nascent stage in India, but it still does a business of over Rs 300 crore. So, while new players continue to join the moolah party, old players are ensuring that their ogle value remains intact. Even the stakes are very high for participants. For instance, Indian Idol winner Prashant Tamang has bagged a Rs one crore contract with Sony besides winning a car. Similarly, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa king Aneek Dhar won a contract worth Rs 50 lakhs with Universal and Zee TV along with a car. In fact, the number of participants have also been swelling with each passing day. "It takes a lot of effort and hardwork to make a name in the industry which is full of experienced and talented singers. No one can become a star overnight. But people expect a lot from the show winners," says Abhijeet Sawant.

According to an estimate, the dream city Mumbai has witnessed almost 25, 000 wannabe singers trooping in to try their luck in last two years. "Thanks to several reality shows, the competition is very tough but give us atleast five years to prove ourselves," says Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner Debojit Saha, who is hosting the Bangla version of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

MOOLAH MACHINE

Reality television seems to be a win-win situation for everyone: contestants, channels and viewers, but broadcasters are laughing all the way to the bank. Besides ad revenues, a popular reality television show, on an average, gets about 7 million mobile phone text messages for each episode. "Channels are hardly concerned about participants. They are only interested in their revenues," says Sawant. At Rs 4 per SMS, it adds up to Rs 28 million per episode. Over a year (52 weeks), the figure is Rs 1,460 million. And on a 50-50 split between the channel and operator, it works out to Rs 730 million to the channel. "They show concern for TRPs of their shows and then forgetting about it and it's winners," says Vishal.

Whatever the case, reality television has brought the ordinary people closer to their fantasies. And it's here to stay as more and more Qazis and Abhijeet Sawants get a chance to live their dreams.

(With inputs from Nidhi Sethi, Debarun Borthakur and Neha Sharma)

Croon club

Abhijeet Sawant Indian Idol
He became a household name as an Indian Idol, but couldn't repeat the success mantra in Bollywood. Besides his first solo album Aapka Abhijeet Sawant, the Maharashtrian has sung for movies like Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Jawani Dee-wani."Playback industry is very demanding. And everyone equates success only with Bollywood songs," says Sawant, who is set to croon for Mumbai.com and a Telugu film.

Debojit Saha, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
The Assamese singer was not a favourite to go all the way, but as luck would have it, Debojit Saha surprised with his victory. "I am only interested in doing good work with stability," says Debojit, who has been busy with stage shows, jingles recordings and playback singing. "I recently came out with an album in Bangla during Durga Puja," he informs. "But I have seen the industry both as a struggler and a known face," he informs.

Rahul Vaidya Indian Idol
He was tipped to be the first Indian Idol, but luck had different plans for the second runner-up Rahul Vaidya. After cutting his debut album Tera Intezaar, the 20-year-old is getting ready for his second album Mere Maula. "I have also sung for Rakesh Roshan's Krazzy 4 besides doing shows," he informs. Vaidya is also busy as the host of a new show Jjhoom India on Sahara One. "I am confident about my success," he says.

Amit Sana Indian Idol
Amit Sana has been steadily moving up the melody ladder. After finishing second in Indian Idol, the singer cut an album Chal Diye, besides singing for films like Kalyug and Delhii Heights. "The camp system and mind games are a reality, but you have to live with it," says Sana, who is working on his second album.

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