Prachi is not naturally graceful

It sure looks like all of India loves to sing. That's why song-based reality shows are such a rage in our country. After the competition for adults ended, Star Plus and Zee TV have now turned their attention towards the kids. The voice range and maturity of these little singers leaves you awestruck. They sing the toughest of songs, both in terms of scale and emotions with remarkable ease, putting the adult singers to shame. But do the channels have to exploit these little kids in order to boost their TRPs?

Last week on Star Plus after one of the young girls sang a beautiful song for which she received accolades from the judges, she suddenly burst into tears talking about a heart operation her mother had to undergo. While it was a sad moment, surely the channel need not have telecast it — feeding on other people's woes is bad enough and now the channels don't even spare the kids.

Mercifully, the judges on Chote Ustad on Star Plus, are sensitive and are handling the children well. And Abhaas, one of the finalists of the Star Voice of India contest, excels in his role as anchor. He is so natural in front of the camera and has bonded really well with the kids. This is in direct contrast to Aditya Narayan whose patronising attitude on Zee's show is uncalled for.

In terms of the quality of singing, Star Plus seems to have the edge over the Zee TV kids. As far as the dance-based reality shows are concerned, competition seems to be heating up on both Nach Baliye and Jhalka Dikhla Ja.

While Aamir Sanjeeda appear to be the hot favourites on Nach, Jhalak is mired in controversy. Ekta Kapoor's blue-eyed baby Prachi Desai might just walk away with the award thanks to all the strings that her mentor has pulled. And if this happens it would really be sad.

Prachi is a talented actress and a hardworking dancer. But the effort shows — she is not naturally graceful as Sandhya Mridul, who exudes magic. Ideally Sandhya should walk away with the crown and if that doesn't happen, you know for a fact that the show was rigged.

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