article:Is rape a tool for TRPs?

Krishna Tulsi's rape scene in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi grabbed headlines in a big way. This, in spite of the fact that it was not the first time that a rape scene was shown in a Balaji show. Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii was one of the first TV shows to depict a rape scene, not to forget the most famous marital rape scene filmed on Nandini and Ansh some years ago which lead to the TRPs of the show skyrocketing.

So, is the inclusion of such a heinous criminal and social offence so very important to boost the TRPs and raise eyebrows, in the process attracting attention? Since TV is meant for family viewing, wouldn't it cast a negative effect on the audiences? The common complaint is that unlike a movie where you can choose to watch or not to watch, with serials it's not the case. How do you deal with an unexpected, unnecessary twist like rape in a family drama which you watch with your children? Viewers feel that censorship is a must for TV shows.

Those in the showbiz believe it's all in the game. "It is the decision of the channel and a demand of the script. Personally I'm not in favour of such things but I cannot force my views on a show," says Smriti Irani a.k.a. Tulsi who has witnessed two rapes in the show. "Audiences are smart and educated these days. Actors are professionals and have to be ready for everything," she adds. Another bahu, Juhi Parmar a.k. a. Kumkum is even more candid in her defense and blames it on the TRP game. "It all depends on the channel and is the demand of the script. But the way it is being projected and presented is very important. It should be aesthetically shot and not look obscene," she argues.

So, Juhi thinks rape scenes are okay, as long as they are aesthetically done. But that said, when dare devil stunts on shows like Shaktimaan led to many kids harming themselves in real life, wouldn't the impact of rape scenes on society be equally negative? isn't the sorry portrayal of joint families (rapes happening within the family) in bad taste, especially if we keep in mind the interests of the younger generation? An overtly defensive Aruna Irani says, "It is all a part of a story. Youngsters do not watch televisions or else our TRPs would have gone quite high," defends actor/producer Aruna Irani. "Moreover, nothing physical is shown; at least I have not seen anything as such on television. And there is no problem with that," she adds.

Renuka Shahane, an actress who is known to speak her mind says, "Everybody knows the story and the plot is fictitious and not true. That said, parental discretion should be there if they do not want their children to watch such stuff. If parents wish to, they can always have a say on how much their children are exposed to," she says.

So, at the end of the day it all boils down to TRPs for TV stars. However, social activist, Pratibha Nathani (responsible for getting the channels with adult content banned on television) hopes something will be done against such depiction. "As per the the order of the High Court, all content has to go through the Censor board and it has to be made suitable for family viewing. Hopefully, something will be done."