Superstition rules! : ARTICLE

If you thought only your granny believed in superstitions, then switch on the idiot box. Be it spilling of milk or sindoor, a widow being symbolic of bad luck or tantriks attired in black gowns trying to ward off ghosts, superstitions have become a part and parcel of most soaps.

For instance, Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, Shubh Kadam, Mata Ki Chowki, Rahe Tera Aashirwaad, Saibaba, Mahima Shani Dev Ki, Chhoti Bahu, Balika Vadhu, Black, Shree and Koi Aane Ko Hai not only perpetrate superstitions but also use them as a device to add dramatic high points for higher TRPs.

In this age of science and technology where people are trying to overcome old beliefs in superstition, black magic and ghosts and spirits, should 21st century TV channels reinforce these beliefs? "But superstition interests viewers," says producer-director Sunil Agnihotri whose daily Black is a family drama-cum-supernatural show about a child who is haunted by a spirit.

Producer J D Majethia of Shree admits that his serial has some elements of blind faith and superstition adding that family dramas are also guilty of exploiting superstition through a character/track or two. "There are all kinds of people in society. Some believe in spirits and ghosts, some in black magic and some don't believe at all in such things. But by and large the majority has some blind faith, be it considering the cat crossing the path as a bad sign, vaastu shastra, astrology and so on. Why are horoscopes of brides and grooms compared before marriage? The fact is something is inbuilt in Indian psyche that harbours unscientific beliefs, no matter how educated one is," he explains.

According to Agnihotri, in the US when someone buys a house he throws a house warming party. "But Indians conduct religious ceremonies for good luck, safety and prosperity," he says, adding, "We all believe in the supernatural. Like it or not, superstition and black magic is in our blood."

Ajay Bhalwankar Zee's programming head admits that Chhoti Bahu has elements of superstition. But he explains that those elements are an inherent part of the story. He says, "We don't show anything that goes beyond the realm of popular belief. Whatever is shown is based on research and real life instances, so viewers relate to it."

Writer Purnendu Shekhar of Balika Vadhu fame believes that the purpose behind every story telling is to differentiate between right and wrong. "There are several regressive beliefs and customs in our society which a writer uses to tell his story. But the basic purpose is to pinpoint and isolate the wrong and highlight the right. That's what I have done in Balika Vadhu," he says, Television also being a business can't ignore the basic market reality. Majethia says, "Shree is getting 4.5 TRP. Loyal viewership is coming from small semi-urban markets. Small town viewers identify with such stories," he justifies. Purnendu agrees, "The target audience has changed. Urban viewers don't watch TV much. Most of the viewers belong to small cities and lower economic strata hence the shift to such stories."