TOI: Reality stars rock prime time-Mohit

Many youngsters are now using reality shows as a perfect launch pad to work in daily soaps.AT finds out more...

Amrita Mulchandani


If its small screen,it got to have real flavours.There is no running away from reality shows.The formats which have clicked well in the western world are all coming to India for some desi tadka.And Indian viewers cant just have enough of them.Thanks to instant stardom,fame and moolah,lots of youngsters are now vying for their moments of recognition as reality show participants because the buck does not stop there.From one reality show they eventually move on to daily soaps.Not just more work,these reality stars are also giving tough competition to the existing TV actors.From character roles to lead roles,they have it all on their CVs.
So are reality shows the easy way to get success I dont know how true it is for others because in that case every participant would have got a role in a daily soap.But as far as I am concerned,the reality show I did has proved to be an easy way to be famous.I was just a girl next door when I participated and probably would have been completing my studies if I had not got my current show, says Shambhavi Sharma now playing the lead in Chajje Chajje Ka Pyar.
Does winning the show make things easy to get m o re work Winning a reality show certainly helps in getting work and recognition.Unlike other actors,one doesnt have to knock the doors of the production houses as production houses approach us with offers.But this is only a baby step.Whats important is how well one fares in the audition and how much merit does the production house see in you, says Vishal Karwal whos wrapped up Bhagyavidhata and is now d o i n g Rishton Se Badi Pratha.
Ayaz Ahmed feels that participating in a reality show and getting noticed for your talent is all that matters.For me,more than winning,participating in a show and getting recognized is important.Reality shows offer a huge platform and gives one more opportunities.One also gets first hand exposure of the telly industry and an opportunity to test oneself as it takes lot of hard work to survive in a reality show, says Ayaz whos doing Meri Toh Lag Gayi... Naukri!!!
Today with so much competition,how do these youngsters manage to get work I was a popular participant in the reality show I did and this h e l p e d me to gain attention.But I had to go through the audition round like others, says Mohit Malhotra who played the lead in Mitwa... Phool Kamal Ke and did a character role in Sasural Genda Phool.
These days not just winners but even participants are roped in for dailies.So,how does it work Winning a show doesnt really matter.Its smarter to be the favourite contestant with the audience.Thats what gets you noticed, says Nikunj Malik whos playing the second lead in Geet - Hui Sabse Parayi.
For channels and production houses,picking up a reality show participant for a daily show depends on whether the person fits the bill.Reality stars are picked up because of their presence and charisma which can be used in the show.Even if these stars are popular,it is their ability to perform that matters, says Sukesh Motwani,fiction head of a top general entertainment channel.So,if you have talent and presence,go flaunt them in a reality show,and you just might end up as a prime time hottie!

The real report card



Vishal Karwal

in Rishton Se Badi Pratha

Shambhavi Sharma

in Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar

Binny Sharma

in Sanjog Se Bani Sangini

Pavitra Punia

in Love U Zindagi

Mohit Malhotra

in Sasural Genda Phool

Manmohan Tiwari

in Mann Ki Awaaz.. Pratigya

Nikunj Malik

in Geet-Hui Sabse Parayi

Ayaz Ahmed

in Meri Toh Lag Gayi Naukri!!!

Shakti Mohan

in Dil,Dosti Dance

Yashdeep Nain

in Yeh Ishq Haaye