TOI Article- Vamps go softie..

Vamps go softie

Simple and sober look are now in for vamps on small screen

Amrita Mulchandani


Remember Komolika from Kasautii Zindagii Kay,Kaahin Kissii Rozs Romola Sikand,Payal from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kiis Pallavi who once stole the entire screen space with their so very nakhras and nataks! Whats a soap without its VQ (Vamp Quotient) Vamps have always added spice to soaps.In the past,vamps came on screen with layers of make-up,costumes and jewellery.But todays vamps seem to have mellowed down.If you look at them carefully,nothing is actually over the top.Of course the not to miss harsh statements are always there to add a twist,turn and a zing too.But what has made the vamps look sober in their looks Vamps are characters that change depending on the story line.Today we write shows t h at are close to real life.Loud characters do not exist anymore.Every negative character has a reason as to why she behaves like that situations make a person react negatively.The characters need to connect with the audience and that is the most important thing,says producer Siddharth Tewary.Change is permanent and that is what maximum show makers today believe in.TV is going through a transition period.Few years back dramatic and over the top characters ruled but today people are tired of seeing such portrayal on television.Audience today like light and positive shows.They want to see shows that are more realistic.They want a slice of real touch.Regressive shows are pass.Positive and inspirational protagonists rule today, says writer-producer Raakesh Paswan.Producer Ajai Sinha also feels that change is a constant element.When vamps were loud and over the top people didnt appreciate them much.Those kind of vamps used to work in the past but today they arent accepted.TV is like food one needs new things everyday.Trends keep changing in the television industry so this is just a new flavour for the audience, says Ajai.Some feel that vamps do not need to be an extra character anymore on TV shows.Vamps do add spice in real life as well in TV shows but today anyone can be a va m p.Vamps w e r e s t e re o - t y p e d e a rl i e r but today as the stories reflect real life iss u e s,vamps have undergone transformation.We no longer need extra dolled up vamps, s ay s Sukesh Motwani,fiction head of a GEC.
We quiz the on-screen vamps and ask them if they miss the loud drama and make-up I like the subtle look it looks more real.I dont miss that look as I am already quite decked up in my show.But yes if the audience wants me to change,I dont mind getting more loud,as in the end its all about TRPs, says actress Aashka Goradia.
Agrees actress Payal Nair,Characters are more realistic today while previous vamps were over the top in make up.There was an element of drama.Vamps are now changing as per the situations and circumstances.
Or is it all about grabbing the eye-balls and moving up in the TRP ladder And how does it really matter if you can tone it down a little bit in the bargain

VAMP BRIGADE

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