Are vamps ‘plotting’ the TRPs?

The rules of the game have changed. Whether it's a bid to increase the TRP of the show or to dish out something different, soaps these days have shifted focus from the perfect bahus to the scheming vamps.

So, what exactly is the attraction to everything negative these days? Says Urvashi Dholakia, who became popular with her character Komolika in 'Kasautii Zindagi Kay', "I feel it's the same thing playing a protagonist or an antagonist."

Psychologist Varkha Chulani explains, "Audiences are accepting the fact that reel life characters, just like in real life, are mere mortals. Television is a reflection of society and it's time that we get used to the negative aspect of human beings as well."

With the soaring popularity of negative characters on screen, most agree that to highlight a positive person, there is a need for an evil and scheming woman. Explains Ashwini Kalsekar, who plays Jigyasa in Zee's Kasamh Se, "Conflict always works and it is not surprising that people have learnt to accept the grey shades in actors."

Both Aanchal Dwiwedhi (Kaveri in Saat Phere) and Shubhaavi K (Meera in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) agree. Says Shubhaavi, "Somewhere the audience also needs such characters to identify with or relate to in real life."

Continues Aanchal, "Negative rules on television and it reflects on the growing TRP."

Production houses say that they are churning out story lines keeping in mind the changing taste of the audience. Sandiip Sikcand, creative head of Balaji says, "The negativity also gives enough importance to the main protagonist."

Scriptwriter Kamlesh Pandey sums it up by saying, "A positive character does not make an interesting story; it's always the negative which works these days. The audience also needs a change, so it's natural that they are accepting vamps in their living rooms."

Women we love to hate: Aanchal Dwiwedhi as Kaveri in Saat Phere.
Achint Kaur as Pallavi in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. Shubhaavi K as Meera in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Sudha Chandran as GK in K Street Pali Hill.