Similar controversies have hit other reality shows as well. Many American Idol hopefuls had already released CDs or had recording deals in the past. Many SYTYCD participants were performing dancers for musicians, had worked with music videos or other dance production.
There are two sides to the coin
These shows are meant for amateurs to make a name for themselves. People who make CDs, choreograph or run their studios are clearly performing their talents in a professional manner. They already have a foothold and recognition in the industry. Having these people with the name recognition and experience enter amateur competitions is unfair to other participants. These shows are strictly for people who don't have a name or foot in the industry.
On the other hand
Showbiz is a highly competitive business. Doing a small amount of professional work by no means guarantees recognition, foothold or even fame. Reality shows are a platform for someone to get famous and get celebrity like recognition. Cutting CDs or choreographing dances does not make one a famous celebrity. The hundreds of indie songs released each week are testament to the fact that you can be professionally using your talent but still be an unknown. Moreover, people who graduate in performing arts like singing, dancing etc have no choice but to work professionally. They had a passion for something so they revolved their life, their education and their career around it. Sure they could work elsewhere till they get a break, but why not work in their field of choice. That is why they join bands, sign up with indie labels and cut CDs, start their own studio, audition for other shows, programs, events, concerts where they can work. There is absolutely no good reason why these people should not also get a shot at being famous.
Personally for me
I agree that people like Neerav who has choreographed JDJ and Raghav who works with Terence have some 'recognition' and 'benefit' from it. I agree that in some sense it is unfair. At the same time I don't think it is drastically unfair or morally wrong by any means. In fact when I think about it, they deserve a shot to be celebrities in their sphere of passion as well. Yes Neerav choreographed JDJ and is somewhat famous, but Ragini is the celebrity. He probably has his own fans as well, but perhaps he wants a recognition for himself and be on a show where people vote solely for him and his dancing abilities. He gets his few weeks of recognition during JDJ ' at other times he is probably just another face in a dance troupe, just another assistant or just another dance master amidst dozens. The only difference between him and amateurs is that he chooses to dance for a living, the amateur doesn't. In that sense I think people who genuinely study and work in dance deserve more opportunities than those for who merely aspire to make it in dance but have not revolved their lives around it.
I understand that I may have a minority opinion. I know some people feel strongly about it and want the show to limit itself to strictly amateurs who has no professional experience or recognition. However, the show might become hard pressed to find people because most of them probably have some 'professional' experience ' they just don't have the recognition. For example even Dharmesh had his own dance school and students, but he was a deserving contestant. Many contestants have danced professionally in someone's troupes but people just don't know. And then it becomes pulling hairs when you try to draw lines on what levels of recognition for professional experience is acceptable and what is not.
Edited by return_to_hades - 13 years ago
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
Jodha Akbar
