TOI: TV weddings and TRPs - Adaa

How can there be a happily ever after on a soap? After all, the rifts, twists and misunderstandings fetch more TRPs! Showmakers are now coming up with shaadi mein twist formula to rake in more eyeballs.

Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, Amrit Manthan, Madhubala — Ek Ishq Ek Junoon,Rab Se Sohna Isshq, Pavitra Rishta, Rishtoon Ke Bahwar Mein Uljhi Niyati, Ruk Jaana Nahin, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Pyar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyara Pyara, Kya Huaa Tera Vaada, Kairee: Rishta Khatta Meetha, Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki, have tracks running with complicated twists.

When the sympathy factor associated with the tribulations of the protagonist lets the viewer relate to the show, the makers feel it's worth the effort. "Engagements and marriages are such occasions which get maximum eyeballs and Indian audience loves drama. Nothing can be better than creating complications during these important days," says director Ravindra Gautam.

Producer Sumeet Mittal, says, "Complications are present in real life successfully, you need to hook the audience, and that is why writers are bringing out the finer details of relationships — simple as well as complicated." Prashant Bhatt, fiction head of a GEC says, "The intensity of drama differs from real and reel life. Colors, cultures, expectations, emotions, all come Under One Roof during these occasions. Everyone wants to have the perfect moments, and both families that are involved make sure nothing goes wrong on such prestigious days. But with ego clashes sometimes situations change. TV shows are eye openers for those who are in love, but sacrifice their relationships for their families."

TV show makers always say that they take inspiration from real life for their shows, but does one have so many complications in real life as shown in the show? Producer Hemal Thakkar says, "Fiction has to make sense. We add more drama because a TV show is a progression of moods and feelings. Complicated relationships always make the story interesting and take it forward. The story has to be told in a way which makes the audience's desire to watch the soap, connect with it and follow it regularly." Actor Adaa Khan says, "Complications in relationships sell on TV as the viewer gets a momentary pause from their own problems and see extreme possibilities in a dramatic way."

Actor Pawan Shankar says, "Content on TV is more Subtle than reality. Real life is too complicated. There are so many issues that one can't show on screen. The canvas of life is far more varied and filled with more turns and twists."

As to how much these 'complicated' twists can impact viewers, only TRP ratings will tell.*