There is an incredible interest among viewers to watch and know what famous celebs do, when stripped of their make-up and watched by cameras 24X7. Come November 3 and Sony promises to put Indian television into a new era of entertainment. The launch of 'Bigg Boss' brings you the unique combination of reality and real unscripted drama as 13 celebrities vie with each other to survive in the Bigg Boss house.
Disclosing the format of the show, NP Singh, COO of SET India Pvt Ltd., says, "Bigg Boss is omnipresent, watching these 13 hand picked celebrities and nothing escapes his watchful eyes. These celebs will live under one roof for 3 whole months, under very stringent house rules and no access to the outside world."
Sandiip Sikcand, chief creative director, Sony Entertainment Television, says, "The celebs are a healthy mix from different fields-TV, films, music, models, politicians, amongst others."
And he refutes the rumour that the celebs are all part of the Sony bandwagon. "Our choice in picking the star is solely decided based on the interest value of that celeb.
They will all come together for the first time on November 3 and are in going to be for a surprise when they finally confront each other. The show will be deferred live by just a few hours. The lone survivor will get 50 lakhs as prize money."
Why 'Bigg Boss' instead of the original 'Big Brother', and Sandiip says," It had to be a term that Indians identify with and masses connect with."
Making clear that it is not an adult show and is being censored suitably for family viewing, Sandiip says, "Content will be edited and we will bring a full packed show every day. It is always better to show less and expect more."
On picking Arshad as the sutradhar, Sandiip says, "He is a great entertainer and will present the show in his full element. His connect with the common man is his greatest USP. Other celeb guests walking in to meet the chosen group inside the house are spikes that will be added as the show goes on."
Integral to the original format is its voyeurism and bitchiness. Will they tone it down for Indian audiences? "Bigg Boss will not be intentionally bitchy but will put them in a situation which is not hunky dory and watch the real character of the celeb reveal itself. Half the soaps will shut down if bitchiness did not work!" quips Sandiip.
Albert Almeida, executive VP, business head of SET, says, "We will be using this content in other mediums like mobisodes, wallpapers, etc." He adds, " Just being a celeb is not sufficient, we are looking at different personality types who come with their individual baggage which makes the scope for drama all the more possible."
