TOI: Love stories pulling up TRPs on small screen

While Balika Vadhu — Kacche Umar Ke Pakke Rishte has been the consistent TRP-topper (TRP charts of Weeks 2,3,4,5 ); in week 4, also notching up big numbers in the TRP race thanks to their love tracks are, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke (4.0), Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara (3.5), Madhubala — Ek Ishq Ek Junoon (3.4) and Qubool Hai (3.1), Rab Se Sona Ishq (2.7), Bade Achhe Lagte Hain (2.5), Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai (2.0).

Even three ambitious new shows slated to go on air shortly, Dil Ke Nazar Se... Khubsurath, Saraswati Chandra and Savitri — are love stories. PrashantBhatt, programming head (fiction) of a popular GEC, says, "Love stories find an instant connect with viewers across ages. Through the years, popular genres and accepted storylines may have changed, but one genre that is always liked by the audience is hardcore romance. It is an inter-play of fantasy-reality." Producer NeelimaBajpai says, "Love is an emotion which always attracts audiences. Since love is still elusive for many in India, these shows are aspirational and helps us get young viewership too."

Considering a significant segment of the viewers are in the age group 18-40, is this number crunching exercise going to play a role in determining the viewership pattern? Producer Sudhir Sharma says, "For any story, the core story is always love. Even in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?, Qubool Hai or Bade Achche Laggte Hai, or other shows which are essentially family sagas, romance is the flavour. There is a change in the demand and viewership pattern in every two years, so one can't really say what will eventually work with the audience."

A sizzling love story is always a TRP puller. Crackling chemistry between the lead couple can make many go weak kneed. Dupattas flying in the air, five-minute long eye-locks, falling in the beloved's arms and a romantic Bollywood number to lip sync to; the setting's just right for a small screen love scene and by the looks of it, the audience is ready for an extra large dose of love.