article on RDLJ

Earlier this month, the National Commission for Women (NCW) wrote to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, asking them to ensure that the reality show, Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega, does not portray women indecently.

The show, based on the concept of a swayamvar, invited the commission's attention because there were several women's rights groups that balked at the concept of the swayamvar. Vyas herself feels that, "The objectification of women in reality shows has become rampant."

On girls in reality shows
"The first thing people tell us when we object to indecency towards women in shows is that the girls participate of their own choice. I saw a couple of episodes myself from some of these shows, and realised that the girls enjoy themselves. Perhaps they do not understand and are young ... woh TV pe aa jaati hain ... toh udne lagti hain. The whole glamour thing is attractive."

So what needs to be done?
"Awareness, therefore, becomes a must. We must interact with these girls, and in general, also spread awareness about the pitfalls of being in the midst of such glamour. When I was in the Information and Broadcasting ministry, even then, I had interacted with prominent heroines in the industry. Does Sharmila Tagore not have sex appeal? But she was not as zealously into the kind of culture that girls enjoy these days. In the wake of this, the NCW is even organising a seminar in Mumbai in March."

On reality shows
"These days, there are reality shows springing up on every channel, based on love, relationships, couples' games et al; all women-centric. Whenever you treat a woman like an object, everyone is responsible, including the girls themselves. But, there is need for self regulation in such shows now. Only the law cannot prohibit such things. And we cannot go about asking everything to stop. People will talk about their freedom then. The rampant mushrooming of reality shows needs to be checked and it's the I&B Ministry that can react. There are so many pending bills that need amendment, which could help curb all this nuisance. The government must react to it."

On Hollywood saying no to nudity
"Look at the recent reports, even Hollywood actresses are shying away from explicit content. People should think about aesthetic sense, instead of just putting masala into their shows. The three things that can make a difference are awareness, self regulation and the law."