TOI: Primetime dailies are getting bolder

Prime time dailies up their sizzle quotient with intimate scenes

Gone are days when the small screen hero coyly held his lady love's hand, or looked deep into her eyes — those were sureshot indicators of a love scene in a TV soap! All that's set to change. The soapbox is getting bolder when it comes to showing intimacy between the lead characters. Full-fledged smooches to steamy consummation scenes are now staple fare for entertainment channels (at the prime time band) to rake in high TRPs.

Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? to Punar Vivaah, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Suvreen Guggal - Topper of the Year, Madhubala — Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Kairi — Rishta Khatta Meetha, have aired such passionate sequences in recent times.

So what's led to this sudden 'bold' development on part of the GECs, besides of course to court TRPs? Producer Shashi Mittal says, "Mindsets have changed. Families are now open to seeing intimate scenes on TV shows. We cannot keep showing pigeons flying and flowers blooming forever in a love scene. We need to take some creative liberty. In a consummation scene for example, we need a few bold shots."

But showmakers and channels agree that since shows cater to family audiences, they have to ensure that the scenes don't offend popular sensibilities. Agrees producer Rajan Shahi, "Subtle sensuality is important for intimate scenes. These scenes have to be shot aesthetically and should not titillate. When shot well, these love scenes could become the highest point of a show."

An actor's comfort level with co-stars plays an important role in creating the required screen chemistry. So are actors ready to take the 'bold' step? Actor Ankit Gera who shared a liplock with his co-star Roopal Tyagi in Sapne Suhane... says, "It is the criteria of TV and movies to experiment and try new things. We actors go by the script."

Well, it also depends on the audiences and their demands and reactions to these scenes. ProducerSaurabh Tewary says, "Although Madhubala... started off with a hatred track between the lead couple, they are eventually supposed to fall in love. People are now open to edgy drama and you can expect a lot of intense passion in such dramas. As makers, we can't shy away from filming such scenes. Maintaining the balance between sensuality and romance is important. For producers, consummation tracks result in big numbers."

Shashi seconds this, "If a story demands this scene, people reciprocate nicely. But if it is a gimmick, it'll work only for that one episode."

With prime time TV getting bolder, producers are amping the hotness quotient with intimate scenes in the hope of grabbing the requisite eyeballs.