The TRP trap ! Harsh Chaaya

It's the brutal king with a mighty sword - The TRPs, that's Television Rating Points, is that vital element in the Indian television industry that rules the fate of any and every show that's telecast.

It's become so common to hear about the sad demise of a show that it's not shocking anymore. On a serious note, who are hit the most by this doleful channel decision? The producer and the actors. In case of the actors, they suddenly find themselves stranded, and to hunt for newer roles in the midst of all the cut-throat-competition. And with every channel and producer going in for newer and fresh faces, landing the right role is no cakewalk for them. In fact, many are left in a lurch without any work for months together after a show is abruptly taken off air.

We ask select stars to voice their views on this highly controversial matter.

Harsh Chaaya
TRPs don't affect the actor, as serials don't run on sheer actors or star presence. If that was the case shows starring Rajesh Khanna, Sridevi, Hema Malini, etc. would have been hits. It is the storyline and script which counts the most. Star value can at the most get the initial audience. If on the whole the project is good it will run and if it isn't, it won't. TV serials are not sold Friday to Friday on star power. Take for example the serial Kulvaddhu, which was promoted well and had a good star cast, yet it didn't work. Certain characters like Tulsi become so popular that to replace it one needs to think umpteen times. In my show Hassaretein the leading lady was replaced at her peak but it didn't make much of a difference to it's popularity. Rather, it worked in the show's favour as the actress who replaced her was better.