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 "Sach Ka Samna" is here to stay
by Pallavi Kulkarni - July 30, 2009



A division bench of high court declined the petitions filed against the controversial television game show "Sach Ka Samna" telecasted on Star Plus
. Deepak Maini and Prabhat Kumar, the two petitioners, had approached the High Court claiming that the programme was against the values of Indian society.

The court did not agree with their allegation and said, "Our culture is not so fragile that it would be affected by one TV programme."

A division bench headed by Chief Justice A P Shah, declined to stay the telecast of reality show "Sach Ka Samna" and said, "Moral policing is not a function of the High Court. We are here not to decide it."

"Switch off the TV" - court to petitioners
Stating that 'moral policing' is not their job, the Delhi High Court advised petitioners to approach government for it.

"This is for the government to decide whether the programme should be banned or not. It is not the function of the court. We are not concerned."

"There are far more serious problems in this country which we have to settle," the bench said.

Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice Manmohan suggested the petitioners to switch off the television if they do not like the show.

They said, "In this land of Gandhi, it appears that nobody follows Gandhi... Follow the Gandhian principle of 'see no evil'.

"Why do you not simply switch off the TV?"

In the reality show, "Sach Ka Samna" a participant has to speak nothing but the truth to survive through each level.

http://www.totalfilmy.com/feature/20090730/sach_ka_samna_here_stay-26885.html

Sach ka Saamna... tolerance prevails: Basu

With politicians frothing at the mouth over alleged

Siddhartha Basu More Pics

"obscenity" on his latest show Sach Ka Saamna, and demanding its ban, the normally reticent Basu was on news channels and panel discussions defending the contents.

Even for a game show veteran like him, the brouhaha came as a surprise. Basu admits that while the format (of a public confession on deeply personal matters and values) lent itself to plenty of drama, nobody quite anticipated the shape of the outcry. "The content is neither new in our literature, TV or films, nor in the least fabricated or fantasy," he defends, "Here it just takes the form of a challenge, of people trying to test themselves on the truth of their relationships, feelings, characters, personal and professional lives."

Naturally, it was a huge relief when the Delhi HC quashed two petitions seeking its ban. "Anyone who cares for an open, tolerant, liberal society and freedom of speech would welcome what the HC has said. Now the government, lawmakers and civil society should respond in the same spirit," says Basu. "I hope tolerance prevails. The audience who see value in it should continue watching the programme; those who don't, should just switch away!"

The entire episode has also brought the spotlight back on reality shows. Those who follow these programmes are only too aware of the gimmicks that go into their making - participants' tantrums, judges' walkouts, high melodrama etc. What was his take? "We steer clear of them. I am completely against such manipulation for reality," he says firmly.

Perhaps it's the old-school television background talking. Basu's broadcasting sensibilities has been schooled in the days of DD (remember Quiz Time, Spectrum etc?) when information was king and drama came from well-told stories, not manufactured controversies. No wonder he admits to being "concerned about the tendency to dumb everything down and opt for the lowest common denominator".

"I personally prefer shows that engage the head and the heart," he says. But how many such programmes are being aired? For instance, would there be a broadcaster (and an audience) for edu-taining television? Basu disagrees. "If a broadcaster is supportive, a lot can be done in this area and find viewership too, as seen with shows like Aap Ki Kachehri, or Angrezi Mein Kahte Hain," he believes. "Hearteningly, broadcasters have actually asked us to develop more realistic and socially relevant shows."

According to him, what works best with the audience is the "potential for an imaginative and emotive connect", though even that is no guarantee for high TRPs. The prime examples being his own super-successful Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) series and the not-so-hot SRK-hosted Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai? "There's no magic formula," says Basu candidly. "KBC was a globally successful format which managed to make a strong Indian connect. Perhaps in a predominant culture of unquestioning reverence for elders, a fun show based on measuring adults' knowledge at a kids' level, such as Paanchvi Pass.. didn't have as many takers."

In other words, television programming currently is all a matter of Russian roulette for the ex-quiz master. And with five shows on air and more in the offing, there's little time for anything else. Including his first love, theatre. Basu's stage connection is well-known (he was the founding member of the Delhi-based Theatre Action Group). Does he find time to dabble in it? "The theatrics lie in the shows we do," he quips. "Light and entertaining as in Dus ka Dum, celebratory as in India's Got Talent or high drama as in Sach Ka Saamna!"

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ENTERTAINMENT/TV-/Sach-ka-Saamna-tolerance-prevails-Basu/articleshow/4847702.cms

It's moment of truth for Star Plus

Vivina Vishwanathan
Posted: 2009-08-01 09:34:37+05:30 IST
Updated: Aug 01, 2009 at 0934 hrs IST

New Delhi: Star Plus' latest reality game show, Sach Ka Saamna, opened to an overwhelming response from the viewers with a TVR of 4.6 for its inaugural episode telecast on July 15 at 10.30 pm. In its first three days, Sach Ka Saamna notched up 4.3 in average TVR, reaching an estimated 30 million cable and satellite viewers, according to data from audience measurement firm TAM Media Research.

"With all the controversies, Sach ka Saamna has managed to create a buzz which is working well for the show," says Punitha Arumugam, group CEO, Madison Media. "As the gossip quotient is high in the show, it should keep the audience interested."

Not just the gossip, the unique format is also a big draw. Contestants answer a series of 21 increasingly personal questions to receive a huge jackpot if the polygraph machine they are hooked on to indicates that they have answered the questions truthfully. "It is an experiment and a unique format where you have perfectly regular people talking about things that can be deemed 'scandalous' in our everyday scheme of things," an executive with a rival channel gives a back-handed compliment. "The problem is we haven't seen too many successful experiments on Indian television. More than 90% of the 13-million-plus television homes in India own a single TV, and that remains one of the reasons why channels have been cautious about introducing formats that have raised the heckles of audiences even in the Western world."

Star Plus is betting its shirt on Sach Ka Saamna, a licensed version of the hit American series, Moment of Truth, which has been aired in 23 countries. After ruling the TVR charts for years with shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhii Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagii Kay the general entertainment channel lost ground to upstart Colors and needed that one killer show that could bring it back on top.

The gamble is paying off, at least for the time being. Sach Ka Saamna debuted at No 4 in the top 10 shows. In comparison, NDTV Imagine's Rakhi Ka Swayamvar got an average TVR of 3.1, Sony's Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao (based on I'm A Celebrity; Get Me Out Of Here) clocked an average TVR of 2 and Colors' India's Got Talent garnered 2.9.

Says Sameer Nair, chief executive officer, NDTV Imagine, the main force behind Star Plus' KBC, "KBC and...Sach Ka Saamana are shows of different genres, telecasted at different, time and so the comparison between them is just not feasible. Its still early days for Sach Ka Saamna, and the success or failure of a show can not be determined by its early showing."...

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/its-moment-of-truth-for-star-plus/496662/

Shweta's ex Raja bares all on Sach ka Saamna!!!
4 August 2009, 12:25pm IST

With excitement galore and anxiety at an all-time high, Sach Ka Saamna presents yet another captivating episode with the popular actor Host Rajeev Khandelwal with Raja Choudhary

Witness the emotional and sensitive persona of the volatile Raja as he captures everyone's heart with startling revelations about his life to the world. Catch a completely new side of the actor who has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, this week on Sach ka Saamna.

Raja Choudhary, a name that is synonymous with impulsive behavior has many truths to share. Raja boldly takes the 'hot seat' this week and subtly tackles the truth about his personal and professional life with much lan! Be it the questions revolving around his relationship with his estranged wife Shweta Tiwary or a sensitive and most difficult decision of getting separated from his loving daughter Palak, Raja bares his heart out with moist eyes.

The show reaches its high point when Raja Chaudhary, famously known for his bashful behavior, stuns everyone as he depicts a mellowed personality and faces questions like- Do you believe your wife's success was at the cost of your career? or do you deliberately put up a show to attract the attention of the media?

With Sacchai ki Agnipariksha getting unpredictable and question getting edgier and more personal, the excitement of the show continues every week. Tune in to this absolutely soul stirring episode filled with emotions.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv-/Shwetas-ex-Raja-bares-all-on-Sach-ka-Saamna/articleshow/4855451.cms

 Sach ka Saamna presents a different Raja Chaudhary

MUMBAI: With excitement galore and anxiety at an all time high, Sach Ka Saamna presents yet another captivating episode with the popular actor Raja Choudhary. Witness the emotional and sensitive persona of the volatile Raja as he captures everyone's heart with startling revelations about his life to the world. Catch a completely new side of the actor who has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, this Thursday, August 6th & Friday 7th @ 10.30pm only on STAR Plus.

Raja Choudhary, a name that is synonymous with impulsive behavior has many truths to share. Raja boldly takes the 'hot seat' this week and subtly tackles the truth about his personal and professional life with much lan! Be it the questions revolving around his relationship with his estranged wife Shweta Tiwary or a sensitive and most difficult decision of getting separated from his loving daughter Palak, Raja bares his heart out with moist eyes.

The show reaches its high point when Raja Chaudhary, famously known for his bashful behavior, stuns everyone as he depicts a mellowed personality and faces questions like- Do you believe your wife's success was at the cost of your career? or do you deliberately put up a show to attract the attention of the media?

With Sacchai ki Agnipariksha getting unpredictable and question getting edgier and more personal, the excitement of the show continues every week. Tune in to this absolutely soul stirring episode filled with emotions on Thursday, August 6th, 2009 and August 7th at 10.30 pm, exclusively on STAR Plus.

After being successful in 23 countries worldwide get ready to witness one of the most popular shows in the world for the first time in India as SACH KA SAAMNA, on every Monday to Friday at 10.30 pm only on STAR Plus.

http://www.indiantelevision.com/release/y2k9/aug/augrel10.php

Article abt SKS & Raja in Tely Buzz..
http://india-forums.com/tellybuzz/article.asp?id=5200

Sach Ka Saamna: Who is it for?
Analysts argued that the new wave of reality shows took its toll on the imaginary, unending and unrealistic serials such as 'Kyon ki Saas?' and 'Kahani Ghar Ghar ki?'. .
CJ: Prem Chand Sahajwala ,
Mon, Aug 10, 2009 09:15:32 IST
 

WHEN SUDDENLY popular TV soaps like 'Kyon ki Saas…' and 'Kahani Ghar Ghar ki…' went off air, there were many analyses focusing on reasons for the death of such serials, which had thousands of episodes and whose actors became household names. Some analysts argued that it was the new wave of reality shows that was taking the toll on imaginary, unending and unrealistic stories.

Most of the reality shows of the time focussed on singing talent such as the late Jasmit Singh who went on to become a musical heart throb. Then Saloni of Pune had several households in splits with her comic style. However, the element of tense competition created doubts among some viewers as to whether these reality shows were healthy for children. A participant on a Kolkota reality show fell unconscious and drew the attention of social analysts. In another reality show, a young girl virtually left the audience dumbstruck when she rushed from her seat and kissed a celebrity! In the name of transparency, she earned the wrath of the anchors which too was not edited out from the programme. The anchors berated her saying that it was a child artists' show and it was quite unethical to perform an activity like kissing on such a show. The anchors were fully oblivious to the fact that the so-called child artists were singing songs like 'kajraare...kajraare...' and love songs like 'muhubbat aisi dhadkan hai jo samjhaayi nahin jaati…'.

The latest reality inviting debate is 'Sach ka Saamna' on Star Plus. Hosted by Siddhartha Basu who also produced KBC, which was a show that had some contestants earning money for their general knowledge talent. But 'Sach ka Saamna' is neither about talent nor general knowledge. It is about knowledge of the self! In this game show, the questions put before the contestants are at times highly embarrassing. What is being asked here? A woman contestant is asked whether she was ever expelled from her college for having conceived... Another woman contestant is asked whether as a child she ever pissed in her pants. A cricket celebrity discloses that another cricket celebrity made him run naked for a prize. The concept has really bewildered the Indian masses and raised controversy. Indian society has in fact a very wide range of men and women unlike the very narrow range in other less populous countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. On the one extreme, we have the hapless girl who dares love and marry a boy of her own gotra. She is killed along with her lover husband and thrown into a nullah (drain). We have, on the other extreme, a mod fashion showgirl who walks liberally on stage and to her own embarrassment, inadvertently drops her brassieres. She somehow walks back saving her breasts from display. In between these two, there is a huge variety of girls/women belonging to villages, towns, cities and big cities. Some in this country live like a hapless 'Balika Badhu' Anandi or a Sugna. Some others bravely live with their male friends after deserting their husbands and at times are given security by courts which reject even their husbands' conjugal rights petitions.

The question is which section of the masses are game shows like 'Sach ka Saamna' addressing? The ever fearful, cowardly though posing as bold middle class which progresses to an advanced standard of civilisation at snail's pace constitutes the bulk of TV viewers today. Lets also not forget the fact that game shows like 'Sach ka Samna' are imported from a countries like the UK where the parameters of modesty and shame are not the same as those in India. I remember having read a news item many years back, (when Indian schools and colleges were still debating whether co-education was good for Indian girls or not) that a woman member of British Parliament disclosed in her speech in the house that she was unmarried but had recently conceived. In 2007, Dick Cheney, the former American Vice President informed an anxious media that his daughter was lesbian and that she has conceived as well. In France, first lady Carla Bruni is a former model whose nude pictures were the talk of the whole world as soon as she married French President Nicolas Sarkozy. In short, what is not shameful in Western countries is seriously so here.

The rich class quoted above is a negligible part of Indian society. The question that therefore arises is - which section of the audience do reality shows like 'Sach ka Saamna' actually address. Are they groping for their real audience which may lie only in that 5-star category of rich Indians. They would certainly enjoy and burst into laughter at disclosures like whether a woman ever made love with a person whose identity she didn't know or whether a man ever slept with a girl even younger than his daughter! Some analyses point out to the element of voyeurism in such shows. But in fact, the Indian voyeur cannot be satisfied with mere disclosures of adultery or conception. The Indian voyeur is the one who wants to see each and every sexual action of couples as they lie behind the bushes in gardens of big cities, where they can see nude young girls sitting leisurely and sunbathing. So the voyeur watching Sach ka Saamna may be left simply thirsty by mere disclosures of a sexual relationship. If tomorrow, real couples are prepared to kiss on TV, the voyeur would simply laugh away game shows like Sach ka Saamna.

http://www.merinews.com/article/sach-ka-saamna-who-is-it-for/15779964.shtml

'Sach Ka Saamna' for Manoj Muntashir

The writing is one the wall: 'Sach Ka Saamna' is a smash hit. Despite criticism from a few quarters, the show has been accepted by the Indian viewer.

Raja Chaudhary lies on Sach Ka Saamna

His only lie and he lost all that he won after baring the reality of his controversial life to the whole world. According to our source, "He played up to ten lakhs question and at that question polygraph machine declared his answer false and he lost everything."

Star Plus plays safe, shifts Sach Ka Saamna to 11 pm

Indiantelevision.com Team

(10 August 2009 11:00 pm)

MUMBAI: After running into controversies and receiving a show cause notice from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Star Plus has decided to move its bold reality show Sach Ka Saamna to 11 pm, starting tomorrow.The show, which is an adoption of International format Moments of Truth, has seen the best launch in recent times in the non-fiction genre among the Hindi general entertainment channels, with a debut rating of 4.6 TVR. The channel claims that over 20,000 people applied to appear as participants within the first two weeks of launch.However, the show also created a furore in Parliament and certain sections of the society over its controversial content. Star Plus has pushed the time of the show from 10.30 pm to 11 pm, intending to play it safe under the late night viewing band for mature audiences. "Given our commitment towards responsible broadcasting and our unique relationship with Indian families, we have decided to voluntarily and proactively move the telecast time to 11 pm from tomorrow (Tuesday) onwards," Star India said in a statement today.The channel mentioned that it is thankful to the media for its "mature and constructive support of the show and the I&B Ministry, led by Ambika Soni, for a very patient and constructive handling of the situation."http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k9/au