Aasman Se Aagey, which went on air on April 23 on Life OK, attempts to rip apart the behind the scenes happenings of such shows where talent alone is not enough to win the title. The show's protagonist is a young girl who dares to dream big. Just like thousands who flock to audition centers for that one in a million chance, Meenaxi participates in a dance reality show, hoping to win the competition. Hailing from a humble background, a cleaner who works in a mall, the show traces her journey to her final goal. Does success and fame strip her of her innocence as she gets taken in by the all-consuming world of fame and glamour?
According to Ajit Thakur, general manager, Life OK, the core thought behind the show is that dreams and aspirations are fine but at what cost? The story is told in two phases. The first part deals with Meenaxi's journey to name and fame through compromise and the second involves hard work, persistence and relentless ambition without compromising on values and principles. The reason for choosing a dance format for the fiction show is obviously the entertainment quotient it offers. Ajit says, "The show essentially focusses on youth's fascination for instant name and fame, which all channels are cashing on. While they make their profits without paying a penny to commoners who give three months of their lives , contestants do not realise the impact ambition and greed for fame and glamour have on their lives."
Ajit admits that all this is done to raise the TRP ratings. Promising not to fall in the trap of ratings, he admits that not all shows are manupulated. However it is quite obvious that some of them are. "We will not deviate from our research and brand promise," he assures. Incidentally, the show fits perfectly into the channel's brand positioning—aspire and dream for a better life but be happy with what you have.
The show has Maninee Mishra and Rajesh Khera playing judges while Apoorva Agnihotri plays a manipulative producer of a dance reality show. Interestingly, Rajesh dresses like a woman but refuses to reveal the reason behind it. Though all the three actors have participated in such shows, none admit that they are rigged. "I wouldn't know, but my elimination from a reality show came as a surprise to me," admits Apoorva. While Maninee says that she is not cut for reality TV, her experience wasn't pleasant. Rakhi Sawant, the show's brand ambassador, says that she has done many reality shows but won none. "I don't know whether they are rigged. But I did my best. I expected to win some and walk away with the prize money. But I went home empty handed," she sighs.
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