http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/tv/news-interviews/TV-shows-get-a-makeover-in-2013/articleshow/28175229.cmsMelodrama was replaced by sense, crisp formats were introduced and style prevailed. The change was brought to you by... 2013!
THE SEASONAL APPROACH
WHAT WAS: Daily soaps dragged endlessly. Producers secretly hoped to get past the 1,000 episode mark
WHAT CHANGED: With reality shows becoming a permanent reality on the box, producers are now more willing to give a break " to actors as well as the audience " and take their hit shows off air for a while. Besides the much-needed breather, the makers gained from the hype their shows' return generated among viewers. Sometimes the makers also try sell the next seasons as a sequel despite them having a sparkling new storyline. CASE IN POINT: Na Bole Tum...Na Maine Kuch Kaha Season 2, Sanskaar " Dharohar Apnon Ki 2 and Kaisa Yeh Ishq Hai Season 2, Punar Vivah " Ek Nayi Umeed and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon " Ek Baar Phir
TV-B'WOOD, SAATH SAATH
WHAT WAS: Television actors occasionally popped up in movies in special appearances
WHAT CHANGED: Film actors were ushered into the box with lead roles in superhit shows. Although big names from the world of cinema had worked in non-fiction shows earlier, 2013 had them venturing into fictional shows too. Not to be left behind, TV actors too barged into B-Town with pivotal roles " making their presence felt in a rather huge way. Meanwhile, Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan are expected are venture into the fictional format soon.
CASE IN POINT: Anil Kapoor (24), Poonam Dhillon (Ek Nayi Pehchaan), Sushant Singh Rajput (Kai Po Che), Manish Paul (Mickey Virus), Karan Kundra (Horror Story)
GETTING INTIMATE, LITERALLY!
WHAT WAS: Shivering blooms came together and the sun rose soon after (don't forget the sound of flutes and birds chirping in the background!)
WHAT CHANGED: The Indian audience came of age in a more prominent way in 2013. Result? No-holds barred romances, love-making scenes, heated, passionate kisses and endless (also sometimes shameless!) coochie-cooing in all genres of shows " be it fiction or reality TV. With TVTs of those very episodes creating newer records, neither the makers, nor the audience seems to be complaining. Well, nor are we! CASE IN POINT: Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Do Dil Ek Jaan, Punar Vivah..., Bigg Boss 7, The Bachelorette India
TVT IN PLACE OF TRP
WHAT WAS: TV ratings were calculated in thousands or television rating points (TRPs) WHAT CHANGED: This year saw an important change in the way TV audience was calculated. Now the popularity of a show is calculated by the actual numbers of viewers the soap has. The decision was taken in August by the broadcasters, advertisers and TAM to resolve the dispute about TV ratings.
CASE IN POINT: Diya Aur Baati Hum & Jodha Akbar managed to garner the highest TVTs despite the change in the rating structure
DRAG QUEENS RULED
WHAT WAS: TV hunks performed embarrassing acts dressed as women (discomfort for both the actor and the audience)
WHAT CHANGED: An increasing number of actors displayed their versatile side as they experimented with looks and characters. Not surprisingly, the audience lapped them up in their newer avatar too! What's more? Some drag queens even managed to get their own dedicated followers and fans who mourned when they didn't make an occasional appearance. CASE IN POINT: Sunil Grover (Gutthi in Comedy Nights with Kapil), Kiku Sharda (Palak in Comedy Nights with Kapil), Shaheer Sheikh (Arjun in Mahabharat), Ali Asgar (Dadi in Comedy Nights With Kapil), Gaurav Gera (as and in Pammi Pyarelal)
NO NONSENSE SHOWS
WHAT WAS: Melodramatic saas-bahu, slapstick comedy and illogical fantasy shows WHAT CHANGED: With viewers making their displeasure known about senseless rona-dhona or fake guffaws evident, entertainment channels resorted to the "wrap up" approach. So, any show that failed to garner the required TVTs, were quickly sent packing to pave for more innovative content. CASE IN POINT: Kaali " Ek Punar Avataar (in two months), Mujhse Kuchh Kehti...Yeh Khamoshiyaan, Pammi Pyarelal, Khelti Hai Zindagi Aankh Micholi (four months each), Anamika, Chhanchhan, Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat, Punar Vivah -" Ek Nayi Umeed (six months each)
RETURN OF THE TITANS
WHAT WAS: An actor or actress was almost treated like a one show wonder. They were given character roles soon after their popular first shows were shown out of TV. WHAT CHANGED: Even though fresh talents keep coming in, the return of popular faces in significant roles brightened up evenings of many a soapaholics. Quite many 'has-beens' returned to the box in 2013 with chunky roles " often lead characters. This move ensured that the true worshippers of daily soaps weren't disheartened. CASE IN POINT: Sangeeta Ghosh, Puneet Issar, Jennifer Winget, Gauri Tonk, Iqbal Khan, Shakti Anand, Rajshree Thakur, Supriya Pathak, Gautami Kapoor, Reeva Babbar, Rituraj, Suchitra Pillai, Mandira Bedi, Kanchi Kaul, Mazher Sayed and Mukesh Khanna
MYTH-O-LOGICAL
WHAT WAS: The much-loved historical and mythological shows of the '90s WHAT CHANGED: Historical and mythological shows were returned on TV with a bang, almost literally! However, with big money riding on their revival, the treatment and presentation of mythology changed for the better. So there was improved graphics, convincing character portrayal, finer costumes and all the works! In no time, youngsters were also seen drooling over Shaheer Sheikh, Faisal Khan and Rajat Tokas " the hunks in these shows. CASE IN POINT: Mahabharat, Bharat Ka Veer Putra" Maharana Pratap, Jodha Akbar and Buddha " The King of Kings
Anupamaa
