DC: Love triangles and TRPs--Uttaran

It's not only in love stories that a triangle adds a twist. It works even better in family dramas. The presence of the "other woman" adds spice to the story and raises the ratings. From the days of Kyunki, Kasauti and Kahani to Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin and Karam Apna Apna to the present day, it's been a tried and tested formula for generating fresh interest in long-running shows.

Take a look at some of the current shows. Since the generation leap in Uttaran nearly two years ago, the rivalry between Tapasya and Ichha has yielded a messy and obsessive triangular conflict between the protagonists. In fact, it is the biggest asset of the show, which derives its strength from the emotional mess. In Balika Vadhu, the "other woman" Gauri has helped pull the show out of its recent lows and taken it to the top slot. Sanskar Laxmi is currently playing out a love track between Laxmi, Mahen and Angad.

Producers and writers admit that love triangles play an important role in creating fresh interest. But they also say that sometimes such tracks are inherent in the story. "In some cases it is the demand of the story," says Balika Vadhu producer Sunjoy Wadhwa. He elaborates, "The incompatibility factor in child marriage was part of the original story. We haven't deliberately brought in the other woman but it has certainly helped Balika Vadhu in terms of ratings."

Veteran daily soap writer Rajesh Joshi, who has several shows to his credit, including Kyunki, Kasauti, Maayka and Pavitra Rishta, and is currently writing and producing Sanskar Laxmi, says love triangles are a requirement of the daily soap format. "Simple and linear stories don't work in daily soaps. Because of competition and multiple choices, viewers have lost patience. Today you need a high point every day. Love triangles and extramarital tracks offer a lot of scope to add dramatic twists and turns. It's a TRP compulsion," he admits.