Posted:
New slice of life for TV
Keep it simple.... that seems to be the mantra for the television industry now. Move over those larger than lifestyle depicted in soaps.
Now tele serials are all about real life people and their lifestyle. The small screen doesn't seem to be now interested in showing life that doesn't exist at all. Simple and day-to-day lifestyle is the main crux of major TV stories. Fancy fairytales are now pass. Sasural Genda Phool, 12/24 Karol Bagh, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Behenein and Pavitra Rishta are few shows which predict our daily lives and it becomes much easier for the audience to relate to it. What's the reason behind starting this?
"Talking about the era from Kyunki till now, we get to see real people on television shows now. Story lines can be loud but the characters are real, be it urban or rural. The characters are layered and the issues are real journey of the character is authentic which makes the show more real and acceptable by the audience. Earlier the shows were loud and over the top but it was fun to watch reactions for those shows too," says Sukesh Motwani, fiction head of a general entertainment channel.
But what is the main reason for showing things that are happening in our day to day life because the audience always loves to see a 'fantasy' life? "Earlier the shows that worked will not work today, there is a saturation point that comes and today audience's perceptive has also changed. The earlier shows also started looking artificial and people couldn't relate to them further ' now the shows are more believable and real. We also have a set pattern. The show makers copy the format of the shows that are already successful. TV channels also don't want us to experiment or make new shows and they tell us to make the shows just like the ones exist and are successful," says television director Rajan Waghdhare.
While some say there are new audiences added to the existing ones which have lead to this new trend. Dhiraj Kumar, a TV producer says, "Everything changes with time and in the media of entertainment one has to always give something new and innovative each day. Today the target audience is expanded and TAM is being recorded in small towns too ' the new audience likes simple treatment and not shows that are over done. Shows like Agle Janam Mohe Bitya Hi Kijo, Pratigya, Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam are shows in which we are trying to convey strong issues in a simple way. The new audience likes simple treatment and that is why these new shows are working very well."
Not just makers even the actors are enjoying to work in shows which are clear and simple. TV actress Ragini Khanna is working on a show that is based on her marriage and life after that. But why did she choose to work in a show that depicts people's simple lifestyle? "Fortunately and sub-consciously I have not worked in run-of-the-mill shows. They say it is difficult to be simple and I guess that is why the new shows are working better. Drama exists even today but the presentation is like real life. For how long can one relate to things that don't exist?" questions Ragini.
Looks like everyone now just wants to keep it simple!
