How Indian reality TV judges are stealing the show

Across the world, reality TV shows are known for the contestants they host who add a healthy dose of lowbrow drama. This year, reality shows in India are seeing its own judges emerge to be far more entertaining than the participants.

Can one dare to imagine now that this trend will put the Dolly Bindras, KRKs, and Rahul Mahajans of the TV world soon out of work?

Here are a few judges, who are gaining prominence because of their, er, uniqueness: 

Sunny Leone

Sunny Leone’s name is synonymous with Indian hypocrisy. She continues to bring down the internet with her racy pictures yet is looked down. Leone’s promotional tour at various reality shows to publicise her upcoming adult comedy Kuch Kuch Locha Hai opposite Ram Kapoor is reportedly seeing opposition from being aired as some channels do not want to miff the family audience (Leone's "porn star" antecedents still loom large). The same audience, however, is ready to accept her as the judge of the second season of Splitsvilla that will soon go on air.

Chetan Bhagat

As if his curious approach as a judge to question the love life of contestants like Upen and Karishma wasn’t sufficient to heighten the drama on the show. It went on to the next level with the engaging Twitter war between Chetan Bhagat versus Twinkle Khanna. The success of the war was beneficial in reestablishing the second career opted by both the celebrities. It confirmed Bhagat’s debut as a perfect reality TV show judge and at the same time authenticated Twinkle Khanna’s position as a columnist.

Govinda

Govinda’s telly debut can be equated to the refurbished stardom of Amitabh Bachchan, who rose from the ashes as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, back in 2000. Like Big B, Govinda too was facing a lull in his career, with a series of flops to his credit when he decided to judge the show Dance India Dance Super Moms season 2. Govinda came to a platform based on an art form which he has always been known for. One of the top rated shows this year is undoubtedly backed by Govinda’s raw stardom and cheesy grin.

Malaika Arora Khan

Malaika has enjoyed the reputation of India’s answer to Victoria Beckham. The wardrobe malfunction gimmick pulled off by one of her lookalike dancer in the opening episode of India’s Got Talent 6 was a tasteless drama, though it got the required buzz.

Esha Deol

Esha Deol makes yet another attempt to rekindle her showbiz career, post marriage, as the judge of Roadies – Season 12. She replaces the badass hosts Raghu and Rajiv and will be part of the new team comprising boxer Vijender Singh, Rannvijay Singh and Karan Kundra. Yes, she took the decision much against the wishes of mother Hema Malini and also refused to perform along with mom at the Braj Mahotsav in Mathura.