A thread on Twitter has suddenly made us aware that reality shows on television are not real.
Nishant Kaushik, who has claimed to be a participant in the audition of Indian Idol 2012, tweeted his shattering experience of waiting in a long queue, without food and water, being manhandled by the audition crew, etc. One contestant was apparently slapped for being too inquisitive during the audition. It is indeed sad.
But what’s new in it?
Did we actually think every time the eyes of a judge welled up, they were touched by the talent they have searched for and finally found?
Brief, nonchalant thread about my auditioning experience at Indian Idol 2012 and why I think it is a perfect platform to destroy your dreams as opposed to its common perception as a breeding ground for talent.
— Nishant Kaushik (@nofreecopies) August 20, 2018
May. Mumbai. I rocked up at the venue more out of casual interest. On joining a queue 2 km long I noticed enthusiasts who had arrived there as though their lives depended on them. Some with their mothers holding Prasad, other rebels who had braved odds and traveled alone.
— Nishant Kaushik (@nofreecopies) August 20, 2018
At this point one of the aspirants lost his shit and stood up, demanding to see where the auditions were happening, to see the judges. One of the crew members charged up to him and slapped him. In front of thousands of people. SLAPPED.A.CONTESTANT. Yes this happened.
— Nishant Kaushik (@nofreecopies) August 20, 2018
Soon, the thread became a congregation of all sufferers coming from every corner of the country who had undergone similar experiences.
Do people clap looking at the camera when you tie a rakhi in real life? Then why do you believe reality shows are 'real'? (Photo: Screenshot)
But what should befuddle one is how they could afford to be so naïve to even think that the road to quick fame would be that easy?
If you believe in your talent, why will you stand in a queue for an audition at a reality show? That too, for Indian Idol, which has gone to the dogs over the years?
Maybe, in 2012, it must have had some appeal.
But then, why are you making a thread now? After six years? Also when Indian Idol’s present season is going on?
Who stopped these fortune seekers from leaving the audition venue at once?
A former anchor of the show, Mini Mathur, has also chipped into this ongoing controversy and shared her apparently disgusted feelings about the show.
This sucks. Thanks for forwarding me this thread. I wasn’t part of the 2012 season but I know most of what he has articulated is known to happen on reality tv. One of the reasons I bowed out. This incessant need to create false emotion. RIP Organic, pure TV.
— Mini Mathur (@minimathur) August 22, 2018
The format of reality shows was to make the audience glued to their television sets, creating an illusion of reality. 'Audiences will love seeing how two real persons fight it out' was the premise of such shows. But the presence of a script behind these unscripted shows is discernible when you see these apparently next-door contestants, decked up in designer costumes et al.
Off-screen details of such much-hyped shows are palatable on social media, as everyone is on the lookout for some gossip.
But will that make Indian Idol regret and change their format?
At the best, for a day or two, you can get the quick fame which Indian Idol failed to give you.