Don’t Take it to the Heart
One of the reasons that I like having this blog is that I am able to discuss any type of topic that I have seen on TV, radio, etc… and be able to have a lively conversation with you all. 
Due to the fact that Neeraj and I have been so busy with everything in life, I have either been posting more on what his happening in our lives, rather on a topic. Well, that’s going to change starting today. 
As many of you know, I am a sucker for desi serials and shows. Recently, Neeraj and I have gotten hooked on watching Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 and Indian Idol. Previously, I had watched the majority of the episodes from Fame Gurukul.
After watching last night’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa episode, Neeraj and I were discussing the emotional aspect of the show. Everyone in that show, including Shaan the host, and the magical mentors (Aadesh, Himesh, and Ismail) are making anyone and everyone cry on that show, including me:!: That’s what Neeraj didn’t like about it and last night I noticed it too. Does that take away from the realism of the contest? 
Possibly, in fact yes. 
The mentors are emotionally blackmailing the junta to vote for the kids in their gharana. Then they are emotionally troubling the contestants themselives, like they made Debojit, this 29 year old singer, cry yesterday as he was reminded of his mother’s pride for him. Vinit, a 17 year old singer who everyone adores, was not able to hold back his tears as he took about 15 minutes to tell his mother that he wanted her to be happy.
I don’t think that you need to make it so emotional to make the show a success. People will watch the show if you have quality. Neeraj used to say from all three of the singing shows that he liked Sa Re Ga Ma Pa the most because it seemed the most real, but last night episode was the limit.
Indian Idol does the same as well as they take 10 minutes to announce whether the person is going on to the next round (that’s real annoying 
). Arre why do you do that to the poor teenage contestant?? One of the contestants fainted after she found out that she didn’t make it to the Gala Round (btw she should have made it 
).
Most of the contestants are teenagers ranging from 17-20, and its really amazing that our next generation are so talented in this field of singing. Indians were known for their maths and science, but soon we are going to be well known for the creative side as well. I think its great, but there is an issue. Many kids think that they have talent, but then get their heart broken on television on these shows. 
Emotionally it has to be tough on the contestant, their family, and the friends that they have made with the other contestants. You have to fight with each other to win a spot. One mistake and lead you right out the door into the world of struggle.
Is it going to make me stop watching these shows? Most likely not, because the shows have done what they needed to reel me in because now I also have this feeling that I have this emotional bond with these contestants. I know I know, they have me where they want me.
Alvida. Jai Mata Di.
January 17th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
Can’t say much.. ‘coz I don’t watch any of these serials.
But, one thing is for sure, these serials doesn’t seem to be reality shows at all, but instead look as if their script is all cooked up - to make the serial more entertaining to watch.
January 17th, 2006 at 10:05 pm
Actually, I used to absolutely lo ve Sa Re Ga Ma….but stopped watching it a while ago…Have been seing advertisements of this music director competition..and yes what you say is so true!
And yes, they do have the audience hooked! Kya kare..script hi sahi..but their strategy works and they give the audience what the audience wants….sigh.
January 17th, 2006 at 10:22 pm
Belated wishes to Neeraj. Also to Manpreet. Anubha ko toh kardiya tha :)
Since no TV here (dont be zapped) so hvnt really caught on to these shows. But whatever I hv seen earlier, Saregamapa was definitely a better one. And amongst the end results, I think prev Indian Idol Abhijeet Sawant is abs. too good. I hv seen his show live here in Kathmandu, and he knew how to handle a live show with aplomb! Plus, I liked his album too :)
January 18th, 2006 at 1:34 am
Drama is really there… and all these are strategies for making them earn more and more… by making people emotional…. makin them send more and more SMS.
But still I love Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.
I want Vineet to win
January 18th, 2006 at 2:26 am
oh.. nice to seee some discussion abt Sa Re Ga Ma Pa….:)
even i watch this one… but i don’t watch Indian Idol..
i agree with u Poonam.. they r taking it too emotionally..
but, i found the singers Himani, Vinit n Hemachandra to be very gud.. i feel the quality of singers in this is gud..
lets see…
January 18th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
I used to love Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (well actually still do), but many parts make me think if the things that the mentors say are actually scripted. It’s hard to say, but really, if not all if it, some of the parts r definitely pre-planned I think they are making Sa Re Ga Ma Pa a regional contest rather than a hunt for the true talent. Like u said, they are using emotional tools to get the votes. I think they should not even mention such things as how much so & so has struggled in the past, etc. They should leave such things out of the show. Afterall this is a singing competition, not a drama competition. It has accomplished the real purpose, and has ppl hooked up to the show. I think all the 4 remaining contestants r good, though I thought that Himani & Nihira were the best. With Nihira gone, Himani is my personal fav. Vinit was fabulous last night.
Same goes for Indian Idol. Wonderful show, love watching it, but certain aspects of the show totally piss me off.
January 18th, 2006 at 10:56 pm
o well u shud see american idol (just saw an episode yest)… the word RUDE is redefined by simon cowel… he outright rejects on basis of how they look what they wearing n blah blah! wondering what it must be doing to the self esteem of the rejected contestants…
yest he told one guy to shave his beard n look for roles to impersonate woman ! that guy was shattered…
neways keep smiling !!!
January 19th, 2006 at 12:26 am
yep true Kunal…I saw that too..those judges in American Idol are ruthles….also ever seen the show Beauty and the Geek? high emotional drama!
January 19th, 2006 at 4:00 am
these reality shows many times play on the emotional sentiment rather than talent… there was a news clip on TV which said that there is some south indian contestant on sa re ga ma - his family got his posters printed and put them up in the state asking the people to make their state proud by voting for him. the family themselves sent 2 lakh sms votes too… this defeats the purpose of having a talent hunt.
January 19th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
No… Anat… not on SMS they spent money on Advertising banners all over Hyderabad
Yesterday show was great… what a Drama… no results declared. Debojit got the highest votes and other contestants threaten to quit
January 19th, 2006 at 10:29 pm
Its crazy Kaush what they do to get votes!!
I don’t know if I even think this vote idea is even a good one! Can the public have a good enough perception to make a vote or are they just going to vote for the ones that they think are cute or handsome or they think smiles well??? 
I think with public voting there should be something else involved, a third mediator votes or mentors vote or something.
Even though of the drama Deepak, I am bias to say that they are good enough to still watch. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa just became more mazaaledaar.
I like Himani Ankur.
I would like either Himani or Vinit to win. I think they are the most talented. 
For being from the South Prasad, I have found Hemachandra the most surprising. His singing is just amazing! Same in Indian Idol for the other Hyderabadi, Karunya. Wow! He sang a punjabi song in the piano round — no one could have said that he was from the South! Just too good!
Totally agree with you Mannat.
Himani is my fav as well and then Vinit. But what happened today in India’s episode like Ankur mentioned at the end — my gosh!! You can check out the video out on india-forum.com
I don’t watch that stupid show called American Idol Kunal.
Yup Anat, people are voting just to vote, not for who sang the best, or basis on what mentors have given as scores.
Because of your comment Ankur, Neeraj and I couldn’t wait to see the episode. Actually its Thursday night, and we won’t get to watch it until Monday, so we decided to find the video on the net.
My goodness! What an episode! I don’t agree at all with what happened, in the beginning or at the end. Beginning with this stupid decision by Vinit, Himani, and Hemachandra. You are losing respect from the public by pulling a stunt like that. I felt bad for Debojit that it really was because of him that they wanted to quit. Then at the end Debojit’s wife was yelling at Vinit’s parents, I mean what the heck was that??? Totally uncalled for — she should have kept her mouth shut because that made the situation worse, plus it was caught on video. Tempers were flaring!!! 
January 20th, 2006 at 1:44 am
Hi Poonam.. I really admire your energy and patience for having created this space. Just dropped by to see what’s happening (was a silent reader a year back..then lost track). Glad to know things are working out fine with the two of you. Will try to drop in more regularly.. cheers G
p.s : I’ve got a friend of mine in Indian Idol this time..Ameya Date. If you’re watching it, let me know how he does and I’ll pass it onto him (he complains that I never watch it..and I tell him he shouldn’t whine as long as I keep voting for him) :)
January 20th, 2006 at 7:52 am
i feel the show is beginning to be a drama.. gosh.. y’days episode was height of everything…
all these voting systems should be thrown into dustbin n we should go to the old and reliable judges decisions.. tths the best..
January 20th, 2006 at 7:52 am
I just had hint what has happened… as couldn’t get time to watch it completely. Will do it on repeat telecatse and in any case…. it is to be continued today
Himani ia also good… but what happened was… I was also going to write vinit or himani but was unable to recall her name
January 20th, 2006 at 7:54 am
What a great timing of the above two comments…. 7:52 am
January 20th, 2006 at 12:37 pm
Himani out…
January 20th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
I am rooting for Ameya Date… who are u cheering?
January 22nd, 2006 at 11:38 am
Totally agree Prasad.
They should really add something else, othre than public voting if they think that public are not able to vote well. If you want to keep just public voting, then you will have to agree with the results, that’s it. 
Himani was my favorite Ankur.
I like Vinit too. Let’s see what happens, now my fav. is Vinit.
I am cheering for Karunya, Uv.
January 26th, 2006 at 9:06 am
Sa Re Ga Ma….
Rediff article says… those three decided to quit as there was a threat received from Assam Militant group ULFA
In Indian Idol, Panna has got the maximum chance of winning… ‘coz of performance. Ameya need to work on that part