Worst Television Judges!
Talent based reality shows on television wouldn't be the same without their celebrity quotient. Every reality show on prime time vying for TRPs, has one thing in common, a celeb judge on board.
From boxoffice's ruling stars, filmmakers (in between their last release and before their new project), choreographers, music composers, less visible singing stars, retired actors back from maternity leave, a reality show is one platform where you'll see them all. Voicing their opinion (about music, dance etc), shaking a leg and sealing the fate of participants of the show by judging them.
The pay cheques of celeb judges are of course lucrative and their names add glam quotient to the show. But are some of them equipped to judge the shows? Like a former cricketer commenting on dance? Or an actor picking out a musical talent? Take a closer look at the list of celeb judges in recent times - Sonali Bendre, Chunky Pandey, Arjun Rampal, Wasim Akram, Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Kajol, Rakhi Sawant, Himesh Reshamiya, Shankar Mahadevan, Kailash Kher, Anu Malek.
That list is bulging every week. Do the shows really need them? Niret Alva producer of Indian Idol affirms, "Earlier, people found faults with my choice of Udit Narayan as a judge. This time they are saying the same about Sonali Bendre. I'd like to repeat that we choose judges on the basis of temperament, talent and glamour. Sonali might not have singing skills, but she can hold her own with the other judges. Besides, we have to consider all factors like the channel, the audience and glamour."
Alva reiterates that the show is after all not about judges or the anchor, but about the viewers. A lot of actors see these reality shows as a platform for a soft comeback after a prolonged maternity break. Karisma Kapur however, says she's in it not because "others jumped in to judge these shows. I am a dancer so, I considered Nach Baliye."
Television experts say it is the age of people wanting a glam factor on their shows. Says Anupama Mandloi, senior creative director, Star Plus, "A celeb judge is selected on the basis of popularity and relevance to the show. Arjun Rampal may not be the best dancer but he is the current heartthrob. He conveys style and attitude. When he comments on the quality of dance and what the jodis are projecting on stage it becomes relevant, because the participant learns things like body language and projecting personality."
Actor Arjun Rampal feels that he might not be a great dancer himself, but as someone who's been part of the glambiz he's qualified to comment. He also thinks, "If the whole country has the right to reject or accept a film every Friday, without knowing anything about acting, I think I can surely judge a dance reality show."
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Some celeb judges confess that these shows offer them an opportunity to be in the limelight. Say music composers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, "If Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan can become famous courtesy talent hunts, then it's high time people like us get opportunities to be recognised as well."
There's something heady about having the arc lights on you. Besides resurrecting careers TV also brings with it adulation, instant recognition and hefty pay packs. As long as the TRPs soar, everyone's happy, the channel, show producers, the judges and yes, the audience too.
Full Story of ALL SEASONS:
Nach Baliye - Star One & Star Plus
Indian Idol (Sony Entertainment Television)
The Great Indian Laughter Challenge - STAR ONE
Kaun Banega Crorepati - Star Plus Prsented
"Big Brother" & Bigg Boss 2 Updates
Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa - Sony Entertainment Television Presented.
Boogie Woogie - Sony Entertainment Television Presented
"Nach Baliye 4" Participants Photos
Full Details : TOP 30 Participants of Indian Idol Season 4
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