Yes, its true with facts that Indian viewers ardently watch fictional daily soaps rather than viewing the reality shows. Soaps like Diya Aur Baati Hum, Uttaran, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, CID and Baalika Vadhu are some of the examples of successfully running daily shows on Indian television that even out-run the big reality shows like Movers and Shakers -2, Sach Ka Saamna –season-2 and even Big Boss season 5.
The popularity quotient of fictional soaps is much higher than their reality counterparts. The figures speak that one of the most hyped reality show Big Boss season 5 that even have Salman Khan teamed up with Sanjay Dutt had gained only 4.5 TVR that also for the initial episode. However, the only show KBC -5 has got the high TVR due to the gigantic brand name associated with it i.e. Amitabh Bachchan. As far as other reality shows are concerned, even after the introduction of distinct formats failed to catch the attention of Indian viewers. Even Hrithik’s Star power was not able to attract viewers.
Why reality fails in India when it is a hot pick internationally? According to experts, Indian viewers are more interested in story-base shows as these shows have mass-appeal in contrast to reality shows that are meant for a typical section of society. Exception is the KBC due to huge popularity of Amitabh Bachchan among the masses.
Also for broadcaster, fiction shows are more feasible and economic too. Most of the daily soaps are doing continuously well and even changed the small screen scenario. The higher TRP’s of these whows are making them more sustaining .
Edited by:
Swati Ghosh
Writers Gully