Musical reality shows a new identity to the Indian television

June 18: Despite the immense popularity of daily soap operas which are women’s delight in Indian families, the musical shows on different channels have marked a new identity to Indian television. Contests broadcasted on many channels are mushrooming all over and hundreds of participants showcase their talent in front of a live audience. Musical shows on Indian television have spiced up the lifeless content on television channels.

Shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (Zee TV), Indian Idol (Sony TV), Music Masti Aur Dhoom (DD) and the debutant Voice of India (Star Plus) have been running successfully with appreciation coming from all corners of the country. This new trend wherein hidden talent suddenly rise apart from the performers of film and television gifted us some new voices and new singers like Sunidhi Chauhan, Kunal Ganjawala, Shreya Ghosal and Shekhar, who now walk among the most popular singers of this time.

Years back it was Door Darshan’s “Meri Awaz Suno” that started the trend with an all time host Anu Kapoor. Its popularity and TRP ratings convinced other private channels including Zee and Sony. Zee TV’s “Sa Re Ga Ma” is now a front runner and many shows like this one have been produced and continue to fill the space.

The concept is simple - choose some best talents through audition tests in the country and then arrange a musical contest.

Indian film and music industry has expanded like the country’s population, always demanding more. Private albums tend to fulfill this demand but even then the scope is too great to be handled by albums and musical videos alone. As such new artists and performers are always in demand. Moreover the audiences always like something novel, a new voice, a new singer.

The musical shows and competitions end with winners receiving contracts and chance to work with some of the biggest music composers of Bollywood. The talents thus get a job, as playback singer or even sing in many private albums with huge amount of cash prizes.

The competition also gives a 50-50 chance to the judges and also to the audiences in terms of choosing the better one. Audience through SMS or Tele-call can vote for their choice. The most important thing of these shows is that it gives a chance and exposure to some talented singers from small towns that might have otherwise be lost.

The programs feature besides participants, celebrities who participate as judges and hosts. In fact the producers and channel take responsibility in grooming and polishing those talents not only in singing but also in an overall personality development.

If we take a look at the previous winners of these shows then a lot many are on their way to playback singing or taking singing as a serious career. Apart from all national channels, regional channels in different languages are also conducting such musical shows that have been giving a new identity to Indian television. With changing trends these programs are surely going to make a huge impact on Indian television and the audiences.