Do reality shows really help? Experts say being popular and not just winners is important for participants in talent hunt shows

Do reality shows really help?

Experts say being popular and not just winners is important for participants in talent hunt shows

Tune in to any channel today and it's likely to feel that the entire nation is either singing, dancing or laughing. All general entertainment channels (GECs) devote considerable air time to reality or talent hunt shows, that are here to stay. But, what happens to the participants or winners once the shows go off air? Assistant vice-president and head of talent and artist Management, Saregamapa, Dance India Dance, Zee Rishte Awards and other events, says "it is more important for a participant to be popular than be a winner. Just like no school or college guarantees a job after a degree is awarded, the channel can only help to a certain extent. The talent and attitude of the participant is what matters." "Today it is very important the participant remains in public memory. And we help them out for a year or two. At Zee TV, time and again we have roped in participants from various singing and dancing shows to perform at our award shows, etc. But at no time the participants should not think that they are raison d'etre of the show, in fact it is vice-versa," he explains. Agrees, Ravi Shukla, winner of a singing talent hunt show and participant in several more. Today, he is busy doing stage shows, but is yet to make a mark in playback singing. "Singing in movies does not happen just because you are winner of a particular show. Good relationships with music directors is also something that would help you get work in films. The fact is that whatever I am today is because of these shows. Today music directors at least give you time as you are from these shows. But nothing can be generalised," he adds. Actor Shabbir Ahluwalia, winner of a adventure reality show feels that if a participant is talented, how does the help from any one including the channel matter. "In fact he might get bound by a channel contract. The reality shows are of great consequence especially to those who are not from the industry as they not only help to provide a platform but also help them gain some footing," he says.