Trends in Indian entertainment and TV shows have shown a gradual metamorphism over the years. There was a time in the early 2000’s, when soaps and serials dominated the audience. Reality shows have evolved in the last 15 years or so, starting with the old good programme Kaun Banega Crorepati back in 2001. Today, reality shows have a higher TRP than the soaps and serials, as people have learnt to believe in realistic happenings rather than imaginative stuff. Live programmes, quick-time voting and the participation of the viewers in the programmes are the key hallmarks of the contemporary realty shows.
Scroll down to have a look at the top ten reality shows of India that you can switch to.
- Comedy Circus on Sony TV – It’s all about the jokes
Starting a decade back in 2007, this reality show has undergone several sessions and mini-sessions over the years. In spite of having a blast at the very outset, the popularity dipped in the middle for a short phase due to the lack of innovation. Still, it continues to have tremendous support from the viewers. The show revolves around some popular jokes that have a deep-rooted base in the hearts of the audience. Actors and comedians like Krishna, Paresh, Krushna and Kapil have risen to the contemporary status through this show. Archana Puran Singh still entertains the viewers with the doses of laughter.
- Sach Ka Saamna on Life Ok – Reveal the truth
The innovative lines of the reality show made it an instant hit in Indian entertainment. It is all about lie detection using technology. The programme was conceptualized from Moment of Truth, a popular American reality show. Although it landed up in controversy from some sections of the critics due to the personal questions asked in public, it has got a good TRP. The participants are asked certain questions and the answers are verified using a lie detection mechanism. Although the machines are not always correct, the reality show continues to be among the top reality shows in India due to its concept.
- Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on Zee TV – The grand singing competition
This programme started in 2005 as a singing competition. The format has changed over the years, as the judges used to decide the winner in the initial days. Later, the public voting mechanism was incorporated in determining the winner. The programme for juniors, ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs’ made it even more popular, where young talents from all over the country enjoyed a wide platform for viewership. Bollywood singers like Vaishali Mhade and Raja Hasan had got their first exposure through this programme.
- India’s Got Talent on Colors – The mixed bag of talent
India is one of the 35 countries that adopted their versions of the popular foreign show, ‘Got talent’. Group dances, solo dance performances, painting, singing and even stunts-this show presents a mixed bag of talent to the viewers. Starting in 2009, the reality show has experienced a smooth ride till now. The variety of talents adds spice to the show, with thousands of viewers hooked to their television sets.
- Indian Idol on Sony TV – The first platform for solo singers
This is one of the oldest reality shows in India, although the concept has been adopted from elsewhere, just like most of the programmes. The distinction of the reality show lies in the fact that it was the first programme meant exclusively for the solo singers in India. Young talent got the much-needed exposure, thanks to this platform and the judging panel has been unquestionable till date.
- Dance India Dance on Zee TV – The best reality show on dance performances
Dance India Dance is undoubtedly the most popular reality shows, based exclusively on dance performances. Dance lovers remain glued to the TV sets during the programme, and the judging panel is really awesome. Apart from the solo dancers, other programmes for couples and kids have made it popular. Even a new version for the mothers have been arranged, boosting it with a new flavour. The main attraction is the filtering process of the candidates by the judges, who then train up the picked ones.
- Jhalak Dikhla Jaa on Sony TV – For celebrities and choreographers
This is another popular dance reality show, where celebrities from different arenas can participate and compete. Each of them is paired with a choreographer and they perform before the viewers. The judging mechanism involves both public voting and the decision taken by individual judges. It has become one of the most popular TV shows and has got a good TRP.
- MTV Roadies on MTV – Twelfth hit on the trot
This is one of the most popular and oldest reality shows in India, to be precise, twelve successful episodes have been enjoyed by the masses. This programme targets the youth and has cemented its place in the heart of the audience, considering the participation, judgement panel and feedback. With Esha Deol, Karan Kundra and Ranvijay Singh as the judges, this programme attracts thousands of viewers across the country.
- Bigg Boss on Colors – The most controversial reality show
It may be the very concept of the programme that has made it a controversial hit. A selected bunch of celebrities is enclosed in a house and are not entitled with the comforts of friends, family, TV or even time. However, the judges watch them through cameras fitted in the house all the time. The show is simple but challenging, and participants like Vindu, Raageshwar and Sameer Soni have sprung back to the best of their careers, thanks to this show.
- Kaun Banega Crorepati – The oldest reality show in India
Hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bacchan, this show continues to be among the best reality shows in India. The programme is based on a UK-based TV game, ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’. The first session was hosted back in 2000-2001, and still, the programme attracts millions of viewers across the country. The popularity of the programme lies in the fact that the common people enjoy the chances to win crores of money, rather than the celebrities. It is a question-answer based programme, more like a quiz session.
With these programmes entertaining the masses over the past few years, reality shows in India look promising in the decades to come. Innovation and talent rules the game in these shows. Hopefully, you have already found your favourite show among these.
