Is Fiction The New Truth?

Reality shows on national television is the new TRP trend. For close to 10 years now television has been ruled by actors (for the lack of a better word) doing everything but 'acting'. From proving that they are the next dancing superstar to getting married on public television to fighting out behind so-called closed doors.

Reality shows have always been in the midst of controversies. Are these shows scripted or are they really real? People have their own share of ideas and opinions. Arguments make the audience believe that celebrities are paid to fight and abuse. Whereas, shedding buckets full of tears are a sure shot way to gain public sympathy.

As opposed to all the media write-ups that fight the case in favour of reality shows, it is always evident that the real talent lies in telling sob-stories. The greater the crisis, the more popular you would be with the audience. Celebrities participating in these shows claim that all is true and real. But then who pays for the real thing? Are we to believe that all celebrities are endorsing charity? Are we to believe that celebrities take the centre stage to prove their talent? But the fact remains that each celebrity participating in a reality show quotes their amount.

To believe their word proves even more difficult when celebrities, within a span of two years, change their statements. Recent discovery was the whole Rakhi Sawant Swayamvar controversy. Post the show and the subsequent engagement break-up, the only question that ruled media channels was, "Why did Rakhi Sawant break her engagement?"

Rakhi Sawant went on Aap Ki Adalat to claim that the show was real and she wished to marry and thus went on the show. Hardly two years down the line she went on All Most Famous and claimed that the whole show was scripted and marriage was never on the cards. Similar cases can be found strewn across media reports where celebrities contradict themselves and create a bigger confusion regarding the authenticity of these shows. 

For channels, reality shows are a TRP jump, specially if there is a controversy revolving around the show. For housewives its a way to while away time and a subject for gossip. For celebrities, its additional money. But for the limited masses who utilize the television for a little more than mindless entertainment, its a waste of money and a huge black box that occupies unnecessary space.

From telefilms and memorable shows like Nukkad, Hum Log and Buniyaad to Rakhi ka Swayamvar and Big Boss and its n number of seasons, television is truly a fiction medium where all that meets the eye is plain and simple lies.