Thursday, August 6, 2009

The Truth Is Out There

The title of this post is borrowed from one of my all-time favorite shows: The X-Files. It was a cult show where all (female) fans lusted after Fox Mulder, and desperately prayed that Mulder & Scully would hook up by the end of the show – which unfortunately didn't happen.

The subject of this post, however, is quite different – the reality show ‘Sach Ka Saamna’, the Indian adaptation of ‘Moment of Truth’.

The show has created quite a controversy in India, to the extent that it was discussed even in the Parliament! Television shows are apparently more important than issues of national importance. Imagine that!!

The show was criticized for being anti-Indian “culture”, whatever that is!

I’m not even going to get into the “culture” argument here. I just have one point to make in this regard – as long as the participant, who is an adult, has no problems spilling out intimate details of his private life on national television, I don’t think anyone else should.

If you find the show offensive, don’t watch it. If you think it’s unsuitable for your children to watch, don’t allow them to.

In short, a group of people cannot dictate what the entire country gets & doesn’t get to watch.

My issue – or rather wonderment – is with the people who choose to appear on the show.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that the show host knows the most private details of the contestants' lives - things relating to their marriage, sex life, familial relationships, reproductive history etc. Questions that if answered “truthfully” (as decided by the polygraph) can break their homes. Obviously the contestants must be sharing such personal details with the people behind the show, before appearing on the show itself. What makes them do that??

A friend of mine said that fame and the desire to be on national television make people come on the show. I think that applies more to shows such as Roadies, Splitsvilla etc., and isn't the driving force as far as this show is concerned.

I think it’s money that gets people on this show. Which brings me to my question - are 5 or 10 lakh rupees worth devastating your entire life for?

I wouldn’t think so, but apparently there are people in this country that do!

2 comments:

Moonshine said...

I really think its fame.. Like you said 5-10lacs is not really worth spilling all these details about... Really not worth it!!!!

I am actually surprised at this show.. never thought such kind of questions would be put up to indian audience.. i thought it would be a subdued version of Moments of truth!

Scarlett said...

@Moonshine - In a way, the show might prove good for Indian society. We need to open up!