STAR One bets on ‘reality’ and ‘celebrity’

It’s a proven fact that reality sells on Indian television. And when it is mixed with ‘celebrity’, it reinforces the chances of success. STAR One is trying that very route with its new show, ‘Nach Baliye’.

The only difference is that this time, they are banking on television stars rather than the Bollywood biggies.

Sameer Nair, COO, STAR India, is confident about ‘Nach Baliye’ being the next big thing after ‘KBC’. He says, “There are a few things which make this reality show stand out. While other shows are basically talent hunts, ‘Nach Baliye’ has 10 celebrity couples from the television world competing with each other for the audience’s votes.”

Punitha Arumugum, group CEO, Madison Media, also seems positive about the success of the show. She says, “The audiences today are looking for variety. Their tastes are changing, and I think there is scope for such programmes.”

Arumugum, however, strikes a note of caution, saying that the packaging and presentation of the show will certainly play an important role in its success.

Kajal Malik, regional director, OMS, is of the opinion that the chances of success of the show would have been more if it had brought in Bollywood celebrities instead of television stars. She says, “Television stars are more known for their acting skills rather than their glamour quotient.”

However, she adds, “The show has the potential to generate a mixed response, if not to be a clear market leader, like other STAR One shows such as ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’. In fact, the behind-the-scenes banter and drama will certainly create curiosity, but I am not too sure about the stage performances.”

Nair of STAR India clarifies, “These celebrity couples are not trained dancers. In fact, this will make it more interesting as there will be excitement in watching them being trained and then performing on stage.”

The show will be aired at 9 pm, from Tuesdays to Thursdays, starting October 11. One couple will be eliminated each week, based on the votes, and the winning couple will be crowned the ‘Nach Baliye Champions’.

Nair of STAR India concludes, “STAR One is only 10 months old, and we are hoping that with this show, we can become the number two general entertainment channel, after STAR Plus.”

© 2005 agencyfaqs!