Cast your vote !

“Mujhe vote karne ke liye type kijiye XX aur bhej dijiye 58XXX. Reliance users dial kare XXXXX, BSNL users dial kare XXXXX ………….” , these are the common words uttered by every contestant in most of the reality shows. With the increasing popularity of reality shows, every channel is airing atleast 2-3 such shows. Singing takes the prime spot here with most of the channels in the hunt for the golden voice (eg- Indian Idol, Voice of India, Fame Gurukul, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Chote Ustaad, Little Champs). Then comes dancing and acting (eg- Nach Baliye, Jhalak Dhiklaja, Yeh hai jalwa). Then there are shows which test one’s ability to make someone laugh (eg- Champion chalbaz, Laughter challenge). Shows like Big Boss, Roadies ……. On one’s strategies, how well one can play politics, survival techniques etc. Also there are shows such as Lead India which is a platform for people with leadership, vision and passion to serve for public.

 

The popularity of reality shows is increasing day by day with more number of such shows with different themes being aired. These shows provide relief from the conventional saas-bahu soaps, some of which have completed even 5 years! One more positive aspect is that they provide opportunity for a common man to showcase his talent, along with entertaining the public.

 

Voting forms an integral part of many reality shows. “Please, please, please mujhe vote kijiye”, “Mujhe dhed saare vote bhejiye”, with such words, contestants can be seen pleading for votes. Each of these votes (generally in the form of a SMS or a call) costs anywhere between Rs. 3 to Rs. 6. This is not a small amount and anybody will think twice before voting. To add to it, you are expected to vote every week, otherwise your favourite contestant will be in the danger zone. The host of the show will then come to rescue and say “Ye abh danger zone me aa gaye hain, aur sirf aapka vote hi inhe baccha sakta hain”. Even though voting is kept with an aim to increase the viewer’s participation, charging for votes is not a good idea. I would suggest, if you can’t make them free, atleast reduce the cost. Instead of charging Rs.3 to Rs. 6, charge a nominal amount, say Rs. 0.5 or Rs. 1. That will definitely result in more people voting and fulfill the aim of more viewer participation, by at least ten fold.