Escapism, Creative Satisfaction, Natural Progression or Just simple plain Fun….

Almost every other day, some or the other Reality show is hitting our screen. Stars and Actors are welcoming them with open arms, and so are the audiences. As actors, they always complain about the rigorous shooting hours, the way the industry works and how they hardly get time for themselves. So what is driving them to be part of such reality shows? Why do they participate in such shows where they have to further extend their working hours?

The trend of stars participating in reality shows, doubled in the recent past. As we had Nach Baliye Season One and Two, followed by Celebrity Fame GuruKul, Jhalak Dikhla Ja & who can forget the uproar and controversy Big Boss had brought, or the recently concluded Comedy Circus. They never lacked couples and actors willing to be part of such shows, to fight and sweat it out. Now another Reality show, Jhoom India has been added to the list. Lets try to find out the very reason, think over it, and try to figure out the inexplicable..lets go behind the curtains..

“All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality - the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to escape.”

Escapism: Are they running away from themselves? Somwhere at the back of their minds they have accepted Television as a "Job", where they get paid for their work. Acting which was an "Art" earlier, has now turned into a profession. Besides, they do the same thing all the time. Call it lack of ideas or lack of courage to try something different to satisfy their talent; their hunger. With their decision to be a part of Reality shows, they have found a medium within the industry where they can showcase their Talent; a “Hidden” one. This could be one of the reasons which is the driving force for them to take it up, despite the worst of shooting schedules.

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

Creative Satisfaction: We all know that 'Acting' is an artform; a creative one, and people in this field are usually inclined towards experimenting, and want to keep on growing. But when certain situations and scenarios create hindrances, and comes in between their growth, they try to find new horizons..just like a river which carves it way through valley and hills defying boundries. Dancing, Singing or Stand up acts, gives these actors a high, which their heart craves for. They have discovered a new platform; a stage to perform and showcase as to what they are capable of!

“What is fame? The advantage of being known by people of whom you yourself know nothing, and for whom you care as little.”

Natural Progression : Actors' participation in reality shows could be termed as natural progression as well; a step towards more Stardom and fame! If an actor is saleable and known, people will invest money, time and energy on him/her. It’s, sort of, a reward of the hard work an actor puts into their work. Everyone loves to get more adulation, fame and money and those who deny this fact, are just running away from themselves and defying the very Law of nature. “Survival of the Fittest” it is, as out of sight is out of mind. Audience memory is very short lived, especially in today’s world, where daily a new actor is being introduced with all glitz and glamour.

“If you want to get out of medicine the fullest enjoyment, be students all your lives.”

Just Simple Plain Fun : Some actors do reality shows, just to enjoy their Life & live to the fullest, as one never knows when their last day will be. They want to have fun in their hectic and demanding schedule, although they end up working as hard as they normally do or maybe more, while acting. The pressure is more, they have everything at stake and for the sake of TRP’s they had to do it all..from acting, to coming up with politically correct statements all the time; sometimes for themselves and sometimes, for their need to be in limelight and be loved all the time! Some couples take it up to spend some quality time together..another debatable issue.

Oscar Wilde quotes on Theatre :

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

Definition of Fun is based on one's choice as well, as some opt for the more serious medium, Theatre or Plays, where their acting skill needs to be perfect. One mistake and its over; there is no margin for error. One has be perfect, on one's toes all the time, as one can see and experience the immediate reaction of audiences' sitting infront. Though it is the least preferred medium as it may not garner the required media attention. Some opt for various sports and maybe this leads to the very existence of Cricket Club Boxy Boys.

Our Television actors are really fortunate and lucky to have such a medium, which gives them immense popularity, adulation and most of all an escape route to their boredom and stagnation. Even Movie stars are not that fortunate, they have to keep on working and if they opt for Television we say Television is Growing and not Silver screen!

What do you all think about this? Why do Actors love to work in Reality shows? What drives them towards it? Whatever the reason may be, we are not complaining as we are getting our daily dose of drama, suspense and emotions with our favourite’s actors on weekend as well! And their presence is not only limited to 5 days a week..we can have them on our screen all 7 days and that too without a break! We could not have asked for more!

Author : Nishtha, Ekta

picture credit : sweet_shagun