Remember Sandeep Acharya? He won the second edition of Indian Idol four years ago. However, once the hype died down and the flashbulbs retreated, Sandeep was left trying to enter the big, bad world of Bollywood… he’s still trying.
While reality shows provide a spot in the limelight, it’s up to the participants to work hard and use the platform for steady growth. Ashutosh Kaushik, too, has learnt to take struggle in his stride after winning Bigg Boss and Roadies. He says, “Even Shah Rukh Khan struggles to retain his position. I’m also trying my luck.” As he takes up acting classes and does the rounds of producers and directors’ offices, his dhaba in Saharanpur continues.
As reality shows spawn winners and losers, even if the fame is fleeting, the journey is a memorable one. Nouman Sait, who won Roadies 6, is trying to move up in the glamour lane, as brand ambassador of a denim brand. He admits, “Winning a reality show does get you more respect, even from family.”
For Sandeep, too, it’s not as if all was lost. The Rs 1 crore prize money helped the boy from Bikaner buy a flat in Mumbai.
Sourabhee Debbarma, who followed in Sandeep’s footsteps two years ago, also struggles to find a foothold. “The channel could have us participate in other reality shows, so that people remember us,” she says. And while being the only female Indian Idol is her calling card, getting a break has so far proved elusive.
When Harsh Vardhan Navathe became the first ever ‘crorepati’ on Kaun Banega Crorepati, reports later said he had slid into depression as constant public demands almost cost him his academic dreams. There have been happier stories, too. Actor Dharmendra started his career as the winner of a Filmfare talent show. Music director Shekhar Ravjiani (of Vishal-Shekhar fame), singers Kunal Ganjawala and Shreya Ghoshal used a reality show to come into the limelight.
Recently, Rahat Tasneem, a housewife who ran a stitching centre in Jharkhand’s small-town Giridhi, stunned India with her confidence when she won Rs 1 crore in this season’s Kaun Banega Crorepati. She recalls, “It was a junoon (obsession) to participate in Kaun Banega Crorepati. Each time I got a question right, my confidence grew. I plan to open my boutique and can give my two children the best.”
India’s first master chef Pankaj Bhadouria was pushed into auditioning for the show by her children. A teacher for 16 years, she quit her job when she was denied leave to participate in the show. Says the lady from Lucknow, “If the show hadn’t happened, I would have continued to cook for family and friends and enjoy their compliments. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.” After the reality show, comes the reality check… and if you can ride that out, you’re a true winner!
Anuradha Blogs 