Lots! That’s exactly why this institution is exploited to the fullest on TV. And now there’s going to be a three-crore shaadi on a reality show

Roshni K Olivera | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; February 17, 2011)

If a TV serial is going through a lull, what does the production house do to give it a boost? Well, insert a marriage track, a sure shot way to boost Television Rating Points (TRPs). It’s been the practice since the past two years and it continues to work; in fact now, even more than ever before.

Pavitra Rishta zoomed up to the number one spot as soon as Manav and Archana tied the knot. Chaand Chupa Badal Mein, Pratha, Phulwa, Geet and Saathiya too had dramatic wedding sequences and there was Gulaal, where the protagonist married her kid devar (what could be more dramatic than that?) There are more marriages…

Sanskar Lakshmi and Tere Liye are all ready with band, baaja and baraat. Serial-makers don’t mind spending on their wedding tracks because they believe it’s worth it. As producer-director Rajan Shahi, who’s had lavish weddings in his serials like Bidaai and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, says, “Marriage always sells on TV. People connect with the festivity and emotions involved.” Serials apart, reality shows too continue to feed audiences the shaadi ka laddoo, and the stakes here are only getting higher. Teen Crore Ki Shaadi is an upcoming reality show, where a real life couple planning to tie the knot will be chosen and More >