Another striking difference between the American and the Indian version of the Idol is the horrible way we stretch the show and the so-called suspense to squeeze in an unending number of advertisements. The elimination rounds here are sheer torture and display an utter lack of consideration for the viewers as well as the participants by refusing to divulge the names of those voted out. So it goes like ‘ek aur break ke baad’ for ever and ever and ever…

 

For heaven’s sake, don’t you realize that you are stripping your show of its dignity by indulging in these low tactics to gain more time? With the American Idol, the elimination rounds are compact and there is a perfect proportion of suspense which makes the show fun to watch.

 

The attitude towards the judges by the participants is again radically different in both the shows. In the Indian idol, the respect showed towards the judges’ borders on servile veneration. Everything the judges’ say is accorded with the status of the gospel or the sayings of the Gita. If any of the contestants shows the slightest disagreement with the opinions of the judges, then God help them. The judges’ come down heavily on the contestant and slight the person for ever after on the show. The whole show seems to be highly influenced by the ‘guru-shishya’ tradition of ancient times where the guru is placed on a pedestal and worshipped.

 

I have nothing against our cultural traditions of bestowing respect where needed but it seems to be a bit misplaced in the context of this show. In this respect, too, I like the spirit exhibited on the American Idol. The judges’ views are treated with the due respect, but participants have the room to retort with their own cheeky repartees and opinions. This imparts a healthy and modern feeling to the show where even a common contestant can express his/her individuality.

 

Even though the voting mechanism has to be the same in both the formats, the reaction to the system is drastically different in the Indian Idol and the American Idol. The judges in American Idol do admit that the viewers should be more careful with the voting, but they usually leave it at that as they respect the rules they themselves have created. In the Indian Idol program, the judges have a complete session of berating and abusing the audience that has so obviously voted the wrong person out. I agree that the population of our country is sometimes unfair with their voting and encourage contestants based on personal preferences rather than quality, but then this is what the show is all about.

 

You (the creators of the show) obviously want the money from our smses or phone calls which is why you have the inherently faulty voting system intact. The only decent thing to do is to at least take our money and keep your mouths shut. A mild reproof is okay, but please do not descend to low vulgarities. If you feel so strongly about true talent being recognized, then turn the spotlights on yourselves and do away with the public voting system. Simple solution, isn’t it?

 

To put it in a nutshell, the Indian version of the program will have to go for a revamping to create the kind of hysteria that American Idol does. Let’s wait and watch….