History with a pinch of salt
History first: For shows like Jodha Akbar, around 60 per cent of the show is based on pure history
Historical shows that are ruling the roost on TV these days are mostly accurate with a pinch of masala thrown in for entertainment value
Historical soaps seem to be the flavour of the day. After the popular Jodha Akbar and Maharana Pratap, shows like Razia Sultan, Ashok Samrat and Singhasan Battisi have joined the bandwagon.
But where do these shows stand in the TRP war? Has the Indian audience suddenly shifted to period dramas from saas-bahu serials? Also, how accurate are these shows, historically speaking?
Programming head at Zee TV, Namit Sharma, says, “In a way, Zee is the trend-setter for historical shows. When we started with the prime time show Shobha Somnath Ki, we put in our best. We have vast knowledge about historical shows as we have been doing them for some time now.
“The viewer always looks forward to some entertainment; also seeing the culture and history of their own country makes them feel nice. These are family shows and kids learn from them too.”
More importantly, viewers love to watch huge shows with grandeur. It’s like a comic book kind of a staple knowledge; therefore historical shows have become popular.”
Talking about the accuracy of the shows, Namit adds, “A lot of research goes into the shows. Around 60 per cent is pure history while the rest is added for entertainment value. Like in Jodha Akbar, we are showcasing their love from their childhood days. Similarly with Jhansi Ki Rani, we are showing the story from her childhood days. Historical trivia with a pinch of entertainment is liked by everyone.”
“We also ensure that costumes are authentic as treatment needs to go hand in hand with drama for viewers to connect with the show.”
Abhimanyu Singh of Contiloe Entertainment Private Ltd says, “I remember when we started Jhansi Ki Rani, everyone wanted to know her life story. People love to watch mythology and historical shows and thus we get a large viewership. These historical shows teach lessons to the younger generations… TRP does matter and there is a set of loyal audiences who love to watch these shows.
“While thrillers, soaps and comedy shows are doing well, the historical ones are more popular… We are keen on presenting these shows truthfully. For example the Haldi Ghati war has been shown as per history, only then will the audiences like it.”
Meenakshi Sagar, producer of Akbar Birbal, says, “We have a very good research team in place.
“Also, it would not be too much to state that these historical shows have made a stupendous come back on Indian television. Along with history we see to it that the show has equal amounts of entertainment value... innovative ideas along with documented history definitely brings the show to life and the viewership also increases…which translates to higher TRPs.”
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