Television production company Big Synergy has seen a growth of 450% in the last four years. Starting in 1989, Big Synergy has produced more than 30 series for television, including shows such as Kaun Banega Crorepati, Mastermind India, University Challenge, India?s Child Genius, Bluffmaster, Heartbeat etc. It?s current programmes on air? include Godrej Kelo Jeeto Jiyo, Sach Ka Saamna (SKS) and Aap Ki Kacheri on Star TV. It recently entered a joint venture with Adlabs Films. No surprise perhaps then that was invited to produce SKS. Siddhartha Basu, Chairman and Managing Director, Big Synergy, explains why SKS should be aired and the future of Indian television content to Arunima Mishra. Excerpts:
Where do you think the appeal of SKS lies? Given the furore in the Parliament over it, why should it not be banned?
A lot of effort has been put to make SKS an emotional encounter with the realities of the society. It is a thought-provoking show, which forces you to acknowledge what is going on in the hearts and minds of common people. Most of our viewers have acknowledged that this show is about understanding ourselves and relationships. A show meets its natural death if it has not created enough interest. The language is clear and to the point and the tone is not judgmental or offensive. The participants are not forced to reveal any sensitive information. Also it is the choice of the public to watch the show. With changing times the society has transformed a great deal and is mature enough to acknowledge the realities around. Banning and censorship are not going to erase such aspects of our society.
Why do you think Indians want both, to see such programmes and yet also protest against them?
The sizeable viewership that SKS has attracted suggests the content has acceptance. Those who are outraged obviously have no tolerance for such open admissions of truth, and would like to dictate what people can read, watch and hear.
The source for a majority of Indian television?s reality shows is the US. Where is the content of Indian television heading? Especially considering that the US TV has often been accused of dumbing down content?
After Fifth Grader, this is the second American format Big Synergy has done in decades, and I?m not aware of many American formats doing the rounds in India. In the Indian TV space, there is bound to be a percentage of dumbed down content, as in any other mass media.
How many seasons are yet to come for the show? Are the TRPs satisfactory?
Star will take this decision depending on the response. As for the TRPs, any less would have been disappointing, given the emotional impact of the show and the promotion by Star.
How was SKS conceptualised? Why did Big Synergy pitched in for the production?
Star was keen on doing it, and we didn?t have to pitch, as we were invited to produce it. We took it up as it had the potential for an impact and relevance in India.
