If you love watching reality tv shows and have a thing for Bollywood and anushka shetty mother tongue, then chances are you’ll love these Indian reality tv shows! Reality television started in India many years ago, with the first Indian reality game show called “Roadies” which aired in 2005. Since then, the popularity of reality television has been steadily increasing. This list recaps some of the most successful and popular Indian TV Shows that you should check out.
1) Roadies:
The “quest for roadies” is a common phrase used to describe what it takes to become part of this rockstar team. This long-running Indian reality tv show sees contestants tested on their physical and mental endurance. The show’s format features a group of strangers participating in various tasks together and are eliminated at regular stages. The show’s journey has taken it all the way from scenic locations such as the picturesque Rann of Kutch to the mountainous terrains of Leh in Ladakh.
The show has stayed true to its roots and is hosted by Cyrus Sahukar, who is also known for his appearances in Bollywood movies. Apart from him, there are celebrity judges who also officiate during a few rounds of the game show.
The most recent season of this reality tv show was “Roadies Rising”. It premiered on March 23, 2015.
2) Fear Factor:
This reality television show is considered as one of the longest running reality shows in India. The show follows contestants from all walks of life, who take part in a series of physical and psychological challenges. The contestants are eliminated by completing tasks, or facing elimination by other means. It airs on Colors channel which has become popular for this kind of programming and is still going strong.
Fear Factor India’s latest season was Fear Factor Roadies, with host Raghu Ram being replaced by Akshay Kumar. Colors has also launched a new version of the show called Fear Factor: Khatarnaak, which premiered in May 2015 with comedian Ali Asgar as host, replacing Raghu Ram. Fear Factor continues to be popular, being aired for the ninth time on Colors only in July 2015.
3) MTV Close Up:
MTV called “Close Up” started as a short-lived reality special to celebrate its 25th anniversary but it soon turned into one of the most popular and longest running reality shows on India’s TV. The show features celebrities from various fields who take part in a ‘hidden camera’ styled series of tasks or stunts. Each episode features celebrity contestants hidden by paparazzi and are accompanied by MTV music producers and editors, who direct new songs based on their participation in the program. MTV’s reality show helps in creating buzz and excitement around the show, getting people talking about the celebrities and their antics.
4) Bigg Boss:
This reality show is based on the “Big Brother” format that has been so popular worldwide and features celebrities living together in a large house under constant video surveillance, while trying to avoid being evicted by viewers. The Indian version of this reality tv shows also include a series of tasks and challenges which often results in contestants being eliminated at regular intervals. “Bigg Boss” is hosted by Salman Khan who is assisted by co-host Supriya Pilgaonkar, who has replaced him from time to time.
5) Nach Baliye:
Nach Baliye is a dance based reality TV show which first aired in 2006. The show follows a format inspired by ABC’s hit American show “Dancing with the Stars”. Contestants are paired up with professional dancers who train them to compete in a dance contest. The winner of the show is decided based on public votes. These successful Indian reality TV shows have seen celebrities like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapur compete against each other for the title of “India’s favorite dancer”. The show has become a hit and has been airing for the seventh time on Zee TV in 2015.
6) Mission Namastey London:
This Indian reality TV show is based on Mission: Impossible and follows a similar format. The show features various contestants who compete in a series of missions, which include physical and mental challenges. Each mission is completed by eliminating one of the contestants via various means. The winner of each mission gets to go to London, where they get to meet with some of the world’s greatest crime-fighters. Season 3 was aired on SAB TV in 2015.
7) Balika Vadhu:
Balika Vadhu is a popular Indian reality tv show that was started in 2009 and follows the story of an eight-year old girl, who is forced to get married to an older man. The show follows her life as a child bride and tells her story of how she copes with her new responsibilities as a wife without losing sight of what she wants for herself. Star Plus launched its latest season I this reality TV show called “Udaan” on 21st November 2015.
