Television channels never cease to experiment with their content to win maximum viewership, especially in the case of reality shows. There have been shows based on music, dance, acting, and cooking; and those for families, for the young, for the old; those featuring celebrities… Asianet Plus has now zeroed in on tiny tots. The channel’s new show, ‘Raaree Raareeram Raaro...,’ has kids and their mothers as participants. The programme is produced by Shamnad Puthussery, content head of the channel, who had earlier produced ‘Viswasichalum Illengilum’ and ‘City Girls’ on Asianet. Shamnad, a state award-winning documentary filmmaker, tells us more about the show. Excerpts:
About the show
It is a show for children in the age group of three months to three years and their mothers. We have 30 contestants and all of them will win prizes. The show captures the beautiful bonding between the mother and her child, the love and affection they share. There won’t be any marks or elimination. As children impress with their cute talk and talents, mothers will perform for their children.
But on what basis will do you judge a three-month old?
In the upcoming episodes you will see how a three-month-old can create magic before the camera. We do not force the child to do anything. Everything depends on the child’s mood. In fact, it is challenging and difficult to work with children. We’ve to be ready, waiting for them to dance or sing or say something so that we can capture those moments.
Selection process
There were lots of contestants for auditions held in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. It was difficult to select the 30 participants. But then we had to choose those mothers and children who bonded the best.
Judging panel
We don’t call them judges, but motivators. In the panel are actress Praveena, paediatrician Nitha, and child psychologist Elsy Oommen. We have a round on baby care where the mothers are asked 10 questions. New generation mothers are totally different from their mothers and grandmothers. So we have grandmothers on the show who give their opinions and suggestions.
As a documentary filmmaker
I have won the Kerala State award for four consecutive years for my works Kannerinte Gandham (Best Documentary 2008), Kanneerilum Kedatha Vilakkukal (Special Jury award 2009), Kochu Kadathukaran (Special Jury awards 2010) and Pardayidatha Viswasam (Best Documentary 2011). These films were based on the episodes I did for ‘Viswasichalum Illengilum’, a docu-fiction that showcased real-life incidents, some involving paranormal experiences. Since it was meant for television, we had to take into account the commercial angle as well. But when I made them into documentaries, I didn’t have to compromise on any aspects and presented the instances as they were.
‘Raaree Raareeram Raaro...’ is aired on weekends at 8 p.m.
