No, this is not about Oviya, Juliana or any of the housemates of Vijay TV’s ‘Bigg Boss.’ Neither is it about the Tamil version, vis-à-vis other ‘BB’ shows of the past and present, here and abroad. It’s about the host, who has chosen to enter the small screen with a bang with ‘BB’…
As a person who has interacted with Kamal Haasan several times in the past and observed him drop his guard on a few occasions, I sense that almost throughout his weekend appearances on ‘Bigg Boss,’ he is his spontaneous self. He once told me that he unwittingly tends to ape the modulation and mannerisms of persons he watches for a long time. “Senthil-Goundamani, for instance — I like their comedy but I have to constantly keep this tendency in check,” he had chuckled. I saw him doing just that on an episode in ‘BB.’ He was chatting with Bharani about the latter’s ouster from the show, and because both hail from Paramakudi, Kamal casually and comfortably slid into the dialect of the place, and typically so!
About a decade ago while we were on the subject of his having been conferred an Honorary Doctorate by Sathyabhama University, he frankly said, “I tried to reason with Jeppiar, but he would hear none of it. I’m a school dropout, so...” Was he embarrassed? “Of course,” he nodded.
I noticed the same genuineness on ‘BB’ when he mentioned to the two psychology experts on the show that he hadn’t gone beyond formal school education.
Frank talk
When cheering up Bharani, Kamal remarked, “Thinking that I was being funny I’ve sometimes offended people. But I’ve never hesitated to seek an apology.” Candour to the fore again! And that on a show which he knows is being watched arguably by crores of people.
Poet, lyricist and housemate Snehan’s attempt at dancing to the ‘Maanguyilae Poonguyilae’ number had Kamal in stitches. With eyes watering with laughter, he announced a break soon after.
His exasperation when Julie tried to maintain her lies and his helplessness when Oviya, who had to imitate an inmate without actually mentioning the name, began reading the slip aloud — all of these were unfeigned and true!
Only when his witticisms, innuendos, play on words and ingenuity seemed to go above the heads of the housemates, does he smile politely with restraint, before moving on.
Otherwise laughter, camaraderie, exasperation, controlled anger — none of these emotions of ‘Bigg Boss’ Kamal look affected. The multi-faceted actor easily eschews histrionics on ‘BB’ to play the perfect host!
Fresh look
Elimination round was done away with for this week. Bindu Madhavi has now entered the fray. Without giving a chance for even a slight lull, the channel has constantly been infusing freshness into ‘Bigg Boss,’ to keep Tamil viewers hooked to this reality meal served throughout the week, with weekend specials.
“Honestly, we didn’t expect this overwhelming response. The ratings have increased by more than 100 per cent. As you say the dynamics of the show keep changing. Our focus is on everyday drama in a household, a drama that can be watched by people of all ages. Sensuality that could make the audience squirm has no place here. We are aware of our responsibility. ‘BB’ is being telecast at 9 in the evenings, which is prime family viewing time,” says Krishnan Kutty, General Manager, Vijay TV.
“The inmates are living in a high-pressure situation. It isn’t easy. Their only window to the outside world is on Saturdays and Sundays when they meet Kamal Haasan on the show, for a couple of hours. The rest of the time they are left with their group, and with cameras watching them 24X7. I request the audience to be charitable to them,” he adds.
A tough proposition indeed!
