Unscripted drama

Raghu Ram (left) and his twin brother Rajiv Laxman

Known for creating various reality shows and speaking his mind, Raghu Ram of the Raghu-Rajeev duo says it is reality shows that can bring change in the content on the web. Best remembered for “Roadies”, he will be seen in the Amazon Prime’s new reality show “Skulls and Roses”. Featuring a bunch of youngsters on a secluded island, it combines romance and adventure in a competition-based format

Excerpts:

How do you think your new show “Skulls and Roses” is different from your earlier ventures?

The level at which it is different is its entertainment factor. This is a new genre that we are creating. It has glamour, sensuous elements and it is gritty. It is at a different level from wherewe have not gone till now. It has all the elements which we have gathered from our experience with youngsters, and it will reflect how our youngsters are thinking these days.

What do you think about the youth of today?

The youth now has a lot more exposure compared to when we were of their age. They are much more confident, aware and open. Time changes but youth has always been rebellious. They always want to express themselves the way they want. Today's youth is confident and we have also evolved with time with them. It was a learning process.

In the age of social media where our real lives are on display, how do you think reality shows are relevant?

The strength of reality show as a format is that they come in seasons and they can adapt much faster than a fiction show, which is committed to a certain storyline. There are certain tools of storytelling in reality shows through which we can adapt very easily. A show like “Skulls and Roses” is a step in that direction. It is a new wave of unscripted drama. Art of any kind works only when it is talking about the time we live in.

Out of all your creative endeavours which include “Roadies”, writing a book, acting and songs, what defines you the most?

What defines us is our ability and willingness to venture into a new territory. Be it with “Roadies” or “Splitsvilla”, both were one of a kind and also first of their kinds. “A.I.SHA My Virtual Girlfriend”, which was the first digital fiction show in India is first to be in its third season. “Skulls and Roses” is also the first unscripted drama in India. Be it the book, song lyrics or acting in films, it is about us charting to places where we never went and those are the areas which are out of our comfort zone. One can possibly fail but that is where the magic happens.

How do you think it is important as an artist to be politically aware?

It is not just about an artist, it is about everybody. One year ago, I stopped discussing politics in public because I realised we Indians are not enemies of each other. I can differ even with my father politically but I get along with him. I have noticed when we talk about politics, we get into fights. Over the years, I realised it is better to connect with the positive side of everybody. As an artist, if you want to be heard, you should talk and if you don't want, you should stop. It is not necessary to colour your art with your political opinions.