Script or no script, Deepak Dhar believes in keeping the audience hooked. Over the years, as the CEO and MD of Endemol Shine India, Dhar has been dabbling with a variety of formats across channels. From Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi to MasterChef India , he leads a team that brings international reality shows in local flavour to our living rooms. Dhar has also dealt with fiction but not with as much success. Remember Yuddh , the TRP war that Amitabh Bachchan lost? Recently, Endemol ventured into digital space with ALT Balaji, when it created yet another fiction series The Test Case.
What inspired you to create The Test Case for ALT Balaji?
When the Indian Army opened positions for women being eligible for combat roles, we thought it could be a great story to narrate. We put the entire script together and took it to ALT, they loved it. We immediately approached Nimrat Kaur because we couldn't see anyone else pulling off a role that was so tough, both mentally and physically.
Is there a significant shift of audience from television to internet?
Habits are changing. People are consuming content on television, a traditional medium, which is not getting disturbed. But newer audience is coming to newer platforms, so we see it as a healthy mix growing over time.
Don't you think the audience might get bored with too many seasons of Khatron Ke Khiladi and Big Boss ?
I don't think so. These are formats which are annual in nature. Across the world, Big Brother and Fear Factor has gone beyond 20-25 seasons. In India, we are still at the 10th season going into the 11th one.
Why not produce something original?
While we are bringing international formats, we are constantly creating originals as well. Endemol produced The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. It was as original as it can get. We produced Chak Dhoom Dhoom , a dance show. We are currently producing Chhote Miyaan which stand-up comedy show by kids. So a lot of original stuff is happening as well, which has nothing to do with international format.
The Voice India has emerged as a disruptive force among the music based reality shows. How has the response been?
Shows like The Voice India and Big Boss stand out differently amongst other reality shows, firstly because of their formats, which have been proven over last 8-9 years. The Voice India is one of the most popular singing formats across the globe. The blind auditions, judging a contestant on his voice and not his face make it unique. It is the first time that judges and the mentors are playing a very critical part. The track record of The Voice in its first two seasons has been very encouraging.
