T alk shows have dominated the itinerary oftelevision channels ever since television entered our drawing rooms. Asianet's ‘Nammal Thammil' is a one-hour talk show that has consistently maintained its TRP ratings, right from its first episode show beginning inception 16 years ago. The show's USP were its long-time anchor Sreekantan Nair and the diversity of topics that never failed to strike a chord with viewers. With extremely diverse topics and a fast pace in tune with the pulse of the public, in 2011‘Nammal Thammil' has completed 750 episodes. Aired on Asianet at 10 p.m. on Saturdays, the show went through a dramatic change recehad a major facelift when had a face change when its popular anchor left and was replaced first by actor Jagadeesh and later by the present anchor Arun. The new anchor, an experienced television host himself, talks about the show and the challenges he faces…
as he tathe challenges of the the programme fares without its signature super-talker.
The cConcept
One of the first programmes of Asianet, it was conceptualised as a talk show to discuss current issues on a wide range of topics. Right from its first episode in 1994, ‘Nammal Thammil' has remained a primetime favourite. I have watched it along with the rest of the world for several years, but never imagined that I would ever anchor the signature show of the channel that was cloned by all the other channels that mushroomed in Kerala.
Myriad issues
Heated discussions about a topic are unavoidable but, many a time, we let the viewer form his/her own opinion instead of airing a conclusion as the final word on an issue. The aim is to remain connected with the public and not polarise opinions in any manner. I have to ensure quick and short responses to keep up the pace of the programme. We have touched upon topics that are contemporary but as diverse as the Porotta mania of the Malayali to the fading art of Kathaprasangam, to the harassment and tragic death of Soumya, a train passenger.
Key attractions
The key attractions of ‘Nammal Thammil' have been its spirited participants and their exchanges, including banter, serious discussions, emotional responses and words from the heart.
The audience, the panel and the theme
The theme each week, the panel and the participants are chosen by the ‘Nammal Thammil' team. I also need to work behind-the-scenes for research and coordination. There is an excellent team who have been running the show all these years. Padmakumar has produced each one of the 750-plus episodes.
As the new anchor
I have been doing a few chat shows on other channels and was working with the Asianet News section when the offer came my way. I was rather nervous at first, because replacing a popular anchor like Sreekantan Nair was never an easy task. Weekends are still filled with stress when the programme goes on air, but so far, I am not unhappy with my performance since the TRP ratings of the programme have been steady and even risen for some episodes.
