The trend has caught Nepali television channels too. In the past, Nepali TV shows were limited to programs like Bishwo Ghatna, Sunday Pop, Tito Satya and Hijo Aja ko Kura.
However, with the onset of reality TV shows, like Chham Chhami, Nepali Tara and Mega Model in the Nepali industry, not only have the young people been watching Nepali channels but also an increasing number of adults staying glued to the shows.
The reality shows are usually targeted at people who have particular interest in something but really don´t have platform to show-off. It is definitely not easy for people living in rural areas to record a song or an album to prove that they are singers or dance their way to success even though they might be great dancers. Reality TV shows invite such talents and welcome their endowment.
"I have always been interested in singing. Participating in Nepali Tara has proven to be a great achievement for me. Although I did not win the title, the outcome has been great," said Indira Joshi, a participant of Nepali Tara 1, a singing competition. "Such shows are great platforms to showcase your talent and are hugely encouraging. I think such shows should be supported," she added.
Participating in such talent hunts is not just about being rewarded with cash prizes or being materialistic. But the big deal for the contestants is to kick-start their career at some point of time.
Inspired by many international shows like American Idol and Indian Idol, Jhalak Dikhlaja, Chak Dhoom Dhoom and Saregama, among others, more people are coming forward to exhibit their talents.
Even though the stage isn´t very big, Nepali reality shows do serve their purpose. "The main objective of reality TV shows is to look for talented people who have not yet been found," Dipak Limbu, winner of Nepali Tara 1, says. While talking about their caliber, he further expressed that such programs do lack quality when compared to the international programs and the capability also differs because of poor investment. "Small though they are something is better than nothing."
Reality shows have their own niches but what makes the companies and people wanting to invest in such shows?
"The market for reality shows is growing and we have to catch with the new trend whatever may be the public demands," said Sushama Gautam, chief producer, at the state-owned television - Nepal Television (NTV).
"Sponsoring Chham Chhami was a bit hard because of the hefty amount it required but the returns are quite stable and we do plan to come up with other similar ideas," she added.
With the demand for reality shows growing among the viewers and sponsors striving to cash in on such events, it is quite obvious that such shows will be popping up on our television screens more often than not.
The rising number of viewers exemplifies that the success of such reality shows is unambiguous. The program is gaining popularity among different age groups.
"I never watched Nepali channels except the news, of course, but nowadays they play really nice shows like Cham Chami. It is great to see Mithila Sharma on television and it is fun to watch people participating in the show," says Seema Rana, 44.
Although the ideas are somewhat copied right out of the international market, it is nevertheless a good start; the shows are finally starting to meet the spectators´ expectations.
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