Shall kids be barred from participating in reality shows ?

Ankit Jain - Televisionpoint.com | Mumbai
So you have sung with them, voted for them, cried when they lost and cheered when they won. And not to forget, found them quite adorable. We're talking of the talented child participants on television reality shows.

But chances are that these little ones may not be allowed to participate in these shows. That is, if the recent recommendation of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), that says children below 16 years of age should be barred from participating in reality TV shows, gets implemented.

Long working hours, exposure to harsh lights and subjection to 'harsh, unnecessary and demoralizing' jibes from judges are some of the reasons behind the proposal. Televisionpoint.com talks to TV personalities to find out what they have to say about the proposal.

"Barring them from these shows is ridiculous and a serious infringement on one's right to choose one's path in life," says singer Sonu Niigaam.

Nodding his agreement, Gajendra Singh, producer and director of some of the popular music talent shows on TV like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Voice of India (VOI) and Chote Ustad says, "I feel sad about the situation. Each child has a passion, be it books, a particular game or music. So why curb that talent?"

Chips in Abhaas Joshi, a former participant of Voice of India, who later also hosted Chote Ustad, "One has to struggle to make it big." Abhaas participated in VOI when he was just 17.

One man who is happy with the proposal is singer Shaan. "I'm glad that this has happened. Children don't need to take this kind of stress, especially when there is academic pressure too," he points out.

And, what about long working hours? "It's from such shows that stars like Sunidhi Chauhan were born. Dedication and hard work is the key here," says Gajendra.

Chips in Sonu, "Would they have stopped Sachin Tendulkar from practicing under the harsh sun as a child under the strict supervision of his coach?"

Shaan who is experienced in anchoring reality shows is of a different view. "What is the hurry? Let them learn their skill better and participate when they are 17 or 18. Why do we want them to become breadwinners so early?"

Abhaas feels that the pressure to do well in most cases is from the parents side. Besides, he says, "I've seen children have a good time on the shows. Moreover, parents stay with them and accompany them to recordings, rehearsals etc."

On the judges being harsh, Sonu says, "Why don't they then take a look at our mundane education system and the heavy bags that tiny backs have to carry?"

Abhaas makes a point, "Don't teachers and parents scold children? Does that mean we should stop them from going to school?"

So, where lies the solution? Says Sonu, "There could be stricter guidelines for production houses to ensure an easier working environment for young talent."