Madhur Bhandarkar, the man who is equally known for his films and for the number of controversies he has been in is now seen as a sitting judge on Mr and Miss TV. The director of films like Chandni Bar, Satta, Page 3 talks to tellychakkar on Mr and Miss TV and raises the pertinent issue on why TV stars fail in Bollywood.

What made you take up Mr and Miss TV?

Some time back I had done Zee Cinestar Ki Khoj so reality shows were nothing new for me. The reason for taking up this show was firstly that it was a small commitment in terms of time and secondly I liked the concept. It’s different from other reality shows and the audiences need not wait long for the winner.

What is your judging criteria?

I’m very vocal with my comments. I look at the overall performance. The body language, the attire, interaction with audience and most importantly I judge them on the basis of their current act.

Do you think the current trend of reality shows is good for the medium?

Reality shows are big today. Definitely it’s the current trend and there is nothing bad about it. It’s the viewer’s choice. This is selling high in the Indian consumer market and is a fantastic mixture of audience and celebrities. Beside that the tag that films are bigger than television will also get eradicated. Many Bollywood stars are taking interest in such reality shows.

What use are reality shows as winners vanish soon after the show ends?

I agree that it is a draw back but in the end it’s the call of a production house and the channel. Personally I feel some immunity should be given to the winners of reality shows. They should be given a proper break in films or television depending on their talent.

Bollywood stars are easily accepted on television but TV stars are not acknowledged in Bollywood. Why?

Personally I feel TV actors are over exposed. Once the audience get habituated to see these actors for so many years on television then it becomes difficult to break the mould of that particular character. Audiences just cannot gulp the fact of seeing them for just three hours. TV stars are seen every day thus this makes the task difficult for them as well as for viewers to break that chain.