Antics could not be denied in music-based reality shows: Hariharan

Bhopal, Oct 5 (UNI) Renowned singer Hariharan today said resorting to antics by television channels in music-based reality shows to maintain their popularity graph could not be denied.

Hariharan, who was here to take part in a programme organised by the Indian Music Academy (IMA), was speaking about whether various antics such as ego-clash among those on the jury panel was part of an exercise to raise Television Rating Programme (TRP).

IMA Spokesperson Durga Jasraj and cellular company Idea (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) head Rajendra Chourasia were also present at the press conference.

On selection of aspiring talents on the basis of SMS received during the programme, Hariharan said the method had both positive and negative aspects.

He said budding artists acquire name and fame easily through these reality shows. However, regionalism dominated such programmes because of voting through SMSes.

About changes that should be made in music-based reality shows, he said participants should be to sing songs based on original tunes besides film songs.

Replying to another question, he said music could not be divided as classical music or light music, as music touched people's heart.

Mr Jasraj said the academy was working for promoting music.

He thanked the Idea cellular company for coming up as a sponsor.

Mr Chourasia said normally sponsors came forward for light music and film music-based programmes. However, the Idea had decided to promote classical music.

Under this, 24 programmes would be presented in 22 towns and cities in the country including Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh and Raipur in Chhattisgarh.

UNI