A reality check for kids’ dance shows

Last week the Information & Broadcasting Ministry issued an advisory to all private satellite TV channels for appropriate representation of children in dance-based reality shows. The channels have been told to avoid showing kids in indecent, suggestive and inappropriate manner. Considering that programmes like Super Dancer and Dance India Dance Li’l Masters are extremely popular and rate among the top five, it will be interesting to see how this cautionary note will impact them. 

After all, these shows rely heavily on Bollywood songs and dances, which may or may not be suitable for children when it comes to the moves, lyrics, costumes or expressions. We spoke to a cross section of people from the TV industry who are involved with dance shows to understand what the advisory means to them.      

A WELCOME MOVE

Channels, judges and people associated with dance shows have welcomed the move. As Aparna Bhosle, Zee TV, Business Head says, “It’s an excellent advisory and we are happy to adhere to its guidelines.” In its statement Sony states, “As a responsible broadcaster, we comply with the guidelines of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the advisory of the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) on the participation of children on television shows. All parties involved in the production of our shows have been made aware of the importance of compliance with the guidelines and adhere to the same diligently.” 

FINE LINE BETWEEN CUTE AND VULGARITY

Filmmaker Anurag Basu, who has been judging Super Dancer for three seasons, says that it is the jury’s responsibility to draw the line. “If we object, they will not do it. Several times over the seasons, I have told them to correct their mistakes and come back. Sometimes, choreographers are responsible, they are natural dancers and might do it unknowingly while teaching the kids who imitate them. But some of the choreographers are very conscious.” He adds that some of the parents who bring their children for auditions are also accountable. “We reject them. But once kids come on the show, it is the responsibility of the creative team, choreographers and judges. What looks cute on a child can look vulgar at a certain age,” he says. Agrees, dancer and choreographer Marzi Pestonji, who has judged Dance India Dance Li’l Masters. He says there is a fine line between cute, nice and vulgar. “The choreographer has to keep these parameters in mind while teaching children. They have to be careful about not crossing that line because it is a televised show and other kids are watching it.

(From L-R) Jay Bhanushali, Marzi Pestonji, Anurag Basu and Faisal Khan

However, it’s the creative team that takes the final call before it goes on air and they can correct it if it’s not right, which they have been doing because people have raised this point earlier, too,” he informs.  

BLAME THE SONGS

Jay Bhanushali, who has hosted several seasons of Dance India Dance, says that instead of just making the dance shows accountable, songs too, should be scrutinised. “There has to be a surveillance on what kind of songs are being made. If you take 100 tracks, you will have to delete 90 of them! But yes, from now onwards everyone associated with dance shows will see to it that those songs that are disturbing will not be used,” he adds. Faisal Khan, who had been a contestant on DID Li’l Masters at the age of 12 and went on to do several shows and serials concurs with Jay. “Songs that are vulgar shouldn’t be made. Not just on shows, otherwise also, children hear them and can imagine anything. I remember when I participated as a child in a show, I wanted to do a couple’s dance, but the idea was rejected because it wouldn’t look nice at that age. We also weren’t allowed to use songs like Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Maar Khan) and Chikni Chameli (Agneepath),” he reveals.

However, Anurag feels that unknowingly the lines are being crossed as most of the numbers, music, lyrics and dance steps are made for adult actors and kids are doing it.

IT IS SUBJECTIVE

While the advisory will make all people concerned with dance shows more conscious about the songs and steps, Anurag points out that the problem will be in the implementation. “It is a very subjective thing. Even now among the judges we have arguments. When I say it’s not right, somebody feels it’s fine. Kuch logon ko vulgar lagta hai, others don’t. It is a tough thing to decide. Nevertheless, since it is official it will become less difficult for us,” he concedes.