Reality show scriptwriter Manoj Muntashir, is the name behind Kaun Banega Crorepati, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Masterchef India and other top-rated shows. He tells us all that goes into making your favourite reality shows”
What does scripting a reality show involve?
The most challenging part about scripting a reality show is thinking on your feet. You have to sound like your anchor. It doesn’t matter how amazing writer you are, if you do not justify the character and the space of your anchor, you are a failure. You basically live a parallel life to the show’s anchor and keeping that in mind and his or her appeal to the audience, you can’t afford to go wrong.
How real are reality shows in India?
None of the reality shows I have written for have been rigged. For me, it’s 100 per cent real. You’re under so much scrutiny that you can’t manipulate things and the audience too is way smarter than that.
Tell us about your experience on Jhalak.
Jhalak is like a mad set full of energy and insanity. Judges like Karan and Madhuri Dixit, are so grounded, despite their stature. Their humility makes the show lively .
How did you become a writer for TV?
My father thought I will not do anything in life as I stuck to my aspiration of being a writer. My in-laws too refused to let me marry their daughter initially. My initial years in Mumbai were spent on roadside; and there were days we slept on an empty stomach. And then reality shows happened. And when Shreya Ghoshal’s Humnasheen became a chartbuster, my words reached so many hearts.
