With numerous television shows launching regularly, audiences are spoilt for choice. While the content needs to be appealing, it is the beautiful anchor that steers the show, with an idea of holding and keeping the audience’s attention. In rare cases, a smart and handsome male also does the trick but it is mostly female anchors/hosts who have been at the fore in this particular area. Be it singing, dancing, or any other form of reality-based programmes, their presence has become a must and at times, it even decides the popularity of a show.
Bengaluru Chronicle reports on this trend while getting popular TV anchor and noted serial actor Swetha Chengappa to delve into her experience anchoring a kid’s dance reality show — Dance Dance Juniors second season.
“My first venture as a TV anchor/host started with a dance reality show which was followed by a female-oriented reality game show Yariguntu Yarigilla, which lasted three seasons. Then I got busy with Bigg Boss and Maja Talkies. Though I kept getting several offers, I could not pursue them thanks to Maja Talkies. I have finally managed to get back to hosting. This time, it has been even more special as it involves talented children,” says Swetha Chengappa.
“The audience tends to forget a popular film star after a film starts failing. But anchor/hosts enjoy popularity for a long time because they share a special bond with the audience regularly. Earlier, anchors would only present the show but these days anchors play a major role overall. Their lively presence and witty remarks keep the show running. This is why most of the popular shows retain female anchors/hosts. There are even cases wherein the poor performance of a host has led to sudden replacements,” says Suresh, a TV serial director.
Swetha has been in the TV industry for over 12 years, right from her debut serial — Sumathi, thereafter Kadambari, Sukanya, Arundathi, Sangeetha and Soundarya, playing the title roles, most of which crossed at least 1,000 episodes. Apart from being a finalist in the second season of Bigg Boss, she had even played the female lead in Kodava film, Naa Puttna Mann which won the State Film Award in 2010-11. About being an anchor/host, she feels that there is stiff competition. “I started as an actor, and then graduated to anchoring popular shows. I had to work very hard and prove myself. These days, success comes instantly and there is more stress on promotions for new shows. I am glad that I took up Dance Dance Juniors, Season 2, which has been a memorable journey so far. The exposure young talents are getting on TV is a phenomenon. They bring energy, and their hardwork amazes me,” Swetha adds.
She feels that anchors/hosts shoulder a huge responsibility — to keep the shows lively and attractive. Known as Karnatakada Sose, for playing more than half-a-dozen characters relentlessly as the daughter-in-law, Swetha recollects how she missed many film offers. “It is mostly due to my commitments and popularity that kept me away from films. When I look back, I sometimes feel the pinch. Many a times, producers of shows would request me to not quit shows as it would mean a loss in popularity. The 13 year journey has been wonderful and I still get appreciation and love and that keeps me satisfied,” shares Swetha Chengappa, who has bagged at least 28 awards for her TV ventures, both as a TV anchor and artiste.
