Reality Bites: Rebuked show participant reveals all

NOTHING REAL ABOUT IT: Shinjini says that the reality on reality shows is all a sham.

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New Delhi: In India, talent shows on TV are putting children in danger of too much exposure and harsh criticism. Shinjini Sengupta - a teenager who was partially paralysed after she was rebuked and humiliated on national television by reality show judges - speaks for the first time after recovery and relieves the trauma to CNN-IBN. Her case was the catalyst for getting the Child Rights Commission to set guidelines that may be formalised in two-months time. Read on...

Sixteen-year-old Shinjini Sengupta made the national headlines when she was admitted to hospital, partially paralysed, after she broke down and was unable to take the humiliation of being rebuked on a talent hunt show.

"They didn't say anything bad, but it really hurt me. The words were a little harsh and that's why it hurt me so much,"says she.

Her case put the spotlight on the reality behind the reality shows, prompting the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to put together a set of guidelines including prescrining punitive action for show producers if a child was harrssed.

The commission has set an age limit for participants and has also put the onus to a large extent on parents as well.

"I wouldn't blame the parents because my parents did not force me anytime or for anything," says Shinjini.

The commission is also reccomending that pre-scripted drama be cut out.

Music Director Lalit, who has been a judge of a reality show, admits show producers do indulge in a bit of pre scripting sometimes to add that extra masala.

"It happens to a very limited extent. For example, they would tell us that the show needs to be picked up a little here and there," he admits.

Shinjini however, says that the reality is all a sham.

"It's all calculations and everything is prompted and all," she reveals.

She says she is not sure if she ever wants to participate in a reality show again. "I have to complete my studies. I have given a written promise to my principal that I will study. I just did this because I wanted to dance and I enjoyed it," says she.

Experts feel Shinjini and children like her should be left alone to to do what they want and not be pressurised into participating in competitions and shows.