By Anil Merani: Remember the glory days? A few years back, Ghum Hai Kisi Key Pyaar Meiin was a shining star among India’s top-ranking TV shows. Its success was a testament to the captivating storytelling and compelling characters. But now, after the new leap, it has fallen to 1.5 TVR, a far cry from its former glory. This isn’t the standard we’re used to from Star Plus, which typically aims for its prime-time properties to hover around 1.7-1.8 minimum.
Undoubtedly, the early days of change might have offered some hope, but the producers (Cockrow and Shaika Entertainment) are certainly feeling the weight of the situation now. The channel honcho has likely issued a stern warning.
The makers are now faced with a clear task; they can no longer afford the luxury of character development. Instead, they must focus on delivering high-octane drama.
Already loyal Ghum fans were miffed by the creative call to replace the previous lead, Bhavika Sharma (they contended that the show needed freshness.)
But the fact that during the last generation, ratings continued to hover around two averages meant that despite changing heads and stories, audiences seemed to stick around.
But they left in drove once Vaibhavi Hankare took centre stage. Many fans question her acting ability and call her bland.
While this might appear harsh on the young girl, this is how the TV cookie crumbles. When numbers are down, there is no leeway; you either perform or perish. The show’s decline in ratings could have serious implications for its future. The pressure is on to turn things around.
Agreed, the writing is equally responsible, and the actor can only mouth lines given to them while still in lay view; the actor is accountable when things don’t work. Correspondingly, all the bouquets land on the actor when the show becomes a hit. The poor writer Hardy gets sung.
The fans are squarely blaming Vaibhvi for the slump. Did we not stick around when Ayesha Singh made way for Bhavika, for she was a good actor! the jury is still out on Vaibhavi. they say
Also, as some fans add, there is always too much emphasis on the leads. The talented supporting cast just fills up the canvas. This is ok, till your leads deliver, but once that factor is out (Early chem between Vaibhavi and Param Singh not worth writing home about) you hardly have anything left on your plate.
On the flip side, even if Ghum does go, it has already made its mark. It is no mean feat to have lasted so long. It made the careers of Ayesha and Bhavika and regained Neil Bhatt’s falling graces.
Every show also has an expiry date. The creatives may have already exhausted all their juices, and the current leap was a last Hail Mary effort to save the day.
Don’t get me wrong, it is not yet certain, but if the number do not perk up, then all bets will be off.
Sadly, Vaibhai is a relatively unknown commodity, so she can’t be used to tomtom. The new male lead Param Singh still has weight and can try to reignite viewer interest.
‘
