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Cool Reality Shows on TV

Last updated on: July 22, 2009 
Rakhi with one of the prospective grooms

Scripted or not, reality shows on television have become very popular. And they're being churned out quite regularly. So regularly in fact, that it's difficult to tell some of them apart.

We take a look at the latest reality shows that have hit our TV screens.

Rakhi Ka Swayamvar

Rakhi Sawant gets to choose the man of her dreams -- among several suitors -- on national television, and promises to marry him at the end of the show.

What to look out for in the show: Most of the prospective grooms look quite fake in the way they express their feelings to her. The show also has too many twists. Rakhi's close friends are invited to the show to help her choose the right man.

Knowing Rakhi, anything can happen at the finale. Who knows, we might even witness her ex-boyfriend Abhishek Awasthi or Mika Singh making a wild card entry! What if the chosen one backs out on the D-day stating family reasons and leaving Rakhi stranded and heartbroken?

USP: The USP of the show is Rakhi Sawant. Don't be surprised if she remains single even after this Swayamvar.

Catch Rakhi Ka Swayamvar on NDTV Imagine, Monday-Friday at 9pm

Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao

Last updated on: July 22, 2009 
Hosts Mini Mathur and Yudisthir

Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao is based on the international show, I Am A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. It is also a mix of Bigg Boss, Fear Factor, MTV Roadies and Sarkar Ki Duniya (Survivor).

What to look out for in the show: Ten celebrities camping in a jungle have to perform adrenaline driven tasks in order to survive. Only performance will ensure the availability of basic things like food.

The regular controversies follow the show. Akashdeep Sehgal didn't appreciate the fact that during a certain task, he was stung by insects all over his neck. Word is, all the contestants are quite upset with the incident, and may even threaten to walk out.

Palak, most unpopular contestant of MTV Hero Honda Roadies 6, is back to entertain everyone with her antics on this show. She was seen gossiping with co-contestant Fiza over Shweta Tiwari's image and clothes in Bhojpuri films. She also referred to Chetan Hansraj as a sandh (bull) while he was taking a shower. Later she was seen arguing with Akashdeep to save her new friend Fiza and broke down immediately after a heated argument to gain some sympathy.

The jungle looks like a dark studio enhanced with wooden decor.

USP: The tasks are scary and challenging.

Catch Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao on Sony Entertainment, Monday to Thursday at 10 PM.

Sach Ka Saamna

Last updated on: July 22, 2009 
Rajeev Khandelwal

The Indian version of The Moment of Truth will be privy to lot of revelations as the contestants are asked very personal and edgy questions. It's not as easy as it appears as each question opens a closet of secrets, which are usually very uncomfortable for the contestant and his family present.

If he manages to answer all 21 questions truthfully, he will take home the winning amount of Rs 1 crore.

What to look out for in the show: The show is quite gripping, as the contestant ploughs through the questions.

Host Rajeev Khandelwal looks composed and does a pretty good job. The show is further spiced up by celebrity guests like Vinod Kambli, Urvashi Dholakia, Raja Chaudhary and Bobby Darling.

USP: This is one of the few shows with no public voting. And it's something never tried before in India.

Catch Sach ka Saamna on Star Plus, Monday to Friday at 10.30 pm

India's Got Talent

Last updated on: July 22, 2009 
Judges Shekar Kapur, Sonali Bendre and Kirron Kher

Inspired from the famous UK show Britain's Got Talent, the Indian version is a talent hunt show wherein anyone with extraordinary skills -- beyond dancing and singing -- can participate and entertain the nation.

What to look out for in the show: India's got unlimited talent -- be it singing, dancing, puppetry, magic or mimicry. It could also be anything from shayari to wrestling and from nautanki to lavani. One of the acts performed in IGT includes a dance form of Krishna called Krishna act, performed by 13 dancers. The act was performed so beautifully that the judges and the audience gave a standing ovation. A bunch of extremely endearing handicapped children -- aged between four and 17 years -- performed an acrobatic dance, Punjabi style.

USP: India's really got some great talent. Plus, judges Shekhar Kapoor, Sonali Bendre and Kirron Kher don't resort to antics to gain attention and TRPs.

Catch India's Got Talent on Colors, Saturday to Sunday at 9pm.

Dadagiri Season 2

Last updated on: July 22, 2009 
A scene from Dadagiri

The only show not inspired by international shows is also called the meanest show on Indian television.

What to look out for in the show:
The show tests the mental and physical strength of the contestants, who enter a boot camp in the hills of Manali. They are cut off from the outside world and all their worldly belongings seized. The Dadas (boot camp commanders) keep a constant watch over the contestants and make them to do torturous tasks in order to survive.

Vishal: The Beast (one of the Dadas) will put the contestants through some of the most physically challenging tasks like cycle upstream in his Macho Zone. The under performers of the Macho Zone will have to face Sonali, who will test the contestants on their mental strength by making them do disgusting and stomach turning tasks like picking boiled eggs from cow dung with their mouths in the Play ground Zone.

USP: The three Dadas -- host Akash, Vishal and Sonali.

Catch Dadagiri on UTV Bindaas every Saturday at 7pm.