It's time for the popular TV actors to talk on "TAM controversy"

The controversy related to the TAM ratings continues to heat up after the NDTV group imposed a billion dollar lawsuit on TAM, Nielsen. Tellychakkar.com had recently talked to the producers of television industry to know their point of view on the whole fiasco. And now we take the same discussion ahead and talk to few of the popular actors from the TV industry. Firstly we had a word with Aamir Dalvi who said, “It still remains a question mark as to whether the TAM is being tampered or not. For me as an actor, TAM is only a number which is unfortunately the deciding factor for a show’s life or for a character’s life span in a serial. But over the years I have realized that the best feedback for an actor comes from the public we happen to meet day in and day out. According to me, it would not have mattered at all if TAM had not existed.” He continued, “But with whatever I have heard from producers and from the people in the industry, nobody is aware about the places where these meters have been placed. And I have also heard that they are not the right kind of people to judge the shows, and at times they get paid. It is all about corruption and I will not be surprised if there is a goof-up in the ratings.” Vivan Bhatena had this to say about TAM, “There have always been rumours that the numbers are being manipulated. Like everything in India, I guess the TAM has also succumbed to corruption. I would say it is the fault of the channels and in their bid for ad revenue; they have gone a step too far. I am glad that this controversy has come out in the open. In fact, there are certain shows of mine which brought me a lot of appreciation from masses but it never registered in numbers. On the contrary, there are few shows which are not so great but yet amass ratings. If you are lucky, you would be part of a show that has been manipulated (smiles). Take for example, Satyamev Jayate, the whole nation watched it but it did not get a great TRP. So it is certain that the television industry needs a fair guide.” Next we talked to Smita Singh who gave her frank opinion. “I don’t believe in TRP at all. I travel quite a lot and deal with biggies like the politicians to the pundits in temples. Everyone has liked Hitler Didi for its entertainment value but alas, where are the ratings? According to me, TRP is the main reason to spoil the viewers’ mindset. I have stopped watching Indian TV shows; if I do, I watch only my show. And one more fact as to why Star Plus garners all the numbers is because that is the first channel that gets switched on to when the TV is put on. Frankly speaking, the amount of noise that other channels make is considerably high when compared to Star Plus. And it is high time that they revealed where these meter boxes are set up. I really want to know whether Maharashtra and many other places do have these boxes set up. If TAM is genuine, then Sunny Leone is a virgin.” Lastly, we had a chat on the hot topic with Meghna Malik, “See I don’t think TAM affects us as actors directly. For me, it is the audience response that is more important than the ratings. As far as other branches of television are concerned, if there is something wrong in the functioning of TAM then it has to be looked into. But for me, I will always give my best to the work that I have taken up.” That’s what few of the actors have to say about TAM!! Folks, guess this is a wake-up call for the whole industry, an awakening for the better and we need to see to it that the future of television is placed in right hands!! So open up and voice your thoughts.