Since reality-based game shows have become huge worldwide, they're bound to be replicated in India. But before xeroxing the format to Survivor or Big Brother, shouldn't our production houses look at creatively capturing the Indian milieu? Here are our suggestions:
I. Kaun Banega Mukhya Mantri: Five contenders for the post of the Chief Minister of any state, preferably from the same party, are kept locked in a State Guest House with access to a cellphone and a cheque book. Obviously, he who manages to corral the largest number of MLAs within the prescribed period wins. Given the prospect of hung assemblies, this game show could be unending. Ideally, to be located in Goa.
2. Surviving Red Tape: Again half-a-dozen contenders are selected. They are tasked with four basic objects - get a water connection, an electricity connection, a building certificate and a ration card. Two parameters will be weighted to select the winners - he who managed to get the permits in the least time and he who pays the least bribe in achieving that purpose.
3. Sabse Bada Babu: A show that could complement Surviving Red Tape. Six bureaucrats working in municipal agencies will be shortlisted to participate in the show. He who manages to gather together the largest sum in bribes while managing the least amount of work possible, wins. A graded system of scoring could award additional points for the number of cups of tea guzzled or selling an application form worth Rs I for Rs 1000. The winner gets promoted.
4. Surviving Delhi's Roads: The contestants are each given a car and enough fuel to drive around the city 10 hours a day within the specified period. Obviously, the survivor will be the one who remains at the wheel after the rest have been mowed down by buses, shot in road rage, stuck in potholes or stuck in traffic.
5. BollyThon: The intent here is to see who can sit through the maximum number of Hindi films, screened consecutively, with Mohabattein counting as two. The last man sitting with his popcorn will be given the grand prize of admission to a five-star sanatorium.
6. Hype Hype Hurray: The participants here will be six newcomers to the Indian cricket team who have managed passable initial performances. The ones who secure the maximum number of lucrative advertising deals before fizzling out into well-deserved mediocrity, will win the grand prize of being appointed to the BCCI.
7. Glam Slam: Restricted to self-proclaimed celebrities. Six contestants will have to vie for the maximum number of mentions/ photographs in Page 3 of the supplements of the major national dailies. Appearances on the front-page courtesy shootouts in illegal bars will not count. The winner will host a TV talk show.
8. Sawal Sau Crore Ka: Contestants will be major transnationals. They'll be evaluated on the basis of the amount of liability they get the Centre to waive, like counter-guarantees or license fees. The winner will be granted a Rs 100 crore contract by the Government to construct a public toilet.
9. Catch The Bandit: To be contested by police and security agencies. Tasked with nabbing an elusive bandit hiding out in a forest, this could become a long-running serial. The participants will be judged on the basis of the amount of money and manpower they utilise in their fruitless attempt. However, any team that actually catches the bandit is immediately disqualified.
10. Super Neta: A select group of politicians will be chosen on the basis of their credentials based on the number of criminals charges they face, the number of times they've been jailed, the quantum of disproportionate income they possess, the degree of poll rigging they can accomplish, among others. He who proves the vilest of them all wins. The grand prize, to be sponsored by the common public, will be a one-way ticket to the moon.

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