Glued to the hot seat...

At 8.30 pm, one can find families glued to television trying to answer questions on Kaun Banega Crorepati. Says Sujay, a student, “I think what really attracts one to these quiz shows is the fact that they is both entertaining and informative. So no matter how old or young one is, one can relate to the show.”

For Radha, a housewife, shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati or That Antha Heli on Chandana, is a relief from the usual soaps.

“The way these two programmes are designed are very interesting and keeps the viewer engrossed for  one hour. At the same time, you will realise where your own general knowledge stands,” she adds.

Hifzur, a professional, reminisces how he used to wait for Derek O’ Brian’s ‘Bournvita Quiz Contest’ on television every Sunday. “It was one of those times when the entire family would get together and even get involved in answering the questions,” he says.

Quiz competitions have become quite popular at college fests too with a large number of youngsters keen on trying their hand at an array of questions. Some of these fests even try to incorporate a few rounds that come on TV shows.

Says Sneha, a student, “Not everyone gets to participate in these shows and represent their college. So the rounds, which allow the use of helpline, gives us the feeling of being on the show. It’s just done in good humour,” she adds.

Ochintya Sharma, President of the Karnataka Quiz Association, observes how quizzes allow one to develop diverse views on a person’s likes and dislikes.

“People are attracted to these shows because they are keen on knowing things. At the same time, they tend to assume that all quizzes are conducted the same way. There have been times when we get participants for quizzes who expect multiple choices for all questions. Some have even asked us whether they would receive gift hampers after a rapid fire round,” he says.