Foreign host or desi dost?

By Rinky Kumar

See which Indian television hosts matched up to their foreign counterparts.

Reality shows just don't seem to go away. And why would they? Most these days, however clichéd they may be, drive a sagging television channel's TRP ratings. Sach Ka Saamna, the Indian version of The Moment of Truth and Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao inspired by I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, are the newest reality shows, all set to woo Indian audiences.

While Mini Mathur and Yudhishtir Urs are the hosts of Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao, actor Rajeev Khandelwal makes a comeback on television with Sach Ka Saamna. What remains to be seen is do these hosts live up to the standards set by their foreign counterparts.

But these soon-to-be-aired shows gave us enough reason to rewind and see which Indian hosts matched up to their foreign counterparts:

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

Host: Chris Tarrant (left, see pic above)
Desi version: Kaun Banega Crorepati
Host: Amitabh Bachchan (right, see pic above)

Both of them had already made a mark in their respective careers before playing host to this million dollar game show. But their hosting styles were as different as chalk and cheese.

Chris Tarrant offered the occasional chocolate and cracked the funniest joke while the contestant mulled over the right answer. With his tongue-in-cheek humour, Tarrant was a favourite with audiences and critics alike.
Back home, Amitabh Bachchan created a furore when it was declared that he would host KBC. He portrayed the role of a friend, philosopher and guide to the T albeit with a serious touch. Most of the contestants were too much in awe of the evergreen superstar while he spoke to them in chaste Hindi.
And yes, who can forget that famous Lock Kiya Jaaye delivered in his deep, baritone voice!

Big B's rating: 9/10

The Weakest Link
Host: Anne Robinson (left, see pic above)
Desi version: Kamzor Kadi Kaun
Host: Neena Gupta (right, see pic above)

With her assertive views and style of presentation, Anne Robinson was the perfect candidate to host The Weakest Link. If looks could kill, the contestants of this show would be dead by now. She ensured that she never had the faintest smile and intimidated all with her grim face. Moreover, her sharp tongue had all of them cowering for help.

Neena Gupta tried to match Anne Robinson's saucy remarks with her own. Dressed in black, she came across as the dark, arrogant host who insults the contestant at the slightest provocation. Compared to Robinson's monotonous voice, she had a slightly high-pitched voice and was not as mean to the contestants as Robinson.

Neena Gupta's rating: 7/10

Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader

Host: Jeff Foxworthy (left, see pic above)
Desi version: Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain
Host: Shah Rukh Khan (right, see pic above)

With his easy charm, sweet jokes and instant chemistry with kids, Jeff Foxworthy was the ideal host for a show like Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader.
One of the most respected and successful comedians in the United States, he instantly built a rapport with all and immediately put them at ease.
This was SRK's second stint as a host after Kaun Banega Crorepati. But somehow, rather than a host, we felt it was SRK the actor, who was hosting this show. His larger than life personality somehow overshadowed the contestants and children alike. The show became almost a Bollywood show with King Khan's friends making an appearance quiet often.

SRK's rating: 6/10