Veteran actress and singer Bushra Ansari who co-judged 2013 Pakistan Idol with singers Hadiqa Kiani and Ali Azmat has now opened up on how singing reality show was actually scripted to a great extent.

Earlier this week, on Tabish Hashmi’s talk show Hasna Mana Hai, Udaari actress shared that while Pakistan Idol definitely played its part in showcasing some undoubtedly talented singing, some parts of show were completely staged. Main purpose was to sell show in a way that stands according to standards of international show Pop Idol.

Talking about harsh comments judges would give to contestants, Ansari said that while Kiani had a balanced attitude towards strictness and being rude, Azmat could play rude critical judge part very well. However, for her, critique part was hardest. “I even asked management to fire me because I couldn’t treat people harshly. That’s not me,” she said. But makers of Pakistan Idol then showed her videos of judges from Indian Idol, especially Sunidhi Chauhan to take inspiration from. “She was thrashing contestants.

She would shout and yell,” she said. While concluding, she also added that mere show was not just scripted but several contestants there were merely included for comedy effects and were not meant to be taken seriously. Ansari, however, did not take any names.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 12 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.