Kids’ reality show judges are conscious parents first: Anurag

Filmmaker Anurag Basu, director of Jagga Jasoos, has been quiet about the tirade directed at him by Rishi Kapoor, father of the film’s lead actor and producer Ranbir Kapoor, following its failure.

However, that’s not because he shies away from speaking his mind. While he didn’t respond to Rishi out of respect, Anurag has plenty to say about another hotly debated subject: whether TV talent shows ruin childhood or not. “Honestly, what Shoojit is thinking from an outside perspective is exactly how I used to think as well, four years ago,” says Anurag, referring to filmmaker Shoojit Sircar’s tweet earlier this month, bashing children’s reality shows.

Anurag, who is father to two girls and has judged two kids’ reality shows, Super Dancer and Sabse Bada Dramebaaz, believes that even judges are “conscious parents”. He says, “I tell kids that your dream should not be to win or bag a role in a film. Your primary goal should be to become a better person, which means go and study.”

Rather than diminishing the experience of childhood, these shows help children learn about different cultures, says Anurag. And, he adds, it’s up to the parents to ensure that losing in a contest doesn’t affect the kids. ■ monika.rawal@htlive.com

There’s a very healthy, homely atmosphere, where kids stay together, become friends, dance, get exposure, and feel happy about it all without any stress ANURAG BASU, FILMMAKER AND REALITY SHOW JUDGE