Be it the film or the television industry, producers always try to play safe by trying out tried and tested formulas. Numerous such examples have been witnessed in the history of our television industry. Every hit show is followed by a spate of similar shows.

Both Zee and Sony tried to cash in, on the success of KBC by presenting Sawaal Dus Crore Ka and Jeeto Chappar Phad Ke.

The fact that the two flopped didn't seems to bother anyone, as Zee and Sony tried to compete again with the second season of KBC with Kam Ya Zyada and Deal Ya No Deal respectively.

Laughter Challenge's success, lured Zee to make Johny Aala Re, Sahara to produce Comedy Champions while Sony to launch the biggie Comedy Ka Baadsah.

But have they been able to live up to the popularity of the original? The answer is a big no which emphasizes on the current trend on TV that only leaders succeed while the followers don't.

"In a way yes, but that's not necessary. Because it's not the big budget or the lavish sets that matter, viewers just want to see good content, no matter which ever channel gives them", believes Ashwini Yardi, Programming Head, Zee TV, whose Antakshari is doing much better in comparison to Star One's Antakshari.

Balaji Tele-films, the pioneers of the Indian soap operas have had countless pretenders to the throne trying to emulate their hit soap operas with little success. Soaps like Saat Phere and Kasam Se may be doing well but Star's biggest show Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi still rule the TRP charts.

"Actually this has been a problem with entertainment since long. Like we have seen before that when a movie called Nagin became a hit, many movies were based on the same concept which didn't do well... In this field, maybe one should always try something new and fresh", quotes Sandiip Sikand, Chief Creative Director, Sony TV.

Point to be noted Mr. Sickand, but what about Sony trying to (unsuccessfully) make Balaji kind of shows like Kaajjal and Kulvaadhu?

"It's because you cannot simply copy a show. You should be different in your own way. Saat Phere is a good example. They definitely have a theme adapted from Balaji but their presentation with the cast and other things gave a fresh thing to the viewers.

There is nothing wrong in getting inspired with something but you should have your own identity too," explains Nivedita Basu, Dy. Creative Director. Does the loyalty of the audiences also matters?

"I don't agree with this. Viewers are very smart these days. They will only see what they like. You cannot fool them", says Nivedita Basu.

On the other hand Sandiip Sikand believes that viewer loyalty does count to an extent. "Yes and it's very difficult to make the viewers switch their loyalty but if you have novelty you are going to win the game", comments Sandiip.

"I admit that you get an advantage if you make a start, but only till the time your content is up to the mark. You cannot force a viewer to sit and spend his/her time watching your show," says Ashwini Yardi.

So was this the reason why Zee's Sawaal Dus Crore Ka didn't fare well in comparison to KBC? "Yes, but there can be other reasons as well. Like the wrong timing and the presentation", she admits.

Whatever be the arguments, but it's sure for now that the followers have a long long way to go. - Sneha Hazarika (SAMPURN)