TV Show Review | Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz: All in all a great show!

The television medium of late is flooded with shows exhibiting talent in different genres. Life OK has added one more to this list. But this is a show that is a class apart from the rest and a with a difference viz. minus the competition, minus judges  and score points. Life OK is all set to create ripples on Indian television with an innovative take on reality programming with their latest show ‘Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz’. The show is guided by a ‘No Competition, No Tears ' principle and promises to be a one-of-its kind, complete family entertainer. The innovative reality series embarks on a journey to find the hidden talent in children across India and boasts a proud tagline 'Harr Bacha Hai Khaas'. It would be interesting to see the new move by Life Ok and how it fares in an already competitive reality show market. Bollywood diva Sonali Bendre and ace choreographer Terence Lewis along with compere Paras Tomar feature as 'Cool Gurus' on the show.

Based on Life OK's guiding philosophy 'Cherish what you have,' the show resonates the belief that every child is distinctively versatile and talented. Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz will act as a ready platform for all the participating children to harness their special skills in a format that's devoid of any performance pressure. The show travels across the vast Indian terrain to scout for talent that has long remained hidden in the confines of four walls. Compere Paras Tomar has traveled the length and breadth of the country in pursuit of talent. He finds talent everywhere in every nook and corner of the country. The only facility lacking is a platform for them to showcase their talents and that is how Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz was conceived.

Sonali Bendre and Terence Lewis constantly encourage the kids and mentor them throughout the show. Sonali believes that it is important to recognize and nurture every kid's talent. The show is based on the core belief that ‘every child is special’. It is a unique platform to showcase diverse talent like sand art, music and dance, fire juggling, acrobatics, magic, mimicry and many others, without the spirit of competition.

Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz, premiered on 22nd October at 7pm on Life OK and continues  as a special series from Monday - Friday at 7 pm & 9 pm.

The show starts with the introduction of the participant and we are taken on a journey to their hometown where we see the seeds of their efforts being sown. Long hours of  rigorous and dedicated practice enables them to come out with brilliant performances on stage.

In the episode aired on 23rd October a special tribute was paid to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and the show was dedicated to him. The first item was the Shrikant Ahire team who performed a shadow dance based on Gandhiji’s Vande Mataram. Next came Soma Das from Howrah who used a hoop to perform acrobats moulding herself to pass through the hoop thereby displaying her flexibility. The Wonder Girls On Wheels who danced on roller skates with hoops around their waist was the following attraction. A fact to be appreciated is the flexibility and agility while performing the different feats. Inspired by Hrithik Roshan Shivay Chaudhary from Amritsar performed a solo dance . The last but not the least performance came from The Rudraksh Group from Varanasi . The boys basically drummers played on the drums with water droplets and lights emanating from the drums, a visual treat to the audiences.

Other noteworthy performances were by Prayatna Sharma who again danced on roller skates and did the balancing act on the ropes which is a tremendous feat. Next came girls from Little Valley Queens to perform a dance item. It almost resembled a belly dance with the girls gyrating to the music. Jugaad Instruments entertained with their tap dance accompanied by clapping and singing all performed simultaneously. These talented boys group have been on a visit to France to perform and they believe “Where there is will there is a way”.  Not far behind are our singer prodigies. A confident Shraddha Shree rendered a beautiful and touching song . Mentored by her mother she has learnt to sing since the age of three. The Great Millenium Dancers from Kochi too gave an awesome performance of African acrobats. The amazing flexibility was evident when they performed pyramids , jumped through a ring of fire, did somersaults and wheel barrows. In a touching gesture Terence Lewis has offered to sponsor further education for one of the boys from the group who has been unable to study for personal reasons.

To encourage the children they are awarded certificates, medals and a cash prize of Rs.15001/- for their performances. After a period of three weeks they intend announcing the “Return Ticket’ whereby children who have performed the best will be invited once again on the show.

After each performance the trainers or mentors too are introduced and felicitated on stage. The atmosphere seems casual. The palpable tension normally seen on the faces of participants is absent. Under such circumstance they give outstanding performances.  Terence Lewis and Sonali Bendre too contribute to maintain the comfort level with the children. They are shown sitting in a model car with horns which are blown on and off in appreciation of the performances. The unique show is well-intentioned and aims to foster support and encouragement.

Be it Malkhamb or magic, martial arts or sand art, singing folk songs or instrumental music, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz welcomes all children with open arms. During the show viewers are requested to recommend children to their show giving a wide opportunity for talent going unnoticed in the country.

Hindustan ke Hunarbaaz is a first-of-its kind show that doesn't promote the idea of competitiveness among children but instead hones their skills and celebrates talent. This show which provides wholesome entertainment experience is a natural extension of Life OK's mantra that promotes striving for more but without ignoring the pleasures of everyday life.

Participating children showcase their talent without the fear of being judged, hence bringing out the best in them and making each and every one a winner in a unique way! In times where the academic pressure gets to the children it is heart warming to see them channeling their talents in performing arts. All in all a great show where the future generation of the country is encouraged to shed their inhibitions and perform daringly without having to face the customary criticism they are frequently subjected to most of the time.

Adgully gives Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz a 3.5 out of 5 stars.