DesiDabba - Boss, Thoda Sa Roomani Ho Jaye

“It’s the top of the hour, on Larry King Live”. This is how Larry King starts his show, Larry King Live, every night, and has done the same for the last 22 years. The show which premiered in 1985 is one of the most watched shows worldwide and is CNN’s numero uno show. Although due to Time Zone considerations we in India can view it in mornings.

Larry King is undoubtedly one of the most popular Television Commentator ever. The thing which stands out in his interview style is the ease with which he talks with the guests. Mostly a smooth conversation with spikes of tough questions. The guest list includes people from each and every field possible not restricting himself to Politics and World affairs, the stuff in which CNN stands out from the rest. His long experience in the world of Radio and Television, followed by his writing career earns him the due respect from all his guests which levels the playing field in his interviews. The large specs, rolled up sleeves and tie along with mike placed in front of him is a regular image for all his fans now.

Ever since the revolution headed by CNN in early 90’s with the coverage of Gulf War making it a household name, Larry King Live has helped it project a different image and continued to gain audiences. This show can be treated as a precursor of most of the one-to-one talk shows which have appeared on television since. Compare this to some of the shows which have come-and-gone and few which have stayed on Indian Television.

Rajat Sharma’s Adalat series

Initially it appeared as Aap ki Adalat on Zee and later came in different versions on different channels. It still runs on India TV the channel owned by him.

USP: The set, the format. The whole feel of the Adalat reminiscent of Bollywood movies, a judge spelling out judgments at the end of show, a participating audience and sharp questions from Rajat Sharma made the show popular.

Walk the Talk by Shekhar Gupta

Walk the Talk is a weekly show on NDTV in which the guest is interviewed taking a leisurely stroll in great open surroundings. It is one of my favourite shows on television. The episodes I like the most were with Madhuri Dikshit and one with PV Narasimha Rao.

USP: The surroundings and the soft style of Shekhar Gupta. Actually on a walk it more like a personal chat than an interview sometimes.

Seedhi Baat by Prabhu Chawla

This show is quite in sync with the style of its channel Aaj Tak. The talk takes place in some kind of an interrogation room with complete focus on the guest and the host. The format gets quite bhadkau at times with the host asking questions which are a little too straight. Quite simply a show for the masses and surely quite enjoyable.

USP: Prabhu Chawla’s ability to put off the guest at times and to extract comments from him which make sellable headlines.

All the Karan Thapar shows

I don’t really like Karan Thapar shows. I think he is too aggressive and ends up bashing his guest. In my personal opinion no one should be allowed to be so disrespectful of his guests.

In the end all that matters is the Guest-Host chemistry. If that looks good the interview is surely a pleasure to watch.