Rakhi is the jackpot behind the success of ‘Pati Patni Aur Who’

What’s hot? Kids are kids and Indian audiences can never have enough of them. Add to that the fact that we’re a country that gives free advice at the smallest pretext. Hence the “experienced” parents and grandparents are especially hooked to the show as they can not only watch these cute kids giggle or make faces but can also monitor how these celebrity couples fare at the job,which can later make for tea-time discussions. But our inherent voyeurism is the real reason to watch the show —to see these couples squabble over minor things,to wait for that one moment when you can say how indifferent or heartless this “parent” is and to speculate over which dating couple will emerge from the show without having broken up.

What’s not? The show ran into legal hurdles even before it began and many people feel it should be stalled. Once the voyeuristic cravings are satiated,one does wonder about the possible impact this show may have had on the child’s psychology,especially the infants and toddlers. These kids,familiar with who their parents are,are handed over to complete strangers for three days. The trauma was apparent when Sawant and Parujanwala’s “child” kept wailing through the first two nights. Similarly,when Shaurya,the kid under Roy and Chopra’s care,suffered an upset stomach,the inexperienced couple was stumped about how to handle the situation till Shaurya’s real-life mother stepped in to advise the couple.

Should you be watching it? If you’re a reality-show addict,you may find yourself torn between Bigg Boss season 3 on Colors and Pati,Patni Aur Woh. But if you take a friend’s advice: “It’s like watching Wanted—full paisa vasool”.