Satyamev Jayate

Satyamev Jayate (English: Truth Alone Prevails) is an Indian television talk show that airs on various channels within Star Network along with Doordarshan's DD National.[1] The first season of the show premiered on May 6, 2012 and marked the television debut of popular Bollywood actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan.[2] While Hindi is the primary language of the show, it is also dubbed and simulcast in other Indian languages such as Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu.

Satyamev Jayate received positive response and feedback from both the critics as well as the public. The show was widely appreciated by several film and television personalities, politicians and social activists for its research, format, presentation and content. The show has highlighted sensitive social issues prevalent in India such as female foeticides, child sexual abuse, dowry, medical malpractice, honor killings, insensitivity towards the physically disabled, domestic violence, overuse of pesticides leading to pesticide poisoning, alcoholism, untouchability, plight of senior citizens and water crisis.
Satyamev Jayate is the first show in the history of Indian television to be aired simultaneously on a private channel network STAR and a national broadcaster Doordarshan. The show is dubbed in several languages including three southern Indian languages viz., Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu, along with Bengali and Marathi. Apart from Star Plus, the show will have simulcast on STAR World (with English Subtitles), STAR Utsav, STAR Pravah, STAR Jalsha, Asianet and STAR Vijay within the STAR Network and other channels including DD National and Eenadu TV.[3] Besides India the show aired in over 100 countries around the world.[4] On the broadcast, Khan commented, "This show is being launched on a large scale. I had to make complete use of this medium. This is a baby step in that direction."[3]

Satyamev Jayate was dubbed into Kannada but was not broadcast in the language, due to an unconstitutional, self-imposed and self-enforced ban by the Kannada film industry, which does not allow a dubbed version of any serial or movie to telecast in the state. The Kannada film industry, however, does approve Kannada remakes of the same.[5] After the first episode, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray requested the Karnataka government to allow the show to be aired. On the issue, Thackeray commented that "This show must not be tied up in parochial chains or barred from the public. This is our view."[6] Khan also requested the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to allow the show to be aired in Karnataka.[7] The first episode in Kannada was later released into show's official site.[8]

The show telecasts on Sundays at 11 am IST. While the producers were high on showcasing it in the prime time at 9 pm,[9] Khan wanted to telecast it on Sunday mornings since the slot is commonly considered as "family TV viewing" time;r popular shows Mahabharata and Ramayana were aired on Sunday mornings and were highly successful.[3] He was reported saying, "I wanted to telecast my show on Sunday morning. I want each family to watch the show and connect with it. We have watched Ramayana and Mahabarata and it used to come on Sunday morning. The shows created a different atmosphere."[10] He further added that, "I don't understand TRPs and GRPs. I have no idea how to calculate it! I don't care about it. It is important to reach out to the Indian audiences. If viewers want to see, they will see or else it is up to them."[11][12]
Special screening in villages

Star Plus organised a special screening of the first episode of the show in some villages in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh where the villagers do not have access to television. The initiative was said to have been taken to ensure Satyamev Jayate reaches all over the country as it caters to the issues of the common person. The program was screened on May 6, 2012, during the same time it was aired across the country, on community TV sets in villages like Bhingara and Kahupatta in Maharashtra, Chepa in Gujarat, Jhunkar in Madhya Pradesh, Tikeri, Lalpur, Sarauta, Khannapurwa and Maniram in Uttar Pradesh. Most of these villages are reported to have a population of less than 5,000.[13] Gayatri Yadav from STAR India stated that, "This is an important and relevant show for all of India and Star India is going all out to make sure that this show reaches out to all Indians even in places with limited or no TV connectivity." Based on the response to its first episode, the screening of subsequent episodes in a similar manner is being considered by STAR.[14]
Sponsors

The show is presented and sponsored by Airtel and co-sponsored by Aqua guard. Other associate sponsors include Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, Skoda Auto, Axis Bank, Berger Paints and Dixcy Scott. The title sponsorship has been signed at around INR16 crore (US$2.9 million) to INR20 crore (US$3.62 million), while associate sponsors have paid INR6 crore (US$1.09 million) to INR7 crore (US$1.27 million). STAR India is reported to give exclusivity to its sponsors by not selling any advertising spots to any of its sponsors competitor's brand.[3] Aamir Khan has asked brand managers not to buy any advertising slots or screen any of his advertisements during Satyamev Jayate, fearing the dilution of its impact.[15] The channel is reportedly being paid a sum of INR10 lakh (US$18,100) for a 10-second advertising slot and had only 30 seconds of ad inventory left after the first episode went on air on 6 May 2012.[16]
Production
Development

Uday Shankar, CEO of STAR India, suggested Aamir Khan to venture into television. Khan, however, was hesitant at first but agreed and worked upon the concept of the show for two years. In an interview with Zee News, he was reported saying, "Initially I was scared to do the show as we were travelling on a different path. I was worried. It was in a way difficult, but we knew what we are doing is different, but it comes straight from our heart."[15] He also added, "I cannot say I understand TV completely. I was earlier scared to go ahead with the project. I can only say I have made this show with complete honesty and without compromising on anything."[10]

The shooting of the show took place in several states of India and Khan had to travel extensively over several weeks to various places in Rajasthan, Kashmir, Kerala, Delhi, Punjab, and in the North-East.[15] The studio portions of the show were shot in Vrundavan Studio[17] and Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai.[18] Khan was adamant about naming the show 'Satyameva Jayate' as he felt it completely gelled with the theme, which indicated that the show is of, for and belongs to people of India. However, Khan later learnt the fact that the title 'Satyameva Jayate' belonged to the country and cannot be registered for the copyrights as it cannot be exploited on a creative level for promotional activities. The team however went ahead and borrowed the title.[19]
Concept

The concept of the show was not revealed in the Indian media until the show officially went on air on 6 May 2012.[2] There were also no get-togethers, parties or press conferences organized to discuss the content, leading up to the premiere of the show.[20] However, various sources reported the show to be based on "the common man" rather than being fictional.[21] Also, based on its content, it was mostly referred as a talk show discussing social issues like child labour, health problems and other issues affecting the country.[3] Aamir Khan, who is known for keeping secrecy for his movies,[3] was quoted saying, "I don`t want to talk much about how the show will be, and about its format. I want everyone to see it directly on TV."[15] However, commenting on the theme of the show, he said, "The show is about meeting the common man of India, connecting with India and its people."[22] He also added, "Through this show we understand the problem of the people, we are not here to make a change. I am no one to change anything. I don`t think I am in the position to change anything else. I feel understanding a problem and feeling it or holding one`s hand or hugging is also important. I may not have the solution, but at least I can hear and understand."[15]
Soundtrack

Aamir Khan came up with the idea of launching a music album for the show. He along with Ram Sampath, the music director of Delhi Belly, created 16 songs for the 16 episodes that are supposed to be telecast in the inaugural season of the show.[23] In addition, the songs from the album of the show will be released digitally every week on Hungama.com and also across all mobile operators as the series proceeds. The album will also be released in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.[24] Sukhwinder Singh recorded a 22 minute long song for the show which is written by Prasoon Joshi.[23] On the song, Singh said, "Yes, I have sung a song which will be used in the title track and some will be incorporated in the show. It is a dream song; it is a song which will reflect humanity and nationality."[25]

All music composed by Ram Sampath.

Controversy

Palash Sen, the lead singer of the Indian rock band Euphoria sued and sent a legal notice to Ram Sampath, for plagiarism of the title track of the show.[26] Sen was reported saying, "The trailers and the anthem of this show have been running on television for quite a while, but I had not seen the videos. When I heard it, I was shocked." He claims that in 2000, his band Euphoria released its second album Phir Dhoom, and one of its songs was named "Satyameva Jayate". According to him, the refrain of Ram Sampath's track is exactly the same as the chants in his song. He went on to add that, "They've basically used the same refrain. Jo baaki ka gaana hai (the rest of the song), has different words and tune. But the mainstay of the song — the chorus – is ours." Sen also stated that he wouldn't mind giving Sampath the permission to use the tune of his version of "Satyamev Jayate" had he asked him for his consent and in return he would have just asked for a small credit to the band for the song.[27]
Marketing
Promotions

The teasers of the show were premiered on YouTube on 2 April 2012.[28] The makers of show had booked around 2,000 slots for the broadcaster’s promos in 27 hours for an amount of INR6.25 crore (US$1.13 million). Reportedly, this is the highest costing promotional campaign for any Indian television show.[29][30] Besides, the show was also promoted in Indian theaters. The theme song of the show was shown in 300 theaters across the country after the national anthem. In addition, interactive sessions were organized with audiences about the show in selected multiplexes of Mumbai and New Delhi. The responses of the audience were recorded and shown on screen during movie intervals. B. V. Rao of Aamir Khan Productions, claimed that "This is the first time that a TV show is being promoted in cinema halls."[31] On 3 May 2012, Khan appeared on the daily soap Diya Aur Baati Hum, aired on Star Plus to promote the show.[32]
Theme song
External videos
Satyamev Jayate official theme song featuring Aamir Khan on YouTube

The promo song of the show is composed by Ram Sampath, written by Prasoon Joshi and sung by Keerthi Sagathia.[33] Initially planned to compose a national song or an anthem, the team, however, composed a romantic love song reflecting the love for the country and relating it with each Indian.[10] The song was shot by Ram Madhvani in different states of India and was released on 13 April 2012.[34]
Mobile application

An official software application for the show was developed by Hungama Digital Media Entertainment and was released on Apple Appstore for iOS devices including iPhone, iPad and iPod for INR100 (US$1.81) approximately. The app allowed apple users to stream songs and videos of each of its episodes and supported social integration, donation through Airtel money service, and followed the shows official Twitter timeline.[35] Upon release, the app surpassed Instagram to make it to the top 25 apps on the Appstore within a couple of days. The app also ranked number one in the entertainment category.[36]
Reception
Critical response

The show opened to highly positive reviews and feedback from various eminent personalities such as social activists, media houses, doctors, film and television personalities. Several media organizations praised Aamir Khan for his effort and described the show as a movement. In her review, Ritu Singh of IBN Live stated that, "Aamir Khan deserves an applause for bringing up such a sensitive issue and presenting it in a hard hitting way. The amount of research Aamir and his team has put into the show was clearly visible with the facts and figures presented. Every aspect of the issue was covered with great diligence." She concluded it by saying, "'Satyamev Jayate' is not just a show; it’s a movement to change people’s mindset."[37] Parmita Uniyal from Hindustan Times praised the content and format of the show and said, "Aamir Khan have to step in to do what journalists are supposed to do – make a difference. The show is a classic example of that."[38] Gayatri Sankar from Zee News described the show as an "eye opener" and commented that, "Satyamev Jayate will make you unlearn all the wrong you have learnt and discover that compassionate human your soul wishes to be. The show grips you and leaves you dumfounded! You will be left asking for more and would wish the show never ends."[39] Trade analyst and film critic Komal Nahta commended that, "I cried while watching the show. I think people will watch it as it has touched an emotional chord."[40] Neeraj Roy, managing director and chief executive of Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, also praised the show by commending "Brilliant effort. Well done Aamir Khan and Satyamev Jayate. We can make a difference."[41] Sukanya Verma from Rediff.com expressed concerns regarding the show saying, "This is a grand initiative and a sound format into which a lot has been invested -- monetarily as well as in terms of research. Deriding this show simply because it is hosted by a Bollywood actor who is also a marketing whiz, questions our credibility, not his."[42]

Bal Thackeray, the founder and chief of the political party Shiv Sena also praised the show and Khan for bringing out social issues in front of public.[6] Prominent social activist and retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi described the show as "creative, evidence based, emotionally connecting and inspiring"[43] while commenting that, "It is an expression of the power of media and the inherent potential of society in resolving its own problems."[40] Noted film actress Shabana Azmi appreciated the show for its research and emotional content: "Aamir Khan's show can bring a revolution. Thoroughly researched covers all aspects touches emotional chord n forces us to reexamine ourselves."[43] While film producer Ekta Kapoor proclaimed the show as "the best show of the decade", film directors Madhur Bhandarkar and Farhan Akhtar also praised the show commenting that the show brought the "desired change" to the small screen[44] and that its "a show with a heart" respectively.[43] Other high personalities who lauded the show included Salman Khan[45], Preity Zinta, Dia Mirza, Boman Irani, Neha Dhupia, Mandira Bedi, Kabir Bedi, Mini Mathur, Kabir Khan, Maria Goretti, Vishal Dadlani, Ken Ghosh, Harsha Bhogle & Pritish Nandy.[43][46][47][48]

Some reviewers also criticized the show on various grounds. A review from Outlook India noted that, "[...] the show might well heighten awareness, enable the efforts of those doing real work at the ground level, and get the issue out of the denial closet, [...] But it is a little unrealistic to expect a film star and a TV show to change the world."[49] Subhash Jha from The Times of India commented on the show, "...though brave and thought provoking, was disappointing in its lack of genuine connectivity between the host and the victims of social atrocity. At the moment Satyamev Jayate looks like a product of elitist conscientiousness."[50] Sheela Bhatt from Rediff.com commented that, the format of Satyameva Jayate has to be more profound, and the big problem of the show is that it is on predictable lines. She went on conclude by