Mumbai, July 03: Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt feels that judging reality shows on television helps him connect with the youth besides allowing him to keep in sync with the contemporary "real" world.

"India is a young country and I need to be in touch with the young people," Bhatt said.

"In celebrity reality shows, professionals come out of their comfort zones and venture into a different domain. When professionals have the courage to court failure, success comes easily," Bhatt who will be judging Ekta Kapoor`s reality show on television `Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Kabhi Kabhi Yaar` on Sony television, told reporters yesterday.

The filmmaker, who judged a singing show `Jhoom India` on Sahara One television a couple of months ago, will now test some dancing talents.

"Jhoom was a singing competition and this one is a dance show. For dancing, the body is the tool of expression," he said.

Speaking about criticism of reality shows, Bhatt wondered why the term "reality" was used.

"What is edited ceases to be reality. Television programming is accepted by the masses and one has to respect what has been commercially viable," he said.

Replying to queries on television, Bhatt said he saw the potential of television as a effective means of mass communication way back in the 80s.

"I made a telefilm `Janam` in 1984. Even `Daddy,` Pooja`s debut film, was a telefilm. `Swabhimaan`, one of the earliest daily soaps, directed by me, was a huge success."

Bureau Report