‘Desi Rascals’ Series 2: The Verdict…(sorry cast and not your fault…)

September 16 2015

As Series 2 of the TV reality show ‘Desi Rascals’ ended (September 9), our reviewer takes stock and offers a very frank appraisal of a show that seemed to have a lot going for it after Series 1…

By Chayya Syal*

FOLLOWING the considerable success of Series 1 – and fans demanding a second series – it is safe to say that Series 2 has not lived up to the expectation and attempted hype that has been drummed up on social media by various cast members.

It felt like viewers were constantly waiting for something – anything – to happen that would restore our faith in the show.
Unfortunately this was not case; a mix of bland (and pointless) characters, lacklustre story lines and insincere on screen relationships proved to be all too much for Series 2.

With alluring promises of ‘explosive fights’ which quite frankly made ducklings look like violent street thugs, bleats of unrequited love, relationship woes and meltdowns – it was an extremely disconnected and sporadic series.

At times it felt as though “Desi Rascals” had taken a sack of heroin, quite literally lost the plot and forgot what drew in its audience in the first place.

Throughout Series 2, which moved to the channel Sky1 from Sky Living, there may have been some glimmers of hope (notably the Shah family, seeing Manoj, the Varas and Farha’s mother initiating the ‘Nazaar ceremony’), but the series was an overall disappointment.

The Shah family arrive in a vintage Indian ambassador for Jo's send off party (see link below)

The only highlight from Series 2 is the fact that Jo Shah is off to Mumbai to fulfil her dreams and attend an acting school which is run by Bollywood legend Anupam Kher.

It felt as though the production team had forgotten the show’s original intention; to be a reality TV show about British Asians made by a British Asian filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, whose work is usually outstanding.

Series 2 felt artificial and in regards to Chadha’s previous work, which is usually so well-nuanced in constructs of identity, the South Asian Diaspora and the evolving identity of what it means to be a British Asian. “Desi Rascals” seemed to stumble.

Series 2 tried too hard to be a mash up between “Shahs of Sunset” and “Made in Chelsea”, which resulted in it losing its charm and flair that captured the minds of so many British Asians.

This mimicry also saw the show cut out one of its biggest USPs (unique selling points); featuring an older generation of Asians who are usually forgotten about whenever the issue of British Asian identity is discussed.

On the one hand, there was a realistic enough portrayal of British Asians today with regards to our collective attitudes towards dating, secularism, having aspirations and being enterprising.

But on the other hand, it felt as though the production team were almost too scared to openly discuss issues (such as interracial/interfaith relationships) in the way that they did in series 1.

Despite British Asians being educated, successful in many areas of life, making impressive strides around the world in technology and having liberal attitudes, TV shows such as “Desi Rascals” can also act as a platform to discuss such thorny issues in an entertaining manner that is relaxed, yet thought provoking.

(l-r)George Piggott, Celia Shah, Natalie Shah, Jo Shah, Owais Khan and Shmoyel Siddiqui

Instead, the cast members were made out to look as though they had no idea about aspects of South Asian culture and they didn’t seem to be too bothered about their South Asian heritage.

The biggest example from Series 2 was when Kavita had to explain to the others what the festival of Holi actually was.

I’m pretty sure that had she not explained it, the cast members, who were at the festival, would have remained clueless.

There are many young British Asians whose ethnic heritage matters to them as much as their British identity does – I was surprised that the show did not pick up on this in a sophisticated manner or even build on any of these issues which Series 1 touched upon.

The only references made to South Asian roots was through stereotypically old Bhangra songs from the 1990s, dressing up in traditional attire for parties and clichéd Bollywood dance routines and songs.

This felt extremely outdated and was often very uncomfortable to watch; being of South Asian descent is so much more than the odd Panjabi MC song, ‘screwing the light bulbs’ and prancing around to Kanika Kapoor.

At this moment in time, I am not sure if we can expect a series 3. But if it is commissioned, I’m not too sure how it could possibly redeem itself from what was broadcast throughout Series 2…

Main top picture: Ross Worsick presents girlfriend Jasmin Walia with a key and declares he wants to marry her…

Previously

http://asianculturevulture.com/portfolios/desi-rascals-7-im-going-to-mumbai/

Cast interviews

Manoj Shah http://asianculturevulture.com/portfolios/desi-rascals-manoj-shah-and-family-heading-to-mumbai/

Yasmin Karimi http://asianculturevulture.com/portfolios/desi-rascals-interview-yasmin-karimi-her-lovable-side-yes-she-has-one/

Moses Baig http://asianculturevulture.com/portfolios/desi-rascals-moses-to-say-no-to-series-3-if-there-is-and-feels-mojo-is-forever/

As Series 2 began…

(Solomon ‘Solly’ Akhtar; Shmoyel Siddiqui, Jo Shah – http://asianculturevulture.com/portfolios/desi-rascals-solly-jo-and-shmoyel-on-series-2/

*Chayya Syal has been shortlisted in the Asian Media Awards 2015 in the outstanding young journalist category. The full shortlist will be announced on September 28. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Thursday, October 29.