Urfi Javed, known for her bold fashion choices and fearless attitude, has made her debut in the world of web series with ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ on Prime Video. The show promises to take viewers into the real life of Urfi, offering a glimpse into her daily routine, her thoughts on life, and her relationships with family and friends. However, while the series has created a buzz, many viewers can’t help but draw comparisons to the popular reality shows centered around the Kardashian family.
A Peek into Urfi’s World
‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ aims to showcase the life of Urfi Javed, a social media sensation who has often made headlines due to her unconventional fashion sense. The show not only highlights Urfi’s life but also gives significant screen time to her sisters, exploring their bond and interactions. The series is filled with moments where Urfi candidly shares her thoughts, giving fans an intimate look at her personality beyond her social media posts.
The show attempts to bring something fresh to the table by allowing viewers to see what goes on behind the scenes in Urfi’s life. The show delves into her family dynamics, especially focusing on her relationship with her sisters. However, those who are familiar with the ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ franchise might find ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ reminiscent of the Kardashian’s reality series. This has led to debates on whether the show is simply an Indian adaptation of the Kardashian concept or if it offers something unique.
The Kardashian Influence: Is It Too Much?
It’s no secret that ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ set a benchmark for reality TV. The show, which chronicled the lives of Kim Kardashian and her family, became a cultural phenomenon, influencing many reality shows that followed. Urfi Javed’s ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ seems to take some inspiration from this formula, focusing on the personal and professional lives of the Javed sisters.
Kim Kardashian’s rise to fame, even before her reality show, was supported by her connections in Hollywood, her family background, and her relationships with celebrities. In contrast, Urfi Javed, while popular, does not share the same level of fame or network within the Bollywood industry. This difference becomes evident in the show, especially when Urfi is seen interacting with social media influencers and fashion designers, a far cry from the Hollywood celebrities featured in the Kardashian shows.
While ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ attempts to showcase Urfi’s interactions with known figures like Munawar Farooqui and fashion designer Sandeep Khosla, these encounters often feel staged and lack the organic connections that were a hallmark of the Kardashian series. The inclusion of these interactions seems more like an effort to add star power to the show rather than a reflection of Urfi’s genuine social circle.
Sisterly Bonds and Drama
One of the key elements of the Kardashian reality series was the drama-filled relationships between the sisters, each with her distinct personality and storyline. Similarly, Urfi’s show features her sisters prominently, exploring their dynamics, aspirations, and the occasional drama that comes with sibling relationships.
Urfi’s sisters, much like the Jenner sisters in the Kardashian series, are introduced with the hope of establishing them as personalities in their own right. The show hints at their ambitions in the entertainment industry, and ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ seems to be the platform they are using to make their mark. However, where the Kardashian sisters are celebrated for their varied personalities and individual successes, Urfi’s sisters are often seen engaging in petty fights or focusing on their appearance, which may come across as less impactful to the audience.
The show tries to replicate the drama and emotional moments seen in the Kardashian series, but the execution sometimes feels forced. The inclusion of an ex-boyfriend subplot, for instance, seems like an attempt to create a narrative that parallels similar storylines in ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’. However, without the same level of public interest or personal investment, these scenes might not resonate as strongly with viewers.
Business Ventures: A Step Towards Independence?
Another noticeable aspect of ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ is its focus on Urfi’s ambition to start a business, a narrative that seems to draw inspiration from Kim Kardashian’s entrepreneurial ventures. Over the years, Kim has successfully launched several businesses, including her own beauty and fashion brands, which have become integral parts of her identity.
In contrast, Urfi’s business aspirations are introduced somewhat abruptly in the series. While the show suggests that Urfi is considering starting her own venture, this storyline does not seem to align with her public persona as seen on her social media platforms. Until now, Urfi has not been known for her business acumen, and the introduction of this angle in the series feels more like an attempt to mirror Kim Kardashian’s success than a natural progression of Urfi’s career.
The Challenge of Originality in Reality TV
Reality TV thrives on originality, relatability, and the ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. The Kardashian series succeeded because it was one of the first of its kind, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of a family that, despite its wealth and fame, dealt with issues that many viewers could relate to.
‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ enters a space where the reality TV formula is already well-established, and audiences have high expectations. The challenge for the show lies in distinguishing itself from its predecessors and offering content that feels fresh and engaging. While Urfi Javed has a unique persona that could have been the foundation for an original reality show, ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ struggles with finding its identity amidst the shadows of the Kardashian franchise.
The Future of ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’
As ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ continues to stream on Prime Video, it will be interesting to see how the show evolves. The initial episodes suggest that there is potential for the series to find its own voice, especially if it focuses more on the unique aspects of Urfi’s life and less on emulating a tried-and-tested formula. With the rise of social media influencers and the changing landscape of celebrity culture, there is certainly room for a reality show that speaks to a new generation of viewers.
However, for ‘Follow Kar Lo Yaar’ to truly succeed, it will need to offer more than just a desi version of a Western reality show. By embracing the distinctiveness of its stars and crafting storylines that resonate with the Indian audience, the show has the opportunity to carve out its niche in the crowded world of reality TV. Until then, viewers may keep following Urfi, but they will be looking for something new and different to keep them hooked.
