Zakir Khan, a beloved figure in the world of OTT platforms and YouTube, recently made his television debut with the show Aapka Apna Zakir. Sony TV had high hopes for this show, even giving it the coveted weekend time slot previously occupied by the hugely popular The Kapil Sharma Show. However, despite Zakir’s strong following online, his transition to television has been less than smooth. The opening TRP for Aapka Apna Zakir is a disappointing 0.5, indicating that the show has failed to capture the TV audience’s attention.
While there is still time for the show to turn things around, several key issues need to be addressed. Here are the five biggest reasons why Aapka Apna Zakir is struggling to make an impact on television.
1. Rithvik Dhanjani’s Unnecessary Dance Interruptions
The title Aapka Apna Zakir suggests a personal and intimate connection with the audience. However, this connection is often disrupted by frequent dance interruptions from Rithvik Dhanjani. Every few minutes, Rithvik gets up and starts dancing, either with the celebrity guest or by himself. This begs the question: why is Rithvik even in this show? Aapka Apna Zakir already has a host in Zakir Khan, and the show features talented comedians like Paresh Ganatra and Gopal Dutt, along with the glamorous presence of Shweta Tiwari. Rithvik’s presence adds little value and often disrupts the flow of the show, making it difficult for viewers to stay engaged. The constant dancing breaks the rhythm of Zakir’s heartfelt conversations with his guests, leaving the audience frustrated.
2. Inappropriate Inclusion of Social Media Influencers
Aapka Apna Zakir has also tried to capitalize on the popularity of social media influencers by featuring them in some episodes. However, this strategy has not resonated with the TV audience. Television viewers, especially those tuning in on weekends, are not interested in the often vulgar and unrefined comedy that many social media influencers are known for. Furthermore, the actors and celebrity guests on the show sometimes appear uncomfortable sharing the screen with these influencers. This mismatch in content and audience expectations has hurt the show’s appeal, driving viewers away.
3. Zakir Khan’s Visible Discomfort on Camera
In an interview with NewsNCR before the show’s premiere, Zakir Khan admitted that he was struggling to adapt to the demands of television, particularly when it comes to working with camera angles. Unfortunately, this discomfort is evident on screen. When Zakir has to stand in front of the camera and speak directly to the audience, he often appears unsure and distracted, looking around nervously. This lack of confidence affects the show’s overall vibe and makes it hard for the audience to connect with him. For Aapka Apna Zakir to succeed, Zakir needs to become more comfortable in front of the camera and deliver his lines with the same ease and charm that he’s known for online.
4. The Format Needs Improvement
There’s a significant difference between digital chat shows on platforms like YouTube and OTT, and television chat shows that are designed for family viewing. TV audiences, especially those watching on weekends, prefer content that they can enjoy with their entire family. Aapka Apna Zakir currently features segments that seem better suited for the digital world rather than traditional TV. To appeal to a broader audience, the show needs to introduce segments that are more family-friendly and engaging. Right now, neither the audience, Zakir himself, nor the celebrity guests seem to be truly enjoying the show. By reworking the format to include more universally appealing content, the show could potentially boost its ratings and become more popular with viewers.
5. Zakir Khan’s Missing Signature Style
One of the biggest disappointments for Zakir Khan’s fans is the absence of his signature style in Aapka Apna Zakir. Zakir is known for his relatable, heartfelt comedy, but this aspect of his persona seems to be missing from the show. Instead, the conversations with celebrities are often interrupted by forced comedy segments that feel out of place. If Zakir can return to his roots and focus on delivering the kind of genuine, insightful humor that made him famous, Aapka Apna Zakir could still turn things around. By dropping the forced comedy and allowing Zakir to connect with his guests in his own unique way, the show could regain the charm that has been lost in translation from digital to TV.
