The big one for Sony Entertainment in 2006 is "Fear Factor", a thrill game show, which is going to be Indian television's first international production with India, Malaysia and Indonesia collaborating over the endeavor.

Says Tarun Katial: "It is the world's biggest reality thrill game show. It has been running in several countries for over 10 years. We have already shot 13 episodes on different themes in Malaysia with different TV stars and film actors. We go on air soon. This is a genre that has never been done before on Indian television."

In the meanwhile Tarun stoutly defends the melodrama and tears on "Indian Idol 2".

"The tears are not orchestrated. They are genuine. Being an Indian Idol means so much more to the participants than it did earlier. The first time around, the contestants didn't realize what being an Abhijeet Sawant meant. Now just being in the Top 10 is bliss. Hence the desperation and tears. You can't force tears on reality TV."