Two “overindulged and spoilt” British teenagers will try and learn values and ethics from the families of six Pune doctors. The teens will spend six months with the doctors’ families as part of a reality show that will explore the Indian style of parenting.

BBC’s Twenty Twenty has sent the suggestion to the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The families will soon be shortlisted, said Dr Avinash Bhondwe, president of the IMA’s city unit.

The search has been narrowed down to doctors as they “will have a lot to offer when it comes to raising a successful family”, says Andrea Wiseman, Twenty Twenty producer/director. “Doctors are more often than not a role model to those who know them,” Wiseman said in an email to the IMA.

Contacted in London, Wiseman explained the choice of Pune: “We were able to find a joint family from Jaipur for the first series and for the second one we are looking for something different. Our research shows that Pune is not only an exciting, upward moving IT city but also renowned as Oxford of the East with so many educational establishments.”

Wiseman described the problems of parenting in the UK: “Whenever British kids’ behaviour goes a step too far and parents say anything, the first complaint is that ‘My parents are too strict’ and ‘They are so unfair’¿ The constant questioning of rules has led to problems not only at home but at school as well, leaving parents feeling helpless and out of control.”

Wiseman feels British adolescents lack respect for elders, are not driven to succeed in school and do not aspire to better themselves. “A culture now exists in the UK where adolescents believe that the world owes them a living and where they should be free to behave however they wish. Sadly this culture has come about as parents try to give their children every benefit that they can.”

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