Indian Media and Bollywood

I start with a disclaimer: I am an admirer of certain sections of the Indian Media – both print and electronic – for the courageous work they do under the prevailing circumstances in our country by taking various administrative bodies and governmental systems head-on and holding them accountable.

Nevertheless, i have always been aware and amused by the close similarities displayed by the Indian Media with our esteemed Bollywood! ... Hold on for a few moments and you too will, perhaps, agree with me.

It was one of those evenings when i was generally chatting over coffee with a friend from the US and while talking we tread into the domain of democracy. Both of us expressed our individual pride that how fortunate we were to be born in the largest and the oldest democracy respectively. So in general terms we touched upon all the three arms of a functional democracy and then came to rest on the fourth – the Press, which in today’s parlance is popularly referred to as the Media.

‘You have so many news channels in different languages! While flipping channels yesterday evening i almost lost the count!’ my friend’s expressions were hilarious.

‘Yes, we are a big news country!’ i went along.

‘But tell me one thing. Do Indians argue a lot?’ i knew exactly where he was coming from.

‘I saw everybody debating loudly on almost all news channels; even the topic seemed to be the same!’ he had certainly not watched such television news programs before.

‘Well, have you watched any Bollywood movie? If no, then watch a few and you will understand the Indian television scenario,’ i offered my sincere advice.

‘Yeah, i have watched a couple of them. You have very beautiful actresses and even male leads look so much better than an average Indian. I love its colours! But honestly, they seem to be much Indianized,’ he was trying to be careful with his words.

‘Don’t sound diplomatic; you are echoing my sentiment.’

‘But i didn’t get the Bollywood connection in the Indian Media,’ he was genuinely perplexed.

‘Bollywood is just an analogy. If you watch carefully you will notice that the feel of both are very similar... Ok, let me explain,’ and we spent the next hour discussing the topic threadbare.

I beforehand explained to him that when i say Bollywood i do not necessarily mean Hindi movies exclusively but the Indian cinema per se. And when I say the Indian Media, it includes all and sundry in both print and television.

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media industry is the largest in the world in terms of number of channels on air and the number of dailies published in various languages and their combined viewership and readership respectively.  However, the sheer numbers do not necessarily mean the top slot or the top standards, rather much below when compared with the established names globally. 

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media is doing brisk business at home, in the local currency; however, when talked in terms of gross earnings, it seems not so significant in front of the global media giants’ revenues.

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media is hugely impactful within its national boundaries; however, its worldwide influence pales in front of the foreign press.

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media has some immensely talented people with global appeal; however, because of the limited scope of their work, they have remained almost incognito in the international news circuit.

Life Bollywood, the Indian Media has done some path breaking journalism; however, a large percentage of its cumulative work has remained mediocre.

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media has a good number of honest and courageous professionals; however, it needs to take a serious look at allegations and accusations maligning its integrity and its susceptibility to succumb in face of manipulations. 

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media is largely defined – and driven – by one segment which is the English news channels; however, its identity is highly fragmented with the Hindi and the regional news channels having their own larger loyal viewers’ base.  

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media is largely built upon larger-than-life elements drawn sometimes from imaginary ideas and its spectrum is wide enough to encompass lots of drama, tragedy, comedy, heroes and villains; however, its storyline sounds repetitive, howsoever hard they try to remain – or claim to be – contemporary, and its proximity to an average Indian’s life per se is primarily remote; one does not often witness real life imitating the ‘reel life’.

The perfect examples are the beautiful songs and dances being integral components of any Indian film whereas in reality no Indian has ever been sighted singing and dancing in public in their daily life – except in weddings or parties on movies’ music for enjoyment! In fact, a couple of my Chinese friends who were visiting India for the first time about seven years ago were really surprised to see their perception of an average ‘singing & dancing’ Indian shatter to pieces when they did not find any Indian singing and dancing in streets, which they had seen them do so often in Bollywood films!  

Today’s Indian Media landscape is largely dominated by the electronic media which has the power to swing people’s opinion. They also garner the largest pie in the overall ad-spend. Over the years, following the path towards true Indianness, they have evolved and gone even beyond news – they also provide entertainment. Newstainment! News with full entertainment! For them, and for the public as per their logic, pure news is plain and boring. The argument proffered is that they have to do so in order to remain viable in a cut-throat competitive environment. And they seem to be contented with their unique way of presenting news which borders on trivializing the concept and the profession of journalism in many instances.

Well, to clarify, if i have to watch television for news on India i view only the English news channels but i have flipped through various Hindi and regional news channels out of curiosity and have been dismayed at the standard of their telecast. Not that their English counterparts don’t require sincere introspection for improvement.

India, with its global aspirations, and the capabilities, cannot be seen as having a Media which is below the international standards. Exception, i reiterate, to a great degree is the English language Media in both the formats – print and electronic.

As the English language press defines the Indian Media, therefore, it needs to set benchmark for the rest of the fraternity. Simultaneously, India is waiting to see them claim their place on the global platform.

I start with the English newspapers. Times of India has the largest readership in the world; however, it is not even on the horizon when global dailies are discussed. The other newspapers also have to pull themselves up and modify their reportage so as to remain contemporary but first and foremost credible – and relevant - from the international perspective.

A foreign colleague had remarked a few years ago seeing the semi-porn texture of a newspaper supplement: ‘Are Indians so frustrated sexually?’... Each of the publications needs to read the legendary New York Times and Washington Post, to name a few, to understand what i am referring to.

Now coming to the English news channels, i credit Prannoy Roy with reshaping the Indian Media and giving us a credible alternative medium to get news and current affairs information other than the Doordarshan, seemingly government’s mouthpiece. I also thank him for giving India its beloved news anchors! Including Dr. Roy himself, whether it is Barkha Dutt or Rajdeep Sardesai or Arnab Goswami, we haven’t seen anybody better than them so far in the newer generation television journalists. In this case too, the situation is akin to Bollywood where we haven’t yet got the comparable replacements to the holy quartet of Mangeshkar Sisters Lata and Asha, Md. Rafi and Kishore Kumar in singing!

Not to forget, emphasis on producing international standard news programs got initiated with Karan Thapar coming back to India and soon he floored – literally, just ask his guests on his shows – the entire nation with his intelligent, incisive and interrogative interviews! Vir Sanghvi is another very good television journalist that we had till recently. However, today both have almost receded into the background comparatively but their contributions cannot ever be forgotten in improving the news coverage and analysis in India.

These anchors are par excellence and are comparable to any international repute newsperson of the world! Honestly, in certain aspects i find them better than anybody in the global news business. Each one of them has their individuality and tremendous qualities and contributions towards the evolution of the Indian Media.

Prannoy Roy is the pioneer in the field of the Indian television news channels! His stupendous success with NDTV 24x7 propelled the fast expansion of the industry. He retains his charm as a newsperson but his style is more suited currently for serious yet leisurely discussions with statesmen and leaders in various fields. His legacy is being carry forwarded properly by his prodigies.

Barkha Dutt is true blood international in her talent! Her command over language and style of delivery is better than even the internationally established anchors on the iconic channels like BBC and CNN. She looks original in her attitude and attire. Not easy for any new news anchor to copy her. ‘We The People’ has remained popular solely because of her. And she is the face of NDTV, besides Dr. Roy.

Rajdeep Sardesai is the original angry young man of the Indian Television Industry! When he announced his leaving the NDTV, every Indian viewer felt a void as to who would moderate the ‘Big Fight’ now. He has a perfect blend of aggression and poise and is many viewers’ choice for a television news anchor. His acumen and sensibilities made him establish his new channel CNN-IBN and soon overtook his professional alma-mater.

Arnab Goswami, the most famous and the most feared television personality in our nation! He has singlehandedly redefined the news scenario in India ever since he moved to and started Times Now. Seeing the channel’s terrific success overshadowing the media giants’ like NDTV and CNN-IBN in a short span of two years and sustaining it for five years now proves one thing: Prannoy Roy could not assess his true potential. Arnab invented a new style of news presentation: he mixed it with high voltage debates! And the unprecedented popularity of his ‘The Newshour’ forced the entire industry to follow suit. He made people realize that news was not only for viewing as-it-had-happened but for dissecting and analysing and making people concerned answerable, and the perpetrators punished. His sheer courage is infectious! And his impact is immeasurable! ‘The Nation demands an answer!’ has become his tagline. He has a large fan following among the English news viewers and even the non-viewers regard his value.

Newshour has one more distinction: its hugely popular debates now having become a standard format for news on all channels have nurtured the breeds of so-called spokespersons and activists! (How i resent these omnipresent ever-visible creatures! If i had little bit power, i would mute their voices and blurr their faces! And how their purely predictable line of arguments has forced me to curtail my news – and Newshour – viewing drastically...)

Among the other English news channels, Rahul Kunwal in Headlines Today is doing a good job and is getting better gradually. Rest are almost non-existent. And the rest of the non-English channels are pure imitators and most are pathetic.

What emerges out of this brief review is that a news channel mirrors the personality of its editor-in-chief and both become synonymous over a period of time. And, as the news industry is spearheaded by the English news channels, so is the latter performing as per the nation’s expectation? Well, yes and no.

YES, because the Indian Media has effectively discharged it role as the fourth estate and we have seen certain changes taking place in various field in our country: a few powerful but criminal politicians and others being sent to jail; a few scamsters being punished; a few victims getting the much denied justice; ...

And, NO, because the Indian Media hasn’t discharged its ‘fourth estate’ duties to the fullest as it hasn’t taken up its nationally critical international responsibilities seriously. Its vision has been narrow and it has failed to look beyond our geographical boundaries. Once in a while we do witness a few debates dedicated to Indo-Pak relationship but nothing more. Howsoever significant events could be happening anywhere in the world, our media limits its coverage to internal matters only, some of which could be genuinely important but mostly are the usual ones. 

One more sincere suggestion: they should allot debating time depending on gravity of news item; all news broadcasts cannot – and should not – be treated in the same manner.

The Indian Media has to break its self-created cocoon and spread its influence worldwide. When India gets discussed, its media should get mentioned in the same breath. And when the voice of one fifth of global population gets heard by the world, it should reverberate! Our media should be able to shape global opinions and chisel geopolitical changes. When India’s media commentators like Arnab or Rajdeep or Barkha or Prannoy speaks, the world should sit up and listen. When TOI or HT or Hindu writes or reports, the targeted subject should get shaken up. And through them India should be able to project itself more comprehensively on the global canvas.

We have many Indians now become household names globally; it’s time the Indian Media added a few names to the list.

Our English news network with its highly accomplished anchors has the potential to break into the big league of BBC and CNN. Al-Jazeera from the Arab world has achieved this feat in a small time with its quality international journalism. I have no doubt whatsoever about the success of the Indian Media – all languages, both electronic and print – in the global arena. After all, the fourth pillar of the world’s largest and the most populous democracy should have – and has – the power to stand firmly and reshape the global news sphere.

Frankly speaking, i certainly do not mean to say that the world media is perfect in all aspects. They too need to introspect and review their own style of functioning so as to make a greater impact on various governments and global happenings. One case in point: with the amount of air time spent on covering Africa by both BBC and CNN, the Continent could have come in the forefront of the world affairs by now, which sadly hasn’t happened. 

Honestly, the international media – including Indian Media – could amalgamate the best aspects of all the players and remodel its reportage on current affairs. ... Who knows soon the world will watch debates as a regular style of news presentation ... and Bollywood type songs and dances could become a routine in Hollywood ... ;)  

MSY: Mulayam Seeti Yadav

I had just settled down to get my daily staple of Newshour on Times Now that Mulayam S. Yadav’s remark shook me in my sofa! He was referring to the recently cleared Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha. His words – in Hindi – were something like this:

“… Dekh lena, ab udyog-patiyon aur afsaron ki ladkiyan parliament mein ayengi, jinhen dekh kar ladke seeti bajaenge! …”

When translated into English:
“… Mark my words. Henceforth, you will see daughters of industrialists and bureaucrats come in the parliament, and watching whom men will whistle…” … So what if he is perennially surrounded by – and surviving because of - industrialists and bureaucrats, their daughters and daughter-in-laws included (Tina Ambani, Jaya Bachchan, et al.).

Can you believe it?!

I couldn’t for a moment. But then I did. Because, I understood. Thereafter, I did not feel any outrage or astonishment towards Mulayam S. Yadav’s otherwise outrageous outburst.

Just take a look at MSY’s background and you too will share my sentiments about the whole issue. MSY is an OBC. (OBC: “Other Backward Classes” got twisted by politicians like MSY to suit their aspirations to “Other Backward Castes”!).

Just recall that amongst the “factors” attributed for certain “castes” to be classified as an OBC – Yadavs included – their historic “backwardness” in all spheres of life was the primary one. Thus, one can simply understand how he would have been raised amongst poverty where meeting ones ends could have been of prime concern; education and cultured upbringing being purely incidental. Poor, MSY :(

Therefore, my fellow Indians, why should we feel offended by his crazy comment about women or women’s reservation bill, or on any subject of importance for that matter?

MSY echoed only what he is been reared to practice, and, preach! Imagine, MSY on his “trademark” bi-cycle, in his dhoti-kurta, roaming on streets, ogling at women and enjoying himself by whistling and making catcalls! …

Nevertheless, I have some tips for the women in the Parliament; I mean the women MPs (Sonia Gandhi, Meira Kumar, Brinda Karat, Sushma Swaraj, …). Next time the parliamentary session convenes, they all should show some “Gandhigiri”: they must present a “seeti” (whistle) to all male colleagues, MSY included, and welcome MSY with "seetis" (whistles) and make his feel “at home”! I am sure, their noble gesture will not be forgotten by MSY in this lifetime, and beyond too perhaps!

I bet, the first thing MSY will do post his encounter with the women-kind would be to rush – on his bi-cycle with a seeti between his lips - to file for two affidavits: one, to change his middle name from Singh to Seeti; two, to apply for change in his party’s symbol from bi-cycle to, again, Seeti !

So, everybody sing along:
“Hothon ko karke gol, seeti bajake bol! Mulayam Seeti Yadav, naam hai mera! Seeti bajana aurton pe, kaam hai mera! Mulayam Seeti Yadav …”

When translated into English:
“Make your lips round and whistle. Mulayam Whistle Yadav is my name; whistling at women is my work; Mulayam Whistle Yadav …”

God save India.

Behen Mayawati and Bee-tide Story

I don’t know from where to start.

I think I should start by thanking Timesnow, Newshour in particular, and especially Arnab Goswami for telling us this beezarrest-of-the beezarre story of “Bees-attack” on Behen M. Frankly, the entire script seemed to be a rip-off from some crazy Sci-Fi film!

Just spare a few moments to hear me narrate the story …

Day-1; Act-2

(Day-1; Act-1 is the “act” of garlanding Behen M with the costliest and the heaviest of the garlands ever made by humanity - of many thousands 1000-rupees notes – 5cr. or 50cr.? - nobody has been able to calculate the actual cost of it so far.)

The location is some ground in Lucknow; the occasion is celebration of 25 years of BSP’s existence; in and around are a couple of million people – all Dalits, perhaps – out there to hear their saviour and pride, Behen M. …

Behen M is busy reading out her speech in front of the poorest-of-the-poor Dalit brothers & sisters – non-manuwadis - and suddenly one – and all – hears the buzz of Bees! Thousands of them - as if in a “special appearance” in a comic-tragic film for aam aadmi - all out to attack Behen M! … It could be that those Bees had mistaken the scent of currency in the garland to be that of flowers! Kaagaz-ke-phool, after all, those notes were – devoid of any honey (RBI, please take note of it)! At least that’s the most plausible theory about the Bees' brazen behaviour that I can think of!

Nonchalanty, Behen M continues to read from her speech-page; the security commandos start to get uncomfortable; somebody takes off a nearby-lying table cloth but doesn’t know what to do with it, waiting for Madam’s commands – whether to wrap it around Behen M or …

A few moments pass and the Bees lose all interest in Behen M’s scripted speech and decide to fly away, ending their brief “cameo”. Or may be, they did not find the HQ – Honey Quotient – of Behen M palatable enough! And, Behen M is saved from the manuwadis-sponsored “Drone-attack”! …

Behen M “uninterrupted”: the story continues …

…..

Day 2: Act-2

Behen M orders a DIG-level probe into a suspected conspiratorial Bees-attack on her. …

The rest of the Media seem to be still abuzz with her Maha-Garland story (Dial M for Mala!) but this beezarrest-of-the beezarre story is aired primetime on the Newshour on Timesnow.

And this is how the nation comes to know of the plight of the poor DIG who is perhaps contemplating to quit his job and also leave his country forever. Because, he knows only too well that if he cannot corroborate Behen M’s conspiracy theory about the “Bees-attack”, he will have to contemplate suicide. … (My stretch of imagination but true nevertheless: it matches with the unedited version of the story which is meant for producer-director’s exclusive viewing only.)

Behen M apparently could not see janta’s-tide turning in her favour with the “Bee-Tide” around.

So, this is the “Bee-tide” story of Behen Mayawati. …

…..

By the way, do you know why only 1000 rupees notes were used for the garland? Because, their colour matches the colour of Behen M’s clothes – pink! S(h)ame – S(h)ame. …

…..

Now, while Timesnow – Newshour actually – is debating this beezarrest-of-the-beezarre case, and the anchor Arnab Goswami is fighting his Bee-tears with Suhel Seth on the unfolding of the most comic-tragic drama in the history of politics, and television reporting, I too find myself shedding honey-laced Bee-tears with both of them. At the same time, somewhere on the planet earth, Ripley’s Believe-it-or-not team is secretly viewing the entire episode of the fallout of the conspiratorial “Bees-attack” on Behen M to include in their next edition of collection.

Don’t believe it? Well, you will when Ripley’s next Limited Edition comes out soon.

Till then, all my dear Bees, All Izz Well that Ends in a Honey Well :)

Arnab Goswami: a Monk among Mughals in Media?

Arnab Goswami is a monk. That’s the feeling I get whenever I watch him present the Newshour on Timesnow. And I am sure my sentiment is shared by millions.

When the Times of India – expectedly – launched Timesnow with Arnab Goswami as its Editor-in-Chief and Vice President, honestly, I did not expect it to become the No.1 English news channel within a short span of two (three) years. Also, I did not expect Arnab Goswami to be regarded – and awarded - as the best news anchor so soon, beating the well established ones in the business! And my doubts were well founded, at least that is what I thought in those times.

Those were the times - in 2006, in India - when the English media in television was insurmountably dominated by big players like NDTV and the newly launched CNN-IBN. Prannoy Roy, Barkha Dutt and Rajdeep Sardesai were the undisputed favourites. Though Arnab Goswami enjoyed his “own” position at NDTV, still, for me to think that one day I would become his great admirer – like millions - was unthinkable, in those times.

But that changed soon after.

Going back to the launch of Timesnow days, what was surprising to me was the quiet manner in which it was done. There was no “usual” TOI-style fanfare; no Page-3 kind parties; no advertisement even in TOI! Even thereafter, TOI did not take any particular pains to popularize its channel. Moreover, to my further surprise, the format of the news channel was quite serious in comparison to the “populist-like” approach adopted by TOI – especially for its Delhi Times. Frankly, I simply couldn’t understand the “strategy” behind this “hush-hush” kind of affair. Imagine, the No.1 national daily was introducing its news channel and there was no “news”! It was quite perplexing to me.

But not anymore.

Because, today – perhaps - I understand the “reason” behind the “positioning” of Timesnow, and the Newshour in particular. And, the “reason” is none other than its Editor-in-Chief and Vice President Arnab Goswami.

Here, I am attempting to de-construct - understand - Arnab Goswami.
(You will understand only if you have watched him host the Newshour.)

You do not often come across a news channel chief not having airs around him; you do not often watch a news channel chief not acting powerful and an influencer; you do not often see a news channel chief not exploiting his privileged position; you do not often witness a news channel chief be reticent and shy of networking; you do not regularly hear about the editor-in-chief of TOI’s news channel not willing to be a part of the circus that is so fashionable in today’s times in electronics format: instituting Media awards – say, Timesnow Year Awards! (I wonder if he attends the annual mad bash of Bombay Times!) … . Well, I can go on and on.

In three years of its existence, the most forceful factor that has emerged strongly as the prime cause for Timesnow success is Arnab Goswami. He is not only an anchor par excellence but a remarkably able – and modest - debate moderator as well! His deliberations are genuine and sincere besides being insightful and interesting. He exudes warmth and ease around him though he is straightforward to the point of having it as his trademark style. Hearing him present news and debate them in depth makes one feel a part of Newshour discussions – as if he is sitting with viewers – every viewer - in living room, and discussing as a friend. What is admirable about Arnab is his assertiveness devoid of any apparent aggression, displaying his intense character. He respects his guests – and audience alike – and the same get reflected to him. And, I truly believe that he is going to remain like this forever: deeply rooted.

Now, tell me, what would you call a person as privileged in position as Arnab Goswami but comfortably unaffected – and detached - by his advantaged status, not falling for fame or famous or a Ferrari?

A monk! What else?!

And that is the reason I call Arnab Goswami a Monk - among Mughals in Media!

Pune Terror Attack: Available Intelligence not Actionable Enough?

India was attacked again; this time – on 13th Feb’10 - the city on terrorists’ radar was Pune, almost a twin city of Bombay. And this happened in spite of the “actionable intelligence” available with the concerned authorities. In fact, the intelligence available was so glaring and clear that in order to have ignored it completely must have been a monumental task for the people concerned. Only last week Pune was mentioned – publicly – in LeT’s/JuD’s massive rally in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, held primarily to press their anti-India point, as a sure target for their attack. And the television footage/newspaper transcripts were available with all concerned in India, besides the other relevant and related intelligence reports provided by the indigenous agencies.

Still India kept sleeping. But, why? Nobody knows the answer for sure. Nor is anybody hopeful of getting a credible explanation from the ever-sleepy state government or even the now active Home Ministry.

Without towing the usual line – almost clichéd as far as terror attacks are concerned – of discussions or debates, I want to simply put this point across that when will India acquire a “zero-tolerance” attitude towards terrorism? Like every earlier time post Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks, this time too India is almost muted in voicing its protest. Our country once again is exhibiting its lack of courage in denying the “talking” opportunity – actually cementing our neighbour’s “denial” platform further - to Pakistan which is being paraded in the garb of the so-called resuming of the so-called peace-process-through-dialogues.

India for sure is acting under the US pressure in this regard. My question is: Can’t India hold its stand strongly enough so as not to succumb to any international diplomatic pressures, US’ included, till Pakistan actually “walked its talk” on its fight against terror emanating from within its boundaries? Do we really need to talk to Pakistan, so desperately?

But, then, talk for what?

Haven’t we already talked enough in the past sixty years? Or is it only a charade being put up by India in order to gag the geopolitical hawks – US included – and keep them off its shoulder and in fact keep going with the efforts and pressure on Pakistan for stopping cross-border terrorism?

Even if the answer to the last question is “yes”, my objection is in India getting re-positioned as a “soft” state – and a target for terror, therefore – when it is supposed to be “poised” for superpowerdom. Repeated terror strikes and India’s awfully “soft” and inconsistent responses make it seem hugely vulnerable and highly incompetent for the global leadership role.

Still, the diplomatic pundits in the government want to go ahead with the resumption of the so-called peace talks with Pakistan. Well, I can only say, All The Best. But just remember the GOI: All is not well in India.

On 14th Feb – Valentine’s Day - when the entire world was talking about spreading love, India was battling, once again, the aftermath of yet another terror attack. Unfortunately, India seems to be fast getting used to it. For India, Enough is still not Enough.

God save India.

………………………………………

I had always wondered – actually wished! – why should The Newshour have only 60 minutes? Today, with its special edition, the Newshour did stretch to 120 minutes and it was a pleasant surprise to see it getting aired on a Sunday evening. But honestly, its millions of dedicated viewers will vouch that we had never wanted our wish to come true in this unfortunate manner, for an unfortunate incident. Nevertheless, the 2-hour debate was comprehensive and incisive, as always, in the true Timesnow tradition!

Black Face; Pink Chaddi next, Mr. Muthalik???

“What goes around comes around,” said Arnab Goswami in his trademark straightforward and sincere style. And watching the start of the Timesnow Thursday Newshour I wondered, “What could Arnab be talking about?” Soon I had the answer. He was mentioning the “much awaited” retort in Bangalore where Pramod Muthalik’s face was blackened by a couple of activists in public! Wow! What a sight! Seeing that infamous madman seethe with anger and writhe with non-physical pain, in public, was a pure delight! The master molester was getting paid back in his own coin; the notorious self-styled moral police was getting a fitting public rebuttal; the self proclaimed reformist was being forced to taste his own medicine!

And Muthalik’s public predicament and expected defiance made me think deeper, the devil’s workshop – my mind – at its efficient best! After a Black Face, may be a Pink Chaddi next for Mr. Muthalik?! He forced to wear the Pink Chaddi in the same manner Superman would have preferred! This janta’s gesture would have cemented his desire to be “macho” which he and his men had manifested so unabashedly in Mangalore last year!

Thank you, India, for waking up and standing up to a militant like Muthalik! … Muthalik, Murdabad!

Happy Valentine's Day to all :)

……………..

“What goes around comes around,” hearing Arnab Goswami say the adage in his trademark straightforward and sincere style made me ponder that no other news anchor would have displayed this kind of deep and genuine feeling while reporting a news story – a horrific story of public abuse of young women by a bunch of hooligans a year ago. My admiration for him grew a few notches more.