Archive for the 'Media' Category

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Urvashi Ka Swayamvar

Published on July 22, 2009 in Media. 75 Comments

Welcome to the Kalpana channel and today we are coming close to the finale of “Urvashi Ka Swayamvar” , which has garnered records viewership in all the three worlds. This is your host Narada and with me I have, as always, my trusty henchman Vidur.

For those, who like the Magna-mainaak (submerged Mainaak mountain) have been hiding underneath the ocean for thousands of years and have no idea of what I am talking about, a brief re-cap.

Urvashi is the most famous “item girl” in the universe (or as we call her round here “apsara”) who became supposedly “irresistible” after being granted several boons by the God of Plastic Surgery, Implanta-karma.  She initially made her name by doing provocative dance numbers like “Mohabbat Hain Chili” and managing numerous other small-time little-clothed appearances in several Indrasabha programs. However she catapulted into universal limelight only after being kissed by Mika-asura (famous for setting fire to the rains), in full view of Trinayana (television cameras). This was followed by another explosive appearance on a reality show “Bada Boss”. Since then Urvashi has been controversy’s child, forever in the media with her opinions being sought on cricket, terrorism and even on whether Mahishasura needs a deodorant.

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Doodh Ka Karz

Published on April 4, 2009 in Media. 46 Comments

In a piece of journalism that deserves the Pulitzer or at least an immediate Howitzer , New York Times comes up with a totally serious, dripping with analysis feature on the “Mere Paas Maa Hain”  Nirupa Roy syndrome in the charming Slumdog Millionaire “Chamma Chamma” reporting style that we so admire, with the only criticism one can make of it being that it was published on April 3,  2 days too late for All Fool’s Day.

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Dog Day Afternoon

Published on February 23, 2009 in Media. 135 Comments

Slumdog Millionaire has won ! Yeahhh ! Every Indian can now leap out of human excreta and go Jai Ho under the neele aasmon ke taale. Because as Anil Kapoor tells us “It’s time for me, the whole team of slumdog and every India to cheer and celebrate. We are having an ecstatic moment here in LA. I can only say that India has made a clean sweep here.” Why just Anil Kapoor, who may be forgiven for being a bit carried away, even Raja Sen of Rediff informs us that “India conquers the Oscars”.

Surely a movie/documentary made by non-Indians with India as the subject winning equates to India conquering the Oscars. Just like if the “March of the Penguins” would have swept the Academy Awards, it would have been a glorious achievement of Antarctica and a proud day for all penguins.

[Update: Why Anil Kapoor or Raja Sen? According to the TOI, the Congress is now claiming credit for Slumdog (I hope they have seen the movie to be sure about what exactly they are claiming credit for). Baila Baila ! (link courtesy Rohit) ]

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Press Coverage of 26/11—Some Thoughts

Published on December 10, 2008 in Media. 103 Comments

[Warning: lost Long post]

In my series of blogposts on the Mumbai massacres of November, I have so far avoided dealing explicitly with one issue that has otherwise got a lot of attention, mostly negative, in the blogosphere and in discussion boards and online communities——the coverage of the tragic incidents provided by the Indian television media.

The most common criticisms of the Indian television media coverage of 26/11 may be summarized as follows:

1. By showing live footage of commandos going in and in focusing attention on that hotel guest one can see on the ninth floor, they compromised the security of hostages and of the entire operation.

2. The channels fell over themselves trying to get exclusives, stooping to the level of harrying already distraught victims for their “reactions”.

3. The spotlight was entirely on the Taj and the Oberoi and not on Victoria Terminus because the victims at VT were, to put it bluntly, “low class” in contrast to the glitterati and foreigners at the 5-star hotels.

4. Other important events like the death of VP Singh were ignored in the midst of the 24/7 media brouhaha.

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Mountain Ox Ms Fox

Published on September 24, 2008 in Media and Silly. 8 Comments

I have often, in the course of my writings, been looking for a metaphor for desire (or as the Tic Tic Tic man would say “deesaires”) . As in some juxtaposition of words that truly brings out the essence of this sinful sensation.

I think I have found it. Thanks to an article linked from the front page of TOI.

I just think that all humans are born with the ability to be attracted to both sexes. I mean, I could see myself in a relationship with a girl – (OC star) Olivia Wilde is so sexy she makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands.

And before you ask, yes this article did make me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands.