World-cup-soccer-crazy days (and nights) have come to an end and TV viewing is back to like it was in the good old days. News channel still rank high in providing us pastime value. Daily debates concerning the bizarre behavior of peculiar individuals (like the Indian journalist who met a Pakistani terrorist) continue, however, since uncovering of scams has slackened for the time being, the other news being reported is more of the distressing category. Outrageous rapes of young children and girls, despicable acts of radical organizations worldwide, the pathetic state of affairs of citizens caught in the midst of unnecessary conflicts zones across the globe and the most contemptible of all being the likes of the recent shooting down of a passenger aircraft over Ukraine. Innocent lives being taken for satisfying the sordid egos of tyrannical, ruthless, irrational individuals. So sad and so appalling! We certainly hope those guilty are established rapidly and punished fittingly.

 

 Moving on to what else in new in desi telly-land; a new war of sorts has started on the airwaves too. I’m not talking about any feud between channels and shows but about a brand-new, mega-scale, over the top budget production to hit the small screen called Yudh. Yudh starring the one & only Mr Amitabh Bachchan is purportedly something more than just another angry young man story. I haven’t had a chance to catch it yet but initial reports have been a wee bit discouraging. Notwithstanding, I intend to catch up with it soon and for those of you who care, I will submit my two bits shortly.

 

 Other than that, Kapil Sharma has apparently put his super silver screen plans on the back burner for a bit. He’s continuing on-air and has even brought dear Gutthi back on his squad, this time as his father-in-law. Given the equation between the two characters, that should be quite a treat to watch. 

 

Another treat to watch has been the introduction of the Zee Zindagi Channel. All I’ve watched on it thus far have been thoroughly enjoyable shows from the land of our neighbors; Pakistan. These shows have been a pleasant diversion from the mundane and a definite recommendation to those looking for a change. And finally, just wanted to share with you that all of here at The Indian Television Academy (and at GR8!) have just celebrated our 14th anniversary this month. We’ve come a long way baby and for that we have all of you to thank. Thank you so, so much for being there, for your support and most of all for the goodwill you’ve help us build over these past 14 years! 

 

On that content note, it’s farewell for now. Enjoy the delayed monsoon showers and catch up on all the TV gossip you’ve missed.

Until next time, happy reading!

 

ANU RANJAN