Insensitive

Is what popped in my head several times, switching on the TV nowadays. You try escaping it by turning to Print. It’s there too. But not as much as it blares itself from the Idiot box.

Will point two recent “experiences” that jarred my nerves:

1. Ishmith Singh’s death
One of our reporters takes us through a few snippets of his shortlived but brilliant career as the Voice of India winner. Fine. They show him singing a touching Punjabi number on “Mothers”. They stop the footage at a place where he sings about having rotis from his mother’s hand. Back to reporter who had this look as though he going to say something that he’s analysed (like the PM’s budget speech or something).Clinically states – “Abh wo apne maa ki roti nahi kha paaega”. Feeling? 0 Kelvin.
Very tiny moment. Yet very jarring.
Maybe they should just have Robots spouting podcasts in future.

2. The Aarushi Talwar Case
This one’s been ripped apart in one of Their networks. One that is most “memorable” in its crudeness – a Hindi-channel literally parodied the child. A shadowy figure in a dark room speaking in a not-so-girly-as-womanly other wordly voice “Main Aarushi..mere kitne sapney the.. in logon ne aisa kyun kiya?”. Before I could hear more switched off the damn thing.

What’s happening here? Where’s the media that so responsibly championed Jessica Lal’s case? Who gave people their space to grieve with dignity?

As Indians we love sensationalism, yes. A LOT of sharing-caring, yes. But I believe as a society we honour, respect the dead. The sooner our Media realises this, the better.