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The Reel Versus Real - Sunanda Vashisht Sunanda Vashisht was born in the beautiful valley of Kashmir, India when Kashmir was known for its unparalleled natural beauty and not as a cauldron of fear and terror. She did most of her schooling in Delhi and dabbled with several professions before moving to U.S last year. she is currently pursuing higher studies here. she likes to introduce herself as an explorer because she wants to spend all her time in this world exploring unknown. Writing for her is a cathartic experience. She can't remember when she began writing first but she does know that writing has always helped her to be at peace with herself and with the world around her.

Alright, I have to admit that in past few weeks what had me glued to the televison and newspapers was not conversations between Sanjay Dutt and the underworld (the news is becoming kind of stale now) or President Kalam’s speeches or even the controversy of Narendra Modi’s remarks against CEC. What held my attention was angry wife of absconding IPS officer Ravi Kant Sharma. I am sure most of you got swayed even if a little, by her near violent tirade against the entire establishment.

I was in India when a young journalist Shivani Bhatnagar was found murdered in her apartment and the only witness being Shivani’s infant son. Nobody knew what happened for a long while. I followed the case for some time and then suddenly newspapers stopped reporting and this case too slowly diminished from the public memory. Until recently, the case seemed to gain momentum again and suddenly seemed to rock the mighty and powerful including Pramod Mahajan and L.k. Advani. Madhu Sharma episode had all the makings of a successful and gripping suspense drama. Although the case looked straightforward at first where Ravi Kant Sharma was the main accused, suddenly everyone had doubts in their mind. Such was the power in Madhu Sharma’s attacks and such is the power of television.

Soon everyone was giving benefit of doubt to Madhu Sharma. Everyone seemed to be questioning the integrity of Shivani and people began wondering about the relationship between Mahajan and Shivani. The BJP seemed to be rocked by the accusations and opposition began cheering one more downfall of so called upright minister. I am in no position to guess the out come of this case. I have no idea about who is the victim or who is the victimizer.

This issue did however have me thinking about the tremendous reach of television and its ability to sway our opinion one way or the other. More than likely it does seem that Madhu’s attack was just a frustrated attempt to save her husband. This came across in her usage of words to malign Mahajan. E.g R.K. Sharma is hiding where Mahajan used to romance Shivani and Sharma will never surrender because he will be tortured and made to say false things. All this seemed to me at least, a desperate and maybe genuine attempt of wife trying to save her husband but unfortunately Sharma still did not come across as a victim or untainted one.

First of all, the fact that he was absconding would be held against him. If he had nothing to hide he had no reason to be absconding or escaping from the law of land. And if he knew about Mahajan’s involvement why was he quiet for more than three years. Agreed that these are just the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle and there is no final picture yet. However despite the television drama Sharma appears to be the important part of puzzle.

I do however think that television channels should show a lot more restraint before repeating some footage again and again. Although it is a known fact that TRP’S are the name of game, yet I do feel that news channels should also know that to gain viewer ship they cannot be only showing sensational stuff with very little matter to it.

I do hope that truth come out soon and I pray for the peace of mind for Shivani’s husband and her innocent child who have been dragged in this mindless and insensitive drama.

Till we connect again...

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