The second week of February witnessed on Marathi TV news channels a non stop big drama, which should go into Guinness Book of records for covering such a news continuously, as if this was a biggest sensational news. It even crossed the 26/11 news coverage lengthwise, as this drama went on for almost 8 days. And, who gained finally ? Was it Shiv Sena- who opposed the actor’s support for Pak players, the actor- who felt that he had done nothing wrong or the Maharashtra Government who stood behind the actor to release his film with police protection ? Only the wise sensible viewers from Maharashtra know the truth. But, one thing is sure that the shrewd actor didn’t have to spend much, for the kind of publicity his film received on all electronic channels in India. Our marathi channels were also nowhere behind, playing this game.

Though in Mumbai and Maharashtra this game did not work much, but in other parts of India, it helped. What actually happened in the process is that the people from Maharashtra were attacked from all sections of society from other parts of India including those in Mumbai, who tried to use this platform to criticize our culture. In simple language, the actor who benefited to the maximum, was just waiting to expose the other two political parties, by using one stone to hit two birds –i.e. the Government of Maharashtra and the Shiv Sena. In the entire process, the electronic media including Marathi channels played this game very well in criticizing them. It was a pity to watch this show, where Marathi Manoos was ultimately the target.

If this actor had stated on the very first day of the controversy, what he quoted on his blog on Twitter on the first day of his films release; the entire trouble could have been averted. But, then the intention of the actor is now very clear. To gain maximum publicity without paying much. It would be more appropriate to say that SRK used the media to his benefit at the cost of people of Maharashtra, hurting their sentiments. And, our media, played to his tune. Do we call this quality news ? And, see to what extent a section of the media was moving; by pulling in some of our artistes/ writers from Marathi film industry to comment on this controversy.

It was good that not many came forward to offer their comments in support of SRK, as they very well knew that he was playing the publicity stunt. Actor Sandeep Kulkarni was asked by Mr. Wagle of IBN Lokmat , as to why the Marathi artistes were not coming forward in support of SRK; and our sensible actor replied very frankly that he felt it was a simply a publicity stunt using the media. Bravo Sandeep! At least, you had the guts to say so. We, from marathi movie world are all proud of you. The question still remains as to why our Marathi film industry should support SRK, who has not contributed anything towards the welfare of Marathi films. Why he couldn’t join in their support, when they were fighting for screening of their films in Multiplexes? Where was he , when Marathi film industry was fighting to save Bharatmata theatre ? In short, the publicity stunt on TV channels has made us aware of this marketing gimmicks played by some film makers. It would have continued further, but Saturday’s Pune Bomb blast tragedy has forced the media to change over to priority news in the national interest.

by Ulhas Shirke © MMW