Every news channel tries to be different and Zee 24 Taas is not behind . They have already claimed that they are one step ahead, as far as the broadcast of the news is concerned. Through one of their special programmes 'Jara Hat Ke', they bring out success stories of underprivileged people and also of those who inspire others with their unique hobbies. Look out for timings of this programme, as these are very interesting stories.

The Maharashtra bandh observed by opposition parties to protest against the price rise, received very detailed coverage from all the Marathi channels getting quick update from all major cities of the state. It was only because of the media coverage that the ruling government could not make false claims of making the bandh flop. In fact, the government had already issued advertisements through newspapers making appeal to the people not to participate in the bandh; but that didn't work. What a waste of tax payer's money! Thanks to the live coverage by electronic media. It clearly indicated that people on their own supported for bandh, staying at home, giving a clear hint to the government that they opposed hike in Oil and Cooking gas prices; which only led to rise in essential commodities prices.

Last week, we had talked about want of transparency in the reality shows, with special reference to Wow! On E-TV. And, we are happy to note that some changes regarding involvement of the viewers has been taken into account from the current week. But, the host and the research team should do good home work on questions. In their programme dated 5th July 2010, the host asked the participant a question as to what was former cricketer Syed Kirmani's middle name? The participant could not answer, but to the surprise of everyone, the host declared the same as Zaheer Abbas, as against Mujtaba Hussein. It is known to all that Mr. Kirmani was addressed with his initials as S. M. H. Kirmani, in the media, while he played and also at the time when he was a selector of Indian team. Isn’t that a big blunder created by the host? Good, that the participant didn't know the answer, otherwise it would have caused more embarrassment to the producer of the programme.

Now, talking about ongoing serials, 'Kashyla Udyachi Baat' instead of moving ahead in the screenplay asked for some more time with flashbacks. It looked like that other artistes were busy. In 'Kunku' the fight now seems to be between bad v/s bad, making the newly wed girl a new victim of torture from both the sides. In 'Mann Udhaan Varyache' we find Gauri becoming more aggressive in her approach not at her place but at other's place; while defending her sister-in-law. 'Olakh' which indicated picking up in the screenplay, now seems to be focusing more on molestation and harassment scenes with the possibility of 'rape' in forthcoming episodes. And, this takes the serial on the lines of filmi plots. Can't our story writers think of inspiring the young girls, by showing the courage of girl characters instead of showing their helplessness?

By the way, from next week, Zee TV adds one more serial in the name of 'Lajja' questioning the viewers whether their daughters are safe today ? Girija Oak plays the lead character in this serial. And, we only hope that this new serial is not the repeat of what we have been watching till now in other serials.

by Ulhas Shirke © MMW