The Idol of India

I mostly "hear" television. The TV blares out in the other room, while I pick up the bits and pieces now and then. I hate the type of stuffs that are aired these days at prime time, the "expert" news-talk shows, the Ekta Kapoor style "K" serials (yuk!), the money-spinning quiz shows and worst of all, the singing talent-hunts.

Yesterday, it was too much. Some guy named "Chang" was voted out by the public. One of the judges was so upset that she left the show! She proclaimed that he was her "Idol", come what may. What the hell! Being judges of these shows itself, is so demeaning. The judges are merely placed to attract public attention, by indulging in mud-slugging and showing pseudo favoritism.

In the earlier days, artists had to struggle constantly to achieve a position in the singing industry. There was only one music company and a handful of music directors. The situation is now much better. This not only allows young artists to showcase their talents, but also makes them disappear from the scene in a flash.

Since young people are involved, things have taken a very vulgar turn too. Most of the music videos are unwatchable with the family and not to speak about the double meaning lyrics in the songs. The argument given in favour of these... freedom of expression and art.

Freedom of art gives license to the artists in our country to paint Goddesses of a religion in the nude and get away with it!

Is a writer, poet, painter, singer or lyricist above the society in which she is living? Does she have the right to hurt other person's sentiments?... maybe I'm old fashioned.