TeleScope: Aam Aadmi Party [Live]

Once the National Executive showed them the door — with a polite “pehle aap?” — the fear factor grew that either the ruling party in Delhi would implode on live television news or that the twosome would show themselves out of the party. As the verbal duels continued, the media read the smoke signals. As Zee News put it, “is mein romanch hai, dialogue hai” and more “khatra” to the AAP than Khatron ke Khiladi contestants battling mere snakes.

All the while, delighted TV news channels did not resist the “mauka” this spectacle presented — they broadcast the shootouts, they juxtaposed what each side said, followed by the usual “charcha”.

In an alleged taped telephone conversation between Kejriwal and Varanasi AAP leader Umesh Singh broadcast across news channels, Delhi’s chief minister roundly criticises Yadav and Bhushan in language unbecoming of a chief minister. In excerpts from his address

to the National Executive, he brings out the “chhuri”, talks of back-stabbing, “dhoka”. By the time Yadav spoke of the “Stalinist purge” to Barkha Dutt (NDTV 24×7), it was time to ask a question.

The Delhi voter has watched this daily public roast with increasing incredulity and anger. We want the TV news anchors to ask the AAP log: Is this why we voted you to power?

We also want to ask: Why is such a fuss being made over a two and a half minute video? Tuesday evening saw and heard discussions on My Choice by Homi Adajania, which features many women, but primarily Deepika Padukone — and her voiceover commentary — in a feature meant to empower women. “Experts” such as Shobhaa De and Suhel Seth went from CNN-IBN to NDTV, arguing about the value of the video. De found it “confused” and questioned its relevance for people not like us; Seth felt it succeeded if it had generated heated arguments. On and on they argued. TV news broadcast the video and, frankly, there is little to argue over. Sure, there are some sexually explicit ideas there, but beyond that

it is blameless. The video draws attention to a few issues concerning women’s choices, that’s it. Like it or dislike it, it is an individual “choice”. But what’s there to discuss? Or let’s put it another way — had Deepika Padukone not featured in it so prominently, would it have received such prominence?

And while we’re in the Q&A session, a few questions on Farah ki Dawat (Colors). Farah Khan is the host to celebrities who cook their favourite dishes. In return, Farah cooks for them. Cute. So it’s a cookery show, right? Not exactly. Precise proportions of the ingredients are few and far between and the process of cooking the dish is desultory. More time is spent horsing around the kitchen set. On Sunday, Karan Johar was hugging Farah, circling Farah, holding hands with Farah and there were more poor jokes between them then cooking tips. At the conclusion of the session, they sat down to savour their dishes. “Mmmmmm,” purred Farah tasting his fudge, “Mmmmmm,” replied Karan, chewing on her tea cupcakes.

For his efforts at the Dawat, Johar was gifted many goodies. Among these, a mobile phone, a Videocon WiFi AC, an Everest masala hamper and a Kenstar Oxy Frier. Hmmmmm. Should there be such shameless product placement on a show?