In the end many would acclaim that it was a win for Shilpa and a bigger win for India. Sure, must admit that Shilpa handled the situation well.
The Hindu had a fabulous editorial on the subject.
I watched Big Brother when I was in England in 2005 and wondered why one would watch such a program. Big Brother, I believe, is neither intellectual nor anything close to entertainment. Some faded stars and unknown faces sharing their lives and letting a broadcaster exhibit the same to viewers. I am unable to understand as to why would any idiot want to sit before the box to watch this.
But India for sure is following the global path. We have a Big Brother for the Indian eyeballs. Called the Big Boss, the program features on Sony. My wife told me that her friend who stays in Mumbai was hooked onto it. I did manage to watch it for a couple of seconds. Believe me, it was nothing but a made up act.
Goody reasons can be attributed to the resurgence of this format of TV software. It has been a win-win for all. Big Brother will, now, not be axed. Shilpa has won and made more money than she was supposed to. A newspaper claimed that though this new found celebrity status will not help her sagging Bollywood career but could get her offers from Hollywood. Watch out Aishwarya!
Times Now carried a program on Shilpa and her adventure. Some of the participants felt that she would become an ambassador for anti-racism activism and represent Asians in UK.
Jade Goody, though lost Big Brother, still has made herself a celebrity.
She is likely to visit India on a correction mission. And I am sure, she will be treated as a devatha (maybe devi) because now she would be an athithi (guest).
If there is some reality about the reality show, it is the racial abuse of one segment by another. Racism in UK is a reality. I have heard many stories of racism against Asians. They are looked down upon and at times handled violently. There have been many articulations of such incidents in the press.
I am sure this is not a British phenomenon. Indians (even other immigrants) might be facing such situation in an alien country.
But then why get upset? We experience such discriminations even within our motherland. ULFA urges for an Assamese’s Assam. I have heard that Shiv Sena was born to weed out others from Mumbai. Kannadigas hate the sight (and sound) of Tamilians. Sardar jokes are top favorites for all Indians.
The way Indians practice discrimination is unparalleled.
Why fuss over treatment meted out to Shilpa when we ourselves behave as Big Brothers?
