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Ban TV shows on occult, says NIMHANS doctor
Shubhadeep Choudhury/TNS

Bangalore, November 21
The I & B Ministry’s crackdown on reality shows on TV has prompted NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) doctor Chandrashekhar to seek similar action on TV soaps thriving on the lure of the occult. “The story of a woman’s efforts to find love fighting against odds and supernatural forces”, is what a popular Hindi TV channel uses to advertise one of its serials.

“This serial is full of fantasy, black magic, tantra-mantra and basically caters to the typical Indian audience”, wrote a swooning fan about another serial aired by the same channel.

Such content on TV annoys Dr C R Chandrashekhar, who is one of those doctors who have played a key role in getting the status of “Institute of National Importance” to Bangalore-based NIMHANS accorded by the Union cabinet last month. “In Kannada too there are more than one serials which show black magic, witchcraft and promote various superstitions. The I & B Ministry should have a close look at these serials because in my view these are a real nuisance”, Chandrashekhar, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, said.

“Arundhati”, “Heegu Unte” and “Abracadabra” are some of the serial programmes aired on Kannada channels that promote the belief in supernatural powers, including black magic and witchcraft.

“Such programmes influence people. It reinforces their belief in the existence of such phenomena and in rituals that apparently help in warding off so-called evils”, Chandrashekhar said recalling his experience of treating patients suffering from mental ailments.