PUNJABI ANTENNA
Chaos at play
Randeep Wadehra
Jugnu Mast Mast: The only comedy show
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One
March-end morning, Alpha Punjabi went missing from the small screen. Now
this was the only channel that provided quality entertainment. Other
channels are all music based; purportedly promoting Punjabi culture even
as they rake in the moolah by telecasting cheap, titillating music
videos. Frantic calls to the cable operator elicited a
confusing-but-heartening response – Alpha Punjabi is now Zee Punjabi.
Now, what could the reason for this change be? And, why no prior
announcement was made? After all Alpha Punjabi belonged to the Zee
network too. Had some brand problem cropped up? Maybe streamlining the
management structure or re-allocating content-sourcing is the reason?
Perhaps there’s some corporate consolidation going on?
Whatever the reason, one
is happy that all the favourite programmes are still going strong: Dial-E-Punjab,
Mubarakan, Pyar Naal, Alpha Gaddi, Khabarsaar et al. However, it is Jugnu
Mast Mast that continues to rule the roost as a comedy show. The
Mann-Rana duo gives a rather hilarious twist to socially relevant themes
– wherein the ever-suffering common man occasionally gets his own back
at the bullying officialdom. However, one sorely misses good tele-serials
and soaps that once used to provide wholesome family entertainment.
One has a bone to pick with other
channels for their lack of professionalism. ETC Punjabi often forgets to
inform the viewers of featuring important personalities on its regular
shows. For example, on Kaka Nikki Time there was this Pakistani
female singer having an animated discussion with the kids. But this
reviewer could see only the last few moments of the programme. Advance
notice would have helped. Then there’s MH1 that announces a television
show but forgets to air it without giving any reason. Conversely, it
comes up – albeit occasionally – with excellent programmes, like the
one on adventure sports some months ago, without adequate prior
intimation.
EYE-CATCHER |
As a television journalist Gurleen Ahluwalia has interviewed PS Badal, Rabbi Shergill, Jazzy B and Gurpreet Ghuggi besides many other personalities from different walks of life in the region. A graduate from Guru Nanak Dev University, Gurleen’s childhood was tough as her father fell to terrorist bullets in Amritsar and her mother struggled to give her and her siblings a decent education. She joined Punjab Today as reporter and news anchor and is currently with Zee Punjabi. Although she made her mark as mime artiste in several youth festivals, she prefers being a serious journalist. |
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