PUNJABI ANTENNA
A whiff of freshness
Randeep Wadehra

Navjot charms Dial-E-Punjab viewers

SIKH politics, like our national political affairs, seldom stands still. Its leaders invariably raise inconsequential issues that keep the focus of common folks away from real problems facing them. The latest example was provided during a debate in Khabarsaar wherein the controversy relating to certain utterances by Takht jathedars was discussed. The animated discussion willy-nilly included objections to certain rituals like blowing conch shells in one of the gurdwaras. One wonders when was the last time the venerated leaders of the Panth devoted similar attention to the economic aspirations of the Punjabi youth – who feel compelled to seek employment in foreign lands and often land into trouble?

Alpha Khabran persists with its policy of neither providing voiceovers in Punjabi nor subtitles in Gurmukhi to non-Punjabi video-clips. One is not sure whether it is sheer cussedness or lack of sensitivity to the viewers’ needs. Perhaps it is paucity of funds? Whatever. A network that boasts of global reach ought to maintain global standards.

While watching Dial-E-Punjab one realises how even the most seasoned anchors feel a bit uncomfortable while appearing on the live show. They are not sure what sort of comment or question the audience will put to them. They have to use their wit to keep the conversation interesting even as they need to mind the standards to be maintained. Often, they come up with the usual trick of flummoxing the viewers with smart one-liners or starry airs. Navjot Noor was a refreshing change. She, with her girl-next-door deportment and folksy conversational style, charmed all those who phoned in with their requests. One family got so carried away that it revealed such internal matters as the daughter’s forthcoming marriage and how it was all arranged.

Now, Navjot does know how to win over the audience’s confidence, doesn’t she? However, a caution may be in order here. Don’t prolong the conversation. Being a live show, DEP doesn’t have the benefit of editing, and unwitting as well as avoidable embarrassment may be caused.