PUNJABI ANTENNA
No high fives in 2005
Randeep Wadehra

While watching lyricist Babu Singh Mann talking on Kujh Pal Tere Naam, one was charmed by his modesty and ability to laugh at himself although he is a name to reckon with in the Punjabi entertainment industry. His lyrics like gallaan goriyan vich toye have taken the Punjabi pop scene by storm. He is a serious poet too. His recitation of …pehli chori pakdi gayee was delightful indeed.

Leaving aside a few such sparks, one feels a bit sad at the barrenness of Punjabi television scene. Perforce, one harks back to the glorious days when serials like Parchchaven, Lafafi, and Rait Di Ikk Mutthi used to keep the family audience glued to the small screen. Today we don’t have a single Punjabi serial on the air.

Mukesh Gautam’s Sajda did raise hopes of revival but even this show has fizzled out presumably due to budgetary constraints. One wonders why the resources that sustain those high-decibel musical monstrosities – so common on the Punjabi TV – are not diverted to more tasteful productions. Is it not sad that tele-films and serials having typical Punjabi flavour have been made in Hindi and are not even dubbed in Punjabi? There are umpteen examples such as Karmaanwali, Saanjha Chulha, Chhawain Di Rutt, and Chunni.

There’s nothing for kids. Kaka Nikki Times is basically an adults’ show compered by kids. However, the year 2005 has had its brighter side too. Punjab Today came up with documentary-style coverage of the region. DD Punjabi continued to give encouragement to grassroots level cultural activities. Alpha Punjabi’s Parat Dar Parat presented stunning eye-openers vis-à-vis drug abuse, quackery and bribery. Khabarsaar gave us thought-provoking discussions on social, economic and political issues facing the state. Dial-E-Punjab and Alpha Gaddi entertained, while Phulkari – by far the best women’s show on Punjabi television – provided wholesome infotainment.

Among the male presenters, Ritesh Lakhi easily towers over the rest with his well-informed but self-effacing style of presentations. Bhalinder Singh too lights up the screen with his smile and style. Among the women, Satinder Satti certainly is a thorough professional while Navjot Noor and Jasmine Bhatti make an impact on the viewers with their verve. One missed the glamorous Kamaldeep and her show Mubarakaan. And, Daler Mehndi’s migration to Mumbai undeniably robbed us of a live-wire entertainer.

This year saw the Punjabi television fail in measuring up to discerning viewers’ expectations. Let’s hope that 2006 will see the scenario brighten up.