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Talk shows have become a staple ‘diet’ for serious-minded TV viewers as these deal with subjects that range from politics to economics to entertainment and are easier to follow than hard news items on specialised subjects. These are by and large earnest affairs. However, one finds that the Indian TV scenario has been largely bereft of satire. Although attempts at generating humour using stand-up comedians have been made, the only show that resorted to satire was SAB’s Wah, Wah! But it wasn’t a talk show. It was more of a series of poetry sessions with recycled jokes and low-to-middle-brow verse as its main ingredients. Right now cricket dominates the small screen. Aaj Tak has Extra Cover. Zee News and IBN 7 have been conducting live talk shows apart from their regular slots. NDTV has Pitch Battle, Cricket Controversies and Turning Point! One does enjoy the talks featuring Ajay Jadeja, Imran Khan and Dean Jones but even a diehard cricket fan would be fed up with the overkill and begin to yearn for something that is either a rib-tickler or is sober, cerebral and more pertinent to everyday life. And, assuredly one can get more of the latter than the former. CNN-IBN’s Face the Nation not only features issues relating to economic, political and other fields but also invites concerned personalities and experts to face relevant, but none too comfortable, posers from the public in its ‘Crossfire’ segment. For example, the other day the topic was ‘should MPs be fined for wasting the House’s time?’ The telephonic response from viewers was overwhelming. Not so spectacular are NDTV’s talk shows although these do impress in their own manner. There was a time when Big Fight and Rajdeep Sardesai were synonymous. His aggressive anchoring, the high-decibel debates and no-holds-barred approach to issues and personalities kept one glued to the TV. After his departure, Vikram Chandra has brought a certain sobriety to the proceedings. The decibel levels have plummeted but the viewer interest remains high as ever. We the People remains one’s favourite talk show for the simple reason that its format allows more amiable discussion although, occasionally, furs do fly. Barkha Dutt has a way of empathising with the suffering – be they common Kashmiris or the kin of Samjhauta tragedy victims. Her touch keeps things from going out of hand. On the other hand, Vir Sanghvi’s Face the Music is more entertaining than introspective. One enjoys winners from fields as diverse as politics, sports and entertainment, seated onstage, interacting with each other as well as with the invited audience. Some of the more interesting episodes were those featuring Shobha De, Lola and Rabbi Shergill. Another talk show that has caught viewers’ imagination is India Questions. Although Prannoy Roy anchors Pitch Battle too, it is IQ that caries his stamp – soft-toned conversation, wit and sophistication. For want of better alternatives, one is tempted to cite Gustakhi Maaf, or its English version, Double Take, as an entertaining and thought-provoking spoof in the talk show format. It has lampooned politicians, cinestars and cricketers with telling effect. The weekly roundup of its various episodes provides wholesome entertainment on Sundays. The V Channel has the Lola TV show that is quite entertaining but falls short of being satirical. The really irreverent spoof is MTV’s Semi Girebaal. Although it apparently targets the rather uppity Rendezvous with Simi Garewal that features toffs from business, industry and cinema, it has acquired a flavour and character that is unique. As a counterpoint to the pretentiously sophisticated original, this one is hilariously ribald with puns peppering the proceedings. The fact that this show has been pushed down from its primetime slot to Monday mornings is proof enough that TV humour has yet to come of age in India. Or, perhaps we don’t have a stomach for the spoof. Screen’s dark faces
Villains have always been fascinating figures. In a world plagued by war, brutality and corruption, they are the embodiment of our darkest fears, the face of all that is selfish and wicked in the human soul. Hollywood's Greatest Villains on Sunday at 10 p.m. on History Channel is a captivating and terrifying look at some of the most evil — and best-loved — characters ever created on the big screen. Featuring interviews with actors like Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct) and directors like George Lucas (Star Wars) and John Carpenter (Halloween), Hollywood's Greatest Villains is a riveting, insightful exploration of 100 years of screen evil. Shweta on a roll Whether it is reaching the finals of Jhaak Dikhla Jaa or cocking a snook at Mona Singh in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, small screen diva Shweta Salve never ceases to surprise. She possesses the pizzazz that is usually associated with film celebrities. Shweta was recently voted the Face of the Year at the Maratha Sanman Awards 2007. The star is currently busy with the serial Left Right Left on Sab TV and is also anchoring Cricket Star aired simultaneously on Doordarshan and the Zee network. Though she gets offers by the dozen to do item numbers in films after Jhalak Dikhla Jaa she’s nixed all of them saying she’ll do only a good repertoire of work. "I will not take up anything till I am totally convinced about the role." — NF
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