Newsroom Humor: Whose Is That?

The newsroom of a television channel was very quiet midway to the next bulletin. The reporters and all of the staff were busy writing out or typesetting the final content. The editor on duty was having his desk computer corrected by the office engineer who was also intent on his work.

All of a sudden the young engineer’s mobile phone burst out ringing. The ring tone was very short and abrupt—like a whiff of passing air released unawares. You can say the sharp string music was like ‘Tttwwee…eee…eee…eee...eee…eet!’

Though seemingly focused on work the young reporters burst out laughing. The desk editor who was sitting next to the engineer tried to act stern trying to prevent an embarrassment for the hard-working fellow, but he failed to mask his guffaw. Taking the cue more joined in the fun. Only the engineer maintained a grave countenance, silenced his phone immediately and went on working never looking around even once. And why not! He was the proud owner and probably it was his most favorite ring tone!

One lady went further. Unable to make out from where exactly the sound came she sang out merrily, ‘Hey! Whose is that?’

‘It’s mine.’ the engineer muttered still not looking up.

‘Oh…yours! Hee…hee…hee...he…he…he!’

Bollywood Movie Glamor Queen of Yore Rekha Got Nominated Too!

So intense was the media rage about Sachin Tendulkar possibly becoming a politician that other aspects of the same story got sidelined. The Government of India on April 26, 2012 nominated two more personalities apart from Tendulkar to Rajya Sabha (RS)—the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Rekha, the superstar heroine of Hindi Cinema of yesteryear, and Anu Aga, a social worker-writer-businesswoman, got nominated too.

Rekha had been the unforgettable actress of the seventies-eighties with loads of glamor and she made waves portraying all kinds of lead roles ranging from sweet next-door girl to roles of tremendous depth and versatility. Tall and attractive, an expert dancer, enriched with a resonant voice and in-born acting skills, Rekha captivated the moviegoers of all age groups in those good old days. From the beginning of the nineties Rekha’s image of a heroine witnessed a declining trend thanks to her refusal to do character roles. Though she started doing select character roles from 2000 onwards her popularity did not pick up and her appearances got restricted to mostly award shows. But the Rekha of yore is still firmly embedded in the minds of Indian moviegoers. RS nomination gives Rekha one more responsible role.

Now, the buzz was not at all about Rekha possibly becoming a politician. The simple reason could be that she is no longer active in her profession while Tendulkar has been not only active but has been riding on the emotions of millions as the ultimate hero. Expectations are continuously being heaped on him and these relate to more and more of cricket heroics. Therefore, becoming a Member of Parliament (MP) was not at all in the celebrity agenda decided by his fans.

Does this mean that taking the profession of a politician is okay as retirement planning or benefit? I feel this is ‘mean’. We are in the largest democracy of the world and here everyone has the freedom of choosing his/her career/profession—let it be that of a police constable or a politician. Though basically nominations to RS ought to be viewed as honors conferred on worthy persons by the Government, questions are also being raised about how much justice such celebrities could do to the new roles of MP. This is simply a matter of expert time management and nobody has the right to interfere in this personal domain. Building a legendary cricket career over more than two decades Tendulkar must be well versed with the requirements of time management and even if he is not so sure he can easily do a crash course in time management to get ready for new responsibilities.

True, the political class has drawn a lot of public wrath since the Mumbai terror attack of 26/11 and the unending stream of scams after that. But there are good and efficient people in politics too and there is absolutely no harm in more joining. Besides, one’s opposition becomes subjective and relative, because the opposing groups or individuals or rival political parties might be biased or prejudiced against a certain political party. One must also remember that fight against corruption does not cover only the politicians; it covers all of society from the government, corporate, private to the individual sectors. Good and bad exist in every field of activity and every walk of life on our planet of imperfections.

Essentially, what has been happening since yesterday concerning Sachin Tendulkar’s nomination can in fact be called the politics of the worst kind!  

Cricket Googly: Sachin Tendulkar Joining Politics?

The Guns of Bofors had thundered again yesterday with the former Swedish police chief, the whistle-blower in this huge scandal that hit India mid-eighties, disclosing sensational information that there was a huge Indian cover-up to protect the mysterious Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi. While the disclosure gave a clean chit to a relieved Amitabh Bachchan after long 25 years the story raged on media channels since yesterday and it created a storm in the Indian Parliament today as opposition parties got another ruse to attack the beleaguered ruling coalition. But by afternoon today everything about Bofors scam seemed to be forgotten as the news about cricket’s living legend Sachin Tendulkar came up.

It was a surprise for even the hardcore and wildly speculative news channels as the Government of India suddenly announced the nomination of Sachin Tendulkar for  a seat in Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Coincidentally, only this morning Sachin along with his wife Anjali met the Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi and spent about half an hour with her in New Delhi. This move is being considered more surprising as there has been consistent demand from all quarters for conferring Bharat Ratna—the highest honor of the nation—on Tendulkar, particularly after he achieved the feat of Century of Centuries.

Interesting and heated debate has picked up immediately on why Tendulkar ought to join politics. But does one become a politician just because of being nominated to the upper house? Under a provision of the Indian Constitution the President enjoys the discretion of nominating 12 eminent persons from different fields of activity to Rajya Sabha and such nominated members have the option of declaring his/her association with a particular political party of the house within six months. The legendary singer of Hindi Cinema, Lata Mangeshkar, was also a nominated member of Rajya Sabha, but she never became a politician. The same holds for many other eminent members. Further, participating in serious parliamentary debates and giving valuable suggestions or solid support for justified causes cannot be taken as politicking.

Tendulkar had reportedly accepted the honor and he would be the first ever active sportsman to get nominated. Now, it should be entirely left to him if he decides to join active politics or not. If he does join then his retirement from cricket should be round the corner. Why speculate and waste energy? Anyway, it is recognition for a legend. And, why to cry hoarse if some worthy people become part of a political system ruled by ruthless opportunists?