Monojit Lahiri investigates this contentious issue in the face of the latest nightmare emerging from Kolkata's R.G Kar Medical college, paralysing popular imagination.   

In the age of sensationalist media and relentless competition for TRP ratings, the role of celebrities in addressing major social issues has become a topic of intense debate. Are today's media personalities and journalists more interested in crafting dramatic sound-bytes than providing insightful commentary? This article delves into whether the relentless pursuit of sensationalism is compromising the quality of media coverage and public discourse. With perspectives from prominent film critics, directors, and actors, it explores the impact of media pressure on celebrities and examines how this phenomenon shapes public perception of crucial social issues. Find out how consumerism and instant gratification are influencing news coverage and why understanding these dynamics is essential in today’s media landscape. 

It was my iconoclast friend who called up the other day with a typically thought-provoking poser. “Dada, since you have been a media commentator and watcher for ages, do you find the new lot less informed and ethical and more desperate, pushy, and willing to sell their souls for a sensationalistic sound byte? Is TRP their ultimate agenda, and if masaledar quotes don’t come by, do they have any problem twisting them to embrace innuendos, or even manufacture chatpata ones? Is the frenzied competition a trigger for this means-justify-the-end syndrome reinforced by the junta's thirst for instant gratification? Is there also—sometimes hidden in both the journo and the unwashed and unentitled masses—a sense of angst to get even with privileged celebs that adds fuel to the fire? Pray, do tell!”

The Complexity of Celebrity Commentary

It was certainly a loaded salvo, hugely topical and relevant with no simple answers because the issue is complex and complicated and demands perspective. First things first. Celebrities have mostly always been soft targets whenever there is a disaster or tragedy that is truly impactful. Is it fair to shove mikes in their faces to comment on areas distanced from their professional calling? Can one expect soul-uplifting Eureka answers from an A-lister cricketer or film star that would be transformative, original, and solution-friendly?

Basically, they are sportsmen and actors, not activists. Obviously, they are likely to play it safe and go with the flow. This does not necessarily mean that they are casual or it’s mere tokenism that they are indulging in. The TV and film fraternity in Kolkata hitting the streets every day powering protest marches indicate this in no uncertain terms. Admittedly, there have been some uninformed, thoughtless, and seemingly cosmetic goof-ups from their end.

High-Profile Missteps

Saurav Ganguly's celebrated gaffe heads the list. His retraction may have softened the blow, but the deed was done. His daughters' and wife’s spirited support for the protest demanding justice made his case a little more embarrassing! Actress Rituparna Sengupta blowing the conch and Rachna Chatterjee’s [Didi No!] tearful byte have also been hugely trashed by the masses and perceived as fake, phony posturing. So what gives?

Perspectives from the Media

Respected film critic and social commentator Saibal Chatterjee takes the first strike. The veteran believes that “it is clearly a sign of the times. We live in consumerist times where instant gratification is the name of the game. Deep, insightful, and thoughtful responses are likely to vanish at the altar of snappy, provocative, and sensationalistic bytes. Celebs can/will answer in their own modest way. That is unfortunately not good enough for the journos, and the celebs will be branded as boring without any ability to offer anything unique or original. If they prefer to be silent or away from the media, they will be accused of being insensitive, self-absorbed, and blind to the glaring tragedy of the day.”

Kolkata-based director Sohini Dasgupta comes next and hits the ground running. “I think that while some of the celebs, admittedly, may not be as informed and into the event as others, one section of the media appears to be very clear about demanding startling and dramatic bytes, focusing less on meaningful and serious reactions to this human tragedy, and more on the shock factor. They can be rude, invasive, hostile, aggressive, and in-your-face, only looking for headlines that blaze the marquee! Basically, anything that will grab public attention and give their communication platform that critical lead in the media space and race!”

The Celebrity Response

Brilliant actor Adil Hussain wraps up this debate in his own charming fashion. “I try to be polite and gracious, and when pushed, I frankly state that I am not qualified to answer their searching questions. Recently, someone asked me my views on the budget. I explained that for a guy who barely scraped through his maths in school, my response could well represent an advanced case of calamity meets catastrophe! Eventually, I guess, each celeb has to tackle this delicate issue in his/her own way.”

The Consumerist Lens of News

At the end of the day, it’s a vicious circle. News today—in this consumerist society—is perceived as a product. An FMCG, fast-moving consumer good! Good news is a y-a-w-n. Bad news sells... and can anything be better than a dazzling celeb-influencer entering the scene involving high-voltage human tragedy, ensuring instant visibility and memorability?

Public sentiment around sexual violence is totally real and valid. Women across the board are rightly crying out for safety and autonomy... but the rule of law should not be disfigured by those who opportunistically claim to speak for the public. Eventually, to quote from a popular Bollywood song of the seventies... Yeh Public hai, Yeh sab janta hai, public hai!